An easy way to purchase jeans or shorts without trying on. Take the waistband wrap around your neck if the pants don't meet around your neck they're too small. If the waistband overlaps too big. If they meet right at the button, they'll fit. Just a helpful FYI.
Not necessarily so. I work at a big thrift store, and most of them rely on donations for merchandise. Donations are picked up on a dated, routed basis and come from scheduled areas. It's purely the luck of the draw, so to speak. Sometimes feast, sometimes famine!
I discovered thrifting when I was losing weight. I didn't want to spend a lot on clothes that "hopefully" wouldn't fit in six months, and my local store gives a coupon if you donate something so I gave it a try. It turns out that somebody in my size in my area loves Banana Republic and Talbots as much as I do. I may never buy retail again.
Someone my size, near me, has good, expensive taste in clothes. And probably only wears things a few times before donating them. I'm happy to buy her discards!
Longtime thrifter's biggest tip here: People often bring home bedbugs from clothing just by trying it on or holding it up against them. Turn everything inside out, especially the pockets, and look things over thoroughly. I also put everything in the dryer on high for 30 minutes before I even wash it because bed bugs can survive the washing machine.
@@stellaalonzo5495 , as a thrifter, they are my biggest fear! I'm super diligent. They can hide in book spines, picture frames, even electronics. I bring a small flashlight with me and run a card into any crevices. (An exterminator told me that's how they check for them.)
Three extra tips: I once bought cloths in a store with no cabin with a return policy. I tried them in the public bathroom of the mall. There was a few piece that seems so good I could not let them pass. Other tips: don’t look only at the brands, cloths made of 100% linen, coton or wool are often better quality (and last longer) than mix with synthetic. Last tip: high quality pieces were donated and left on the rack because of small defect that could be repair. I once found a very luxurious cachemire cardigan because one button was missing, I change all the button for a set I already had and voila!
@@playingthemomgameYes, I've gotten a couple cashmere sweaters that weren't labeled as such for $8 and $9 on ThredUp. And it was right there on the hang tag! Silk scarves too with the hand rolled hems.
I found a Pacific Trails winter coat with a broken zipper at a yard sale, talked the owner down to $5, changed the zipper for $5, and got a super warm coat I still wear after 7 seasons. Good deal
I routinely buy cashmere sweaters for $5 - $10. So I actually wear them, frequently. If I had spent $150 on a sweater, I'd be afraid to wear it except for special occasions, for fear I'd spill food on it, or something. This way, I can wear what I love, until I've worn it out. Then I make the remains into kitty beds, for my cats! They love them!
I bought a pair of classic Ferragamo blue leather loafers in gold hardware for $25 from a Santa Monica charity shop. I bought a thick wool felt carcoat made in Austria for $30 in a Chelsea thrift shop (manhattan). I bought a vintage 50’s clutch in a Venice charity shop in Italy, I bought silk and wool scarves from charity shops in England and Scotland. I only shop charity when I travel. I’d find something to remember the cities and towns.
I visited my son in North Carolina and was overwhelmed by American thrift stores. In South Africa we are not a “throw away” society so our charity shops, as we call them, are rather sparse compared to American thrift stores. I was like a child in a sweet shop! Love your hints on thrift store shopping and looking forward to my next visit to the states!
I am addicted to thrifting. I hardly ever by retail now aside from my undergarments, those I buy new. My husband thought it was gross the first time I came home with a thrifted blanket. It was in awesome shape and I always wash it before using. I told him that he has slept in a hotel bed on sheets and with blankets that way more people have slept on then this blanket. And I know this is clean, can’t say that about hotel blankets. It’s all just perception
I definitely go through spurts of thrifting and not thrifting. I totally agree about the hotel bedding thing! Wash thrifted clothes up and they’re just fine in my book!
A trick for places that don’t have try on rooms is to wear a onesie with a long blazer over it to go shop so then you can just try anything on without flashing anything.
One I don't recommend that you don't buy shoes at goodwill. I used to do it all the time, but then I worked at a shoe repair shop and I learned that the more you use them that you can hurt your own feet. The shoe has formed to the other person's foot and their way of waking. That being said, if you look at the bottom of the shoe and see that the tread is still there and the edge of the shoe isn't worn down at the heel, then you might consider buying it.
I always have a tape measure with me. I’ll take my measurements occasionally. I always wear clothing that I can try things on over leggings and a t-shirt. But if I don’t feel like trying something in I get out the take measure. Especially for pants but also arms. I tend to have bigger arms that make my shirts feel not right. Happy thrifting everyone.
Yeah, it's pretty rare that i spend less than 3 hrs, if it's not a place I hit weekly. And i also say to ME "is this going to be one of your FAVORITE things??" If it's not just a needed staple, and you don't really love it, DON'T BUY IT. There's always NEXT time. We all ALREADY have stuff we don't really love. Also, is the fit great...like does your ass look great in those jeans.. ?? AND SMELL EVERYTHING. Some odors won't come out of some fabrics. Avoid them. I also check out housewares and books. Nearly every terrific thing in my kitchen is from a thrift. I read a lot, fairly eclecticly. The books here are a buck. Many paperbacks are now $9 or over $10, new.. I give them to friends, when read, with specfic tastes. A pile of ten looks like a $100 gift. I'm suddenly quite popular.. And i'm saved from having to drag them back to the thrift. WIN WIN. Frankly, if I can go home with just ONE really great piece, like the DKNY black, fitted, calf length Down puffer coat for $15, and some books, it was well worth the trip. But there's always SOMETHING else...
👗🕶️🔍 I've got a fashion degree and I've mastered the art of zooming through thrift stores! 💨 First, I run my hand along the clothes, searching for high-quality gems that haven't been worn out. 🤲✨ Secondly, I'm on the lookout for colors that match my fabulous color palette. 🎨🌈 If both the quality and color check out, I then make sure the size isn't a sneaky youth size L. 📏🚫 Next, I seek the opinion of someone nearby, asking them about their preference between two shirts. People are always willing to lend a helping hand! 🤝👕 Lastly, no need to try the item on-just take a glance at the silhouette, and you'll know how it's going to fit! ✨💃 Quality, color, silhouette. Piece of cake! 🍰😄
The “tips” videos are usually full of obvious information. I clicked against my better judgement and was pleasantly surprised to find some decent food for thought. As an occasional, and definitely mediocre, thrifter, I look forward to implementing these ideas.
My daughter and her roommate found two pairs of Doc Martens at their local Goodwill. She’d wanted them for a long time and was so excited to find the exact ones there for $30 each!
That is so fun to find good finds like that. I think that’s why I like thrifting so much, you never know what you’re going to find! So funny my friend Ali at Real Life With Ali just did a video about decluttering where she decluttered brand new Doc Martens that her daughter never wore!
So many people talking about the grossness of buying second hand clothing, let me tell you that after working for 10 years in the fitting room of a department store there is absolutely no guarantee that the new clothing you have just tried on (or bought without trying on) are any cleaner!!! You would be surprised and shocked and then sickened to see how some of the clothes look (on the inside) after they have been tried on! I swear some women will look all dressed to the nines but when you are re hanging the clothes they chose not to buy you will find so many dead skin cells that it makes you wonder if they were part reptile and where in mid shedding cycle? Or the body odour, stench that they leave on the clothes. You cannot judge a book by its cover. These is no way of knowing if under some one’s clothes they are hiding scabies or shingles or any number of gross and potentially communicable diseases! The same can be said for buying brand new shoes you have no idea of what type of foot may have been in the shoes before yours. But wait there’s more, on top of that none of us can know the condition of the factory, warehouses, shipping facilities etc that the “new” clothing was exposed to on it’s journey to your local store or boutique. It would be a very exceptional situation for those new clothes to not have had rats, mice or cockroaches etc on them or very near to them during that journey. Which is why I now inspect and sniff clothes (in new clothes stores) before trying it on and will do a speed try on. Got to get it back off me asap Every single item I buy gets washed before it’s worn INCLUDING underwear!! The thought of the underwear at any point of its journey to the store having even a remote chance of having come in contact with even just a cockroach’s whisker means that it along with everything that comes into my house that is going to come in contact with my body gets washed first!!! If it can’t be washed I steam it. Clothing, under clothes, bedding, towels all of it. They may well be new but there is very very little chance it’s pristine. Everything must be washed/laundered in some way. And I tell everyone I know that they should do the same!! As for second hand clothing I always wash it first and if I decide that I don’t want to keep it I just re donate it and consider the time and effort to launder it as a tiny act of kindness. With second hand shoes the same goes only i give them a good cleaning with rubbing alcohol and then a good airing out in sunlight. New shoe shopping I take stocking footlettes to try on and will still give them a once over with the rubbing alcohol when I get them home. Some people laugh at me and say I must have some kind of OCD issue but it’s just a case of what I have seen cannot be unseen!
I, too, worked in a department store as well as a second hand boutique. The department store's fitting rooms were worse with exactly what you mentioned, plus people would return clothing after wearing. (If it was real bad, we'd have to throw it out, but often it was "aired out" and returned to the sales floor. Twice I even found that a fitting room had been used for a toilet. People are gross no matter where you go. Washing everything is the best defense.
@@dottkov oh 100% about the fitting room being used as a toilet!! I didn’t put that in my original comment because I thought it might have been too much on top of everything else! I dread to think what sort of upbringing those people had? Until that job I would never in a million years imagined that people could be capable of so gross 🤢
The main reason I always disregard shoes @ thrift stores is the risk of "toenail fungus" that can live on the material (inside the shoe where toes should reside).
