Thrifty Girl with Thred Up

Vintage. Old. Repurposed. Those are all things we think about when we think of thrifting. I'll admit, it wasn't until the last couple years that I really fell in love with thrift shopping. I love anything vintage but the idea of thrifting just really wasn't my cup of tea but now I love it. Thrift stores and antique stores are my favorite places to visit. I love walking through on a cold, rainy day with a cup of coffee in my hand, just browsing to see what catches my eye. There's something extra charming about antique shops because everything there has a history. If the items could talk they'd all have a story to share.



I've learned that antique shops and thrift shops are totally different and not every thrift shop is the same. The thing about thrift shopping is that you have to be prepared to spend time sifting through all the things, as they may not totally be organized.

If you want some great deals on all your favorite brands like Kate Spade, Banana Republic, American Eagle and Levi's without having to dig through piles up on piles of things to find some hidden gems then check out my favorite on line secondhand clothing store, ThredUp. Everything on the ThredUp site is well organized with very honest and clear descriptions of each product. I've never gotten anything from them and had to return it because it wasn't what they claimed it to be.
*They're huge sponsors of my blog but I make no money if you click the link and shop.*


If you'd like to do a little thrift shopping for yourself but have no idea where to start, i'll share some tips and tricks of my own.

+ go in with an open mind. you never know what you might find if you keep an open mind

+ there is usually a certain day of the week that new items get put out, ask an employee and go on that day

+ talk to the owners and store employees. not just because they're friendly and knowledgeable but because they enjoy hearing stories about why items have a special significance to you. i talked to one store owner one time for 30 minutes about some china that reminded me of my great- grandma. it was a sweet moment.

+ examine items carefully for nicks, snags, chips, holes, and discolorations before you buy

+ don't be afraid to ask for a discount, especially if you like something and it has flaws

+ ask about the return policy before you buy

+ most thrift/antique shops are owned by locals so you can feel good about supporting small businesses and helping the local community

+ take your gently unused, unwanted items to local thrift/antique shops. they may give you a discount, store credit or a tax write off

+ take hand sanitizer with you

+ wash any items you bring home

+ Lastly, just enjoy


If you've never been thrift shopping and decide to go, i'd love to hear how your experience went and what great things did you find?