5 Tips for Finding Thrift Store Gems

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​Buying clothes for summer can be the best / simultaneous worst thing. The trends are new and fun, but the prices can really bring the pool party to a halt. Nobody wants to spend $60 on a super fancy off the shoulder top they'll only wear twice this summer, or $80 on some pom-pom sandals, as trendy and adorable as they may be, that will be out of style in 4 months. That's why thrift shopping will be your new best pal for the summer months. I have some pretty great luck when it comes to hitting up the ol' thrift stores, so here are my 5 top tips for finding some summer gems:💎

1. Find a Good Store

I know, it seems obvious right? Uh no. Thrift and consignment shops can be a little bit sneaky. Some are wayyyy over-priced, don't buy into the lie. If it's not half the price or less than what you would pay for it new, then say your good-byes and head on out. Some thrift shops say that they sell "designer" clothes, and they only offer items that are trendy and new, so they charge you way more than they should. On the other hand, some stores don't weed through any thing they receive, and put everything on the shelves. Stores like that usually aren't worth it, but if you have time to dig through the racks and treasure hunt, you might run into something good. Also, pick an area where you're more likely to have success. You're probably going to find better clothes somewhere around a bigger city than you are a smaller town where there aren't a lot of new trends or clothes circulated around often.

2. Go in With a Plan

When you go into your thrift store, have a plan of two or three items that you're looking for like a pair of heels or a sun-dress or jeans. If you go in without something in mind, then  you might get sucked into buying whatever you think you might wear, and you end up with three pairs of pants that no one has worn since Monica aired them on F.r.i.e.n.d.s. 14 years ago. 

3. Have an Emergency Exit Buddy

Take a friend who knows their stuff when it comes to clothes. Then you can ask them if it's your style and if it's a yay or a nay to add to your wardrobe. When you go alone, it can get pretty dangerous pretty fast and that's when you end up with the Monica jeans....

4. Find Out What Day They Restock

Find a good store, and find out what day they restock their shelves so you can be there when the new clothes arrive. That's where 90% of my finding brand-new and brand-name shoes success has come from.

5. Don't But it in the Thrift Store if You Wouldn't Buy it New

Or as my mother puts it, "Don't but it unless it makes your heart sing". I know, you're going to a thrift store because you don't want to pay full price, I get it, I get it. But if it's a shirt that makes you say "meh', then don't buy it, even if it's only $3. And don't buy it because you lie to yourself and you say you'll get it tailored or you'll take it in or re-vamp it. Unless you're a pro diy-clothes-renovation person, just buy what you like and what fits you now. 

Happy Thrift Shopping 😘