My Top 10 Under Ten Dollar Thrift Store Finds

#10 Armani Exchange Hoodie

For all you label whores, this went for a retail value of $115.00. I got it for $5.00. The reason for number ten is that I'm not all that into labels, but its cute and comfy.

#9 Vintage Plaid Dress Shirt

I love finding colorful patterned shirts. This shirt is a few sizes too big, but I kind of love how slouchy it looks. It makes a dress shirt look fun and casual.

#8 Turquoise Leather Purse 

Come on, how can anyone pass up a genuine leather purse? And its in one of my signature colors!

 #7 Brand new (at the time) indigo/gray double tounge high top Converse

In my size, never been worn before, in my favorite color. This was one of those times I knew I was destined to own something. AND only $6.00!

#6 Vintage Teal Cardigan Sweater

This was a great find. I wear this sweater all the time. It has great construction, looks good with everything. Definitely one of my go to pieces.

 #5 Vintage Swimsuit

I love this swimsuit, its definitely one of a kind, fits me like a glove. It also has this cute little change pocket detail on the side. You simply cannot find this quality for this cheap!

AND only $0.25!! Thats right, 25 CENTS!

 #4 Fitted Gray Blazer

This is another go-to piece piece of mine, it looks great with everything, fits great, and was only $5.00! Also, its a women's blazer, so all you guys out there, don't be afraid of the women's section!

#3 Reebok's with the straps!

These are true reebok's with the straps from the 80's. So cute, they look cool and casual. And they were

practically brand new when I bought them!

#2 Graphic Ties

I couldn't pick just one, so I grabbed my two favorites. These are awesome ties. They may not go with every outfit but they are greatfor special occasions. They are great conversation starters!

#1Vintage Women's Military Jacket

Without a doubt the greatest find ever. This jacket fits me like a glove, and is true vintage. The construction is impeccable, and you simply cannot find a jacket made like this today. Every detail is something to be appreciated, even the lining and finishing details are amazing! I LOVE THIS JACKET.

Leave a comment on what types of things you find at thrift stores or send my a picture via email (blogforpoorcreativepeople@gmail.com) and I'll post it! 

A Guide To Thrift Store Shopping

Are you a first time thrift store shopper? Or do not find good things at thrift stores?
Well here's my "expert" advise on the ways of thrifting.


The Basics:

Have an imagination:
The number one problem I see with people who don't know how to handle thrift stores is creativity. Everyone tends to look at old clothing for face value. What I challenge you to do is look for colors you like first. When you find an interesting pattern or color (no matter how hideous the garment itself looks) take a moment and think through the possible uses for that garment. Remember, thrifting is inexpensive, there for it is more than OK to cut up, redesign, and experiment with clothing.

Take your time:
One thing I can not stand about inexperienced thrift store shoppers is rushing. Thrifting is about the thrill of the chase. Therefor you must TAKE YOUR TIME. Go through the clothing on the rack INDIVIDUALLY. I guarantee you that 98% of the things in the store will not work for you personally. People tend to generalize areas of the store, if they see a rack of dresses with a few really hideous dresses, they tend to skip the entire rack. Do NOT do that. Look through, and see each piece as a unique different item with different value and end purposes.

Bring an experienced friend with you:
Bringing someone who knows a thing or two about thrifting is majorly helpful. People who are good at thrift store shopping are people who normally do not look like they wear second hand clothing. People like that can help you see beyond the idea that its second hand, and can help you begin to build thrift store creative skills.

Look in unexpected sections:
Something that I like to do is to not only look in the men's small section of the store, I look EVERYWHERE. Look in the guys section if your a girl, and look in the girl section if your a guy. I can almost guarantee you can find some really interesting pieces.

Finding Accessories:
Thrift store accessories are great. A lot of times you find good staple pieces that are inexpensive and have a vintage look. Do not be afraid of large piles of chains and metal, dive in! Another accessory trick is to find strange pendents or trinkets of sorts and put them on chains. Such things could look really nice with a day dress or casual T-shirt and jeans look.


ADVANCED THRIFTING TIPS AND TRICKS
Special Discounts and Sales

"Bins":

"Bins" are a big collection of clothes, nicknacks, and random items all in a huge cluster. They're cheaper items, and all have the same price. These bins can look intimidating, but don't be scared! Dive in. A lot of times you can find some great odd pieces, and they're cheaper than regular items on the racks. 

Become a member:

Becoming a member or signing up for a loyalty card can also save you some money and gives you great benefits in the long run. They're usually free to sign up for. Most likely they'll give you a discount right away for signing up, but also gives you discounts for special sales or discounts for buying over a certain amount. Many times, stores like Goodwill have special sale days, such as student discount day (every Saturday), and Senior Discount Day. A lot of times too, they will send you emails also about upcoming sale events and special discounts to members.

Special Tag Sales:

Another benefit of becoming a member is special discount sales. In stores like Goodwill they will have days where different colored tags have different discounts. So everything with an orange tag is 15-30% off. By becoming a member, through email the store will let you know when these super sales are. Prepare yourself! Go early, because those grandmas will fight you for items! 

The Benefits of Donating or Selling:

Donating to stores or selling your clothing has several benefits. Stores like Plato's Closet or Buffalo Exchange allow you to sell your used clothes for cash. But beware, a lot of people don't make a huge amount of money and are usually disappointed for how much they make. If you just want to donate your clothes to stores such as Salvation Army and Goodwill gives you special tax benefits. Just ask for a receipt after you drop off your goods. Also, a lot of times stores give you store coupons or discounts that you can use in the store to buy more clothes. Not only can you clean out your clothes you don't want anymore, but you can buy new ones for cheaper!

Damaged Clothes

Once you find an item you like, study it closely. Look for damage, lose stitches, missing buttons, set in stains, etc. If the damage is beyond repair or too noticeable, its sometimes best to pass it up. BUT, if the damage is not too bad, or you can live with it, bring it up to the register or speak to a manager to get a discount on the item. In most cases, pointing out damage on items can get you at least a 10% discount. This applies to normal retail stores also. Its a great way to save a buck and also really look at what you're purchasing.

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And here's an outfit in which all the things are bought at a thrift store. I have really good luck with shoes. The coat I'm holding is a vintage military jacket I bought for $10! Nothing in the photo I purchased for more than that.  (Notice the price tags in the shoes...I've worn these before, but I keep the price tag in them.)

Have any other suggestions of how you like to thrift? Give me a comment and I'll add it to my guide! Or send me pictures of great things you find at a thrift store near you!