EXCELLENT video! Right to the point and excellent tips! I’m a seasoned thrift store shopper (my grandmother introduced me to thrift stores in my early 20s, about 35 yrs ago) and I never looked back. One thing I love about thrifting clothes is you pretty much know how an item will look after being washed. Can’t tell you how many new items I’ve bought that were ruined or completely changed on first wash. Plus, like you mentioned, prices are a fraction of new clothes prices. I get tired of items (or stain them) quite often. So I don’t feel bad when I retire an item for whatever reason. Again, great content and great video!
Absolutely! Excellent points! Plus because the items have been washed and usually dried in a dryer, they also won't fade or bleed their dyes in your washer AND are already shrunk as much as they will ever shrink.
I try to stick to a specific color palette for my wardrobe. When I'm looking through clothes, I key in on those colors and then briefly touch the shoulder of the garment on the hanger to see if the fabric feels like something I'd like. That helps me go through large racks of clothing much more quickly.
Great vid. This girl gets to the point, uses common sense and explains 'why' without excess editorial/anecdotal material. Second hand shoes...right on!!!!
A good playlist & some chewing gum are essential for a successful thrift haul. And the motto is “if you don’t love it in the store, you won’t love it at home.”
Great tip about being ready to *spend time* looking through each individual item, they're all one of a kind! Tips I would add: +Beware of bargin designer labels. Many times, designer brands donate "rejects", items with slight to major irregularities. +Learn to eyeball items to determine if they'll fit. Examine the clothes you own that fit perfectly and look for those qualities in thrift items. This will avoid the dressing room and save a lot of time. You did well with the dress!
I like those tips! Sometimes I will buy something, wear it once, and then think to myself "Ohhh, I get why they donated this!" but I don't feel too bad because they aren't expensive and it's kind of like a donation buying clothes there.
Fortunately, my Goodwill is very neat and clean. Not at all junky and very spacious. I complimented the manager once and she said she has very good employees! It shows.❤❤❤
I was in a Value Village recently and heard a customer ask about the missing fitting rooms. The clerk said that when they removed the fitting rooms, theft went down to almost nil.
Imagine being mad that people stole something that was dumped for free by the back door. Not being able to try on clothes keeps me from shopping there almost entirely now.
The store still has to pay rent, employees?, electricity, ect. The person donating didn't put it on the local Free Stuff page. Some thrift shops use the profits to help the community, like fixing cars, helping with heat bills.
Our store has a return policy so you can bring clothes back and exchange them. No cash refunds, but you get store credit. Stealing is exactly why we don't have dressing rooms.
@@ktleemusicwhat most people don't realize is our merchandise doesn't come to the store free. While there are drop offs, those are few. Phone solicitors that call to schedule donation pick ups, drivers to drivers to operate the trucks, maintenance, insurance and fuel for those trucks. Once it hits the store, which has to be rented, maintenance on the store, insurance and utilities. There are people who sort and hang the clothes, stockers, cashiers, etc., and it all has to be paid. The profit margin is not what you think, and most stores are sponsored by a charity, and a percentage of that goes to them. Sorry to rattle on, I'm not trying to lecture, just inform.
I hit the Salvation Army on the first Monday of the month for half off senior discount day . Every Wednesday is fam day with half off most everything in the store . I prefer Salvation Army to Goodwill .
I used to go to a thrift shop many years ago in Danbury Connecticut. There must have been a woman donating her shoes same size as me same style I loved. Pointed toe high or kitten heels. I bought so many of this woman’s shoes many of which I still wear today. I have this pair of sling back high heel patent leather pumps that I’ve worn for at least 18 years and they’re still my favorite. Thank you whoever you are!
I’ve been a thrifter for decades and rarely buy new except for underwear and socks! You mentioned some great tips that I wish I’d had when I first began. My goodwill also eliminated dressing rooms, but they extended returns to 2 weeks and even discounted colors of the week can he returned now. I’d add look over your items in bright lighting because there may be stains or flaws not visible at first glance. It’s also a good idea to research odor removing tips. Some items may have odors that are missed at the store! Thanks for your video!
@sheryloshaughnessy4665......Great tips . I look things over more then once because I'll end up finding flaws ( rips, stains, etc) that I missed the first time; but also don't skip the men's section ( button downs, sweaters, joggers, blazers)
@@wynnssecret8243men's section is the best for flannel shirts I wear as a light weight layer when working outdoors. Roominess is good, and if they get faded, oh well.
I often go by the feeling of the fabric. I can feel silk, wool and cotton very easily. If I think the fabric feels good to the touch, I look for the name brand tag and the fabric description tag. Then, I decide if I like the look and style of the item. I want quality.
Yeah, I focus on natural fabrics, especially linen and wool, since those tend to be expensive new, and I love to wear them. Also rayon, which is derived from wood pulp, because it drapes so beautifully, and is really hard to find as yardage (I sew, but if I can't find the fabric, I can't make it myself).
My husband was going to toss his steel toe boots but they weren’t worn much because they weren’t comfortable after he used them a few weeks. I told him someone will buy used work boots because they can’t afford new ones especially if they are required and it’s their first job needing them. They can run well over $100 new and although many companies will reimburse you every year or two, you have to have them before the first paycheck.
Do look for natural fibers like cashmere, wool, cotton etc. seems people are getting rid of these treasures all the time. What you see in retail is mostly plastic and everyone knows it’s bad for the environment. Good luck out there guys x
That dress is so cute on you!!! When I am going through clothes racks - I look at the size and the brand. If both match what I’m looking for, then I look at the item in more detail. I love buying vintage and higher end items at the thrift store!! If I see something I’m I interested in - I immediately put it in the buggy. (I’m in Alabama - we say buggy lol) Then when I’m done checking out the entire store - I go to the furniture section and look at everything in detail. Look for holes, stains, etc and try on what I can. I’m not too concerned about trying on because my local store accepts returns on clothes for store credit. One of my favorite things about the thrift store is that I try clothes out of my comfort zone. Those turn out to be some of my favorite items!!! If it doesn’t work, I just donate it back to the store and I’m out maybe $5-$7. I really enjoy your videos and your sense of humor!!!! 😊😊😊😊
Buggy 😊 I love it! I also look at size and brand and love finding high end items! Once you find a few it's hard not to want to go back and find more! Thanks for watching my videos!!
Hey All, I love to thrift & travel. I combine the too. We have these Goodwill Bin Stores where items are on tables, the price is $1.69 per pound. It's a cool way to spend a few hours a week. It's not just clothes. Household items are. $1.29 lb. Always check the lapels on mens suits, they are usually small and over missed. I have bought many an old suit jacket because it had a gold pin attached. Once I got a nice Diamond too. When I am at a store with racks of hanging clothes I lok for natural materials. Expensive brands use natural fibers i.e. silk, cotton, linen etc. exquisite fabric is a dead give away to me. Happy Hunting! Keep things from going to the landfills & Oceans. Regards Recyclers, Toni
That sounds like a real treasure hunt! I also love to browse for certain materials, I think you get good at doing that after some practice. Happy Hunting to you too Toni!
I’m a scanner, walking through thinking my eyes are going to go straight to an amazing find, sometimes I get lucky, not always and I end up donating back to the store. The dress is really cute on you 😊
I scan. Years ago I would go through every rack. Now I scan by length, color, and textures. Also, moving the hangers closer to the top center. Keep the clothes from falling off. And you can rest your arm on top of the hangers as you move thru the rack.
Since I grew like a beansprout, my mom and I would go to salvation army in late spring and buy several pairs of jeans, and then cut them to make jan cutoffs, or jean shorts. I've also gotten a lot of cute items that have lasted wayyyy longer than many brand new store bought items
6:18 little tip i learned during covid. Take the waist band of the pants/shorts/skirt hold it at one to your belly button and the other end at your spine if it easily touches your center front and center back WHEREVER YOU PLAN TO WEAR THEM AT then they will fit
@@bunnybubs757lol take your britches, lay them flat, take one end of the waist band, lay that end on your spine wherever you plan to wear it at (meaning how high or low on your waist you plan to wear them, ie midrise jeans usually land just below the belly button), take the other end of the waistband and pull towards the front side of you and if it meats the center-front of you (ie above, at, or below your bellybutton) AND your spine then your britches will fit
I taught my daughter how to thrift qhen she was about 10 yrs. old. Pick up things you're really interested. Ask if it will go with anything she owns, try things on and come out to show me. We talk briefly about the fit, etc. Then put all the best ones in the cart. Before checking out, look them over carefully for stains, tears, etc. Final check : ask yourself if youd really actually wear it and how often. Pay, go, clean and have fun 'playing closet!'
My daughter, that got into Theatre, got me onto going to thrift stores. I bring a few items with me when I go thrifting: 1) I bring XXL Ziplock bags from Dollar Trees store : I put the clothing items that I buy into a big XXL ziplock bags & then when I get home, I put them into the washer. 2). I bring a can of Lysol if I am looking to buy shoes 3) bring inee high hose with me to try on shoes 4). Batteries - if I am looking for electronics
5:47 Longtime thrifter here. If the thrift shop is located in a higher-crime area of the city, dressing rooms tend to be closed. I learned this by talking to staff and just observing. Try the suburbs and towns and see if there are any stores with dressings rooms. Also, sometimes these places have staffing problems too.
