Best To You

Thrifting is possibly the best way to find cute, cheap, and ethical clothing. For those who want to save money and not give into the evil wrath of corporations, more than we already are [HA], (HI. HELLO, ME!) second-hand clothes are the best way to attain them. I completely understand thrifting isn't for anyone, BUT if it's for you, I thought I would share some tips of mine that I've compiled over the past...six years (?) that I have been thrifting. Oh and also some of the **GREATEST** finds I have gotten over those years:

1. 1) Give yo'self some time: there's so much to go through y'all..SO MUCH. Make sure you have enough patience to go through each section because you WILL find a gem if you've got the courage...the mindset...and THE HUNGER FOR CLOTHES!!!!!! **queue dramatic echo-y voice**

   

   This pretty white dress cost me $5! I recently got it and it's just so beautiful, the details has flowers, which is what I always strive to find in pieces of clothing.

2. 2) Save some green: a few good items will be over-priced for some weird reason..don't give in. If it's a plain ole t-shirt or some jean dress that's like $10-$15, keep looking and you'll find something cheaper. (Now, I know $10-$15 isn't so much, but if you're like me and want to save every penny you have, then you'll feel me.)
   

   

   These two dresses are my most prized possessions. I've blogged about them before, but thought I'd include them here because I just love them so much.

3. 3) Treat yo'self: honestly, every time I go thrift shopping, I know I'm going to spend at least $20 so be prepared to spend some good amount of money, but don't worry that $20 bill will get you SO MUCH, it's actually so amazing.
   

   

   This cape...THIS CAPE!!! How could you not think it's amazing?! I have one in black as well, and they're just so fun to wear. This pattern is absolutely incredible and I can tell someone put hard-work and love into it so I am so grateful to be able to wear such a unique piece!!

4.  4) Girl look around: don't just look at clothes, they have some of the cutest lil mugs, possibly great vinyls or CDs (I've gotten some Regina Spektor, Fiona Apple, and Hannah Montana: The Movie), furniture even, don't even stick to the standard, societal ""gender"" sections, go everywhere and you'll find some cool shit.

   

   I mean, c'mon? FANNY PACKS R SO COOL.

5. 5) SHOOOEEEZZZ: look at them. Sometimes you'll be able to find some good Vans, Converse, Nikes, cool sandals, boots, jellys, etc., etc.,

   

   These are new as well and are so comfy (except they do give me blisters if I wear them too long). It's summer so I've been super into sandals and light clothes and these are just perrrfect to wear and look cute in!!

6. 6) Use your cerebro (BRAIN): don't know if some of y'all watch FashionCitizen on Youtube, but once they went to, like, the blanket section I think and found a cute one that they used as a shawl..A SHAWL!!! It was so cute and just made me think, "Oh hell yeah, now I REALLY have to look at every.single.section. They also go through the lingerie pieces and find some cute lil tops for summer and I followed their steps, which was the best decision ever (my current favorite top is from the lingerie section).
   

   

   This is the top I'm talkin' about!! Like I said, it's summer and I live in California so naturally I gotta wear the lightest items or else I'll melt. I love the detail and it's just so cute!! (also, it's from Victoria's Secret)

7. 7) Half off! Half off!: many thrift stores like to pick a color everyday and whatever item's tag has that color, that means you get 50% off!!!!!! Imagine finding a $10 dress and then find out the color of the day is orange and the tag is orange?!?!?! THAT MEANS IT'S $5!!!! #winning #blessed
   

   

   This past week I finally bought my very own pair of overall pants!!!!! I've been looking for some for AGGEESSSZZSSS and finally found them. They're just so cute and casual.

8. 8) Brand name = OVERRRATTEEDDD: look if ya want some $25 Topshop simple pink top, that's cool, that's cool, but what if I told you you can probably find a VERY similar pink top at a thrift store for $3? EVEN BETTER?? But seriously, this is probably just a general shopping tip, but if you see an expensive new item, try looking for it at thrift stores. I really do think you can find something similar and way cheaper!!
   

   

   Okay, I know what you're thinking...HOW AMAZING ARE THESE PANTS?!!?!? Now these are everything I've ever dreamed of. They're so flowy and pink and comfy and one of the best purchases I've ever made.

9. 9) DIY:  many of these items can inspire more DIY ideas and take the opportunity!! If something doesn't fit right, try to find a way to make it work or if you like a pattern, but, let's say, don't like it as a dress, look at it and see if it can become a shirt!! Because thrift stores are so cheap, you can get anything and try to make something out of it and if it doesn't come out like you want it, then ya lost $3 and that's ok!!!

   

   This is one of my go-to jackets that I wear all the time. I love adding buttons on it to make it look a bit more ~*~*~*cooollll~**~*~ and it actually keeps me very warm (good for SF weather)!!!!

10. 10) Something unique: my last tip is probably the most important. Find something that you know you will not find anywhere else. Those are the true gems. My favorite pieces cost me less than $15 and for me, that's a damn bargain. You will find some crazy stuff in thrift stores, look through them, and find something that you absolutely love and will cherish forever!!!
    

    

    Another AMAZING item. I haven't been able to wear it yet because these days jackets are a big no, but I cannot wait to show it off to the world. I just don't have enough words to explain how COOL this damn jacket is. AND IT'S HAND PAINTED AHHHHHH.

Thrift stores are pretty """trendy""" right now and honestly I think that's the coolest thing!! They're not a normal corporation, many of them give back to minority groups, and they're completely ethical (minus Goodwill, they've been seen exploiting disabled workers). The more we shop at second-hand stores, the less we're giving into this corporation-funded world!! I hope these lil tips helped some of you and your future trips to thrift stores. =^^=