Elegant Style on a Budget: A Guide to Thrift Shopping
“Elegance is all in the mind of the wearer.”
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10 tips to make the most out of your trip to the thrift store:
1. Set aside enough time to make it worth your trip. I like to think of thrift shopping as a “treasure hunt”. It’s definitely not a quick stop.
2. Visit thrift stores in wealthier neighborhoods.
3. Consider what you wear. You’ll want to dress comfortably (since it can be a long shopping trip) but also make sure you wear the same bra and underwear that you would normally wear with the items you’re looking for.
4. And that leads us into the next point – know what you’re looking for before going in. It doesn’t matter how good of a bargain something is if you have no need of it. Trust me, I’ve been there done that…
5. Keep an eye out for quality-markers.
a. Designer or name brand labels
b. Tags still on the items that show what they would have cost full-price
c. Lined dresses, sturdy zippers, metal buttons, good stitching, natural fabrics
6. Try everything on
a. It’s impossible to get a good idea of the way something will fit based on what it looks like on a hanger, shoved onto a rack of mix-matched clothes.
b. I like to vary the sizes I try on too, since all brands fit differently. I’ve found that I can span three sizes – 8, 10, and 12.
7. Remember that tailoring is an option.
8. Check the sale rack or tagging system – there’s nothing better than a discount on thrift-store prices.
9. Know the store’s return policy.
10. Eliminate 1 piece for every piece you bring home (if you’re replacing something). Best case scenario is that you consign it at the same store and earn some extra cash or store credit.
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We spend a great deal of time at work. Like Annie Dillard once said, “How we spend our days is how we spend our lives.” I encourage you to look around your office and see what steps you can take to add simple luxuries to your workday because in the grand scheme of things, they will add up and lead to a luxurious life!