What Happens When the Classics aren’t Enough: Salvation Army for a Saved Shopper

Recently I was eating dinner with a friend of mine at a nice restaurant here in Nashville. I was wearing dark skinny jeans, black patent leather pumps (Payless, no joke…sometimes you can get lucky!), and an elaborate black blouse with puff sleeves and ruffles at the neck and down the front…sounds weird, but very cute (and very “in style!”) and also, very much from the Salvation Army. I collected complements on it all night, quietly smiling to myself knowing how much I paid for it and where it came from. So, as an extension from my previous entry: what happens when the Classics aren’t enough? What happens when you’re tired of rocking that amazing green, or shirtdresses paired with jeans, leggings, AND cowboy boots just don’t bring it? Easy: just go shopping. But what happens when your checking account (I would say savings, too…but let’s be honest—that’s been empty for quite a while with this economy) just doesn’t permit a quick run to the mall or even TJ Maxx?

This is when you rip a page from your high school lookbook. Thrift stores. You used them to find just the right vintage t-shirts with the lifeguard money you earned over the summer. They filled rainy summer afternoons with promise of a vintage lacoste polo (or perhaps, just mine). Nevertheless, especially in this economy, thrift stores are your friend. So here are the basics:

1. Location. To find the best thrift store go to the worst neighborhood. I’m not kidding. First of all—people with the best clothes give to those in the most need (not selling to some sort of clothing exchange), but also—the thrift stores in better neighborhoods are also the most visited by people just like you—therefore they are taking what you’re looking for.

2. Time. Going “thrifting” is a process. It will take time. Sometimes you will be victorious, but sometimes you won’t. Don’t get discouraged. If you only have a certain amount of time and you walk into a huge Goodwill—then prioritize. What do you really want? Is it a sequined top that you’ve been seeing in Vogue or Elle? Then walk down the aisles and only thumb through the sparkles. Also—a lot of thrift stores are color coordinated. There is no need to look at those colors that don’t look good on you. So just ignore. There is no point (if you need help knowing what those colors are—that’s what Curly Girl is for !).

3. Company. Please, go alone. Unless you are completely clueless, going alone is the best bet. Different people have different shopping temperaments and nothing is worse than when you are in a complete frenzy with someone who isn’t feeling it and there’s no food court for them to pass the time. You’re given the freedom to take as much or as little time as you’d like.

4. Quality. Make sure what you’re buying is worth it. I know it may be only $5—but, that’s still 2 beers—and a lot if you’re not even going to wear it. Make sure what you’re buying is quality material (try to stay away from 100% polyester or vinyl blends).

5. Spots. Yes, it’s a RL polo—but it’s got spots. Stains. No. It may be a nice brand, it may be well made, it may even be on sale ($1!), but still—NO. You will not be able to get it out. In fact, the reason why it’s probably there is because of that spot. Because someone has already tried to get it out and couldn’t. Move on, there will be more.

6. Trends. Because fashion is so cyclical, thrift stores are a great place to find pieces that you might not otherwise buy full price. Especially now that some of the 80’s trends are back in style—thrift stores are a great place to get some great deals. I am not advocating the 80’s trends in any way, merely just identifying that thrift stores have them.


I could go on and on...I am a big advocate for thrift stores. Just this week I bought a Brooks Brothers critter tie and a pair of Ferragamo flats--for less than $7. Patience is really the name of the game--sometimes you score and score big (I once found a $1200 Loro Piana barn coat for $5)--but other times you come out with nothing but hanger grease and dirty fingernails. For me, the scores make it worth it (the Loro Piana now is on heavy cycle in my fall wardrobe--and will be for years because it's such a classic). So, next time you have a free afternoon--travel Charlotte Ave. Start at Southern Thrift and take it all the way down to Salvation Army, because in this economy, these will save not only you, but your hard earned cash. Just make sure to wash your hands when you leave.


xoxo

Carrie