As a young girl most Saturdays were the best days of my life. That was because we spent Saturdays out shopping. One of the places we would make a regular stop to was our local Goodwill. Back in "the day" thrifting and going to vintage shops were unheard of for some people. It was even frowned upon by some. I remember my mother and grandmother would take me almost every Saturday or whenever they were having a good sale. If you've ever shopped the goodwill before you know what I'm talking about. It was a regular thing for us because it saved my mother money on buying clothes for me and my siblings.
I loved it because at an early age I learned how to define my own style by experimenting and shopping second hand. I could find ways to be different and wear things that no one else had. A true fashionista knows it doesn't matter where you shop,but how and what you shop. In fashion everything always comes back into rotation. Today people and brands alike are starting to become more and more aware of what we're putting on our bodies. Fast fashion is great but it takes a lot to produce. Each day more brands are learning to be sustainable with their products. Vintage shopping and thrifting are gaining popularity. The idea of recycling what is old and reusing it is the future. The truth is it's not always easy and can be a pain for some of us.
If you've ever thought about vintage shopping or going to do some thrifting yourself, but the thought of rummaging through racks and racks of old clothes stopped you keep reading. I am here to tell you it can be both fun and rewarding if you go in with a plan. I'm giving you five tips on how to shop and style vintage like a pro.
Look for Items that Speak to your Personal Style
Vintage and thrift shops are gems when it comes to shopping for clothes because they have something of everything. The abundance of different styles can appeal to anyone. It helps to have an idea of what you are looking for before you step through the door. When it comes to thrifting, don't let the price get you. If it doesn't speak to you and you have no idea how it could be worn put it back. Get creative and think outside of the box.
Take your Time and Bring Someone with You.
These shops are not something you can get through in an hour. When I plan to go to a thrift shop I always set aside a few hours or sometimes even half the day. Shopping at second hand stores takes patience. I make sure I go through all of the sections so I don't miss anything. Bringing someone with you can also make the experience more fun.
Find Items that are Trending
More often than none whatever styles that are popular at the moment you can find in a second hand store. Looking for styles and silhouettes that are relevant with the times is still going to make you feel like you still stand with crowd. This is also a great way to try certain styles without breaking the bank. Some stores actually curate their inventory. They look to see what's hot and merchandise their store to have those styles because they know it will sell.
Style Ratio: Two parts Modern/ One Part Vintage
At the end of the day Fashion is an equation. If you have the right formula and have the right skills, anyone can be stylish. A good outfit with thrifted finds consists of two parts. This goes back to your personal style and what you already have inside your closet. It's important to mix modern pieces with vintage to avoid looking like a thing of the past(unless that's your thing). Fashion is all about playing with ideas and using your creativity to make something uniquely your own.
Tailored is an Option
One thing that still hasn't caught on to a lot of people yet is the idea of getting things tailored. It does take time and a little money, but in the end it is all worth the investment. Sometimes you may find something you like and it's not the right size. Some pieces could have flaws that you might want to change. If you like it don't let a size larger or something as simple as the wrong buttons stop you from buying that piece. These are simple tweaks that can be fixed with the help of a tailor or small alteration.
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