To continue the conversation about thrifting here's and example of what I mean when I say Vision not Sight. I picked up this Eddie Bauer denim dress from the thrift store for $2. I often times purchase denim because its usually a safe bet. It was plus sized and obviously way too big for me, but I figured nothing a few stitches on my sewing machine couldn’t fix. Unfortunately after I took it in I realized that it need more help than that plus my sewing machine is on one leg right now. I needed to shorten it and remove the sleeves because it was maxi length with long sleeves (not in this heat No GAWD). After I was done it was an lackluster dressl. I wore it once and decided it was a transformation gone wrong. It made me look matronly…

Fast forward to this week. I needed to find something to were in my own closet (whatever’s in budget lol). After flipping through my closet a few times I decided on the denim dress; it was the one thing in my closet that had enough fabric to play with. I had several ideas come to mind but honestly I just let the fabric speak to me. I put it on did some draping on my body, and went with the flow. This was the final result. All this  to say that in the world of thrifting don’t see it for what it is; see it for what it could be (denim mui mui but for what it can be two piece man bait lol).

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I get asked tons of questions about how I thrift. Honestly what works for me may not work for you but I decided to share my top 5 tips for successful thrifting. thrifting tips one
The first thing I like to do is decide what my goal/objective is. Thrift stores can be overwhelming especially for a beginner. If you know exactly what you are looking for or what you hope to achieve it helps alleviate the stress of the experience! For example if your looking for a specific item. Be very purposeful about that choice. Don't just say just looking for jeans. Choose a fit and a color. I am looking for white skinny jeans. The objective can sometimes just be a mood; For example your objective could be to find 70s inspired pieces. I promise if you do this the stores wont be so daunting.
thrifting tips two
Make sure you create a budget for yourself. Depending on the thrift store the prices aren’t always as cheap as you would think. Even when the prices are cheap make a budget. The cheaper the prices the more tempted you will be to spend more that you want to. So MAKE A BUDGET (mental or written)!
thrifting tips three
Obviously this tip doesn’t work for everyone lol! However if you can or if it floats your boat definitely wear a skirt to the thrift store. Lots of thrift stores don’t have fitting rooms. So I slip bottoms on under my skirt then remove my skirt and take pictures using my smart phone.
thrifting tips four
Over time you will develop a mental list of what thrift stores are good for what items. For example I love the salvation army in midtown, but their menswear selection is always lacking. When I am looking for menswear I just start a the safest bet; buffalo exchange. This process takes time but use online reviews/word of mouth to help steer you in the right direction. Yelp and Google Places are some of my favorites for getting online reviews of thrift stores.
thrifting tips five b
The toughest thing about thrifiting is that most people see things for what they are and not what they can be. You have to have a vision for an item. Don’t be afraid to see potential! Make alterations or take it to a tailor. The most successful thrift shopping happens when something is transformed into something new!

There's tons more tips but those are my top 5! Let me know what you think? are you a thriftier? what's your process like?

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