I recently did what I do best, bargain shop, and that would include my favorite hobby from being in Bloomington, thrift store hopping. I know some people look down on thrifting but I'm proud to say that "I AM A THRIFTER!" In this economy everyone is looking to save a buck. Everything for the most part is under $10. It's a great place to find staples for your closet, and if you are like me and don't like to see yourself on the street, it's a great way to insure that you will have things that are unique to your closet. I found these FAB items on my recent trip.
I originally began this trip with the intent to purchase a red jacket to go along with a black and white print dress (style inspired by Lexy of Beauty Fash) that I have for church last Sunday and I found this great jacket!
I LOVE this vintage polyester outfit! I presents sooo many outfit possibilities if you separate the pieces. It could be worn together with a belt. The top could be worn with leggins or skinny leg jean, or dressed up with an pencil skirt. And the skirt can be worn with a different top and paired with a belt. The possibilities are endless.
I love these tribal drawstring cropped leg pants. If get them big enough, and wear them with a top tucked in, a belt and pumps, you will get the whole genie pants feel.
This sleeveless jacket is a great. I will admit I had to use my imagination to think of a use for it, but I have a champaign colored strapless romper that I have been dying to wear, that this would go great with.
This was a great find. They are actually too big for me in the waist, but a trip to the tailor will remedy that.
I really like this top when I saw it but unfortunatly when I got home I realized it was too small. I thinking about selling it or possibily doing a give away....decisions, decisions.
This colorful scarf actually still had it's Forever 21 tag still on it! Can't wait to color up a monochromatic look with this BANGING scarf!
This is the best bargin find of the day: This is a COACH purse and I got for.........(wait for it....)...$5!
I can't wait for the fall just to wear this great preppy deep V double breasted sweater! This would be great with a loose fitting top, skinny leg jeans and some black leather ankle booties.
Thrifting Tips
1. Know what to look for. Thrift stores are good for buying, handbags, blazers, pants, vintage dresses, sweaters, tops, accessories and even furniture. Never purchase underwear, shoes or swimwear.
2. Go with an open mind and an imagination. If you see something unique don't be afraid of it! Stop, think, and try to put and outfit together in your head.
3. If you are not a fashion visionary, do research. Look at pictures from past decades to get ideas. You can also visit other blogs of people who thrift shop and see what they have done.
4. Neighborhood is key! If you are looking for good quality items, be sure to go to a thrift store in a upscale neighborhood.
5. Find a good tailor. Clothes in thrift aren't arranged by size for the most part. A lot of times you will find items that are great but may be slightly too big or slightly too small. In the case of blazers it's ok if the size is a little off. If it's too big, have it taken in. If it's too small, have it let out. If the seam allowance doesn't allow for it to be let out, if you can put it on, but just not button it up, it's fine; you can wear it open.
6. Take the clothes to a cleaners or wash them yourself! Thrift store do not clean the donations they get and for hygiene sake, trust you want to clean those clothes before you wear them.
7. If you find a great bag, but it has a broken strap or has a spot in it, take it to a shoe repairer. Its a quick and inexpensive fix.
8.Be prepared to dig. Some thrift store have sales. My favorite thrift store in Bloomington, rotates items out every week. At the end of the month, there is a 25% off rack, a 50% percent off rack and free rack. I look for quality items and items with designer labels. I've gotten a great green blazer for FREE before, but I had to dig for it.
9. You can do a thrift party between friend. You can get together with some friend who wear close to your size or somewhere in the range and have a party. Everyone can bring things they don't want or can't wear and everyone can trade items. I don't that a couple of times with friends and came out with some great things!
I hope that was helpful. Leave a comment and let me know what you think!
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