t’s here, it’s here! The official Going Zero Waste guide to second hand shopping.
I love second hand shopping. It’s been my preferred method since I started shopping for myself around middle school.
I remember my first trip to the thrift shop in Destin, FL. I was in drama club (of course) and we went to Goodwill to buy costumes for a show.
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When I was at this mega Goodwill in San Antonio, TX, I found so many cool pieces of clothing! After that eye opening trip I would beg my mom to go to Goodwill and the answer was always, “No.”
My mom was not a huge fan of secondhand shopping. It wasn’t until recently that she came around. Finding designer duds with tags still attached on eBay for a fraction of the cost!? She was sold. However, my love for Goodwill and other thrift stores has never wavered. Shopping for second hand clothing has always been a way for me to snag designer looks for less.
I love the thrill of the bargain. Being an actor most of my professional life, I haven’t always had the funds to buy nice “new” clothing.
My favorite thrifted find was a long sleeve, black lace torch dress. It was cut high and straight across the neck and had a tasteful deep cut in the back. I bought that dress from an antique store for $8. It fit like a glove. That dress looked like it was made for me. I would wear it to the theatre all of the time and I was consistently stopped (by women with much, much more disposable income than me) and complimented.
It’s my favorite dress I’ve ever worn. I have no photos in it because cameras and phones were still two separate objects. I bought it when I was a junior in high school and try as I may, my hips will never, ever, ever, fit into it again.
This guide you’re about to read has been years in the making. It’s everything I’ve learned about creating a secondhand wardrobe.
Of course, the secondhand market has changed drastically. There’s a few differences between shopping in 2007 and now. Clothes aren’t made like they used to be. if you haven’t watched the True Cost documentary, you should. Our thrift stores are being flooded with poorly made clothing that just doesn’t last.
Shopping secondhand is way cooler. Which is amazing!! But, it also means it’s not as easy to find fashionable pieces. Deals are harder to come by. Most thrift stores are starting to mark-up designer brands. While it’s still cheaper than buying first hand, it’s still not as good of a deal as it used to be.
So, let’s get started.
1. get comfy:
When, I’m shopping, I’m a woman on a mission. I was never the kind of girl who wanted to go to the mall and browse. I like to shop and try on very efficiently. This means, slip on shoes with socks. Yes, I look like a total nerd, but it’s SO much easier to try on shoes and clothes in the dressing room. I don’t like putting my bare feet on dressing room floors. It grosses me out.
I also typically wear a dress that easily pulls on and off. This way I can be in and out of the dressing room in a flash. Moral of the story, dress like you’re going to be undressing…. a lot.
2. be prepared to leave:
This one is huge, and what I struggle with most. If I’ve spent 30 minutes combing through racks and another 30 minutes trying all of the things on, you can bet I want to leave with a reward.
It just doesn’t work that way. You will leave empty handed more often than not. In order to keep my wardrobe small, functional, and not waste money – I have to LOVE a piece. I mean really, really LOVE it.
If it doesn’t fit perfectly, put it back. If you don’t immediately say, “This is one of the best things I’ve ever put on my body!” put it back. When in doubt… put it back. How many times have you regretted leaving something on the shelf? Probably one one or two times.
Now, how many times have you bought something, put it in your closet, not worn it, and regretted buying it? Probably more times than you can count. Better safe than sorry. Walk out empty handed.
3. know thy wardrobe:
Before shopping, you should intimately know your wardrobe. We’re often drawn to similar items. My kryptonite is sweaters. I have at least 20 sweaters, and around 5 of them are pink.
So, when I go to the thrift store and see an adorable pink sweater OF COURSE I’m going to pick it up because I love pink sweaters!!!
Because I know my wardrobe, I have the foresight to put it back because I don’t need anymore pink sweaters. You have to know what’s in your wardrobe before you go shopping.
What colors do you reach for most in your wardrobe?
Are there any particular colors you love, but don’t wear? I love the color green, but I just don’t wear it very often. I’m not drawn to wearing green so if I found a gorgeous green dress, even if I love the fit, chances are I’d pass over it simply because it wasn’t one of my favorite colors to wear.
What are your favorite pieces to wear and why?
Off the top of your head what are the five favorite pieces in your closet? More importantly why do you like wearing them?
Yellow Shirt Dress: It flatters my shape, it’s a happy color, it has embroidery which is quirky, fun, and bespoke.
Navy Blue Dress: It really flatters my shape, I like the short sleeves, I like how heavy it is and how well it hangs.
Pink Striped Sweater: I love pink sweaters and it fits perfectly. I love wearing it with shorts!
White Cable Knit Sweater: It’s tight but not too tight. I feel like a tennis player when I wear it.
Blue Wrap Skirt: I love the pattern. I love how it accentuates my waist and how it can be tied a number of ways.
Shopping thrift stores shouldn’t be scary — but the reality is that even the savviest of thrift shoppers could unknowingly purchase unsafe and potentially dangerous items at thrift store in Destin, FL. Thrift store tips can save you a few bucks on expensive necessities but without you even knowing it at time of purchase, eventually cost you big on the safety scale. These 10 items you shouldn’t buy at a thrift store each carry their own unique “risk.” According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, a few specific items on this list should never be purchased or sold at a thrift store because they carry the risk of having been recalled by the manufacturer or previously damaged by the former owner or expired over time. While not a safety risk, there are still other items that when bought used defeat the purpose of buying the item at all. Plus, I personally believe that still other things shouldn’t be shopped at thrift stores because of their high “ick” risk of having been previously used in ways that make you go “ew!” I love shopping thrift stores for the best selection of quality clothing brands at a fraction of their original cost. But when it comes to shopping the other departments of thrift stores, keep this important checklist in mind so that you don’t accidentally invest in a thrift store score that compromises your safety or state of well-being!
Whether you’re shopping at a thrift store, yard sale or on a site like Ebay or free/swap/trade sites like Freecycle and Craigslist, avoid buying these 10 items to keep your safety AND savings in check. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this checklist of risky items you should never thrift store shop. Let me know if I should add another “risk item” to the list by leaving a comment below the post. Plus, I’d love to know things that while tempting, you ultimately decided not to buy at the thrift store. We can’t buy everything all the time!