I bought tons of vintage clothing Made from real cashmere, silk, cotton and wool. I loved the vintage kitten heels with pointy toes. Now I shop online, and get Pima cotton shirts that don’t fade, and find good quality brand names. I combine stuff that created a new, unique style
I love thrifting! ( new subscriber) 41 and Hawthorne is a Stitch Fix staple. I find so many great shoe brands when thrifting, I got over the gross factor 😊
Great tips. I will buy jeans without trying them on. I will miss occasionally but overall I do not have any issues. I clean out the shoes with disinfectant wipes. My big find yesterday was a London Fog trench coach with the liner in perfect condition for $9. I also shop the men's section. 😊
Great advice. I have been thrfiting since high school (mom and I spent quality time in thrift stores) , and your tips are absolutely on point. Definitely plan on spending a LOT of time in the store if you really want to find the deals. My Goodwill also removed the dressing rooms. I have become VERY good at "eyeballing" sizes (even jeans) and know some tricks to determine if items will fit me. It boils down to having time, patience, knowledge of what you are REALLY looking for, and a savvy eye for wardrobe building. Recently I was going on a cruise and needed some shorts. I like shorts that hit just above my knees (not bermuda,but clyose) and the women's shorts were too skimpy for me. I went over to the men's shorts and found a few pair of Women's Lands End shorts for $7.99 and $5.99 per pair. You MUST think OUTSIDE THE BOX in thrift stores.
Getting a cart on the way in is a great tip! I have a bad habit of not doing that at the dollar store too. Testing fashion trends is another excellent idea, like short jeans (floods) that I have a hard time imagining will look good on me. The only additional tip I can think of is to go with some items in mind that you need to fill gaps in your wardrobe. For example, I decluttered all of my nice short-sleeved tops because they were all polyester and no fun to wear in the summer so I ended up with a cotton blouse and polo because I had that mission in mind. I'm glad the dress was a winner and you're enjoying the FOTL sweatshirt too!
Choose "your" colors, no more than 5. You can quickly scan for your colors. Goodwill is not my first choice place. We have SVDP/St Vincent DePaul here: Better things & lower prices, more pleasant stores. -- Tip: Thrift stores in Amish country are The Best!
It depends on the Goodwill and where it is located. I once lived in an adjacent town to a golf course community for rich people. A neighboring shopping center had a Goodwill. I have found high end items there, some brand new.
I really liked your suggestion to check various sizes. I recently bought an 80’s jean skirt, size 12-I’m usually a 4, but sizes now are so skewed that you need to take that into account when buying vintage.
You are my kind of thrift shopper! I tell people if you can’t find me on the weekends, go to the thrift stores, I’ll be there. Can’t go with my sister, she is a drive by shopper. Zips through isles and says, I’m done, let’s go!” What???? I could definitely thrift shop with you!
I hate shopping and I hate trying on clothes. What I've done on occasion for years.... Put on a pair of biking shorts, a long roomy skirt, and a pair of shoes that you can easily slide out of. And I'd try on pants right on the showroom floor. I'd normally do this at stores with locked dressing rooms and associates that are too hard to find. 😁😁😁😁
This definitely doesn't work for everyone. I am one of the people that it definitely doesn't work for. I wonder does this mostly work for women who are ruler or inverted triangle body types?
Really enjoyed this here in Alberta change rooms disappeared during Covid so people are sometimes trying on clothes in the aisles😮 you’re right about jeans but same with pants.
I’ve had great luck thrifting. I look for the brands I know work for me. Also the fabric, construction and cut of the garment. I am short but long waisted so I know what works for me. I wear a long flowy skirt with thigh shaper underneath so I can try shorts or pants on over the spanx. I also garden so I find most of my outdoor yard work clothes there since I want things that aren’t “precious”.
A tip I have is if you usually shop womens check out the mens section and vice versa. Mens jeans are getting skinnier ( which i like). Plus im tall so mens jeans are easier to find on my size.
I buy mens' button down short sleeved shirts, great with leggings. I look for ones with prints suitable for a woman. I try them on there as some have too much fabric under the arms due to mens' broader chests.
I always spray disinfectant spray all over the shoes inside and out and let it sit for 15 minutes and then dry off. I do the same thing with the outsides of books and whatever I can. I think the black, floral dress looks cute on you!
Brava to you for thrifting! I used to shop at Goodwill until a couple of years ago when I discovered the Big Cheeses at GW make somewhere between $500 thousand and 1 million dollars per year (depending on what internet search you do). I also found out that employees with disabilities are often paid less than minimum wage (as low as 22 cents per hour), whistleblowers have been fired, and safety issues have led to tragedy. Now my fave thrift store is The Humane Society Thrift Store, also the fave of all our town which voted it the Best Thrift Store - even against GW! We also have thrift stores for hospice, Teen Challenge, and other local charities. I try to be even more ethical about where my little money goes.
That is what I heard here too, they had a lot of theft when they had the dressing rooms open. I guess that makes sense but it's too bad! Also I love that you are in England, it is so awesome to see where everyone is from! ❤️
Who on earth shoplifts from a charity shop That is a low act In my area if people desperately need something they only have to ask politely they will be given a few things and also interviewed for any other items, food or financial help that they need
You are cracking me up. “ in as much trouble as a couple of middle aged moms can get in”. Hahahahaha. Made me so fed up when they closed all the change rooms. Praise the Lord they are open again. Yeah no one bought jeans , they had to open them up again. I think you would be a great thrifting friend. I have found knowing what colors go in my wardrobe really cuts down on how long it takes me to do a run through. I love all the fall colors and have selected three main colors which really makes everything work in my closet.
I wish they would open ours! It doesn't sound like they will from what I gathered talking to someone who worked there the other day. I also have an idea of what colors/fabrics I like and it makes it quicker to scan through!
I don't think this will work. My neck is 14", and my waist is 32". I hold up the garment (skirt, pants, or more fitted dress) to my waist, and if it goes from side seam to side seam of what I'm wearing, I'll give it a chance.
I once found a beautiful light tan leather coat with a removable mink collar. You could tell who owned it took care of it. I bought it for 10 dollars. Lucky I am small built.
Protip from someone who buys all her shoes secondhand: Antibacterial wipes, baby. Obviously try not to scrub vigorously or soak the shoes, but I find a good swipe makes them feel much "safer" to wear. Also, yes, look for shoes that are still in good shape with minimal wear. They're less likely to be super molded to someone else's foot, and more likely to last you a good while.
Ours got rid of dressing rooms because of the homeless population doing drugs and overdosing in the dressing rooms. So sad 😭. Canada has safe places for those who need to take care of their needs and work on getting clean and sober without harming themselves and others. The US needs to get it together. Love this video! In my 40s and been thrifting since age 16, before it was a cool thing to do. My teens only love thrifting because of my example!
We would get husband’s boys clothes when they came over. I really appreciated that. Our oldest son went to a friends new apartment. Friend had picked up a couch on the roadside and that is how the bedbugs traveled to our house. Heat treating house is expensive and a lot of work
Great tips! I'm superstitious about getting a cart. I feel like I never find anything good when I get a cart right off the bat. It's like jinxing myself. I only get the cart after I find some goodies! 😂
It's like when you are just running through for something specifically and you see ALL these things you think you like, but when you go back on purpose to shop, you can't find a thing!
I usually only go into the thrift store if I need something specific, and then as far as clothing goes, I just look for that type of item. It saves a lot of time. Also, pay attention to the prices at different thrift stores. Some [;aces (mostly consignment shops) charge enough that my mindset is "I could go into Walmart and buy that new for that price." I have heard that Goodwill has gotten high. I have seen mission type thrift stores and their prices seem better (food pantry, a mission center, supporting the mentally handicapped). The latter places are more likely to keep and spend the funds locally/ help your local population.
Great tips! I love thrifting in general, but my best finds have been clothes or shoes for work (average $3 - $5 per piece), bulk packages of yarn (have gotten up to 10 skeins, some partials some whole, for $6), and small appliances (usually around $3 - $6 ea). New subscriber here and I can't wait to see more.
These are great tips! Also if your store is too tight for a cart, I carry bright reusable shopping totes & put my finds right into it, as long as the workers are cool with it. And many workers feel bad about the fitting rooms being removed. I wear a cami & thin leggings under a wrap dress & just try stuff on. They don’t mind at my store, they miss the fitting rooms too. Thank you for posting this! I’m getting such an itch to go thrifting this week now from watching you sift through the racks!
I buy clothes at Goodwill, including jeans. We have 7 days to return items and get store credit. But I know my sizes in different brands, so usually guess right. I also measure the waist in jeans, and that works well. I can judge length pretty well in the store. I probably return about 1/4.
Bed bugs being already addressed in addition they can also live in books and crevices of wood furniture. Lice can also be a problem always wash thoroughly on hot if you can and dry if you can. It doesn’t really hurt to carry a clothe hair net in a zip lock bag in your purse to try on things. Many if these stores unfortunately just extended the “NO trying on” so just take the item and place over where it would be the tightest and body measure or slip your arm in one sleeve. You get the idea. 😊
41Hawthorn is a Stitch Fix brand :) Totally agree with planning to spend time there and grabbing a cart! I've never invested enough time to realize my need for a cart, but I definitely know I need time to peruse and consider. If I don't give myself enough time, I feel pressured to make a quick decision, which can result in a regretted purchase!
