Thrifting and shopping for Vintage has become a major sport for fashionistas all over the world. You never know what you might find when you’re on the hunt! Some people still aren’t sure where or how to start so I reached out to my friend Ariane Patrice, a personal shopper who is KNOWN for her drool-worthy finds, to get her tips on what to do! Whether you are interested in finding investment pieces, incorporating trends into your wardrobe, or owning unique items, thrifting can grant you all of your wardrobe and style wishes. Being a smart thrifter can help you find the “it” color, print, or style dujour with very minimal impact on your wallet. Not to mention, thrift stores are excellent places to find inexpensive yet unique and beautiful pieces, and yes sometimes that rare Chanel, or Oscar de la Renta, or Givency item that is just waiting for you to give it a brand new home. The following are my top 10 tips to help you become a smart and chic thrifter, sprinkled with my top five thrift finds. 1. KNOW YOUR BODY BUT DON’T GET STUCK ON SIZES It’s important to understand the shape of your body and how certain cuts, styles, and materials will drape you. Ask yourself… Will this fit? Would I actually wear this and where? Will this compliment items already in my wardrobe? It is also helpful to invest in a great tailor. However, if tailoring is not something that will fit into your budget, think outside of the box and remix. Look at the item and decide: can it be belted… can it be worn other ways (i.e wearing an oversize shirt or a skirt as a dress). I did similar with the pictured lime vintage overcoat. It is a size or two too big, but the drapery of it is soo exquisite. So like the chic thrifter I am, I decided that for now, I will belt it :). 2. WHEN IN DOUBT QUESTION, QUESTION, & THEN BUY ONLY WHAT YOU LOVE Finding a BEAUTIFUL shoe or some FABULOUS pants a size too small should give you inspiration, not be an impulse buy. In situations like these, if there is any doubt on the purchase…don’t. Leave it there to a be a thrift find for some other fabulous person. I find literally 10 to 15 things that are beautiful and fabulous, however they aren’t my style, size or in my price range. By abiding by this one rule, you will only leave with things you utterly love. It is super okay to leave the store empty-handed. Please keep in mind, though it is important to buy things you would love to wear in the current season, it is okay to buy off season. Don’t be afraid to buy the awesome overcoat because it’s currently 100+ degrees outside. 3. PAY ATTENTION TO FABRIC QUALITY & STYLE The main thing that got me hooked onto thrifting was finding top-notch pieces that if were in a vintage store or a current department store, would break the bank. Paying attention to material used, stitching, and structure of the item is key to finding solid pieces. It is also important to pay attention to any defaults like stains and tears that are not an easy fix. Using such tips has helped me create a small collection of vintage furs. When buying these pieces, I look to ensure that the stitching is still intact or any fixes it will take minimal effort on my part to correct. 4. KNOW THE STORE SCHEDULE AND SHOP OFTEN I have a confession. I am a thriftaholic. I thrift at least once a week (ok ok, twice, but that’s all you’re getting out of me). Knowing when new merch is put out and how often is a necessity. Knowing the schedule allowS you to know when they reduce items, or when you can ask for a reduction (I do this all the time at GoodWill). I also suggest to not only go on the weekends, but also visit during off peak times such as in the middle of the week or early in the morning. *bonus tip* It doesn’t hurt to strike up a conversation or build a relationship with the employees. I’ve always made it point to make small talk with the clerks, so that they come to realize that I frequent their store. Just by doing this, I have been gifted awesome discounts and heads-up on future sales and in-store incentives. 5. THINK OUT OF THE BOX. SHOP THE ENTIRE STORE Many people make the mistake of viewing thrifting as an opportunity to just find great clothes, but it’s so much more. When visiting a thrift store scour the entire place for finds: men’s, home furnishings, jewelry, shoes & purses. By shopping the entire store I have been able to fill my home with beautiful furnishings, own an extensive collection of gorgeous vintage clutches, and yes I have found both vintage Chanel and Givency earrings. 6. UNDERSTAND WHAT TO WEAR. HAVE A THRIFTING UNIFORM One of the most important things to remember when thrifting for clothing is that vintage sizes vary greatly from current day. It is important to try on clothing because just eye-balling it can be misleading; in most cases you can’t make a return. Most thrift stores have dressing room areas, but there are few that do not. To address this, you want to wear something that allows you to easily put on, pull over, or pull up clothes. I suggest the following as a great and simple thrifting uniform: tights or leggings flats oversize t-shirt (but not too big) cross body bag (great at not getting in the way, keeping your hands free, & holding your essentials) 7. HAVE PATIENCE AND BE PREPARED TO DIG One of the top complaints I have always hearD is that thrifting requires one to do entirely too much digging and hunting through all the stuff. Thrift stores, to me, are no different than any other clothing store. Usually, the items are arranged by section (men’s, women’s, kid’s, etc.) and by type (pants, shirts, dresses, etc.). The main difference is that there is […]