Thrift Store Tips on What Not to Buy
1.) HELMETS
DON’T BUY THEM BECAUSE: Once a helmet receives impact, its ability to protect the head from future impact has decreased. Actually, if your helmet has received significant impact from crash, collision or fall then you should technically buy a new helmet to sustain future injury.
THE RISK YOU TAKE: Buying safety equipment like helmets from thrift stores seems harmless, but all you know about that helmet is what you’re looking at and not what it’s actually experienced. The potential risk you take is that the helmet could have withstood impact and was donated to the thrift store after being replaced by its former owner with a new and therefore safer helmet. The former owners of safety equipment usually won’t remember that their equipment has been used and abused and is therefore not safe to donate, which is why the chances of finding helmets for sale secondhand remains likely despite a general understanding of their average lifespan.
WHY IT’S WORTH THE FULL COST: When it comes to safety equipment don’t cut corners to save a few bucks on used equipment. Sure, there’s a chance the helmet may never have been worn at all. Heck, it could even look brand new! But like taking the chance of not buckling up in the car or forgetting to look both ways before you cross the street, the cost of that “small chance” becoming reality will cost you BIG loss in the end. Fork over the price-in-full for new safety equipment to ensure both health and wealth.
2.) MATTRESSES & BED FRAMES
DON’T BUY THEM BECAUSE: Mattresses are the number one “homes” to that little epidemic we like to call bed bugs. Bed bugs are microscopic, nocturnal critters that can hibernate in the far corners of our mattresses for months without feeding. That means a mattress or bed frame may be in a thrift store for months and soon after purchase and placed in a home of people, the bed bugs awaken because they sense the warmth of bodies sleeping above them. Gross, I know — but ’tis the truth!
THE RISK YOU TAKE: While cities like New York City have laws guaranteeing a renters’ right for free extermination of bed bugs, a homeowner will have to spend a few thousand dollars for the full extermination process once the bed bugs are discovered. Not to mention the frustrating process of washing and drying clothing if the bed bugs have moved into your closet and drawers.
WHY IT’S WORTH THE FULL COST: I speak from personal experience, having endured living with bed bugs in my New York City apartment for approximately two months in 2010. I threw away all of my furniture and covered my mattress with a cover, washed and dried all of my clothing twice and had a visit from Barry the exterminator three times. It was a difficult situation to deal with and one which I stress no one should ever risk experiencing themselves when shopping in thrift stores.
3.) OLD OR NEW MAKEUP
DON’T BUY THEM BECAUSE: Makeup have expiration and best-used-by dates which are not legally required to be marked on the bottles. Since we can’t find an expiration date on our makeup containers, we only know that it’s expired if we remember the approximate date of original purchase.
THE RISK YOU TAKE: The general rule of thumb is to throw away unopened makeup after a “few years” — but only if it’s remained at stable room temperature. Whose to say those bottles of Cover Girl foundation being sold for $1 each at your local Goodwill weren’t boiling in the summer’s heat while being transported to the store? The opportunity for cheap makeup deals is appealing at thrift stores, but you take the chance that you’re purchasing expired makeup that will run off your face or even worse, have a reaction with your skin since the formula has weakened over time and harsh conditions.
WHY IT’S WORTH THE FULL COST: If shopped correctly, you can still get makeup at discounted prices. When purchasing discounted makeup at a major retail chain, you probably are buying unopened makeup that’s been on the shelf a tad too long than the store wants. But at a thrift store, the shelf life is indefinite since it’s less likely a thrift store employee is going to mind the makeup inventory like a drugstore would. Watch for sales at your local CVS or Rite Aid instead!
4.) CHILDREN’S CRIBS
DON’T BUY THEM BECAUSE: Children’s cribs, strollers, swings and car seats are carefully regulated to meet the highest safety criteria of the moment. When one of the above is found NOT to meet the government’s closely monitored standards, that item is recalled and therefore legally forced to be taken off the shelves of stores and returned to the manufacturer for recycling.
THE RISK YOU TAKE: If you own a crib that has been recalled, a public service announcement is made through the news and you are asked to send it back to the manufacturer so that it’s no longer used by you and so that it doesn’t accidentally fall into the secondhand sales industry. However, we cannot hold everyone accountable for awareness of each and every recall, which is why there is always a risk that the toy, sporting equipment, kitchen appliance and yes, even baby crib has been recalled but the previous owner donated it to the local thrift store unaware that they were passing on a safety risk to an unknowing potential buyer. Some reasons old baby cribs are unsafe is because they collapse or because the space between the bars is too wide and can harm small children up to the point of suffocation. According to government regulations set by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, no thrift store is supposed to sell donated baby cribs, strollers, baby seats, swings and more. But the true responsibility rests in the consumer and that is why we must be discerning of our secondhand purchases for children.
WHY IT’S WORTH THE FULL COST: Purchasing a baby crib new means you’re investing in something that has not been recalled, since it remains on the shelves of a mass market retail store. This doesn’t mean that it won’t be recalled in the near future, but the chances of you hearing about that recall is likely. Old recalls are not repeatedly announced via public service announcements in the news, so you may buy a baby crib at a thrift store that was recalled two years ago and you’ll never hear about it.
5.) STUFFED ANIMALS
DON’T BUY THEM BECAUSE: Next to diapers, stuffed animals are probably the most disposable items owned by children . This is because stuffed animals are more likely to be slobbered on, mixed with food, eaten up by pets and yes … even the proud absorbing wipe of a pee-pee or poo-poo! Secondly and far more important than their gross factors, stuffed animals are made with materials to resemble human and animal hair which can become the happy homes of lice. Ick!
THE RISK YOU TAKE: Since stuffed animals are machine washable, you can take the risk of acquiring icky remnants of past lives or current pests and simply wash the stuffed critters immediately upon arriving home from thrift shopping. Washing thrift store purchases immediately is a regular practice for most thrifters anyway. Just make sure your 8-year-old daughter doesn’t start playing with her new stuffed doggie before he gets a dose of Tide detergent!
