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When I was a child, my mother would drag me around with her to all the local thrift stores (much to my dismay, mind you), in search of that ‘hidden gem’ – that piece that speaks to your heart and absolutely must live in your closet. I didn’t understand her need to peruse the endless racks of used clothing that these thrift stores provided us – I mean we weren’t poor. It wasn’t until I grew up, being now in my early twenties, that I truly understood her genius. Thrift stores are treasure troves to us fashionistas and aspiring fashionistas alike. They provide us with endless clothing options – whether it is designer clothing, vintage clothing, or a bit of both – on the cheap (albeit, with a little digging). As a young woman who loves anything with a bit of history, buying vintage clothing is my forte. So – where to start?
Scoring Vintage Clothing
I have found most of my prized thrifted vintage clothing in the unlikeliest of places. Thrift shop in the sketchiest part of town? You betcha I’ll be there. By thrifting in areas that may not be the most fashionable of places, you are more likely to find vintage heaven. It is in these areas that vintage gems will be underpriced, as their value may be unbeknownst to the shop owner, and the selection not entirely picked through. I once found a pair of white Yves Saint Laurent kitten heels, in excellent vintage condition, priced at $3.99. Yes, $3.99. I was ecstatic and a bit too much so, as the shop owner promptly asked me, “Is that a good brand or something?”
Vintage Clothing Thrifting Tips
Where I live, Goodwill dominates the thrift shop scene. As with most other thrift shops, they assort their wares by color and not by size. Fear not! Vintage sizes are quite different from the clothing sizes we use today, and therefore, your size will range depending on each article of clothing. Take advantage of fitting rooms! They are your best friends when it comes to thrift shopping (alongside large mirrors and if you’re lucky, discount days!). I usually will pile up my cart with potentials and try everything on, because you never know how something will look and feel until you do! If something’s a bit too big, belt it. Minor alterations needed but perfect otherwise? Buy it – it’ll most likely be cheaper thrifted and altered than it is new. I’ve done quite a few of my own alterations (ahem – cutting out those 80s shoulder pads) on vintage pieces that I’ve thrifted and they instantly became super wearable. Also, keep in mind that trends are recycled. Want a lace anything? Look to your local thrift store! Vintage floral blazer? With a little luck, they’ll have that too.
The Key to Thrifting for Vintage Clothing is Persistence
Always remember though, the key to a great vintage haul from a thrift store is persistence. There has been so many times where I’ve walked out of a thrift store empty-handed and others when I’ve come home with the most perfect vintage pieces (that were on my shopping list, no less!). Keep at it and eventually, you’ll find that special piece of vintage clothing to add to your wardrobe. Proof? The 80s Christian Dior tomato red blazer that’s currently hanging in my closet!
Have some great vintage clothing finds of your own? Tell us about it!
Laura
February 21, 2012
Great tips! I LOVE those finds of yours, YSL and Dior, I haven’t found those yet. =) This reminds me of a recent thrift excursion where I filled a bag for $4.00 I scored a Pendleton blazer, Levi’s shorts Tahari, Anne Klein, among a ton of other things…. It’s all in the digging!
Hana Squires
February 21, 2012
Thanks, lady! Also, those sound like some amazing finds! (: