Thrift stores can be incredibly overwhelming. There are so many different fabrics and patterns, different brands and styles, ALL mixed together on one rack. UGH! I have spent hours upon hours shuffling through these racks, searching high and low for great pieces. After a while, all the time I spent searching for clothing became too much and I needed to figure out a system!
1. Search for colors and patterns that you like!
Instead of flipping through each article, searching for something you may like, search for things you know you DO like. If you never wear the color green, why bother going through the “green” section? Stick to the colors you wear often. I bet that if you ended up buying a green shirt, you’ll stare at it on the hanger and want to wear it, but never slip it on. Respect what you like! Same goes for patterns. If you never wear stripes, why bother looking at stripped clothing? For some reason, stripes are seen a lot in the fashion world. I personally HATE them, but when I find a cute striped shirt, I consider it. I have taught myself to adore and be real. I may like the shirt but if I buy it, I will never wear it because I DON’T like stripes. Respect what you like, leading me to my second point…
2. Respect your style and ALWAYS do you!
I always find things at thrift stores that would be cute for other people. Just because it’s cute for someone else doesn’t mean it’s cute for me! I have wasted a bunch of money buying things that are trending, that I think I like, that I think I should have in my closet. I never end up wearing them because they are not true to my style. I get so overwhelmed because I see so many things that I like and want to buy it all, but a lot of the pieces don’t fit into my closet. SO, adore from afar. Just because you like it, doesn’t mean it is you. Don’t buy things to follow trends, or fit in, or do it because everyone else is! Be true to your style and only buy things that are YOU. Trends are boring anyway!
3. Don’t just buy it because it is cheap!
I used to spend a long time in Goodwill. I would buy things and think “If I don’t wear it, no big deal, it was only ten bucks!” WRONG. Don’t buy stuff just to buy stuff. You should only purchase something if you REALLY love it. Have you seen that adorable T.V show called “Tidying Up”? The women says, only keep something if it sparks joy in your heart! I find so many things that I really like while thrifting but have taught myself to leave it there if I a not IN LOVE. Congratulate yourself if you want out empty handed! When I got into a habit of doing buying too much, I just stare at my closet, too overwhelmed to even pick out an outfit. There is just SO MUCH, leading into my next point…
4. Keep your closet small and organized!
YES, I would stare at my closet, too overwhelmed to even pick out an outfit! There was just too much to look at, too many colors and patterns, too many shapes and sizes. I couldn’t take it anymore! I make a valid effort to get rid of one to two bags of clothing a month. I have trained myself to be super picky about what I keep and what I don’t. If I haven’t worn something (in season) for that entire month, I get rid of it. I understand the worry of regretting and mourning the loss of a great piece. I have stuck to this system for a couple of years and have only mourned about 3 articles. You may convince yourself to wear it, may tell yourself that you really do love it, but it just collects dust. Let it go! Go get something you will ACTUALLY wear!
5. Sell your clothing!
I LOVE selling my clothing. Buffalo Exchange and Crossorads are the two I go to in Boulder, CO. I like selling my clothes for many reasons! One, I always do trade (meaning store credit) so I can buy new things! Instead of feeling guilty about spending money on clothing, I actually HAVE credit to use to buy clothing! Two, it influences me to only use my credit. I try not to spend money on clothing unless I have credit somewhere. If I don’t, time to reanalyze my closet and get rid of things! Three, it helps to minimize your closet. If you sell 6 items for 50 bucks, you spend that 50 bucks on two new items. You just decreased my closet by 4 articles and now have things you DO wear! Four, for some reason this system has also helped me be picky! Since my credit is limited, I try to only buy things that I am in love with. I usually try on 10+ articles and maybe buy one. Trust me, I know how hard it is walking out of a thrift store empty-handed, but try to look at it as a positive thing. You get to come back and already have money to spend! It is something to look forward to! AND last but not least, go a lot. They know me now at these local thrifts. If I walk by the store, they wave at me. I hop in at least twice a week, poke around, and maybe find something worth considering. Things come and go so fast. I have been told many times that whatever I am buying just got there AN HOUR AGO! You’ve got to keep your eyes open because the good things do go fast!
Enjoy Shopping babes!
XOXO
Mustard
Mustard Fashion 