WHY IT’S WORTH THE FULL COST: Like buying lingerie & underwear, some things are just meant to be bought new. Stuffed animals may cost one-quarter of their full price at the thrift store, but do you really want to take that stuffed puppy home only to find it was the previous owner’s snot rag or even worse, for the school nurse to call home from school to report that your son or daughter has a head full of lice? I didn’t think so!
6.) FOOD BLENDERS AND PROCESSORS
DON’T BUY THEM BECAUSE: First, unless you find an electrical outlet in the thrift store you’re not going to know if that blender actually works. Speaking from personal experience, I’ve blown way too many blenders in my college years intensely crushing ice for margaritas! Basic blenders are so dime-a-dozen that the chances one found for sale in a thrift store actually works is pretty slim. Second, the chances that the blender is completely “clean” also isn’t likely. If you’re someone sensitive to crusty food remnants, I warn you now: DON’T PEEK INTO THAT BLENDER! You’ll probably see bits of fruit, protein powder and other frequently blended bits. Double ick!
THE RISK YOU TAKE: Forking over a few bucks for a thrifted blender is chancing not only whether the device works, but whether it’s going to work well. The blades could have lost their sharpness over time, or hardly spin at all. Plus, you’ve got that “former” food life issue. You’ll have to soak the blender’s pitcher in some seriously cleansing dish washing soap and hot water to remove anything that may have stuck around from its former owner’s last meal.
WHY IT’S WORTH THE FULL COST: A brand new blender can be bought for $10-$15 at a Target or Wal-Mart. For the $10 extra in full cost value, you might as well start fresh and get the “first blend” to your benefit. Just remember not to fill the blender up with too much ice, margarita mix and tequila because next to buying a used blender, that’s also a recipe for disaster!
If you like to dress up without busting your wallet then you need to know how to shop effectively at thrift shop in Destin, FL. Do you like dressing up but don’t have enough money to spend on clothes? Do you like to keep on updating your wardrobe with fashionable pieces? Are you fond of vintage pieces? How about designer labels, do you also admire the keen attention to details that they give their clothes, shoes, and bags? You can enjoy these things without spending tons of money. Go thrift shopping!
Here are some tips on how to shop effectively on thrift stores so you could save money and score great deals.
Understand Authenticity
Just because the bag says Louis Vuitton, it doesn’t mean that it’s an authentic one. And just because you found one in a thrift shop, it doesn’t mean that the bag is fake. From time to time, an authentic bag shows up in various thrift shops around the world. I have found and bought numerous authentic designer bags, shoes, and clothes in the past few years that I have been thrifting. I have also seen so many good fakes that could easily pass as authentic items to the untrained eyes.
The key to scoring an authentic designer bag or designer clothes in a thrift shop is to understand authenticity. There are lots of online forums and websites that could help explain how to spot an authentic designer bag from a fake one. Make sure to read these posts and examine carefully the pictures provided to know what an authentic bag is.
Some pieces are very hard to authenticate though (such as Louis Vuitton and Prada Nylon Bags) and might require a professional authenticator to check if the bag is real. If the bag is being sold very cheaply and you have a hunch that it’s an authentic one, then decide if you want to take your chances. Take pictures of the bag as soon as you get home and send it to a credible
Here are some basic authenticity guidelines if you are buying a designer item from a thrift store:
1. Check the font – It should match the font used by the brand.
2. Check the stitch quality and stitch count – Usually, high-end design items have high stitch counts than their counterfeited versions.
3. Check the tags – Depending on the brand, a lot of high-end labels are made in Italy or Spain but a lot of them are also made in other countries so do some online research.
4. Check the material used – High-quality leather feels good to the touch and lambskin leather are very soft materials. Familiarise yourself with different kinds of materials. I did this by frequently going to thrift shops and leather stores to see and feel different kinds of leather and fabric.
5. Stay away from brands you’re not familiar with – I stay away from extremely hyped sports brands such as Adidas and Nike because I’m not very familiar with their authenticity. And also because they have very amazing fakes. There’s a high chance of acquiring a fake item if you’re not familiar with the real authentic items. I’m sure that there are tons of authentic items from these brands in thrift stores as well. However, I’m not that comfortable buying them because of my knowledge level on these brands.
6. Build a relationship with the thrift store salespeople – In some thrift stores, I returned some items that I later found out as fake. I did some self-authentication after I bought those items and compared them with available pictures online. After realizing that what I bought was a good fake, I went back to return the item. Most thrift stores here don’t refund. I always opt for an exchange instead. Please also make sure that you return the item as soon as possible.
Check for Damage and Other Defects
A lot of items being sold in thrift shops are used items and unused but very old stocks. Most unworn old stocks will still have their tags on them while the used ones will have the obvious signs of wear. Choose the pieces that have minimal signs of wear. And don’t purchase anything that has a hole, tear, or huge stains.
What are the parts that you needed to check thoroughly?
1. If you are buying used clothes – Check the seams if they’re intact and check if there are holes in the clothes. If you are buying a lot then this will be very tiring to do. Do this in a well-lit area of the store. Check if there are thread runs and stains.
2. If you are buying bags – Check the stitches. Check the lining of all pockets, some vintage bags will develop a sticky lining over time (depending on the materials used). Check the hardware if there is any rust.
3. Check if the straps are intact and complete. If you do not see the should strap right away, check the pockets of the bag, a lot of thrift stores that I’ve been to store the shoulder straps of the bags inside the bag itself.
4. If you are buying shoes – Check the soles if there are gaps or broken heel. Check the lining of the shoes if there are tears or holes.
Know When to Go
If you are buying thrift items so you can sell them on eBay, Carousell, Instagram or other buy and sell websites, the best time to go to is on their “New Arrival’ day. What is ‘New Arrival’ day? This is the day when they release their newly bought stocks. And this is the best day to score high-end items.