I did google 41Hawthorn and see it was a SF brand which I thought was ironic because I just did a subscription box video from a different brand! And yes if I'm planning on perusing, I definitely get a cart!
If you know a brand of jeans well and their fit on you, just buy the same brand when you see them. No need to try on. I love my thrift store jeans as they are already worn in! Stores took the change rooms away during Covid, some never brought them back. I love that you Mums got in trouble at a thrift store!😂
I think that's a good idea to look at brands. I haven't looked through the jeans in a long time but I might have to try! Also love your profile picture we also have an orange kitty 😻
I Like You!!!!! This is my first time watching you! Usually I check a couple Videos out before Subscribing, I think the one Video will just be fine!! But...lI do have to go, heading North 3 hours for my class reunion!!! Have a Wonderful Weekend!! 🤗❤️👍🙋🏻♀️
Your tip about events is right on. I found my husband and me great Hawaiian shirts for a theme party. Now I mostly shop Etsy for secondhand clothes. About half or more of my clothes are secondhand.
@@playingthemomgame Etsy tends to be pricier than a lot of thrift stores, but you can set price limits on searches. I like that most sellers are individuals and do a great job of describing their offerings. Usually, the pictures are great, and it's easy to save things you like and re-consider them. I don't have good thrift stores nearby, so I need to go online, and I like Etsy better than the others.
The last time I was at Goodwill, I was wearing sports leggings, and I could keep those on while trying on the clothes. The items I picked were a little tight, so I knew they would be perfect. I Picked what I wanted, and after washing them and wearing them, I was right; everything was a perfect fit. this could be a solution for the jeans.
Very engaging video, thank you. I respectfully question the advice about buying shoes second hand. I suppose if they are occasional shoes it could be harmless, sustainable, affordable etc. However, wearing worn shoes can trigger postural problems and negatively alter your unique biomechanics when the shoes have already been ‘broken in’ by someone else who had a different way of walking. It’s particularly important when choosing shoes for children. No shade on those who can’t afford good shoes new- I trust they are making well thought through decisions and using good judgement about what they need. Better to have good shoes second hand than bad quality cheap shoes or worn out shoes or too small shoes. And the same problems I’m describing apply to family hand-me-downs. My point is that this advice in the video merits a few safety caveats beyond the potential gross out/ get over it axis.
Just discovered you and subscribed. Thanks for this video! As a long time thrifter you must go through every thing in every size. But by doing this you can gind some jewels. Love to dress!
I think, advice: If you feel/know you dont need something, you probably dont need it. Firstly if u feel like shopping go to your closet, other places where you have clothers at your place and go through them maybe you'll find something simular u wanted. -Its not always the case and ik that- Too everyone and esspecially that ppl who have many(sometimes too many) clothers ane accesories, and yeah thats me.❤
My favorite finds in Goodwill are 100% silk scarves on a dime. Recently I found a European trench coat in good condition. I might check the shoes now. Anyway they are sometimes pretty gross in a regular stores also, especially the ones on Clearance😂
Thanks for posting this great video 🤩🤩🤩 I love thrifting especially when you can find a great deal and the piece is in great shape. Have never liked the idea of buying used shoes but might try (especially with one reader’s tip to use a cleaning wipe 👍👍‼️)
I've been a thrift store shopper since before some of you were even born! LOL Let's see...started with my mom back around 1968-1969? Mom was an incredible seamstress who could make something fabulous from what most would consider a rag. We were poor as church mice but some of the best-dressed kids in school. Now...all that said, these MANY years later, I have a word of caution. Shoes. I would NEVER buy shoes in a thrift store. I spent several years working as a foot care RN for a doctor and fungal infections of feet are common, extremely difficult to cure (if at all), can be especially dangerous for people with other health conditions. Fungus lives in warm, dark, moist environments. Shoes. One reason fungus is hard to cure is people continue to wear their shoes (infested with microscopic fungus) even after receiving treatment. Truthfully, I even hate trying on new shoes at stores. Anything I can wash, dry, bleach, etc., I buy. If it requires dry cleaning and it's something really special, I might buy. And furniture! But shoes? Never. Otherwise, I love all your helpful hints.
@@playingthemomgame Glad you liked it.🤣. One day I was at the thrift store and there were these college kids there. One was a guy with about 9 girls. He was using my idea with the skirt. I guess he was really poor since he was brave to do it in front of the girls. I guess he didn’t want to waste any money.😀
In the small university town where our sons attended, they'd check out two thrift stores to find ties, shirts and maybe some slacks for special occasions for dorm/fraternity activities like dinner on the lake “cruise.” They knew what they wanted so looked, looked and looked for the item that was juuuuust right.
2 big go-to's for me - bras and shoes. Shoes and bras are either brand new or worn to death, just like at home. We all have those shoes and bras that we loved and thought CLOSE to fitting, but were never enough to actually wear. And we all know where those end up.
More important (because bacteria don't last long without feet to live on) is not to buy wornout shoes because they change the stance of your leg and foot and how you walk
I would always try on jeans….I’m petite and curvy and then you have to think about not only the waist but is it low rise, mid rise, or high rise? Straight leg, full leg , boot cut, etc. And some clothes have been tailored….
⭐ *I Tested Some “hacks” For When The Fitting Rooms Are Closed!*
ua-cam.com/video/leBxcWc-dDI/v-deo.htmlsi=CvoiKn_snq9cUKlS
An easy way to purchase jeans or shorts without trying on. Take the waistband wrap around your neck if the pants don't meet around your neck they're too small. If the waistband overlaps too big. If they meet right at the button, they'll fit. Just a helpful FYI.
A great tip I've heard is go thrifting where the rich live, you can get some great gems highly discounted
I've heard that too! All this talk about thrifting makes me want to go thrifting! 😆
How do you know? Check out the wealthy zip code in the area and check out the thrift stores around there? Is there a group to find this info?
Learn which areas of your cityor suburbs are wealthy. Look for shops near there.
So true, best thrift stores, garage sales, etc if you go to very nice area! Oh even the Dollar Trees
Not necessarily so.
I work at a big thrift store, and most of them rely on donations for merchandise.
Donations are picked up on a dated, routed basis and come from scheduled areas.
It's purely the luck of the draw, so to speak.
Sometimes feast, sometimes famine!
I discovered thrifting when I was losing weight. I didn't want to spend a lot on clothes that "hopefully" wouldn't fit in six months, and my local store gives a coupon if you donate something so I gave it a try. It turns out that somebody in my size in my area loves Banana Republic and Talbots as much as I do. I may never buy retail again.
I love finding stuff like that that is in really good shape! For a while
I loved Express Portofino shirts and always found them in good shape!
Score!!!🎉🎉🎉
I sure wish I could get a coupon with donations! I guess the lawyers that own it are pretty greedy. That place is a gold mine.
Someone my size, near me, has good, expensive taste in clothes. And probably only wears things a few times before donating them. I'm happy to buy her discards!
After gastric bypass surgery, I purchased and then donated back the office attire I needed for work. 😊
Longtime thrifter's biggest tip here: People often bring home bedbugs from clothing just by trying it on or holding it up against them. Turn everything inside out, especially the pockets, and look things over thoroughly. I also put everything in the dryer on high for 30 minutes before I even wash it because bed bugs can survive the washing machine.
Bed bugs!😳
@@stellaalonzo5495 , as a thrifter, they are my biggest fear! I'm super diligent. They can hide in book spines, picture frames, even electronics. I bring a small flashlight with me and run a card into any crevices. (An exterminator told me that's how they check for them.)
Yuck!!! 🤢
Eeeewwwww!
Not putting dirty clothes filled with bugs in my dryer. Thank you for convincing me to never set foot in a thrift store.
Three extra tips: I once bought cloths in a store with no cabin with a return policy. I tried them in the public bathroom of the mall. There was a few piece that seems so good I could not let them pass. Other tips: don’t look only at the brands, cloths made of 100% linen, coton or wool are often better quality (and last longer) than mix with synthetic. Last tip: high quality pieces were donated and left on the rack because of small defect that could be repair. I once found a very luxurious cachemire cardigan because one button was missing, I change all the button for a set I already had and voila!
Great tips! I agree with the quality materials too, I think you can kind of train your eyes to pick out the good stuff among the rest of it!
@@playingthemomgameYes, I've gotten a couple cashmere sweaters that weren't labeled as such for $8 and $9 on ThredUp. And it was right there on the hang tag! Silk scarves too with the hand rolled hems.
😁 So good!
I found a Pacific Trails winter coat with a broken zipper at a yard sale, talked the owner down to $5, changed the zipper for $5, and got a super warm coat I still wear after 7 seasons. Good deal
I routinely buy cashmere sweaters for $5 - $10. So I actually wear them, frequently. If I had spent $150 on a sweater, I'd be afraid to wear it except for special occasions, for fear I'd spill food on it, or something. This way, I can wear what I love, until I've worn it out. Then I make the remains into kitty beds, for my cats! They love them!
I bought a pair of classic Ferragamo blue leather loafers in gold hardware for $25 from a Santa Monica charity shop. I bought a thick wool felt carcoat made in Austria for $30 in a Chelsea thrift shop (manhattan). I bought a vintage 50’s clutch in a Venice charity shop in Italy, I bought silk and wool scarves from charity shops in England and Scotland. I only shop charity when I travel. I’d find something to remember the cities and towns.
