come thrifting with me
- Catherine Marie
- Feb 17, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 4, 2020
total disclosure, i used to find thrift stores appalling. the idea of wearing something that was someone else's, that had been worn who knows where and when just schkeeved me out. however, i could not have a more different view now a days. i love thrift stores, second hand stores, consignment shops, vintage stores, even things like estate sales where i can find one of a kind items for less. there is an art to it though, to finding that perfect item, to sifting through the crap and finding the gems. i've thrifted dior, proenza, + LV designer bags, chanel jewelry and sneakers, manolos... so many good finds. in addition to just cool stuff like harley long sleeve tees, jean jackets, belts, and coats.
finishing college in NYC in a fashion school, working in public relations where i was meeting not only high end designers but influencers and stylists everyday, i felt the pressure to dress a certain way. thus began my introduction to mixing the high with the low, the zara with the Chanel boy bag or the prada boots with levi jeans.... i couldn't afford a single designer item at the time. sometimes i would wear a sample from a designer we repped, like a blazer or accessory but i was desperately wanting my own mini collection of luxury items to add to my closet. one day i had to meet one of the stylists we worked with at What Goes Around Comes Around in Soho and that's when i fell in love with vintage. i stepped into what looked like a perfectly designed showroom space with a louis vuitton trunk atop a vintage bookshelf and a leather couch in the middle of the room. along the walls were designer shoes, bags, clothes, accessories, everything you could think of including home decor. the layout has changed some since then but it's still clean, luxurious, and my idea of what walking into narnia would be (but make it fashion). i learned about sample sales and was able to scoop some basics from the barneys sale and my first pair of designer shoes - a pair of alexander wang peep toes with zipper details. and from there.. consignment shops, vintage stores, and thrifting.
this industry has come a long way. from learning about the environmental hazards of the fashion industry to an overwhelming support for sustainable fashion brands and sustainable shopping. i also battled my internal conflict for animal rights v. fashion luxuries which i talked about in my previous post. i became a vegetarian at 21, but was still supporting the leather and fur goods companies with my career and shopping choices. i was shopping less fast fashion to help with my own carbon footprint but wasn't making the leap to faux leathers and furs... so i decided that i would only buy these items second hand, only pre-loved pieces that had been bought, worn, and passed on. many vegans and animal rights activists will disagree with this, and i respect that. i have gone back and forth many times about what i believe is right, i think if it makes you feel good and you don't have guilt then do it. if you will feel guilty, uneasy, like you are doing something against your moral code, don't do it
ok, now for the goods!
some basic rules:
don't rule out the men's section.i have found white linen button downs in smalls, vintage harley davidson tees, a balenciaga windbreaker all in the men's section.
don't just shop your size. people put things back in the wrong places all the time. but also, you may find a blazer that looks better oversized or a belt that you can add a couple holes to or use as a waist belt instead!
dig in, look into the nooks and crannies. you will never believe the things that you can find thrown behind a rack in a basket of 'stuff.' it may just look like a bunch of scarves at first glance but i've found hermes scarves piled in with random ones. i've also found pieces with tags still on them, brand new items flung in with other very worn items.
don't rule out overly worn items. if it's missing a button, that's an easy fix. if the sole needs repair, also an easy fix. if you love the item and it's exactly what you are looking for but has a little 'defect' for lack of a better word, see if it can be fixed.
go to more than one store. you have to shop around, go to multiple stores in the area. prep yourself with some coffee before you head out and get excited to treasure hunt for a few hours.
and to add to this, the vintage stores in high traffic, high end areas will likely be more expensive than say, the lower east side... i like shopping both the soho stores and the L trains of the city in addition to Goodwill. do you have any idea how many millionaires, celebrities, influencers donate to Goodwill? there are some really good, lightly worn items at these stores.
no idea where to go? check the internet for places around you. if there are none, here are some of my favorite online thrift stores:
alyssa lenore found her dior oblique book tote on here for less than in store!
like most online vintage stores, their experts will inspect and leave information on the condition of each item
i find them to be the most budget friendly. there are some jewelry pieces that just need to be cleaned that are greatly discounted and lightly used, among other items including a really good selection of all types of clothing
thanks to social media, this vintage site has blown up! they often have 20% off select merchandise sales. i scored a proenza bag here for about $2000 less than in store.
other sites i've visited...
give the sites you love a follow on instagram. each of the above post their 'new in' items on ig stories first. you can even message the social media page and get the item right then and there! the site will send an invoice over within a couple of hours usually.
but most of all, have fun! set aside a day to go with your bestie or mom or whomever you enjoy shopping with. it's great having a second pair of eyes with you in these stores. happy thrifting!
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