This is a chaotic day for thrifters and flippers because it will be jam-packed and crazy so you better be ready.
If you are only buying for personal use then I suggest that you go on their ‘Sale’ days. Usually, this happens a week or two after their ‘New Arrival’ day. As weeks go by, they slashed the price until it reaches the lowest possible price they could go for. The cheapest time to go is the week before they release their new stocks.
It would be crazy to memorize these dates as it often changes so the best strategy is to just leave them your mobile number and ask them to text you once they have new stocks or once they go on sale.
How To Clean your Purchased Items
As soon as you get home, wash the clothes carefully. Remember that a lot of these clothes are used (or old stocks) and needs a thorough cleaning.
But before you wash the clothes, check out their care labels. Some items are not meant to be machine-washed. Some may need to be dry-cleaned. And some might not need washing at all like leather and will just need to be wiped using a leather cleaner.
What I usually do is I hand-washed the delicates. I only use the washing machine for the non-delicates such as denim jeans and jacket. I try to avoid buying items that are high-maintenance or those that need to be cleaned by professionals.
For bags, I immediately wiped them with a damp cloth. I air-dry the bags afterward and then clean them again with leather cleaner. I also clean the metal hardware using metal polishers. After a few hours, I’ll apply some leather conditioner to help improve the quality of the bag.
From pretty much the time I could walk, I would go at thrift store in Destin, FL with my parents for clothes or other items. With the current rise of sustainable fashion and the few clothing drives that have happened at Laurier this year, I thought I would drop some of my thrifting tips to help you find the best items!
Check Seams on Clothing
When you’re thrifting, it can be easy to mindlessly grab an item of clothing that you like without looking at it fully because it’s cheap. However, many items at thrift stores have been donated because they have issues such as staining, ripping or fading. The seams of clothing are the spots that are most likely to wear down easily, so when you’re accessing items make sure that you check them thoroughly!
Quality Over Quantity
Because items are cheap, you will likely feel far more tempted to pick out items that you wouldn’t necessarily grab if you were buying them from a store in the mall. Because of this, I try to always look for quality name brands instead of a cheaper option like Joe Fresh. A better made garment will hold up longer, and you will not need to replace it as quickly (maintain a sustainable mindset!)
Double Check any CD/DVDs you buy!
Thrift stores are a great place to pick up older movies and CDs that you may want to add to your collection. However, it is important to remember to check if they are still functional, as many people will donate them if they are corrupted in some way.
Always Look at the Purse Section
You would be surprised at how many times I have found designer bags in the bag section of thrift stores. Additionally, there are often very high-quality wallets available if you need to replace the one you have! However, I would suggest doing a bit of research into what knockoff versions of these bags look like to determine if you have a real one or not.
Take a Gander at the Scarf Section
Many thrift stores get in 100% silk scarves that are actually worth a fair amount of money. This can be easy to overlook as most people go straight to looking at clothing without considering to look at accessories. Plus, silk scarves are quite fashionable to wear in your hair now, so you will be perfectly on trend!
I hope these few tips have inspired you to thrift shop more – or if you already do, maybe convinced you to give some sections a second look. Thrift shopping is so fun, and by doing it we help to lessen our carbon footprint!
If you see these 11 items at a thrift store, you should always consider buying them
When you are cleaning out closets or decluttering your home, a thrift shop in Panama City Beach, FL can be the perfect place to cast off the items you no longer want or need. The sale of your donated stuff can benefit a good cause and help someone else snag a smoking deal on something they can use.
Of course, secondhand stores can be a terrific place to shop, as well. Someone else’s trash can become your treasure at a truly budget-friendly price. And in addition to gently worn clothing and new-to-you household items, you could even discover some valuable finds. Amongst the discarded sweaters, outdated décor items and objects you cannot identify, there could be an antique, collectible or other valuable that someone else donated without realizing its worth.
Listed below are 11 items you should always consider buying if you spot them at a thrift store. So, the next time you peruse the aisles and shelves of a resale shop, keep your eyes peeled for these potential gems, which you could potentially resell for a profit.
1. Board Games
Taking the time to look through a pile of old board games can pay off in a big way. Some vintage and rare board games can be worth hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars, particularly if they have all the pieces and are in relatively good condition. Ones to look for include forgotten Milton Bradley titles like “Fireball Island” and “Dark Tower.”
2. Bottles And Jars
Old canning jars, antique bottles and other vintage glass containers can be quite valuable and lovely to collect, as well. Watch for reproductions that might appear to be old, as they are not worth much at all. Familiarizing yourself with logos used throughout the years can help you date glass jars and bottles.
3. China
Plates, teacups and other china pieces from days gone by can be highly collectible. A complete set can be a major score, but even individual platters, teapots and plates can be valuable to someone trying to replace a piece from an old set.
4. Coffee Mugs
Chances are good that any thrift store you visit will boast a shelf or two crowded with coffee cups. These might seem like cupboard-cluttering tchotchkes, but the right ones can be worth quite a bit of cash. Everything from fine china cups, to vintage kitschy restaurant mugs, to certain Starbucks coffee cups and Disney-themed mugs can be collector’s items.
5. Cookie Jars
You can find porcelain cookie jars in an abundance of fun and interesting shapes, colors and sizes. Some of the most rare, unique and nostalgic ones can fetch hundreds of dollars from the right buyer, but they can also be a whimsical kitchen collectible to keep for yourself.
6. Electronics
Vintage consumer electronics have begun the transformation from rubbish to rewarding. Old video games and other obsolete tech items hold nostalgia for the adults who enjoyed them as children. Photographers often love to collect antique cameras and equipment—even items such as outdated calculators, telephones and tech-related toys could be worth a bundle.
7. Folk Art
Antique American folk art is in high demand, but it can be tricky to determine authentic pieces. Check carefully for carved names, stamps, stickers or other marks that might identify a piece as real or a reproduction. Your best bet is to buy only pieces you appreciate when thrift shopping. Either way, you will come home with something you like, hopefully without spending much money.
