Just because you're poor doesn't mean you shouldn't shop. Here is a quick tutorial on how to thrift store shop (or shop anywhere really).
Starting out:
1. Choose larger thrift shops. I love smaller stores, but it is so much more difficult to find anything, save your tiny, local shops for a boring day.
2. Shop in lower-income areas. Not only will they be cheaper, but novelty "hipster" like stuff is way less picked over.
Caution! Lock your doors, look where your going etc.., always be aware of your surroundings.What to take:
3. Dress simply, but cute. Wear a lot of staples, for instance, I wear jeans, a tank and a cover-up vest that I wear with alot of different things. This way I know immediately what, say a sweater, will look like when I bring it home. but make sure its something you feel pretty in. Flip-Flops are best for dressing rooms, but I wear sneakers b/c I hate flip-flops, if you like them, go for it!
4. Wash your hair, put on makeup. Whats the big deal? We're going to a crummy part of town, not on a date! But remember, you are about to spend a bunch of time in front of a mirror. You want to look your best so you can concentrate on the
Clothing. Wear your hair up, and smile!
5. Don't bring much. I bring my phone, my wallet, and my keys. That's it. I put these in a small sling purse. Jewelry is a pain, scarves and hats are going to loose their charm about the thirty minutes in. You NEVER want to be digging through your purse at thrift shops....
I also put rubbing alcohol in my car, you don't know where those clothes have been.
6. Have a basic list of what you are looking for. But don't count on anything. you never, ever know what you'll find.
Once you arrive:
7. Look for all entrances and exits and locate any sketchy characters. This may be a bit extreme, but you want to be able to shop in peace.
8. Start from the bottom up. and look at stuff before clothing, shoes before pants. Etc.. Get everything that doesn't involve the dressing room done, I know that once I get out of that room I will want to be finished.
9. Pick stuff that fits. Sorry I have to say this, I do it too. I find the absolute perfect dress, but its a size too small. BAD IDEA. Do not try it on. Put it back. Remind yourself that there will always be beautiful things that don't fit you, big or small.
10. Don't be afraid to leave. Sometimes it is just time to be done...even if you haven't seen every section.
In the dressing room:
11. Pretend your in the Olympics. Get in and get out AS FAST AS YOU CAN. I give myself about fifteen seconds per item. If it doesn't go over your head don't bother.
12. Beware DIY-ers. Its natural to want to rescue every thing you find. (oh if I took the waist in a little and added trim here etc...). Use the Cost-per-wow ratio. If its a dolor and only needs to be hemmed. Grab that puppy. If it costs eight and needs more than an hour of work, forget it! you have enough to do.
Miscellaneous:
13. Things shrink. and warp and fray. IF it should fit and doesn't don't freak. Remind yourself that you are not defined by a number.
14. Have an adventure. each store is different, they categorize differently, and stock different brands. Don't treat it like shopping at Khols. It simply won't work
15. Wash everything before you wear it.
One last caution:
If you are feeling ugly, super tired, or need a very particular item, do yourself and your loved ones a favor and go to Pennies. Thrift-ing is not for the faint of heart or the impatient. Save it for another day
Otherwise, happy shopping and
Good luck!
