Thrift Shopping 101

A free article on Fashion

By: globalbpo1

Trying to find some sort of a wardrobe epiphany in a second-hand store or in the flea market is not for the fashionably inept. You need to have a certain amount of understanding when it comes in trying to pull something off and make it the trend of the moment, rather than just trying to look “in” with a commonly beat-up leather jacket that you found in the Sunday market. Shopping for great finds in these kinds of purchase environment does not only save a lot of money, it also sharpens your stylish taste (not to mention the amount of calories you’ll shed off by walking from stall to stall and the muscles that’ll be toned by trying to dig under those mounds of vintage clothing). If you still haven’t found your way into the deep labyrinths of used clothing/ accessories utopia, here are some basic items/ sure fire best buys you need to scout to develop your inner thrift goddess:

1. Sling Bag
You’ll find hundreds of these hanging in most used-clothing or vintage shops, but the trick is to spot something that’s timeless and if you think it’s overused, it has to have that certain vintage appeal. Try to go with something’s that made of leather (not the kind of leather that’ll scrape off with every movement). If you’re more of an eccentric type, bohemian-inspired hobo slings or sequined Indian-inspired kind of textures is the way to go. You don’t want something with a humongous cartoon character emblazoned on the front if you want something that’ll go well with a dainty laid-back ensemble. Sure, a couple of dollars won’t hurt to get you that Mickey Mouse messenger bag, but would you really pair it with a chic skirt and a tailored blouse? Would you bring it everyday to school?

2. Cowboy Boots
Cowboy boots never go out of style. No matter how fashion critics say that it’s overrated, a fashionable chick needs her perfect pair of cowboy boots. Before trying to find one in a thrift store, you need to consider the length of your legs first. If you have model-like striders, go for mid-calf to knee-high styles with minimal heels (1-3 inches) to avoid looking like a western hooker when you pair it with a cute skirt. If you have short or petite legs, find a mid-calf pair with intricate opening trimming or details (look at that tan and chocolate boot, or the red and sky blue one) to create a beautiful space illusion that’s perfect for a mini dress. Try to find something with a unique patterned quilt design, or something with an authentic finish. Avoid those high-heeled tassel boots if you don’t want to be thrown into the nearest stripping pole.

3. Bomber Jacket
Finding one isn’t so difficult as others think. Yes, it’s an ultimate challenge but it’s not that hard. You should be able to know your body frame. If you’re shoulders are broad, lucky you—you can pull off most jackets just with a good posture and appeal. You can also go for thicker ones, usually the ones with perfect insulation and detail. If your frame is not that structured, don’t attempt to find something out of menswear unless you want to look like a box. Go for those with slimmer silhouettes, with obvious curves on the sides for a more flattering look. Never, ever disregard the rule of simplicity when it comes in bomber jackets. You wouldn’t want something with 19 pockets, 12 zippers and 24 adjustable tassels unless you’re trying to go for a pimped up a strait jacket. A couple of bold colors (or better, 3 colors from a single hue) are enough to fill you in on the cool bomber jacket fad.

4. Vintage/ Mod Dress
Don’t you just love the feeling of owning something that’s so unique, timeless and effortlessly gorgeous? Flea markets, vintage/ used-clothing shops are filled with glorious surprises that come in the form of dresses. Be sure to have a look in mind when trying to find one: are you after a Twiggy-esque cubist-inspired dress, or a Carmen San Diego/ 60’s Hollywood glamour look? Maybe a beatnik poet dress? The possibilities are endless; you’ll find dresses with different kinds of fabric, sleeves, collars, buttons, hemming, details and silhouettes that can be considered a modern vintage look.

5. Antique/ Art Deco, Victorian-Inspired Jewelry
You always see those layered necklaces and chandelier earrings in magazines and fashion editorials from time to time, because they never go out of style. Instead of buying brand new expensive necklaces and gem rings, look around for the cheaper ones in flea markets. Not only do they come in so many colors and styles, you’ll be surprised to find out how old and yet still gorgeous they are (and how much money you saved).