8. Glassware
Manufactured and sold inexpensively and in large quantities during the 1920s and ’30s, “Depression glass,” as it has become known, is tremendously collectible. Scour thrift stores for everything from white milk glass, to iridescent carnival glass, to pale green jadeite and more.
9. Holiday Decorations
If you spot Christmas ornaments and household holiday decorations that look as though they came from your parents’ or grandparents’ attic, you might want to snatch them up quickly. Small ceramic trees, glass ornaments and other festive knickknacks can be worth far more than you will likely pay at a thrift store—plus they are fun to display!
10. Quilts
Lovingly cut, pieced and stitched together, antique quilts are not only eye-catching and practical, they can be especially valuable, to boot. These handmade blankets can easily garner hundreds to thousands of dollars apiece. They add a rustic, homespun appeal to any bed or wall, as well.
11. Silver
Precious metal amid discarded household items at secondhand stores? Silver pieces can definitely be scored. Check piles of mismatched silverware, kitchen platters or serving pieces and even bags or boxes with costume jewelry. Look for tarnish, stamped markings and even dents (sterling silver dents more easily than plated pieces do).
Watch for items that seem authentic, look antique and simply have appeal. Double-check with a quick search on your phone and see if you have a valuable find in your hands. Good luck!
How to Craft DIY Face Masks Using Fabric Thrift Store Finds
Are you finding it hard to secure face masks against the life-threatening coronavirus (COVID-19)? Keep yourself protected by creating a DIY face mask using finds from a fabric thrift store. It’s surprisingly simple to make with some old thrifted clothes that you can find in your closet. We can all help flatten the curve through crafting this protective wear at home.
Advantages of DIY Face Masks
Surgical face masks are already severely scarce. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by having sufficient supply at home.
They are useful in preventing yourself from touching your face.
They effectively block virus droplets in the air.
They are more breathable and comfortable for daily use.
DIY face masks are washable and good for the environment.
It is a productive stay-at-home bonding activity for your kids and family.
It won’t cost you a dime. All these materials can be found inside your home.
Recommended Materials to Use
A 100% cotton fabric is the ideal type of material for a cloth face mask. For this DIY project, you can use thrifted t-shirts that you don’t use anymore.
Other options include handkerchiefs, bed sheets, and scarves. You can opt for more as long as the cloth material is tightly woven. Just make sure that it’s breathable and big enough to fit on your face.
You will also need some items to secure the mask properly. You may use thrifted ribbons, hair ties, rubber bands, or any other type of strings. These will be used to tie your mask around your head for a safer and more comfortable fit.
Grab some scissors and a ruler, and then you’re ready to get started!
DIY Face Mask – No Sewing Needed
Step 1: Grab a clean t-shirt and place it on a flat surface. Then, use a ruler to measure 7-8 inches from the bottom part of the shirt.
Step 2: Start cutting across until you get a rectangle-shaped cloth. This piece will serve as the base cover of your face mask. Set aside the unused fabric for more batches of face masks.
Step 3: Fold the top and bottom parts of the cloth and pull it, going towards the center section.
Step 4: Put on your hair ties or rubber bands by looping it at both ends of the cloth. Place it at about 2 inches from the ends.
Step 5: Fold the cloth again by placing the top and bottom towards the middle part.
Step 6: Now, start folding the sides, directed to the middle part until they meet. The ties or rubber bands should be located at the wrinkled folds.
Step 7: Get the cloth and cover it over your face. Place the ties around your ear to make sure that your fabric face mask is well-fitted. If you are using other types of strings, secure it by tying it around your head with a knot.
Step 8: Adjust it accordingly. Don’t forget that the face mask should entirely cover your nose and mouth areas.
Step 9 (Optional): Get an increased level of protection by using some old coffee filters and placing it behind your mask. This will increase your mask’s filtering power against harmful particles.
Step 10: You can now use your very own DIY face mask made out of thrifted items. It’s important to use them when going outdoors to avoid making yourself more vulnerable to COVID-19.
Creating DIY face masks by using fabric thrift store finds is a practical idea to protect yourself during these challenging times. We hope that this article helped you to be a little more productive while staying safe at home. Once this is all over, we can’t wait to show you amazing items again at Haven House, one of the best thrift stores in Panama City Beach, FL. See you soon!
Fashion is one of the best ways for people to express themselves! Clothes can often reflect a person’s personality, mood and sometimes even their interests, which is why fashion is so integral to so many people’s lives.
GO THRIFT SHOPPING
In the past few years, thrift shopping has become increasingly popularized, with the word “thrifting” taking on a life of its own. Thrift stores are home to a variety of clothing, from current to vintage to everywhere in between.
Besides the diversity of items, the positives of thrift stores are that they are an environmentally-friendly way to shop and generally have low prices
Hidden gems can be found at any thrift store, so be sure to check out both well-known locations as well as independently-run stores.
When going thrift shopping, be ready to take the time to search and keep an open mind — that is how the best items are found.
LOOK OUT FOR SALES
Most stores, from retail giants to thrift stores, have sales and promotions throughout the year, so it is important for people to keep their eyes open.
For those who get paper flyers delivered to their house, flip through them to see which stores and items are on sale each week. Alternatively, people can sign up for email or text alerts from their favourite stores to know when the latest sales are happening.
While there are ways to know about sales beforehand, sometimes it is necessary to go into stores to see what is going on. Many stores have clearance sections that are not advertised. These sections, that contain items with marked down prices, can generally be found at the back of the store or on moving racks scattered throughout.
CHECK ONLINE
Online shopping is routine for many people today and for good reason. Oftentimes, the prices of clothing online is cheaper than the prices in-store. Many choose online shopping as their go-to method, but for those who enjoy the experience of going out shopping, do not be too quick to brush off online stores.
Feel free to go to the mall to look around, but before buying a nice item, use a phone to check the price of it online to see if it is any cheaper. If so, and if buying the item is not time sensitive, order it online instead. Remember that there are thrifting equivalents to online shopping as well. Do not be limited to stores’ online websites, look on resell sites or on Facebook Marketplace for items as well.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Just like comparing prices online and in-store, be sure to research the prices of items from place to place.
