#thriftaddict

ig: @nostalgic_sole

“Climb up on the ladder honey, what I got is better than money..” 🤑

For the most part, my blog is composed of one consistent theme which is being an advocate for thrifting. But I have never clarified reasons why you should step into a thrift store near you and try it out if you haven’t. I’ve heard all the excuses for why people lean away from the idea of going thrifting. “They sell heavily used clothes” “Clothes are outdated,” “It’s dirty” “Most clothes found in Thrift stores are ugly,” “It’s too messy to find anything there”  

But here’s my response, to these concerns that I hope will eliminate the negative connotations of thrifting.

1.“They sell heavily used clothes”

Yes, thrift stores sell used clothes. Many people also donate clothes that no longer fit them, never wear, or couldn’t return. Thrift stores do carry lightly-used or never wore clothes with tags. One of my favorite finds at the thrift store is a pair of used Prada leather black boots with a few scuffs that were easy to fix! Don’t let the word “used” keep you away from the potential you may find.

 2.“Clothes are outdated”

Yes, many clothes there are out of style. There are many things I pick up from the racks and simply laugh at the idea that someone actually wore them before. But like everything, fashion and the latest trends are always changing and style is subjective. Choose what you like. What I love about thrifting is that you find items that aren’t sold in stores because it’s not trending in the market. Be different. P.S. Retro right now is so in!

 3.“It’s dirty”

Everything that I have purchased from the thrift store is washed soon after. I don’t know where it been and who worn it so it’s better to stay safe and wash it with warm to hot water to rid of whatever it been through. All clothes should be washed before being worn no matter where you bought them. Fast Fashion goes through several processes and steps that you may not even think about before it makes it to stores. Even in traditional retail stores, customers try on, drop, and step on clothes before we purchase them. (Speaking from my experience in working in retail) Always wash your clothes before you wear them!

 4.“Most clothes in thrift stores are ugly”

Yes and no. Don’t blame the retailer for selling clothes that you may find ugly. Instead, blame the taste of consumers who buy the clothes. Style, like I said before, is subjective. I think we’ve all bought clothes from regular retailers that people have found distasteful. Buy what you like, thrift stores are full of unique silhouettes and patterns that regular retailers may not hold and yes others may find ugly.

 5.“It’s too messy to find anything there”

That’s the exciting part of thrifting. Finding pieces that grasp your attention without planning it. You must go open-mindedly of what you can find there and the many ways you can modify. Do it yourself (DIY) projects are so much fun! Can’t find denim shorts in the middle of winter for a tropical vacation coming up? Check out the denim section at your local thrift store and find a great pair that you can simply cut and make as shorts. All my favorite high-waisted shorts are from the thrift store!

The concept of shopping at a thrift store is different for everyone. There are people who go for a bargain to add unique pieces to their wardrobe like a fringe suede vest or vintage band tee. There are others who are interested in finding brand names at a bargain. But the elite are in the hunt for vintage. So, what’s the difference between vintage and thrift? It’s simple, it depends on how old the clothing is. If the clothing was made more than 25 years ago than it’s considered vintage. Anything before the 90s is considered as vintage pieces. If you find an 80’s Levi’s acid wash denim jacket in good condition then congratulations, you’re a pro at this! Finding anything vintage at an affordable price now has become near to impossible because anyone who discovers it and knows it’s worth sells it for double the price. I love the thrill of the hunt but those who are interested in finding vintage can do so online. Sites and apps like eBay, Poshmark, Depop and Thread up make it easy for a vintage fan to search for a particular item rather than just shop with an open mind.

 In contrast, thrift items are used/ pre-worn garments that are up to resale in either consignment or thrift stores. Consignment shops like Buffalo Exchange or Plato’s Closet are given clothes to sell and in return exchange for money to resell. Thrifted items are usually peoples’ donations from either the Salvation Army or Goodwill as they are the top organizations for collecting the no longer unwanted.

 It’s upsetting to see an increase in prices at the thrift store for secondhand pieces. Pre-worn/ used clothes shouldn’t cost the same as if you were to buy them in the mall. The point of going to the thrift store, at least for me is to experiment with silhouettes, patterns, colors, or trends at a more affordable price. Macklemore said in Thrift Shop, “Only have twenty dollars in my pocket”