Somehow over the past year or two, I’ve grown ridiculously fond of thrifting. Maybe It’s because I am always on the hunt for a good deal, or maybe it’s because I can’t afford über designer stuff but still love it and appreciate their designs and craftsmanship so darn much. And honestly, I don’t care about trends, and enjoy finding gems that say, “Ohhh yeah buddy, this is SO Rebekah.”
Anywho, the Goodwill by my son’s karate lessons turned into my once-a-week happy hour, and I find myself perusing my favorite online thrifting/consignment shops more than I scroll social media these days. Stumbling on Brunello Cucinelli sweaters that are under $100 is so much more satisfying than these awkward GRWM videos. I still am a sucker for all the dog videos, though.
Maybe I have a problem, or maybe it’s a new hobby. But I’ve saved a ton of money, it’s good for the planet (have you watched Brandy Hellville!?), and I mean, it’s pretty darn fun to score some rad stuff that helps me feel good and get some pep in my step.
So I wanted to pass along a few tips that have helped me find some great goods.
Here we go.
First up, favorite shops: In Person = Goodwill. Online = The RealReal, ThreadUp, and pre-owned stuff on eBay.
In-person tips:
1: Don’t go in looking for a particular item, be open-minded, know what you need in your wardrobe, and see what you stumble on.
2: Men’s clothing is where it’s at. Their sweaters, blazers, button-ups, and tees are gold mines. Especially if you’re like me and love an oversized fit.
3: Get to know fabrics and the feel of things. Unfortunately, Zara, Target, and fast fashion items are every fourth or fifth item on the rack. But good quality and sewing sticks out, and you can literally feel and spot the difference after a while.
4: Have your phone handy to google a label/designer if you haven’t heard of them. Chances are you stumbled on a gem. Or learned about someone rad. I found a crochet white blazer that turned out to be some Couture French designer and cost me $15. Had never heard of the person before. I googled them but the fabric felt amazing so I knew there was a chance.
5: Don’t be scared of shoes. Especially the boots section. SO many Frye, Ugg, and rad rainboots where I live. So many. And the studded Miu Miu ones in the pic above. Yes, they were a Goodwill find for under $100. Same with hats. Trucker hats, dad hats and cowboy hats galore. My favorite Make Gumbo not War hat I found in a bin at the Salvation Army in Ft Walton Beach, FL when I was shopping for a couch.
6: Go at night during the week…if you can. Fewer people and more inventory. Yes, this is when karate class happens to be and it’s a block away.
7: The following items you should always grab: Any solid color Champion hoodies (these never wear out or go out of style and get better the more you wear them), Old School Adidas track pants, and jackets/zip-up hoodies (you know which ones I’m talking about), Nike mesh stuff ( think 90’s gym class), adn of course, worn in Levis (best jeans to make cutoffs out of ever.)
Ok, now to online.
1: Saved searches are your BFF online. Have a brand you like? Save it, check back, and see what’s new. In need of wide-leg plaid pants? Have a saved search for that. Same with green trench coat, biker boots, Sambas, Chloe sunglasses, and Nili Lotan Jeans (yes I am listing off some of my current saved searches on The RealReal)
2: Always sort prices from low to high after you search for something or click on a designer or category. These online consignment sites have SO much inventory they need to go through and sometimes really really cool stuff goes unnoticed…until you click sort low to high and score some Isabel Marant boots for $30. Or Moussy Jeans for $40. Or bright blue Maje Pants for $20.
3: eBay is amazing. And I know I said not to look for a specific thing, but that’s a great place to look for a specific thing. Like, get as specific as possible. Think – Designer, style name, and size. Save it and check back. Also, if you find something cool, heart it, or add it to your watch list and chances are the seller might email you an offer that’s lower than its asking price in the next few days.
4: Be patient and stick to your budget. It took me forever to finally score a vintage “It’s better in the Bahamas tee” that wasn’t ridiculously overpriced, but it was so cool when it finally came up. And I love rocking that thing.
5: Remember less is still more in thrifting, too. Just because you can buy a ton of stuff, know it feels even better to simply score an investment piece or two.
I’m sure I’ll think of more tips in the middle of the night, but I think that’s it for now. I really could write a book about this stuff. Will be sure to add that to the list, too.
Anyway, I hope this gets you out searching, saving, and finding some gems that totally align with your style for years to come.
*Pic above = a bunch of gems I’ve found. Will try and post some pics in 100% thrifted looks soon. Should be fun.