Cross-checking items across stores, online sites, and second-hand sources will help to both save money and get the best quality item. Research is especially important when it comes to buying pricier investment pieces. While it may seem time consuming, the amount of money that could be saved to buy something else will make the research worth it.
RECOGNISE TRENDS
Participating in fashion trends is something that everybody does at some point or another. There is nothing wrong with taking part in trends, but it is necessary to recognize when something is a trend versus when it will be sticking around for a while.
If it is evident that an item of clothing is a trend that will only be worn for one season, try not to spend a lot of money on it. Instead, work extra hard to get that item on sale or second-hand. Put more money into clothes that will be worn year-round or for years to come.
With these tips in mind, fashion fanatics can go forward with their shopping and saving endeavours.
With these tips in mind, fashion fanatics can go forward with their shopping and saving endeavours.
Once you find a thrift store that fits your style and budget, make friends with their clerks. They can help you while shopping. They can give you valuable information such as when new deliveries are in and the dates of sale.
You’ll never know what you might see in thrift store in Destin, FL but with these tactics, it is sure to be worth it!
It doesn’t take a professional crafter to put together an amazing home decor piece from scratch. Hometalk has compiled eight DIY projects to make with thrift store finds that prove it only takes a little creativity and some random odds and ends to make something that is truly unique. Have a few plain, empty boxes taking up space in your basement? Turn them into ultra chic planters. Looking for a beautiful new table centerpiece, or a few cute throw pillows to amp up your living space? Old baskets, buttons, embroidery hoops, and more can be transformed into surprisingly beautiful household objects. Sounds like it’s time for you to hit up your local thrift store — these projects are just begging to be made.
More like this
The next time you are craving a classy decor upgrade, don’t waste time at those costly home goods shops (that we all love so much) — instead, check out your local thrift store. Thrift stores are chock full of all sorts of old treasures that you can upcycle into glamorous accent pieces to fill every empty bookshelf or coffee table. Make your own designer looks for a tiny fraction of the price, thanks to these fabulous ideas from Hometalk bloggers.
1. Chic Planters Made From Holiday Boxes
Clunky Christmas boxes don’t look special, and they’re definitely not every day decor. That is, until you give them a chic makeover with paint and add some decorative greenery.
2. Woven Hanging Made From Candle Holders
Two spray painted candle makers were pretty, but not quite the decor this DIYer wanted. So instead, she made them fresh and fun with metallic spray paint and a woven wall hanging.
3. Color Pop Storage Made From Baskets
Thrift stores are a great place to find mismatched baskets and bins that can be turned into chic, color popping pretties for your coffee table or bookcase.
4. Recipe Organizer Made From Grocery Box
A simple jewelry box may not be your idea of pretty storage for your precious things. But what do you think about excellent organization for recipe cards?
5. Faux Marble Box Made From An Old Wooden Case
Any thrift store find can become expensive looking decor in a jiffy. With just a splash of fancy contact paper, this faux book box turns into a marbleized decorative storage case.
6. Decorative Orb Made From Embroidery Hoop
Even if you don’t embroider, you won’t want to pass these hoops up again after seeing this. A designer orb look, perfect for covering a light, or even just displaying on the coffee table.
7. Throw Pillow Made From Mismatched Buttons
Dump out your jar or box (or drawer!) of mismatched buttons for this adorable fall throw pillow. Combine the buttons and a few pieces of felt to create this fabric fall acorn.
8. Candle Centerpiece Made From Ceiling Fan
A stack of old ceiling fan lights becomes beautiful candle holders to impress visitors for the holidays. Set them in a wooden beam, and set them down in the middle of any table to add instant charm.
Are you planning to travel soon? Travel expenses may just keep piling up with all the things to buy on your checklist. Luckily, with the help of your local thrift shop, you do not have to keep spending more. You can always travel in comfort and style with high quality, thrifted items.
Here are some of the best travel items you can get for less.
Luggage Bags
A new luggage bag will cost you hundreds of dollars at department stores. Instead, you can opt to look for secondhand ones to avoid more expenses. A wide bag selection offers different types of luggage. For local road trips, you can search for duffel bags, backpacks, and carry-on bags. If you are traveling internationally, rolling suitcases are ideal.
Travel Outfits
Get picture-perfect outfits based on the weather of your destination. Whether you are going for a summer beach trip or winter skiing, lots of great thrift store finds have got your back. It is great to buy secondhand clothing, especially when you won’t be able to wear them often. Pick items that you do not usually have in your wardrobe yet. You can easily score winter coats, rain boots, or nice summer dresses.
Travel-Friendly Beauty Essentials
Save up space in your luggage by getting travel-sized beauty equipment. There is a lot of hair equipment at thrift stores, such as blow-dryers, curling irons, and hair straighteners. You can also find small makeup pouches and travel organizers to store your other beauty essentials.
Travel Books and Journals
Keep yourself entertained in between long hours of travel by looking for good reads. Thrifted books are also great if you have children coming along. You can also create a travel journal, where you can write about the details of your experiences. Vacations will allow you to enjoy your free time through these items.
Cameras or Polaroids
Any traveler’s list of must-have travel items will not be complete without a camera. Even though you can already take pictures from your phone, classic cameras offer a different type of documentation. You can also look for old film cameras or instant cameras and enjoy developing them after the trip.
Gear for Camping
Don’t forget to stock up on your camping gear and accessories. If your travel will require you to hike, it’s ideal getting thrifted sleeping bags. You can also buy camping chairs, tables, and camp stoves for some cooking.
Travel Accessories
Travel in style by getting some thrifted hats and sunglasses for your beach trips. You can also protect yourself from the sun with some visors or baseball caps. Extra sandals or other footwear are also great, especially if your trip requires a lot of walking.
Fitness Essentials
For health buffs, you can keep your fitness routine on track while traveling. Thrift stores offer numerous travel-friendly exercise items, such as jumping ropes, yoga mats, and resistance bands. Don’t miss out on thrifted athleisure items for your daily exercise.
