I've been thrift shopping* for quite some time now. I go through phases of it.. where I'm really into it, and then drawn back by the slimy lifeless clutch of the mall and all its empty promises of love and happiness. I've realized though, that thrift shopping is one of my passions and something I've become fairly good at. So I wanted to share it.
I won't be your salvation. But Salvation Army might... and I'll help you see why.
Hence. Salvation Ali. Hm.. still sounds a little egotistical. I'm open to suggestions.
Why Thrift?
Simple.
It's an alternative form of consumption that is significantly less damaging to the environment, to people and to your wallet.
It's challenging -and I think makes a good find so much more exciting. It awakens some sort of buried prehistoric urge to find and secure. Like hunting and gathering....... clothes. Or something like that. Depending on the store, your money may be giving back to the community through charitable work and services (ie. like the Sally Ann**) instead of supporting a massive transnational corporation. And on that note - how can anyone have an individual style when we're all shopping from the same big box stores? Which leads to the last point, thrift shopping fosters individuality and creative expression.
My motivation is to pass on suggestions and tips with other thrifters and help make shopping fun (or at least less morally objectionable). I learn new tricks of the trade every time I go which may help debunk some of those thrift myths that push people towards the mall. Not only do I love finding great pieces for myself, often finding them for someone else is much more rewarding. So I'll post some feature stories of the bold and beautiful things I've found for other people. I also want to create discussion about the best thrift stores in Halifax/Nova Scotia and see highlights from you other penny pinching trend setters.
Lately I've been thrifting primarily at the Salvation Army on Green Street in South end Halifax. The majority of my finds have been there. But I gained a heckuvalot of experience shopping at the Frenchys chain across the Maritime provinces, so I'll attempt to make my posts as inclusive and relevant to all forms of thrift shopping as possible. I also enjoy boutique used clothing stores, although you pay a premium. Either way, I'll include the place of purchase for every item I post on the blog. Stayed tuned.
Fasten your trousers and join me for the ride of a .....well, just a fun ride.
* Buying used items, from here on in, explicitly refers to clothing shopping.
** Salvation Army.
Ten Tidbits I’ve learned along the way...
1. Be open minded
· Let’s break it down. “Style” is a turtle-neck construct...it’s restricting and hard to manoeuvre in. Get rid of conceptions of what is and isn’t ‘your style’ and prepare for preloved enlightenment.
· If you think ‘it’s not my style..’ then refer to tidbit 2.
2. Just try it on
· Things always look different on than on a hanger.
· Sometimes clothes fit completely differently than you imagine, you may be pleasantly surprised.
3. If ever you think “.... I could make this work if I just....”
· Hem/sew/cut it/accessorize/wear it to bed/
....Then put it back. Do it.
4. Don’t trust size on price tag
· Sizes mean nothing. They’re completely arbitrary in many cases.
· Think of different sizes are from one store to the next in the mall. Same thing goes with thrift shopping.
· If you’re a waist 30, look at wide range, say from 27 to 34
5. Try not to look at the price
· I think prices sway our opinions of how much we like something ie. Suspiciously, it goes from average to amazing when you see that 40% tag.
· Then if you’re on the fence you can ask yourself “how much is it worth to me?”
· If it’s over that price, put it back.
6. Be dedicated
· You can’t expect to find an ideal outfit in 20 minutes.
· Schedule a chunk of time.
· It can take a while to build up your thrift collection. Patience.
7. Don’t be discouraged
· It’s so easy to get the blues when you don’t find anything. Better selective than superfluous.
· It takes time and multiple trips. Sorry. You’ve got to work for it. But the reward is that much greater.
8. Be thorough.
· Comb every last inch of the store and then try things on.
· Nothing worse than thirty-minutes of sweating in a small change room under fluorescent lights, to exit and see another four things that looks awesome.
· Note on fluorescent lights: evil. You don’t really look sick. Use imagination on this one.
9. Don’t look for specifics
· Try to avoid shopping for a particular item
· If you really need a certain piece, you’ll find something subpar but convince yourself it’s good enough. And it’s not.
10. Check the discard rack outside change rooms
· (especially if you spy someone similar to your shape/style just leaving)
· You just might hit the clothing jack pot on this one.
