It’s a favorite pastime of celebs, like Nicole Richie and Rachel Bilson. And now you can get in on the designer trend, too. We’re talking about vintage thrift shopping, of course. Whether you need clothing for a hip 20s party, or you just love fashion from another time, this article will shop you how to shop vintage thrift.
Designer Threads on the Cheap
If you’ve never been inside a thrift or consignment store, your first visit may be a little overwhelming – racks upon racks of items can be daunting to even the most experienced shopper. It helps to go in there with a game plan. Dress comfortably – you will most likely be rummaging through rails of clothing. We recommend a simple outfit of plain black leggings with a black tank top plus a long cardigan. Should you need to try on an item on the spot, no problem.
Bear in mind that not all vintage stores are created equally. Research all of your options thoroughly online before deciding on one. Ideally, you want to shop at a vintage store with a large selection of varied items as well as knowledgeable staff.
It’s also a good idea to call the store ahead of time to ascertain their policy. It’s not unusual for vintage stores to have firm no-return policies. Be sure to inspect your items thoroughly before buying and preferably in natural light. A dark shop interior might not reveal frayed, threadbare fabrics; the same goes for hems, buttons and inner linings. The last thing you want to discover once you get home are rips, stains and (eek!) even bed bugs.
Be Realistic
It helps to know what can be fixed and what can’t. When it comes to a vintage handbag, for example, things like a ripped seam, a broken handle or a faulty clasp can all be mended. Steer clear of anything that’s stained or scuffed along the leather, however, as well as any logos that are damaged or beads and gemstones that may be missing. The same goes for clothing. A garment can easily be altered to be made smaller, but never to a larger size. If it feels tight and restricting in the store, chances are it’s going to stay that way.
Make Vintage Chic Work for You
We know – all of the vintage finds can be hard to resist. If you’re struggling to decide on an item, consider the rest of the clothing already hanging in your closet. A grand feather-trimmed coat might seem fabulous in the moment but will it really suit your everyday wardrobe? Vintage jewelry is a cheap and easy way to start out vintage thrifting. A few creamy faux pearls and oversized Lucite bracelets are an easy, inexpensive way to accessorize your day-to-day style.
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