You love the vintage looks but when you browse the racks your local Salvation Army, your ulcer returns and your palms sweat at the thought of trying to find a look that fits you. You tear out your hair, not quite sure if you can determine a wear-out from a throw-out. You don’t even know what store to begin at. “Are these purple metallic pants too much!? Not enough?” “I thought a maxi went in your underwear?” If this is you, I have some helpful guidelines, tips and fashion forwards to ease the stress and get you started on your new wonderful obsession with scouring for vintage clothes in St. Pete.
1. Stay away from Thrift City USA! I think they have caught on to the likes of us “thrifters” and have jacked up their prices. I’m such a cheapskate when it comes to this and I REFUSE to pay $10 for a thrift dress. Plus it will be a roller coaster of disappointment as you pull out item after item only to find that each has a stain or a spot or a rip. Tears and a broken heart will be the only thing you leave with. (I left with a pair of mustard high-waisted shorts but only after paying $5 for them and searching for over an hour in the pants section.)
2. Wednesdays are 1/2 off days at Salvation Army! Get there early because it will get picked-over in no time.
3. The Salvation Army on 66th Street North is a treasure trove of amazing finds! They have a giant selection and the store is roomy so shopping doesn’t have to feel like you are fighting for your life in a mosh pit of hipster thrifters! Breathe in… ahh, I smell a new wardrobe.
4. Don’t forget your Student ID. Goodwill gives a discount for students and we know we need all the help we can get! Each store varies on their discounts.
5. Note: Not all high-waisted is cute high-waisted. By settling for a high waist you may be doomed to a mom-butt.
6. Try on everything! (Especially to avoid aforementioned note)
7. Check and double check for stains, rips and buttons. Most can be fixed but you have to weigh the practicality of the fix before wasting money, no matter how cute it is. Don’t give in just because it’s cheap!
8. Found a stain? Love the item? You can save it! Joanne Fabrics has easy to use dyes that you can throw in the wash for around $3. No need for a giant bucket along with a giant mess anymore! I’ve had a few failures, so consider the fabric and its ability to hold the dye before you buy. But I’ve also had some awesome turnouts, and it is fun to experiment!
9. Ask yourself if you would wear the item you’re holding to an eighties party. If so, put it back. Down girl.
10. Trend Alert! Fish-tail skirts are in right now. Instead of paying top-dollar, pick up a few skirts from your local thrift store and cut away!
11. Not sure of the brand or if it’s real vintage? Download the Google Goggles app to your Android or iPhone, take a picture of the label and BAM! Instant info on that item. Gotta love that technology.
12. Bring along your favorite fashion magazine, it will be your guide. Search long enough, and you will most likely find something similar to those featured in the glossy pages. This way you spend only a few bucks to look like $100 bucks!
13. Take your time. Thrifting is a tedious job, but someone fashionable has to do it! It is a labor of love and while zooming through the aisle, you may miss something you could treasure for a lifetime.
So breathe easy and use some of these tips to save yourself some time and money. Happy thrifting!
photo source: http://www.insidesocal.com/bargain/ThriftSalvationArmyStoreSign.jpg