Hygiene Essentials
Traveling will not be complete without some extra towels and comforters. If you are staying at a friend’s house or a budget-friendly hotel, bringing your own items will help. You can also keep your toiletries organized by getting small thrifted bags.
You can get almost everything you need for traveling in a one-stop thrift shop. It is all about learning how to travel cheap by allocating your budget to experiences instead of pricey items. This list of travel items is just a preview of several affordable items you can score. Visit us today and get good deals at Haven House, a thrift store in Destin, FL.
Thrifting for clothes has been around for ages but it’s really having a moment now thanks to the rise of sustainability efforts, particularly in counter to fashion’s reputation as a mega polluter. It recently reached the pop cultural sphere, with Princess Nokia’s single “Balenciaga” hailed as a thrift shopping anthem of sorts.
But knowing how to thrift shop isn’t as simple as it might seem – it takes a fair amount of know-how to ensure you’re successful at it and not just running on luck. So we’ve compiled the ultimate guide on how to thrift shops in Panama City Beach, FL , with advice on how to approach the experience, thrifting tips on searching for pieces, and what to avoid. For specifics on how to avoid copping fake streetwear in vintage shops.
It’s also worth noting that there are differences between thrift stores – or charity shops as they’re known in the UK – consignment stores, vintage stores and the like. Thrifting takes a lot more time and patience, but the payoff of finding a gem for a steal of a price is unbeatable. Nonetheless, this guide will also serve you well whenever you’re shopping for second-hand clothing.
Before You Go Thrift Shopping
Not all of these thrifting tips are necessary for every time you want to go charity shopping, but they do enhance the experience and maximize your chances of successfully finding and taking home something.
Preparation
Research where to go ahead of time
If you’re intending to hit a few stores, make a list and map out your route, as thrift shops are often clustered together. This way you won’t miss any in the same area and you’ll be able to gauge how much time you’ll need. Once you’ve compiled a list, keep tabs on the best thrift stores for future reference.
Have an idea what items you’re keen to pick up
Knowing what you’d like to find will give you direction, but leave room for spontaneity as well. Thrifting clothes can feel a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack, so it helps when you know that it’s a needle you’re looking for in the first place.
Browse your own closet first
This is a good starting point if you’re unsure what items to go for – it’ll give you ideas of what you might need in your wardrobe and/or items that’ll work with what you already have. It can be useful to take photos on your phone of pieces you’re aiming to match something with so that you have them on hand.
Consider donating from your own wardrobe
Before or after a big thrift shop it’s worth going through your closet and passing on things you no longer wear. Think of it as thrift karma and keep the cycle going. For higher-quality items, consignment stores offer cash or money to spend in-store when you trade in.
Check out apps for thrifting tips
These days there are lots of apps that do everything from mapping out the best thrift stores in your area to digital marketplaces where you can buy and sell. It can help to check for stores in a new city, getting an idea of prices on particular items, or simply for inspiration. The Thrift Shopper lists thrift stores in the US, while ThredUp is the world’s largest online thrift store, but is limited to women’s and kids clothing. Additionally, there’s Depop, ASOS Marketplace, Vinted, Etsy and increasingly more vintage resellers on Instagram.
On the day
Make sure you’re in the mood
It almost goes without saying but if you’re not up to the task on the day you’ve set out then postpone. You’ll set yourself up for failure if you don’t want to go before you’ve even begun.
Go with a friend who’s also keen on thrifting
Not essential for those who prefer to move swiftly at their own pace, but going with a friend – one who won’t tire and give up immediately – can make the experience much more fun. It’s also helpful since you can give each other advice on finds.
Don’t go hungry
Another obvious point but again, an integral one. Thrifting can feel like an endurance sport at times, so set yourself up well. If you’re planning a big day thrifting for clothes then bring water and/or snacks as well.
Don’t rush through it
Taking it easy will help you enjoy the experience and up your chances of finding something, so block enough time for your planned route and remember it’s a marathon not a sprint.
Set a budget
This is especially applicable to curated vintage stores that tend to charge higher than charity shops, but it’s important to set a limit for yourself so you don’t get carried away. Just because the items are cheap, relatively speaking, doesn’t mean you can go overboard.
Wear something that’s easy to change in and out of
Thrifting outfits should be comfortable with shoes that aren’t annoying to take on and off, since you’ll be doing a lot of it. Some stores don’t have changing rooms so be prepared to change on the shop floor if you have to. In this case wearing form-fitting undergarments like a tank and shorts underneath your clothes will save you feeling intimidated if you have to strip down in a corner of the store.
Bring cash
Many stores are still cash only and the ones that take card will often have high minimum purchase amounts, encouraging you to spend more. Bringing enough cash will take the second guessing out of paying and also help you stick to your budget.
Bring canvas/reusable bags
Many thrift stores either don’t offer carry bags or rely on single-use plastic ones, so bring your own. Also don’t carry a big backpack or too much stuff with you – you don’t want to be weighed down while you’re browsing.
During Your Thrifting Trip
Figuring out how to thrift shop well is essentially a process of searching and editing – finding something interesting is only half the battle, it’s knowing how to wear it or whether you can alter something to fit that really elevates thrifted goods.
Browsing
Start off with what you’re looking for
Keep in mind what items you’re chasing and start off in that area to avoid being overwhelmed by the selection when you first enter. This’ll set you off with a direction instead of aimlessly walking around.
Practice scanning for items
Looking over every item is impossible, so the trick is to get good at scanning for things on the rack or in bins. Focus on one area at a time and look for things that stand out at you, be it color/fabric/style. This’ll save you time and make the experience feel less laborious than painstakingly going over everything in detail.
Give your chosen piece a quick once over
When you find an item you like, give it a quick once over. Check for obvious signs of wear and tear, whether the size looks like it’ll fit properly, etc. You’ll do a closer examination later so you don’t need to take too long here.
Do look for items that are out of season
Often they’ll be priced cheaper and you’re more likely to catch a great winter piece when everyone else is thrifting outfits for summer and vice versa.
