The Tricks to Thrift.

Thrift store shopping can be tricky and discouraging at times. When you walk into a higher end vintage store, you can feel overwhelmed by the price. When you stroll into a Value Village, you can be taken aback by the rows upon rows of items to pick through.

There are some key things to keep in mind when you're thrifting around town.

1. Location. Your selection is going to be very different at a boutique than if you were at a salvation army. Make sure you pick a place that is better suited for what you're looking for. If its vintage, you might be better of at the boutique. If you're feeling lucky, then try a goodwill. Just remember that the smaller the place, the smaller the selection, the smaller the chances of you walking out with some really great fitting and fantastic finds (at a reasonable price!)

2. Fit. THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT! If it doesnt fit you (and you do not plan on having it altered) it isnt worth buying even if it is only 10 cents! The trick to looking good in your thrift items is to buy things that fit you well and make you look great. If not, then you can look dumpy and it defeats the point of searching for stylish secondhand items. Clothing items from different decades can be especially tricky to fit because body types and sizes change over time, so keep this in mind! Invest the money and have nice items you find altered to fit your body better. It is worth it in the long run.

3. Brands and Materials. Look for good quality names that you like. Chances are, if it is from a more expensive brand, then it will be better quality and worth investing in. For instance, at the Salvation Army Bins located in SODO, i found a jacket by Guess that i estimate probably cost the person who originally bought it around $80, if not more. I paid probably around (they charge you by the pound) a dollar or so for it. Perfect condition, nothing is wrong with it. Thats a great deal! Look for silks, satins, cashmere, and other really nice and expensive materials. You'd be surprised by the stuff that people get rid of. A friend of mine bought a rabbit skin vest from Value Village for $25. I watched one woman find a mink stole at the bins. It is possible to find ritzy stuff at places that appear mundane or even down right dingy.

4. Search, search, search. Dedicate time to finding great items. As i said, it can seem overwhelming but once you get into the swing of things, you'll never want to stop! Don't just settle for shitty t shirts and ratty pants. Hunt for those 7 jeans and you might find them, or maybe something better! Find items that you think are quality and worth wearing. Five dollars might seem like a steal, but if you dont really like what you found or arent going to wear it... then you just wasted your time and five dollars.

5. Get it dry cleaned if needed. Trust me, its worth it. If you can hand wash it, then do that but dont skip out on cleaning items that you bring home.

6. Donate. Keep the flow of fantastic clothes going by donating to your local Goodwills, Salvation Armys, Value Villages, or whatever! If you want to make a few bucks, then try your luck at places like Buffalo Exchange, Platos Closet, and Crossroads.

7. Chic, not Costume. (This is my personal rule, and this might be different for you.) This applies especially when you are shopping in a vintage shop like Redlight on Broadway. The goal is to look stylish and fashion forward, not like you're going to a 1950's revival night. If thats youre style, then go with it. But if that isnt really what youre going for, try finding basics like blazers and sweaters. If you find a bunch of cool, quirky, and bold pieces... try limiting your use of them to one at a time. I love the Golden Girls as much as the next person but I am not trying to look like Bea Arthur walking around while i shop for groceries.

Have fun with it and take thrifting as a way to incorporate cool new pieces into your wardrobe without having to pay an arm and a leg to do so. You can easily try out new trends or create your own. Also, its great for when you're on a budget but you want to look super chic or try out some haute couture trends youve been eyeing.

I hope this helps!