thrifting
TLDR/Thrifting lets me style pieces that you won’t find anywhere else, adding depth and originality to my everyday style. And I can also disassociate.
Thrifting isn’t just shopping for me; it’s like a game. I never step into a second-hand shop with something very specific in mind. I love searching through endless racks and discovering pieces with unique character and history. It’s where I find one-of-a-kind items that bring a story to my wardrobe and elevate my style in unexpected ways. Mixing thrifted finds with high-quality staples is my secret to creating looks that feel truly personal and effortless, all while embracing sustainability.
Thrifting Tips
Some of my best finds have been in the men’s section. This includes jeans, coats, and oversized shirts. A specifically tailored Brooks Brothers shirt has become my favorite oversized white button-up, and the $5.99 price tag for the quality will never be matched. A loose-fitting 100% suede duster by a brand unknown has kept me warm multiple seasons for $8.99.
Check every section - during Halloween they move a bunch of their more eclectic pieces into the costume section.
When looking for purses, check the material & what country it was made in, as well as the quality of the stitching & hardware. Same with belts.
Idid have luck once in the jewelry section with a gold watch. Most of the jewelry there is brass, or costume, which is still FUN. Brass gets ruined in water, so if you find something that is not already tarnished, do not wear it in the shower/swimming/etc..
While dancing around the dishes, always be cautious of lead paint on the antique dishes, especially if you’ll be using them to eat off of.
Glassware is the cheapest at Goodwill. Keep an eye out for antique stemware sets, chic martini glasses or shakers, small mod water glasses, or mismatched glassware
Hosting a dinner party & need serving dishes & last minute wine glasses? You know where to go.
Picture frames can be repainted & refurbished. You can typically frames for large wall art for around $10-$15. 75% of the frames in my home are thrifted & redone. This goes for mirrors as well.
I have gotten brand new marker sets, glue sticks, coloring books, etc., in the chaotic craft sections. For literally like 99 cents. I see things like bags of pipe cleaners, never used pompoms, and barely touched binders. This is a great section for art, school, or business supplies.
This also goes for random home or car necessities - I got a 3 pack of bungee cords once for another 99 cents.
Furniture is always hit or miss - but unless you’re at a fancy consignment shop, it is reasonably priced. With luck you can find distinctive pieces & accents to brighten up your space. Even if you’re not looking for furniture during a specific thrifting trip, browse it anyway. I once got a Barbie Dream House for my daughter for $7.99 (and the matching Barbie Camper in the toy section!).
Toys are also arbitrary. As are books, but it is always worth a look.
Other sections worth a look: bedding & lighting.
My biggest piece of advice is give yourself time to really explore. You never know what you’re looking for until the thrift shop tells you. it’s a true form of therapy for me. And that’s the tea.
Check out estate or garage sales in your area. Make a day of it. Explore a new town. Visit garage sales & flea markets. Sift through clothes bins & forget about reality.
