FASHION
SUSTAINABLE
SUSTAINABLE FASHION: 8 STEPS TO THRIFT LIKE A PRO
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8 STEP TO STEP GUIDE FOR YOUR VINTAGE SHOPPING 1. Let the universe surprises you One thing you need to understand first when it comes to vintage is that you can't plan or expect what you are going to find. One day you might find something valuable, the other day, nothing. Thrift shops have a wide range variety and their items change like every months/weeks/even days. You enter one thrift shop and it's always like little surprises. So, yeah, let the universe surprises you. 2. Know your style, identify your needs Keep in mind the sole purpose of vintage shopping is to save money and avoid over-consumption. Even though it is thrift shopping, binge-shopping second-hand clothes is still called over-consumption. I know the excitement of finding vintage treasure brings such a thrill, but we should not buy things that we would hardly wear that would just pile up in your closet. Keep your values close to your heart. Make a list of items you need so it would help you to shop on budget. Find some inspiration on Pinterest (or anywhere else), so it would make you easier to picture the style you would like to create. 3. Dress comfortably and bring cash (bring your own shopping bags, avoid using plastic bags!) Now you are ready for the hunt. I would highly recommend you to wear comfortable clothes and shoes when you shop at thrift stores. A comfortable shirt and jeans or legging would do. Thrifting is like a sport, it requires stamina and patience. Notify that most shops don't provide shopping carts and the others might not have fitting room. A cross bag might help and it would be easier to have cash. Some shops might not accept electronic money. And it would be very nice if you bring your own shopping bags, so you don't have to receive plastic bags for the clothes you purchased. 4. The art of scanning Depending on the size of the thrift store, taking time to look at every single piece will take forever. Rummaging through multiple piles or racks of clothes is not for the faint at heart. To avoid waste of time without missing out on potential gems, you must master the art of the scan. Back to your list of what you need, focus on that thing first. Don't worry, this skill of scanning things at the thrift store will develop over time. 5. Feel the fabric After you choose some that catch your eyes, feel the fabric. Inspect every pieces thoroughly before buying it. Preloved items might miss a button or two, a stain here or there and other possible defects. Not skipping this step can save you unnecessary heartbreak. You might need to do some alteration to your pieces, too, afterward. So, you really need to think about it. 6. True love only! Don't be scared of leaving some items behind Only buy items you truly love. Back to step 2: keep your values close to your heart. You might stumble on a beautiful pieces that are unique, but if they are not your style or they don't suit you well, never afraid of leaving them behind. Break the bad cycle of over-buying things. Only buy items you truly love, always. 7. To put the odds in your favor, you need to go very, very often. Every items in the second hand shops are one of a kind, so if you want to master this skill of vintage shopping, you need to begin with doing this thing more often. Very often, like… all the time. But remember the other six rules above to avoid binge-shopping out of lusty impulse of shopping. 8. Be careful of bugs After you purchase things you love, wash them properly. Some store have hygiene police, but you never know when a bedbug will decide to hide in your favorite clothes. I always wash my purchases with hot water and put them in the freezer for two days (when possible). Not scientifically proven, but certainly helps. Bonus tips: I also love to thrift while travel, this opens up the door to a whole new fabulous world! |
I have a strong love for vintage. I first started to buy
second-hand because that was all my wallet could afford, but the more I shopped
in thrift stores, the more I find hidden gems with quite to-good-to-be-true
prices. And as I learned more about myself, my style and my personality, I am
wiser when it comes to shopping, new pieces as well as thrifted ones. Preloved
shopping also matches my value for sustainable fashion. Secondhand and vintage shopping is one of the seven forms of SUSTAINABLE FASHION by GREEN STRATEGY. Above are
tips for vintage shopping based on my own personal experiences. I purchased vintage dresses all in white/beige
colors. I guess white and beige would be the colors of my wardrobe for 2019. I
am so happy that I could define my wardrobe to be more of my personal style
based on what I like. Can't wait to share the style with you. I would like to
post more things like this, but I'll do some research first about good
vintage finds here in Bali. Meanwhile, do share your vintage shopping
experience with me. I am looking forward to hear about it from you, too.
❤️
xx
3 comment(s)
Wiii I've been doing thrift shopping but only for analog cameras, never for clothes. I don't have good eyes for finding vintage clothes in good condition, neither the ability to bargain. *sobs*
ReplyDeleteBLOG | INSTAGRAM | BLOGLOVIN
oh, such a lovely thing to do to shop for gold analog cameras!
DeleteI didn't have good eyes too back then, but now I am better at spotting good vintage items in the thrift store. It does need skill and patience, and it depends on the store which provide quality goods, too. It's okay if you haven't try doing thrift shopping on clothes, maybe one day, who knows? ;)
Hi!!!!
ReplyDeleteNice Blog. Vintage are always in trend. Even today's designers are following the vintage style to innovate new designs.I get more compliments when i put on vintage style dresses than High Street Fashion. Vintage is Back!!!!