That sounds awesome!
I love to go to charity shops when traveling, too. You can find all kinds of treasures, way more interesting than the usual in souvenir shops.
I'm such an avid thrifter and travel a lot but have yet to thrift in other countries. That's such a cool idea.
I visited my son in North Carolina and was overwhelmed by American thrift stores. In South Africa we are not a “throw away” society so our charity shops, as we call them, are rather sparse compared to American thrift stores. I was like a child in a sweet shop! Love your hints on thrift store shopping and looking forward to my next visit to the states!
Thanks for sharing! I love seeing where people are from, South Africa is somewhere I have never been! Glad you liked the video 😊
Same here in Scotland.
I am addicted to thrifting. I hardly ever by retail now aside from my undergarments, those I buy new. My husband thought it was gross the first time I came home with a thrifted blanket. It was in awesome shape and I always wash it before using. I told him that he has slept in a hotel bed on sheets and with blankets that way more people have slept on then this blanket. And I know this is clean, can’t say that about hotel blankets. It’s all just perception
I definitely go through spurts of thrifting and not thrifting. I totally agree about the hotel bedding thing! Wash thrifted clothes up and they’re just fine in my book!
A trick for places that don’t have try on rooms is to wear a onesie with a long blazer over it to go shop so then you can just try anything on without flashing anything.
That's a good trick!!
I just got two onesies from Old Navy …on sale @ $18. Thanks for the tip
I wear leggings and a tank top with a jacket.
Slip on shoes!!
Bluetooth headphones are a must as well.
@@felesnociswhy headphones?
@@MsLouisVee I like to listen to music or podcasts while I shop. It makes it way more relaxing :)
One I don't recommend that you don't buy shoes at goodwill. I used to do it all the time, but then I worked at a shoe repair shop and I learned that the more you use them that you can hurt your own feet. The shoe has formed to the other person's foot and their way of waking. That being said, if you look at the bottom of the shoe and see that the tread is still there and the edge of the shoe isn't worn down at the heel, then you might consider buying it.
I always have a tape measure with me. I’ll take my measurements occasionally. I always wear clothing that I can try things on over leggings and a t-shirt. But if I don’t feel like trying something in I get out the take measure. Especially for pants but also arms. I tend to have bigger arms that make my shirts feel not right. Happy thrifting everyone.
I love that idea of bringing a tape measure!
Yeees! I also like to measure the heels of shoes to make sure they are not too high
Yeah, it's pretty rare that i spend less than 3 hrs, if it's not a place I hit weekly. And i also say to ME "is this going to be one of your FAVORITE things??" If it's not just a needed staple, and you don't really love it, DON'T BUY IT. There's always NEXT time. We all ALREADY have stuff we don't really love.
Also, is the fit great...like does your ass look great in those jeans.. ?? AND SMELL EVERYTHING. Some odors won't come out of some fabrics. Avoid them.
I also check out housewares and books. Nearly every terrific thing in my kitchen is from a thrift. I read a lot, fairly eclecticly. The books here are a buck. Many paperbacks are now $9 or over $10, new.. I give them to friends, when read, with specfic tastes. A pile of ten looks like a $100 gift. I'm suddenly quite popular.. And i'm saved from having to drag them back to the thrift. WIN WIN.
Frankly, if I can go home with just ONE really great piece, like the DKNY black, fitted, calf length Down puffer coat for $15, and some books, it was well worth the trip.
But there's always SOMETHING else...
Same! I always bring a tape measure for clothes and frames.
👗🕶️🔍 I've got a fashion degree and I've mastered the art of zooming through thrift stores! 💨 First, I run my hand along the clothes, searching for high-quality gems that haven't been worn out. 🤲✨ Secondly, I'm on the lookout for colors that match my fabulous color palette. 🎨🌈 If both the quality and color check out, I then make sure the size isn't a sneaky youth size L. 📏🚫 Next, I seek the opinion of someone nearby, asking them about their preference between two shirts. People are always willing to lend a helping hand! 🤝👕 Lastly, no need to try the item on-just take a glance at the silhouette, and you'll know how it's going to fit! ✨💃 Quality, color, silhouette. Piece of cake! 🍰😄
Love all of this!
The “tips” videos are usually full of obvious information. I clicked against my better judgement and was pleasantly surprised to find some decent food for thought. As an occasional, and definitely mediocre, thrifter, I look forward to implementing these ideas.
That made me laugh, against your better judgement, I know the feeling haha. I'm glad you found some value in this!
My daughter and her roommate found two pairs of Doc Martens at their local Goodwill. She’d wanted them for a long time and was so excited to find the exact ones there for $30 each!
That is so fun to find good finds like that. I think that’s why I like thrifting so much, you never know what you’re going to find! So funny my friend Ali at Real Life With Ali just did a video about decluttering where she decluttered brand new Doc Martens that her daughter never wore!
So many people talking about the grossness of buying second hand clothing, let me tell you that after working for 10 years in the fitting room of a department store there is absolutely no guarantee that the new clothing you have just tried on (or bought without trying on) are any cleaner!!!
You would be surprised and shocked and then sickened to see how some of the clothes look (on the inside) after they have been tried on!
I swear some women will look all dressed to the nines but when you are re hanging the clothes they chose not to buy you will find so many dead skin cells that it makes you wonder if they were part reptile and where in mid shedding cycle?
Or the body odour, stench that they leave on the clothes.
You cannot judge a book by its cover. These is no way of knowing if under some one’s clothes they are hiding scabies or shingles or any number of gross and potentially communicable diseases!
The same can be said for buying brand new shoes you have no idea of what type of foot may have been in the shoes before yours.
But wait there’s more, on top of that none of us can know the condition of the factory, warehouses, shipping facilities etc that the “new” clothing was exposed to on it’s journey to your local store or boutique. It would be a very exceptional situation for those new clothes to not have had rats, mice or cockroaches etc on them or very near to them during that journey.
Which is why I now inspect and sniff clothes (in new clothes stores) before trying it on and will do a speed try on. Got to get it back off me asap Every single item I buy gets washed before it’s worn INCLUDING underwear!! The thought of the underwear at any point of its journey to the store having even a remote chance of having come in contact with even just a cockroach’s whisker means that it along with everything that comes into my house that is going to come in contact with my body gets washed first!!! If it can’t be washed I steam it. Clothing, under clothes, bedding, towels all of it. They may well be new but there is very very little chance it’s pristine. Everything must be washed/laundered in some way. And I tell everyone I know that they should do the same!!
As for second hand clothing I always wash it first and if I decide that I don’t want to keep it I just re donate it and consider the time and effort to launder it as a tiny act of kindness. With second hand shoes the same goes only i give them a good cleaning with rubbing alcohol and then a good airing out in sunlight.
New shoe shopping I take stocking footlettes to try on and will still give them a once over with the rubbing alcohol when I get them home.
Some people laugh at me and say I must have some kind of OCD issue but it’s just a case of what I have seen cannot be unseen!
TY I'm going to follow your advice. Problems I never considered.
Having worked in a department store, omg yes! It's no different!
I, too, worked in a department store as well as a second hand boutique. The department store's fitting rooms were worse with exactly what you mentioned, plus people would return clothing after wearing. (If it was real bad, we'd have to throw it out, but often it was "aired out" and returned to the sales floor. Twice I even found that a fitting room had been used for a toilet. People are gross no matter where you go. Washing everything is the best defense.
@@dottkov oh 100% about the fitting room being used as a toilet!! I didn’t put that in my original comment because I thought it might have been too much on top of everything else! I dread to think what sort of upbringing those people had? Until that job I would never in a million years imagined that people could be capable of so gross 🤢
The main reason I always disregard shoes @ thrift stores is the risk of "toenail fungus" that can live on the material (inside the shoe where toes should reside).
EXCELLENT video! Right to the point and excellent tips! I’m a seasoned thrift store shopper (my grandmother introduced me to thrift stores in my early 20s, about 35 yrs ago) and I never looked back. One thing I love about thrifting clothes is you pretty much know how an item will look after being washed. Can’t tell you how many new items I’ve bought that were ruined or completely changed on first wash. Plus, like you mentioned, prices are a fraction of new clothes prices. I get tired of items (or stain them) quite often. So I don’t feel bad when I retire an item for whatever reason. Again, great content and great video!
Thanks so much! Yes I love that about thrifting too!
Absolutely! Excellent points! Plus because the items have been washed and usually dried in a dryer, they also won't fade or bleed their dyes in your washer AND are already shrunk as much as they will ever shrink.
I try to stick to a specific color palette for my wardrobe. When I'm looking through clothes, I key in on those colors and then briefly touch the shoulder of the garment on the hanger to see if the fabric feels like something I'd like. That helps me go through large racks of clothing much more quickly.
I love this!
Great vid. This girl gets to the point, uses common sense and explains 'why' without excess editorial/anecdotal material.
Second hand shoes...right on!!!!
Thank you!!
A good playlist & some chewing gum are essential for a successful thrift haul. And the motto is “if you don’t love it in the store, you won’t love it at home.”
Love that!
Great tip about being ready to *spend time* looking through each individual item, they're all one of a kind!
Tips I would add:
+Beware of bargin designer labels. Many times, designer brands donate "rejects", items with slight to major irregularities.
