Thrift Store Shopping the Shop My Closet Way

 This can be your reality if you open up your mind to the idea. Let’s address some of your concerns about thrift stores and their merchandise:

Thrift Store Concerns

• The stores sometimes smell-Most of the stores don’t smell. If you are in one that has the odor of mildew, wet cat fur, or b.o. that is not a store that you want to shop in. In my experience the vast majority of thrift stores are run in a professional way, with sorted merchandise, specials, no smells, and  an awareness of what their costumers are looking for. Many stores are part of charitable organizations, so they are aware that the stores are a direct reflection on the organization.

• Only people without money shop there-This one is not p.c. but, I have heard this before and it’s important to address it. Don’t be so snobby! The stores are providing a much needed service and if you are poor, middle class, or rich your money spends the same. Get over it.

• The items are of poor quality-You do have to have a clear idea about what you want. Some things aren’t in great shape, some are brand new. Again, if you find that a large number of items are in poor condition, then the store you’re in is poorly run.  Go to a different thrift store.

• I won’t find clothes in my size–Yes, you will. People from all walks of life donate to these stores. So, it’s unlikely that you wouldn’t find something in your size.

• Everything is out of date-So not true! This is were “The Process” comes in. I consider myself a fashion addict so I will not purchase anything that would make me look unfashionable or crazy. Just being honest.

The Process

I have a very specific shopping process when I go to the thrift store and here it goes.

• Nubby No No-If it’s a colder season and you’re tempted to want to purchase a sweater stay away from any sweater that is nubby.

• It’s The Pits-The armpits might smell. Just quickly double check that especially if it’s whole or a synthetic fiber.

• Man Made Materials-Synthetic materials are tricky. Sometimes they can be great and sometimes they stink. Be aware of that.

• It’s All Too Much-Stay away from anything that has too many patterns. Or, looked at Pinterest to see how you can pair a brightly patterned item with what you currently have in your home.

• It Hasn’t Come Back-I know that trends DO come back. But, but be careful about how many throwback items you pick up at the Thrift Store.

• Don’t Go Every Week-You will always find something new when you go to the thrift store so be mindful of that. It wouldn’t make sense to go shopping at the thrift store and then waste so much money you go broke…or are broker than when you started 🙂

• Leave the Kiddos-I love kids, but thrift stores (and most stores) are challenging environments for most of us. If you have to take the kiddos follow the next part of the process.

• Set A Time Limit-Don’t walk around all day with a towering amount of clothes in your cart. Stay no longer than an hour and then get the heck out!

• Shop With Intention-If it’s almost summer and you need summer clothes. Focus on what you need. I did that last year when I wanted to find a white jacket. Guess what-I found a cute white jacket! Be clear about what you want so that you aren’t wandering around confused.

• Have Fun-Don’t take thrift shopping so seriously. If you don’t find something, let it go and go home.

• Don’t Care About What Others Think-People are way too concerned about what other people think. If you’re shopping at the thrift store so that you can save money and look your best and are a little shy about that just smile coyly when people ask you where did you get that? Just say “At a little place that I discovered.” And leave it at that.

 Are You a Thrift Store Shopper?

Are You Hesitant To Thrift Shop?