January 17, 2013

Nifty Thrifting

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You just received that Pottery Barn catalog and swooning over a rustic table with modern chairs on page 15. The price on that thing? Ridiculous, and you know it. So what to do? Find one and make it your own. At a thrift store

I love thrift store shopping - it's fun, unpredictable and always low-cost. I have been asked on multiple occasions how do I find clothes that look so good when I tell them it's from thrift store. 
There are a couple of tricks.
 Now that we are in our new home, I'm scouting for one-of-a-kind accent pieces, but it's not easy. 
Here are couple of tricks on finding the 'this is so lovely/cute/gorgeous! where did you get it?' piece.

Quality, over quantity. Browsing the racks and rows of old, used furniture, don't think about getting more stuff. Let's face it - you probably have a million sweaters so when picking out clothes, look for unique patterns, familiar store tags and little to no use/wear. I know that the low prices are tempting but select only the best, even if you have to walk away empty handed. Unless you want your closet looking like thrift store itself.

Take your time. Thrifting is time consuming. Nothing is laid out for you and matched like in the department store. There isn't a sign saying "This table is very sturdy. Just needs a fresh coat of paint" Dig through everything. Be patient. You never know.

Distinguish between junk and treasure. This is hard to do at times. When looking for furniture make sure it's sturdy, has no cracks and isn't going to fall apart the minute you put it in your trunk (they don't do refunds). Learn to recognize good quality and sort of have a vision.

Be consistent. You have to be a regular at any thrift store, because nothing is there for very long time. Check the stores often and ask when they receive major shipments, or days when they put out new stuff. Know the sale days. Yes, they have those. Even Salvation Army has 50% off everything day. So what if it's cheap when you can get it cheaper!

Have a goal in mind. Don't just go in aimlessly looking for something. You will never find it. And if you do, it turns out you didn't need it in the first place. Only because you see $0.99 price tag on it, doesn't mean you have to get it. You are more likely to find specific pieces when you know what you are looking for. There is a lot of junk in those stores. But when you know you want that cute little frame with Victorian border so you can spray paint it the color you want and proudly display it over the fireplace, your eyes will ignore the junk and help you find the piece you are looking for.

Never mind the stigma. For some people, it's demeaning to go to a thrift store. It's below them for some reason. Either they are too proud, or too stuck up, or too rich (I mean, good for them) to thrift. There is nothing embarrassing about finding good stuff for cheap and turning it into a one-of-a-kind treasure. If someone gives you a weird look about going to the thrift store, just ignore it and think about all the money you are saving your family (if aren't buying junk that is).

I'm a thrifter and I know it!

15 comments :

  1. cool shop! Really impressive blog, love your style. If you want check mine and we could follow each other:-)
    Kisses
    Aga

    GIVEAWAY with Choies!!!50 WINNERS!!!
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    www.agasuitcase.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for ready and sweet compliment!

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  2. these are smart tips! I love to thrift too but sometimes I don't always have the time/patience. But, the finds make it all worth it when I do go!
    xo,
    nancy

    http://adoretoadorn.blogspot.com

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    1. Yep! It's the same here... No patience

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  3. I'm so bad at thrifting, it's something I really need to work on. Thanks for the great tips! :)

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

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    1. It takes practice! thanks for reading

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  4. Great tips! I enjoy thrifting, but rarely do it...I need to step up my game!

    Shannon
    bigdreamsandexpensivetaste.blogpsot.com

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    Replies
    1. It's so worth it once you get into habit!

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  5. I love the Pottery Barn also Williams Sonoma!!!

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    Replies
    1. Those are great stores but sometimes over-priced!

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  6. Love this post!
    www.rsrue.blogspot.com

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  7. I love thrift shopping and yard saling! I have gotten so many awesome things for so inexpensive that way. Love this post!

    creamyclothes.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. It's always an adventure... During summer months, hubby and I make a trip (almost) every Saturday!

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  8. thanks for the tips! i'm not the best thrift shopper but i wish i was!

    new follower :)

    www.thebechtholts.blogspot.com

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment - I appreciate your support!

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