+Learn to eyeball items to determine if they'll fit. Examine the clothes you own that fit perfectly and look for those qualities in thrift items. This will avoid the dressing room and save a lot of time.
You did well with the dress!
I like those tips! Sometimes I will buy something, wear it once, and then think to myself "Ohhh, I get why they donated this!" but I don't feel too bad because they aren't expensive and it's kind of like a donation buying clothes there.
@playingthemomgame 😄 Yes! That "ah ha!" moment when you realize why it was such a bargin! Been there too many times!
Fortunately, my Goodwill is very neat and clean. Not at all junky and very spacious. I complimented the manager once and she said she has very good employees! It shows.❤❤❤
I was in a Value Village recently and heard a customer ask about the missing fitting rooms. The clerk said that when they removed the fitting rooms, theft went down to almost nil.
Imagine being mad that people stole something that was dumped for free by the back door. Not being able to try on clothes keeps me from shopping there almost entirely now.
The store still has to pay rent, employees?, electricity, ect.
The person donating didn't put it on the local Free Stuff page. Some thrift shops use the profits to help the community, like fixing cars, helping with heat bills.
Our store has a return policy so you can bring clothes back and exchange them.
No cash refunds, but you get store credit.
Stealing is exactly why we don't have dressing rooms.
@@ktleemusicwhat most people don't realize is our merchandise doesn't come to the store free.
While there are drop offs, those are few.
Phone solicitors that call to schedule donation pick ups, drivers to drivers to operate the trucks, maintenance, insurance and fuel for those trucks.
Once it hits the store, which has to be rented,
maintenance on the store, insurance and utilities.
There are people who sort and hang the clothes, stockers, cashiers, etc., and it all has to be paid.
The profit margin is not what you think, and most stores are sponsored by a charity, and a percentage of that goes to them.
Sorry to rattle on, I'm not trying to lecture, just inform.
@@lynnm.johnson5755thank you!
Most people don't realize that we don't get it free.
I hit the Salvation Army on the first Monday of the month for half off senior discount day . Every Wednesday is fam day with half off most everything in the store . I prefer Salvation Army to Goodwill .
Both are super corrupt, fyi. SA would make even Satan's hair curl 🤢🤢🤢
I used to go to a thrift shop many years ago in Danbury Connecticut. There must have been a woman donating her shoes same size as me same style I loved. Pointed toe high or kitten heels. I bought so many of this woman’s shoes many of which I still wear today. I have this pair of sling back high heel patent leather pumps that I’ve worn for at least 18 years and they’re still my favorite.
Thank you whoever you are!
That's awesome!!
I’ve been a thrifter for decades and rarely buy new except for underwear and socks! You mentioned some great tips that I wish I’d had when I first began. My goodwill also eliminated dressing rooms, but they extended returns to 2 weeks and even discounted colors of the week can he returned now. I’d add look over your items in bright lighting because there may be stains or flaws not
visible at first glance. It’s also a good idea to research odor removing tips. Some items may have odors that are missed at the store!
Thanks for your video!
There have definitely been a few things that I should have done odor research on! I also love thrifting. I like a mix of new and thrifting!
@sheryloshaughnessy4665......Great tips . I look things over more then once because I'll end up finding flaws ( rips, stains, etc) that I missed the first time; but also don't skip the men's section ( button downs, sweaters, joggers, blazers)
Yes, men’s section is a place I go every trip!
@@wynnssecret8243men's section is the best for flannel shirts I wear as a light weight layer when working outdoors. Roominess is good, and if they get faded, oh well.
I often go by the feeling of the fabric. I can feel silk, wool and cotton very easily. If I think the fabric feels good to the touch, I look for the name brand tag and the fabric description tag. Then, I decide if I like the look and style of the item. I want quality.
I simply run my had down the rack and can pick out the natural fabrics. My mom thinks that is my super power.
Yeah, I focus on natural fabrics, especially linen and wool, since those tend to be expensive new, and I love to wear them. Also rayon, which is derived from wood pulp, because it drapes so beautifully, and is really hard to find as yardage (I sew, but if I can't find the fabric, I can't make it myself).
Definitely!
Definitely do this!
My husband was going to toss his steel toe boots but they weren’t worn much because they weren’t comfortable after he used them a few weeks. I told him someone will buy used work boots because they can’t afford new ones especially if they are required and it’s their first job needing them. They can run well over $100 new and although many companies will reimburse you every year or two, you have to have them before the first paycheck.
I love THRIFT STORE SHOPPING!!💲❣️
Me too!!
Do look for natural fibers like cashmere, wool, cotton etc. seems people are getting rid of these treasures all the time. What you see in retail is mostly plastic and everyone knows it’s bad for the environment. Good luck out there guys x
That dress is so cute on you!!!
When I am going through clothes racks - I look at the size and the brand. If both match what I’m looking for, then I look at the item in more detail.
I love buying vintage and higher end items at the thrift store!!
If I see something I’m I interested in - I immediately put it in the buggy. (I’m in Alabama - we say buggy lol)
Then when I’m done checking out the entire store - I go to the furniture section and look at everything in detail. Look for holes, stains, etc and try on what I can.
I’m not too concerned about trying on because my local store accepts returns on clothes for store credit.
One of my favorite things about the thrift store is that I try clothes out of my comfort zone. Those turn out to be some of my favorite items!!! If it doesn’t work, I just donate it back to the store and I’m out maybe $5-$7.
I really enjoy your videos and your sense of humor!!!! 😊😊😊😊
Buggy 😊 I love it! I also look at size and brand and love finding high end items! Once you find a few it's hard not to want to go back and find more! Thanks for watching my videos!!
Trying on clothes that are out of a comfort zone is a great idea! Thanks for sharing that. I love it
Lots of people call it a buggy. Others call it a basket. Most call it a cart.
Great tips. I always drop off & pick up! Shopping off season works wonders with a haul.
We have our dressing rooms back. Visitors complained.
I know I always end up dropping off and picking up too! 😆
I've worn leggings and thin tee shirts to thrift stores and blatantly try clothes on over them!
I feel like that’s what you have to do if they take the dressing rooms away! I’m with you!
Hey All, I love to thrift & travel. I combine the too. We have these Goodwill Bin Stores where items are on tables, the price is $1.69 per pound. It's a cool way to spend a few hours a week. It's not just clothes. Household items are. $1.29 lb. Always check the lapels on mens suits, they are usually small and over missed. I have bought many an old suit jacket because it had a gold pin attached. Once I got a nice Diamond too. When I am at a store with racks of hanging clothes I lok for natural materials. Expensive brands use natural fibers i.e. silk, cotton, linen etc. exquisite fabric is a dead give away to me. Happy Hunting!
Keep things from going to the landfills & Oceans. Regards Recyclers, Toni
That sounds like a real treasure hunt! I also love to browse for certain materials, I think you get good at doing that after some practice. Happy Hunting to you too Toni!
I’m a scanner, walking through thinking my eyes are going to go straight to an amazing find, sometimes I get lucky, not always and I end up donating back to the store. The dress is really cute on you 😊
I am definitely a scanner if I don't have time to sift through. I think we get better at scanning with practice too! And thanks yes I like the dress!
Donating...buying it's a constant rotation 😂
It is! And I don't mind it 😊
I scan. Years ago I would go through every rack. Now I scan by length, color, and textures. Also, moving the hangers closer to the top center. Keep the clothes from falling off. And you can rest your arm on top of the hangers as you move thru the rack.
Since I grew like a beansprout, my mom and I would go to salvation army in late spring and buy several pairs of jeans, and then cut them to make jan cutoffs, or jean shorts. I've also gotten a lot of cute items that have lasted wayyyy longer than many brand new store bought items
6:18 little tip i learned during covid. Take the waist band of the pants/shorts/skirt hold it at one to your belly button and the other end at your spine if it easily touches your center front and center back WHEREVER YOU PLAN TO WEAR THEM AT then they will fit
What ? I’m so confused 😂
@@bunnybubs757lol take your britches, lay them flat, take one end of the waist band, lay that end on your spine wherever you plan to wear it at (meaning how high or low on your waist you plan to wear them, ie midrise jeans usually land just below the belly button), take the other end of the waistband and pull towards the front side of you and if it meats the center-front of you (ie above, at, or below your bellybutton) AND your spine then your britches will fit
@@BumblingBee-xm4dy haha thank you for all that !😂😊
I taught my daughter how to thrift qhen she was about 10 yrs. old.
Pick up things you're really interested. Ask if it will go with anything she owns, try things on and come out to show me. We talk briefly about the fit, etc.
Then put all the best ones in the cart. Before checking out, look them over carefully for stains, tears, etc.
Final check : ask yourself if youd really actually wear it and how often.
Pay, go, clean and have fun 'playing closet!'
The dress you tried on looks really cute on you. 😊
My daughter, that got into Theatre, got me onto going to thrift stores. I bring a few items with me when I go thrifting:
1) I bring XXL Ziplock bags from Dollar Trees store : I put the clothing items that I buy into a big XXL ziplock bags & then when I get home, I put them into the washer.
2). I bring a can of Lysol if I am looking to buy shoes
3) bring inee high hose with me to try on shoes
4). Batteries - if I am looking for electronics
5:47 Longtime thrifter here. If the thrift shop is located in a higher-crime area of the city, dressing rooms tend to be closed. I learned this by talking to staff and just observing. Try the suburbs and towns and see if there are any stores with dressings rooms. Also, sometimes these places have staffing problems too.
fantastic, I would add, take a tape measure with you! not just for clothes but for pieces of furniture or anything!
