By now many of you know how much I love a good sale. Well, to me thrifting is the ultimate sale! It’s so much fun finding some new old treasures. It also makes me feel good as I help our environment. Thrifting, aka sustainable fashion, helps to reduce the amount of clothing that ends up in landfills. Also, when I come home from thrift shopping, I always look through my closet to find items I can donate, which helps those in need. It’s a win-win.
Thrift shopping is different than shopping in retail stores so keep the following in mind as you’re thrifting:
If the items are vintage sizes may be different than current sizing so always make sure you try on your items. And since sizes may be different, look in other sizes-ya never know what you may find that fits in a size 8 even though you usually wear a 4.
Check, check and recheck-always look the items over carefully for stains, holes, pulls, etc. If there’s a damage such as a broken zipper or an open seam, these can easily be repaired. If you love something but it’s too big, see if it’s something that can be easily altered. Since the idea of thrifting is to find great items at good prices I don’t want to spend a ton in alterations, but if it’s a cool piece, a good price, and not an extensive (or too expensive) alteration I’m in!
Often I’ll find so many pieces that I really like and the prices are great, I could end up with a ton of stuff, but what I ask myself is “Do you love it?” In order to bring it home, no matter what the price, I have to love it. This helps me weed out what might just end up sitting in my closet.
I love to go to resale stores that will benefit those in need. For example, in Cleveland I like Designer Dress Days (DDD) a once a year (usually mid-October), four day sale that is organized and benefits programs sponsored by National Council of Jewish Women. This is an organization I often volunteer for and they offer programs designed to help those aging out of foster care, victims of human trafficking, provide clothing for victims of sexual assault, read with children in schools, provide winter clothing to those in need, and so much more. But back to DDD, it’s amazing how generous the donors are in that they donate furs, fine jewelry, designer pieces-clothing, handbags, scarves. The proceeds from the sale are then used to fund the different programs at NCJW. I love volunteering here in the dressing room and seeing what everyone buys—and what they don’t that I might-it’s like having personal shoppers!
WomenSafe Resale Shoppe is a thrift store in Cleveland that makes me feel good about shopping. All of the items here are also donated and the proceeds go directly to WomenSafe, Inc. WomenSafe is a non-profit organization that provides free support, including emergency shelter and resources, to anyone experiencing domestic violence in the Northeast Ohio area.
I found a few goodies on my last visit to their resale store and can’t wait to go back!
I will also go to consignments stores and have discovered some great finds there as well. It’s all about being patient and diligent! And having fun!!
Some consignment stores I like in Cleveland include:
- Lakewood Luxury Consignment in Lakewood
- The Style Loop in Rocky River
- Cleveland Consignment Shoppe in Woodmere
Happy Thrifting!
I love all these beautiful thrifted jackets. I grew up thrifting but unfortunately in my area thrift shops are now called “vintage” stores and the prices reflect that name. But I enjoyed nothing more than finding an awesome coat from the 1930s for $5 in days past.
Hi Phyllis, I know-so many of the second hand stores are pricier than I’d expect, but if you dig you may just find that treasure! For me it’s often the thrill of the hunt!! Thanks for stopping by! xo, Michele
We have one whole street here in town that is full of thrift shops and vintage shops! I don’t wear many thrifted items but I may try it out to help with the fashion industry waste.
Hi Shelley, Let me know what you get!! It’s a lot of fun. It’s also really cool that there’s a whold street! Where do you live? Thanks fir stopping by! xo
Such great finds! I have a dress by Tadashi - that jacket is fabulous! I do both on-line and thrift shopping. I cant stand for long periods because of my condition, so I thrift on Poshmark and find alot of good deals. Love your jackets!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Hi Jess, I’ve not really done much online thrifting, but given that I’m not going out unless necessary (and as much as I love to shop that’s not a necessity these days is it?!) I’m going to start to do more. I sell on Poshmark (@ercarost) but haven’t bought much. Any other online thrift sites you like? Thanks for stopping by! I’m going to check out your blog now 🙂 xo Michele
Great tips, love the jackets too Hun. x Jacqui/Mummabstylish
Thanks Jacqui! Thanks for stopping by!! xo, Michele
All your finds look fabulous on you! I just don’t seem to have the patience or the knack for thrifting, though I did buy my wedding dress at a cute little consignment shop for a steal. This shop (since closed) was set up like a regular boutique and it was easy to find things.
Thanks Tina. You do need patience when thrifting. Some days I’ll come home with nothing, while others I’ll hit the jackpot! I also have had times when I’ll get home and ask myself why I bought something so I’m trying to learn to really pick and choose! That’s so cool that you found your wedding dress at a consignment store-totally makes sense cause you wear it once for such a short time! Give it another try-ya never know!! xo
I am useless at thrifting. I do try. I adore that coat on you. I perhaps need an expert to come with me….
Thanks Hilda! You don’t need an expert it just takes time! You might want to start by going with something specific in mind that you’re looking for and that might help. I usually go and just see what I can find but if you have an item or two in mind it might help you to get started. It’s really a lot of fun! Let me know if you go! xo
Hi Michele! You have found some great items. Thrifting is such a good thing to for the environment and helping others. I like that you shared places to shop in your area and the causes they support.
Xx Melanie
Melanie, I did find some great pieces and the hunt is so much fun. Helping the environment and other is a super bonus! I can’t wait to go thrifting again once it’s safe to do so!! xo, Michele