Tips for Thrifting

My tips for successful thrifting:

1. Go with an open mind~  Know that there will be an obvious odor and that most thrift stores are not esthetically pleasing to the eye. You wont be greeted at the door and offered wine nor will you have a personal sales associate waiting on your every need.

2. Wear something that is easy to get off and on~ A good idea would be to wear leggings or tights and a long sleeved fitted tank so when you try on the garments your skin is protected.

3. Check the thrift stores for discount days~ Many have senior citizen and half price discount days. You will be surprised how crowded the stores are on those particular days. Saving a penny is saving a penny!

4. Shop at thrift stores that are in affluent neighborhoods/locations for the best quality/designer items~ You may find items new with tags or nearly new at those shops. Look for designer labels, on trend and classic items, great patterns, prints and fabrics.  I love to find staple pieces to add to my closet.

5. Don't go if your on a time constraint~ Thrifting requires time and patience. Think of the experience as if you're going on a treasure hunt!  I make it a habit to shop alone when I have ample time to literally touch everything in the place... remember it's therapy for me.  :)

6. Ignore sizes~ Get to know your size and what looks good on you. Don't limit yourself to a particular size. Many items are missing the size tag, so try them on if it looks and fits good consider it a score!  Many curvy divas think that larger sizes can't be found in the thrift stores but that isn't true. If you can do basic alteration consider purchasing items that can be altered. 

7. Accessories~ Jewelry, handbags, scarfs, belts and shoes~ Don't neglect these areas of the store. You can find awesome pieces to add to your closet. Something as simple as a leopard print belt or scarf can turn a great outfit into an awesome on trend wow outfit.

8. Care and Cleaning~ Keep your clothing purchases in the shopping bag until you're ready to wash or dry clean them. Initially, always wash them separately from your other laundry. Use rubbing alcohol or lysol wipes to clean the footbed of shoes and the inside of handbags. Wipe the outside of the shoes and handbags with a damp cloth. Use a stiff brush on suede items. 

I hope you found this information helpful. Remember, curvy divas deserve to look fashionable too!

 Leave a comment and tell me about your awesome scores! 

Happy Thrifting

Later Dolls~  ;)

Therapy...Retail that is!

 Thrift store/consignment shopping is not only a hobby of mine but it is literally therapeutic. After a long day of work I enjoy nothing more than visiting the nearest Goodwill in search of my newest acquisitions. I get such a thrill when I find great designer pieces for pennies at a thrift store or consignment shop!  Thrifting for quality pieces is a definite skill!!

For those of you who skiv at the thought of thrifting trust me no one is more germaphobic than me. I"ll tell you how I overcame this and what I do to the items I purchase before I wear them at another time.

I recently went to a 4-day consignment event in my hometown.  It was sponsored by Green Jeans Consignments. It is a quarterly event where 200 + consignors sell their wears under one roof. You can shop for designer/high quality women's clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry and accessories for all ages and sizes at deep discounted prices.

Check out what I scored!!

An awesome statement necklace for $9 which is so on trend this season. It can be worn with a simple black dress or jeans, a t-shirt and cardigan or jacket. I also purchased an Ann Taylor pencil skirt for $11 but it's in the cleaners so I'll have to share that another time.  :)

A Girl should be two things Classy and Fabulous
                                                      ~Coco Chanel~

Later Dolls,  :)