GREAT tip!
I bought tons of vintage clothing
Made from real cashmere, silk, cotton and wool. I loved the vintage kitten heels with pointy toes. Now I shop online, and get Pima cotton shirts that don’t fade, and find good quality brand names. I combine stuff that created a new, unique style
I love thrifting! ( new subscriber) 41 and Hawthorne is a Stitch Fix staple.
I find so many great shoe brands when thrifting, I got over the gross factor 😊
Thrift stores are blessing ❤
Great tips. I will buy jeans without trying them on. I will miss occasionally but overall I do not have any issues.
I clean out the shoes with disinfectant wipes.
My big find yesterday was a London Fog trench coach with the liner in perfect condition for $9.
I also shop the men's section. 😊
Love all of this! I never thought about disinfectant wipes for shoes but that makes a lot of sense!😃
I recently scored an unworn pair of Jean Michel Basquiat (Converse), high tops, for $15! They retail at $169. 🎉
I also spray my shoes with Lysol disinfectant spray!😊
Great advice. I have been thrfiting since high school (mom and I spent quality time in thrift stores) , and your tips are absolutely on point. Definitely plan on spending a LOT of time in the store if you really want to find the deals. My Goodwill also removed the dressing rooms. I have become VERY good at "eyeballing" sizes (even jeans) and know some tricks to determine if items will fit me. It boils down to having time, patience, knowledge of what you are REALLY looking for, and a savvy eye for wardrobe building. Recently I was going on a cruise and needed some shorts. I like shorts that hit just above my knees (not bermuda,but clyose) and the women's shorts were too skimpy for me. I went over to the men's shorts and found a few pair of Women's Lands End shorts for $7.99 and $5.99 per pair. You MUST think OUTSIDE THE BOX in thrift stores.
Getting a cart on the way in is a great tip! I have a bad habit of not doing that at the dollar store too. Testing fashion trends is another excellent idea, like short jeans (floods) that I have a hard time imagining will look good on me. The only additional tip I can think of is to go with some items in mind that you need to fill gaps in your wardrobe. For example, I decluttered all of my nice short-sleeved tops because they were all polyester and no fun to wear in the summer so I ended up with a cotton blouse and polo because I had that mission in mind.
I'm glad the dress was a winner and you're enjoying the FOTL sweatshirt too!
Yes I like that, going with things in mind! Haha my only regret is not getting that graphic sweatshirt "Let's talk about it later..." 😄
Great video. The dress looked beautiful on you!
Choose "your" colors, no more than 5. You can quickly scan for your colors. Goodwill is not my first choice place. We have SVDP/St Vincent DePaul here: Better things & lower prices, more pleasant stores. -- Tip: Thrift stores in Amish country are The Best!
My sister has a "Vinnnie's" near here and she is always finding stuff there! We don't have those where I live that I know of. I like the color idea!
Great advice. The clothes don't fit me well, but many things can be made into scrunchies or dickies, which are $50 in some high end stores.
It depends on the Goodwill and where it is located. I once lived in an adjacent town to a golf course community for rich people. A neighboring shopping center had a Goodwill. I have found high end items there, some brand new.
“… but I’m way over it. My standards have fallen down.” You made me laugh so you deserve my 👍🏼 and subscription!
I really liked your suggestion to check various sizes. I recently bought an 80’s jean skirt, size 12-I’m usually a 4, but sizes now are so skewed that you need to take that into account when buying vintage.
You are my kind of thrift shopper! I tell people if you can’t find me on the weekends, go to the thrift stores, I’ll be there. Can’t go with my sister, she is a drive by shopper. Zips through isles and says, I’m done, let’s go!” What????
I could definitely thrift shop with you!
You have to slow down to find the good stuff!! 😀
When I worked (retired now) bought all my jeans at thrift stores.
I hate shopping and I hate trying on clothes. What I've done on occasion for years....
Put on a pair of biking shorts, a long roomy skirt, and a pair of shoes that you can easily slide out of. And I'd try on pants right on the showroom floor. I'd normally do this at stores with locked dressing rooms and associates that are too hard to find.
😁😁😁😁
My tip for jeans is seeing if the waist will wrap around your neck, if so they should fit. 🤔
This definitely doesn't work for everyone. I am one of the people that it definitely doesn't work for. I wonder does this mostly work for women who are ruler or inverted triangle body types?
@@jdbailey442doesn't work for me either.
This tip suits men better, as I learned it from my husband 😅 Women have different bodies.
Really enjoyed this here in Alberta change rooms disappeared during Covid so people are sometimes trying on clothes in the aisles😮 you’re right about jeans but same with pants.
I’ve had great luck thrifting. I look for the brands I know work for me. Also the fabric, construction and cut of the garment. I am short but long waisted so I know what works for me. I wear a long flowy skirt with thigh shaper underneath so I can try shorts or pants on over the spanx. I also garden so I find most of my outdoor yard work clothes there since I want things that aren’t “precious”.
A tip I have is if you usually shop womens check out the mens section and vice versa.
Mens jeans are getting skinnier ( which i like). Plus im tall so mens jeans are easier to find on my size.
I do look for sweatshirts in the men's section especially for our high school's logo sweatshirts!
I buy mens' button down short sleeved shirts, great with leggings. I look for ones with prints suitable for a woman. I try them on there as some have too much fabric under the arms due to mens' broader chests.
I always spray disinfectant spray all over the shoes inside and out and let it sit for 15 minutes and then dry off. I do the same thing with the outsides of books and whatever I can. I think the black, floral dress looks cute on you!
Brava to you for thrifting! I used to shop at Goodwill until a couple of years ago when I discovered the Big Cheeses at GW make somewhere between $500 thousand and 1 million dollars per year (depending on what internet search you do). I also found out that employees with disabilities are often paid less than minimum wage (as low as 22 cents per hour), whistleblowers have been fired, and safety issues have led to tragedy. Now my fave thrift store is The Humane Society Thrift Store, also the fave of all our town which voted it the Best Thrift Store - even against GW! We also have thrift stores for hospice, Teen Challenge, and other local charities. I try to be even more ethical about where my little money goes.
I love that 2 middle aged women got in trouble in the thrift store! Haha.
Yeah oops! 😆
I'm with you on the no change room well not buying some things I regularly would. Pants, jeans
I love thrifting here in England sadly they closed the fitting room as people were using them to shoplift in them
Thanks for all your tips
That is what I heard here too, they had a lot of theft when they had the dressing rooms open. I guess that makes sense but it's too bad! Also I love that you are in England, it is so awesome to see where everyone is from! ❤️
Who on earth shoplifts from a charity shop
That is a low act
In my area if people desperately need something they only have to ask politely they will be given a few things and also interviewed for any other items, food or financial help that they need
You are cracking me up. “ in as much trouble as a couple of middle aged moms can get in”. Hahahahaha. Made me so fed up when they closed all the change rooms. Praise the Lord they are open again.
Yeah no one bought jeans , they had to open them up again.
I think you would be a great thrifting friend.
I have found knowing what colors go in my wardrobe really cuts down on how long it takes me to do a run through. I love all the fall colors and have selected three main colors which really makes everything work in my closet.
I wish they would open ours! It doesn't sound like they will from what I gathered talking to someone who worked there the other day. I also have an idea of what colors/fabrics I like and it makes it quicker to scan through!
Do the trick wirh pants... Usually, if the waistband meets, around your neck, they will fit! I kid you not. 👍🇦🇺
I am hearing this!! Haha. I am going to try this!
I don't think this will work. My neck is 14", and my waist is 32".
I hold up the garment (skirt, pants, or more fitted dress) to my waist, and if it goes from side seam to side seam of what I'm wearing, I'll give it a chance.
It has always worked for me!
I once found a beautiful light tan leather coat with a removable mink collar. You could tell who owned it took care of it. I bought it for 10 dollars. Lucky I am small built.
Protip from someone who buys all her shoes secondhand: Antibacterial wipes, baby. Obviously try not to scrub vigorously or soak the shoes, but I find a good swipe makes them feel much "safer" to wear.
Also, yes, look for shoes that are still in good shape with minimal wear. They're less likely to be super molded to someone else's foot, and more likely to last you a good while.
Ours got rid of dressing rooms because of the homeless population doing drugs and overdosing in the dressing rooms. So sad 😭. Canada has safe places for those who need to take care of their needs and work on getting clean and sober without harming themselves and others. The US needs to get it together. Love this video! In my 40s and been thrifting since age 16, before it was a cool thing to do. My teens only love thrifting because of my example!
My kids like thrifting too!
The pace of and knowledge in this video was amazing. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed this!
We would get husband’s boys clothes when they came over.
I really appreciated that.
Our oldest son went to a friends new apartment. Friend had picked up a couch on the roadside and that is how the bedbugs traveled to our house. Heat treating house is expensive and a lot of work
Great tips! I'm superstitious about getting a cart. I feel like I never find anything good when I get a cart right off the bat. It's like jinxing myself. I only get the cart after I find some goodies! 😂
This! It's like you are setting yourself up to be disappointed or getting stuff to justify getting the cart in the first place.
@@breefinn2284 exactly!
It's like when you are just running through for something specifically and you see ALL these things you think you like, but when you go back on purpose to shop, you can't find a thing!
@@playingthemomgame YES!
