Hello, all. So there have been eleven What I Wore Wednesdays and during this time it has become alarmingly apparent that e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g I own is from a vintage store or a thrift shop. This is partially due to my recent realization that thrift shopping calms me. I don't know how sifting through old junk that one one else wants centres me so well, but it certainly does. So, I end up doing it quite a bit. Recently, I went to a vintage shop prior to hitting up Value Village, and I saw a lovely dress for $43. It was very adorable, but i passed, because I knew I could get more for my money at the Village. And I did. For $30, I bought two dresses, some cute housewares, and a very lovely blouse. It was then that I realized that I'm quite proficient at the thrifting experience. So, without further ado,
5 Thrifting Tricks of the Trade
1) As much as possible, look for
quality. Check for stains, holes and discolouring. Seam holes are easily fixable, but common. Check under the arms and along the edges. Stains usually present a bigger problem. Remember, if a stained item is at a thrift store, the original owner probably already tried to get the stain out.And failed. Don't think that you can buy it and have the miracle cure to fix the stain. These heels were quite adorable but quite stained. Pass!
2)
Don't overpay. The best way to know if you're overpaying is shopping around. Know how much brands usually go for new. As much as Value Village has better pricing than vintage stores, it has gotten a lot more expensive in recent years. The dress below is a great example. The asking price was $14.99 and the brand was Joe. Knowing that this dress would not cost much more than that brand new means it gets left on the rack.
3) Sizing counts. This dress has a vintage flare that I was particularly drawn to, but the oversized droopyness in the bust really meant it was a no-go. Alterations are always a plausible option, but I would hold off unless its for an item you really really love. Often, alterations cost more than the item itself, which is great if you are already buying on the cheap, but gets expensive. Also, I find that buying stuff that requires professional alterations will more often than not end up in a bag waiting to be altered. And the last thing you want is a pile of unwearable clothes that never made it to the sewing machine.
Buy with an eye to alter, but only alter must have pieces. 
No, really. It's important that it fits. This looked great on the rack, not so great on me.
4) Having said that, I would also strongly encourage
trying on everything that catches your fancy. There's a chance it'll look awful, but there's also a chance it will look fantastic. And if you don't try it on, you'll never ever know. Keeping an open mind is the best way to go about this. I usually grab a belt to try dresses on with, because a belt can change the whole look of an item. I'm an equal opportunist when it comes to clothing.
5) Look in every department high and low. I peruse the whole store, from furniture to kids clothes. Not just because you never know what you'll find, but because so many people cart stuff around and then dump it in random places. Things aren't always where they should be! Also, perusing the racks at the fitting rooms is also a great decision, it's like someone pre-shopped for you!
Honestly, you'll find the cutest things where you least expected. Now, who wants to guess what I did or didn't buy from these pictures? Anyone?
Happy thrifting!
