Often I get asked
by my friends where I get my vintage; according to one “How are
you such a thrifting queen?!”
Now, I don't
think I'm a 'thrifting queen', I just get lucky sometimes. I've
cultivated a lot of skills over the years and, because I love to
share and help people, here are some tips I use when I'm out
thrifting and searching for vintage.
Utilize
technology.
Thankfully, in this
age of technology, we can do a quick internet search for anything we
want to look for. Sometimes just searching 'thrift store' and your
area can come up with some new places to check out. There is also the
site The Thrift Shopper which is a thrift store directory!
You can also
check the Vintage Fashion Guild's Label Resource for some 'brand name' vintage garments to see how prices online
compare to those in the shop.
Have
an idea of what you're looking for.
I use Evernote to
make a list of items I'm on the lookout for
.
Usually it'll be something simple; such as cardigans. This is my last
list from my trip to the San Diego Costumers Guild.
But you can also
make a general list of things you’re hoping to find with pen and
paper, and put it in your bag.
Don't
be afraid to rummage.
Something my mom
taught me, you'll find some amazing things if you take your time and
dig for them. I once found some nice deadstock stockings in a box of
belts at a sidewalk sale!
Ask
questions.
Of course, this
depends on where you are, but sometimes just a 'hey, do you have any
more of these?' can yield a nice response. Once in an antique mall, I
asked if there were any more magazines, and the booth owner moved a
box aside to reveal a plethora of knitting magazines; nothing I was
looking for, but I was gracious she showed me.
Check the
seams and armpits.
Nothing like
getting something super lovely, only to notice the armpits are
completely stained, and the shoulder seams busted open. Now, these
can sometimes be cleaned, depending on what you purchased/the fiber
content. Also, sometimes, if a tag doesn't say 'as-is', you can
possibly ask for a small discount.
Keep
a little cleaning kit in
your purse.
Now, searching for
vintage treasures can be a bit messy. Dust, jacket collars covered
with hair...sticky candy still in the pockets (Yes, this happened
once), are among the unpleasantries you’re likely to encounter. I
have some hand sanitizer in my purse if there's no bathroom, and some
lotion to keep my hands nice and soft. Baby wipes are also a very
good idea.
Sometimes the
garment just needs a belt to bring it all together, or a popped seam
needs a safety pin.
If you can't
change, or don't have the correct undergarments, then a tape measure
will be your best friend. Keep your measurements written down, and
also have them halved.
Don't wear
makeup.
Rather, don't wear a full
face without it being properly sealed. I've seen makeup smears on
contemporary clothing when I'm out shopping with my sister,
and it's so saddening. I try to just keep a light translucent powder
and maybe my brows done, but if I do have a full face of makeup on, I
have a secret weapon. I keep a scarf in or on my purse. When in the
dressing room, I'll tie the scarf on my head, then try the garment
on. Any transfers happen on the scarf, and the clothes are left
clean.
According to my grandma, department stores used to keep
scarves in dressing rooms for that very problem!
Know the
difference between a thrift store, second hand store, vintage
boutique, and antique mall.
I
know I titled this with thrifting tips, but there is a difference
between the various places you can shop.
Thrift stores and second
hand stores have no specialization of eras, and tend to be very
affordable.
Vintage Boutiques and Antique Malls are specially
collected and sorted by era, and are sold at a higher price.
And here you have
it, my little tips for thrifting. I hope you can utilize them, and
find yourself some lovely treasures!!
Do
you thrift often?
What are some of your tips?
Labels: shopping, thrifting, tips and tricks