I usually only go into the thrift store if I need something specific, and then as far as clothing goes, I just look for that type of item. It saves a lot of time. Also, pay attention to the prices at different thrift stores. Some [;aces (mostly consignment shops) charge enough that my mindset is "I could go into Walmart and buy that new for that price." I have heard that Goodwill has gotten high. I have seen mission type thrift stores and their prices seem better (food pantry, a mission center, supporting the mentally handicapped). The latter places are more likely to keep and spend the funds locally/ help your local population.
I would like to find a place around me to donate to that supports locally as well.
I didn’t like the dress but when you put it on, it looked really pretty on you… Thank you for the tips 👌🌹
You’re welcome 😊
Those blankets were very pretty, I would have bought one. 😊
Thanks for getting straight to the point and not giving us the history of thrift stores. 😸
Did you know that the first thrift store opened on 1954 in the small town of…” 😆 I’m glad you enjoyed the video!
Great tips! I love thrifting in general, but my best finds have been clothes or shoes for work (average $3 - $5 per piece), bulk packages of yarn (have gotten up to 10 skeins, some partials some whole, for $6), and small appliances (usually around $3 - $6 ea). New subscriber here and I can't wait to see more.
I also love thrifting for work clothes 😀
I recently thrifted some wolven leggings regularly 80 dollars or so. Happy thrifting ❤
I love that!
I try on tops at the thrift stores. I buy occasionally yoga pants, also all my snow boots, housecoats, occasionally large cross body totes and books.
Books for sure!! I feel like we use the thrift store as our library! You pay to check it out but no late fees 😀
I buy books also. Then when done with them I donate back to the store.
They are a store that raises money for our animal shelter.
These are great tips! Also if your store is too tight for a cart, I carry bright reusable shopping totes & put my finds right into it, as long as the workers are cool with it. And many workers feel bad about the fitting rooms being removed. I wear a cami & thin leggings under a wrap dress & just try stuff on. They don’t mind at my store, they miss the fitting rooms too. Thank you for posting this! I’m getting such an itch to go thrifting this week now from watching you sift through the racks!
I feel that way too when I see other thrifting videos! 😄
I buy clothes at Goodwill, including jeans. We have 7 days to return items and get store credit. But I know my sizes in different brands, so usually guess right. I also measure the waist in jeans, and that works well. I can judge length pretty well in the store. I probably return about 1/4.
Bed bugs being already addressed in addition they can also live in books and crevices of wood furniture. Lice can also be a problem always wash thoroughly on hot if you can and dry if you can. It doesn’t really hurt to carry a clothe hair net in a zip lock bag in your purse to try on things. Many if these stores unfortunately just extended the “NO trying on” so just take the item and place over where it would be the tightest and body measure or slip your arm in one sleeve. You get the idea. 😊
41Hawthorn is a Stitch Fix brand :)
Totally agree with planning to spend time there and grabbing a cart! I've never invested enough time to realize my need for a cart, but I definitely know I need time to peruse and consider. If I don't give myself enough time, I feel pressured to make a quick decision, which can result in a regretted purchase!
I did google 41Hawthorn and see it was a SF brand which I thought was ironic because I just did a subscription box video from a different brand! And yes if I'm planning on perusing, I definitely get a cart!
If you know a brand of jeans well and their fit on you, just buy the same brand when you see them.
No need to try on.
I love my thrift store jeans as they are already worn in!
Stores took the change rooms away during Covid, some never brought them back.
I love that you Mums got in trouble at a thrift store!😂
I think that's a good idea to look at brands. I haven't looked through the jeans in a long time but I might have to try! Also love your profile picture we also have an orange kitty 😻
I Like You!!!!! This is my first time watching you! Usually I check a couple Videos out before Subscribing, I think the one Video will just be fine!! But...lI do have to go, heading North 3 hours for my class reunion!!! Have a Wonderful Weekend!! 🤗❤️👍🙋🏻♀️
A fellow Minnesotan! Love it! Thanks for watching, have a great reunion!
Your tip about events is right on. I found my husband and me great Hawaiian shirts for a theme party. Now I mostly shop Etsy for secondhand clothes. About half or more of my clothes are secondhand.
Do you find Etsy to have pretty good prices? I haven't thought about shopping Etsy for used clothing but I like that idea!
@@playingthemomgame Etsy tends to be pricier than a lot of thrift stores, but you can set price limits on searches. I like that most sellers are individuals and do a great job of describing their offerings. Usually, the pictures are great, and it's easy to save things you like and re-consider them. I don't have good thrift stores nearby, so I need to go online, and I like Etsy better than the others.
Cute dress! Good buy!
The last time I was at Goodwill, I was wearing sports leggings, and I could keep those on while trying on the clothes. The items I picked were a little tight, so I knew they would be perfect. I Picked what I wanted, and after washing them and wearing them, I was right; everything was a perfect fit.
this could be a solution for the jeans.
That's a good idea!
Very engaging video, thank you. I respectfully question the advice about buying shoes second hand. I suppose if they are occasional shoes it could be harmless, sustainable, affordable etc. However, wearing worn shoes can trigger postural problems and negatively alter your unique biomechanics when the shoes have already been ‘broken in’ by someone else who had a different way of walking. It’s particularly important when choosing shoes for children. No shade on those who can’t afford good shoes new- I trust they are making well thought through decisions and using good judgement about what they need. Better to have good shoes second hand than bad quality cheap shoes or worn out shoes or too small shoes. And the same problems I’m describing apply to family hand-me-downs. My point is that this advice in the video merits a few safety caveats beyond the potential gross out/ get over it axis.
Thanks for your feedback! You have a good point!
Just discovered you and subscribed. Thanks for this video! As a long time thrifter you must go through every thing in every size. But by doing this you can gind some jewels. Love to dress!
Love the dress so cute!
I think, advice:
If you feel/know you dont need something, you probably dont need it. Firstly if u feel like shopping go to your closet, other places where you have clothers at your place and go through them maybe you'll find something simular u wanted. -Its not always the case and ik that- Too everyone and esspecially that ppl who have many(sometimes too many) clothers ane accesories, and yeah thats me.❤
My favorite finds in Goodwill are 100% silk scarves on a dime. Recently I found a European trench coat in good condition. I might check the shoes now. Anyway they are sometimes pretty gross in a regular stores also, especially the ones on Clearance😂
Thanks for posting this great video 🤩🤩🤩 I love thrifting especially when you can find a great deal and the piece is in great shape. Have never liked the idea of buying used shoes but might try (especially with one reader’s tip to use a cleaning wipe 👍👍‼️)
Yes the more people comment about cleaning wipes makes me think that is probably a good idea!!
I've been a thrift store shopper since before some of you were even born! LOL Let's see...started with my mom back around 1968-1969? Mom was an incredible seamstress who could make something fabulous from what most would consider a rag. We were poor as church mice but some of the best-dressed kids in school. Now...all that said, these MANY years later, I have a word of caution. Shoes. I would NEVER buy shoes in a thrift store. I spent several years working as a foot care RN for a doctor and fungal infections of feet are common, extremely difficult to cure (if at all), can be especially dangerous for people with other health conditions. Fungus lives in warm, dark, moist environments. Shoes. One reason fungus is hard to cure is people continue to wear their shoes (infested with microscopic fungus) even after receiving treatment. Truthfully, I even hate trying on new shoes at stores.
Anything I can wash, dry, bleach, etc., I buy. If it requires dry cleaning and it's something really special, I might buy. And furniture! But shoes? Never. Otherwise, I love all your helpful hints.
I appreciate your educated feedback! Glad you liked some of the points!
I take a loose skirt at the thrift store to try on jeans. I can see the fit good if there is a mirror.😀
This is both hilarious and genius to me at the same time. Now I want to try this!
@@playingthemomgame Glad you liked it.🤣. One day I was at the thrift store and there were these college kids there. One was a guy with about 9 girls. He was using my idea with the skirt. I guess he was really poor since he was brave to do it in front of the girls. I guess he didn’t want to waste any money.😀
I always wear a skirt too also with a tank top to make it easier well.
I was going to say that is even funnier but it is also just sad he doesn't have a place to try on pants if he really needs them!
In the small university town where our sons attended, they'd check out two thrift stores to find ties, shirts and maybe some slacks for special occasions for dorm/fraternity activities like dinner on the lake “cruise.” They knew what they wanted so looked, looked and looked for the item that was juuuuust right.
2 big go-to's for me - bras and shoes. Shoes and bras are either brand new or worn to death, just like at home. We all have those shoes and bras that we loved and thought CLOSE to fitting, but were never enough to actually wear. And we all know where those end up.
Always spray thrifted shoes with an anti-fungal spray such as Tenactin to avoid toenail fungus or athletes foot.
More important (because bacteria don't last long without feet to live on) is not to buy wornout shoes because they change the stance of your leg and foot and how you walk
I thank you for making this videos you are a beautiful kind person 😇
Thank you!!
Great video!!! I am guilty of speeding in and out of the store, and also of buying grungy name brand. Needed these tips!
Glad you liked it!!
Jeans fit tip. Wrap waist line around your neck if it fits the jeans will fit. Try it with a pair at home.
I am going to try this and see... 😊
I would always try on jeans….I’m petite and curvy and then you have to think about not only the waist but is it low rise, mid rise, or high rise? Straight leg, full leg , boot cut, etc. And some clothes have been tailored….