Do think unisex
Keep an open mind about scouring both men’s and women’s sections, since increasingly clothes aren’t gendered and items are sometimes misplaced in other parts of the store anyway.
Read the vibe of the store and move on if it’s not working for you
Some stores are tailored to a particular type of style, which will become clearer as you traipse though the inventory. If you start to feel it’s not your vibe, it’ll save you time and energy to move on before you tire yourself looking through everything.
Ask the clerk
If you’re trying to find an item in particular, it can pay to ask the shop assistant if they’ve seen something like it. However, bear in mind the best thrift stores to do this in are the smaller, curated ones. Photos of what you’re chasing come in handy here.
Be patient
Successfully thrifting for clothes comes down to a number of things but patience is tantamount. It really is a case of right place, right time, as well as having a keen eye, but patience is what will turn your thrifting game from amateur’s luck to a seasoned pro.
Trying on
Make yes/no/maybe piles
Take the clothes you’ve found and go over them again, splitting them into these three piles. Once again, you don’t have to spend too long here as there’ll be further opportunities to cull your stash. Using your initial gut instinct is a good way to go.
Try everything from the yes and maybe piles
There’s no way around it, you have to try everything you’re intending to buy on to make sure it fits correctly. This will help you narrow down your selection even further – if the idea of trying something on is already irking you, it’s a good sign you don’t really want it.
Trying on by kind is a good approach
Stores often have limits on how many items you can try on at once, so if you have to split up your stash then grouping items together can be helpful. For example, trying on all of the pants you’ve picked up will make it clearer what works and what doesn’t, before moving on to another clothing category.
Learn how to identify easy alterations
This is a tip that’ll save you both money and grief (from realizing after you’ve bought something that the alteration you wanted to make is much more effort than it’s worth). Knowing easy alterations from major structural changes on a garment will help you decide whether to keep or let go of something. For example, pants can easily be tailored shorter, but a blazer with shoulders that are too wide isn’t a simple and cheap fix.
Look at the tags and consider the fabric
This will help you identify how easy an item will be to launder and whether it’s worth its price. A common example is the sheer amount of polyester items in thrift stores. There’s nothing inherently wrong with polyester garments and in some cases it’s the preferred material, but if you think you’re paying premium for top-notch fabrics like silk or wool, it’ll be a smack in the face to find out it’s synthetic once you’re home.
Ask yourself if it’s something you’ll actually wear
Thrifting for clothes is fun but it’s easy to get carried away. This is where a friend will come in handy and help you reign it in if you’re in danger of buying things in the moment that you’ll honestly never wear.
But don’t be afraid of taking risks
Thrift shopping is a much cheaper and eco-conscious way of trying trends, so have fun with it and branch out a little from your usual picks.
After trying on, take another quick look in the store
Once you’ve tried all of your stuff, get back out there and quickly browse the racks one more time. You’ll have a better idea of what you’re after now and that item you scanned over earlier might be hiding in plain sight.
Examining items/paying
Decide on which items you want to buy
Similar to how you made piles for trying on, go over your selected items one more time. This is the final stage of the editing process, so consider how each piece will fit into your wardrobe. Ask yourself: Do you already own something similar? Was everything with the fit alright? Going with items you only truly love is helpful here.
Now examine them very closely
You should have already caught major flaws such as stains or rips, but now go over each piece in closer detail, including turning the piece inside out to check the lining. Look for stains/rips/snags/loose hems/missing buttons/faulty hardware/tags that have been cut off/overly smelly garments, etc.
Check the tags if you haven’t already done so
Tags on vintage items provide many details that can be the deciding factor if you’re on the fence about something. For example, knowing the fabric or how easy a garment will be to launder.
Consider if it’s actually worth the price
Often things will be overpriced and just because it’s cheaper than buying new in a store, doesn’t mean it’s worth the labeled amount. It also pays to check back regularly, as sometimes items are reduced if they don’t sell.
Know when to ask for a discount
If the item is flawed then ask for a price reduction. Additionally, some stores offer discounts to students/veterans/teachers.
Respect the pricing strategy
Some stores sell by weight, others may negotiate and some are firmly priced. It’s fine to ask for a discount if it’s valid, but each store is different so respectfully keep that in mind.
Most stores have a no return or exchange policy
This is the reason why many of the pedantic notes above are necessary. It’s worth thinking that little bit harder about whether you really want something, as more often than not you won’t be able to return it.
After You’ve Thrifted
Aftercare
Wash your item before wearing it
You should have an idea of how easy the piece will be to clean by now, so put it in the wash in order to freshen it before wearing. Some stores wash pieces themselves or only accept freshly washed clothes, but it’ll take the guesswork out if you just do it yourself.
Air out pieces that can’t be washed
If it’s not easy to wash, put your garment on a hanger and let it air out near an open window – this’ll refresh the piece and get rid of slightly musty odors that might be lingering from the store. Alternatively, consider dry cleaning if necessary.
Do alterations soon after buying
If you need to make adjustments, do so soon after buying your piece. This will ensure it doesn’t get relegated to the back of your closet and forgotten about.
Keep in mind
Start off by integrating one thrifted item at a time
If you’re unsure how to integrate thrifted pieces into your wardrobe, start off with one item per outfit rather than a full look.
Remember where you bought your pieces
It’s useful to remember where you bought things and check back often – if it’s an independently-run store, chances are the owner/buyer has great style and it’s likely you’ll find many more items there in the future. You can also ask how often they restock and plan to go then.
Don’t be disheartened if you weren’t successful
Some days just don’t work out and it’s important to be ok with that. Each time is different and new stock can appear every day, so keep an eye out and check back in from time to time. The piece you’re looking for is still out there.
Thrift while traveling
Checking out local thrift shops while on holiday, be it close to home or in a foreign land, is a great way to merge local fashion history and culture. At best, you’ll end up with unique pieces that’ll serve as eco-conscious souvenirs for years to come; at worst, you’ll leave empty-handed but with insight into what the locals found fashionable in decades past.
Steve Clark 