When I was younger, I never cared for thrift store shopping. I thought it was rather embarrassing and was really only interested in the books. When I had my first job, the first thing I did was go shop at all the chain stores- I felt it was a teenager's rite of passage to do so. Now that I'm older (and sick of seeing every 'fashionista' and her dog wearing the same outfit), I finally see the wisdom of a thrift store. Why buy the same print dress that every girl is going to wear when you can go to a thrift store and get a dress that is one of a kind (and better quality)?
But thrift shopping is not as easy as normal shopping. In a normal shop, everything is clean and organised. Thrift shops are usually the total opposite. It takes a change in attitude to know how to get the best bargain. So I'll break this into three easy to understand sections:
1. PLANNING
- Sometimes you don't need to leave your home to get bargains. Check out Trademe, eBay, and Etsy for local bargains.
- Buy a copy of this shopping guide. It contains addresses to most of the good shops in New Zealand.
- Check out Yellow Pages for all the stores in your area. Take note of the ones in rich neighbourhoods. The richer the neighbourhood, the better the clothing.
- Don't bother with places in Central Auckland, especially K Road! Most of those places are picked clean, or overpriced. If you want an expensive one of a kind piece, go ahead and take a look. There are also good independent designers and vintage stores there too. But if you're looking for a bargain, forget it. The only store that is the exception to this rule is The Recycle Boutique on Darby St.
- Know what the different types of stores mean. Vintage means it's a store that buys unworn or pre-worn retro clothes and cleans them up to sell for a profit. Consignment means that people give the clothes to the store for them to sell on their behalf. Charity means that people donated their clothes for the store to sell.
- Know your personal style and what you want. Thrift stores don't have things arranged by trend. You need to be honest and know what suits you, or you'll get confused by all the different styles.
- Once you've found the stores you'd like to go to, make plenty of time to go visit them. Thrift shopping is like dating: you usually need to go through a lot of crap before you find something perfect for you.
2. SHOPPING
- The best time to shop is on a Saturday. Most stores put new items out to bring in weekend shoppers, and it gives you plenty of time to look around.
- Be patient. Just like Rome, your wardrobe was not built in a day. If you don't find what you're looking for, check back next time.
- Be friendly to the staff! Many of them do this out of the goodness of their own hearts, and if you want to become a regular it's not a good idea to treat them badly. They also know when all the shipments come in, so if you're nice and ask politely, they'll tell you or even call you when they arrive.
- If you don't have enough money, ask nicely for a discount. Say something along the lines of: "I understand this is $20, but I only have $15. Would I still be allowed to purchase it for that price?"
- Always pick up and hold onto an item that catches your eye- thrift shopping is very competitive and someone else may snatch it up before you go back to grab it.
- Shop out of season if you can. Buy your spring/summer gear in autumn/winter and vice versa.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes as that will make trying on clothes easier. I prefer a light dress with cardigan and flats- easy to take off and protects you from fluctuating temperatures.
- Just in case they don't have changing rooms, it can be a good idea to measure yourself beforehand and then carry a mini- measuring tape in your handbag (I have one on my key ring just in case).
- Remember that thrift stores aren't just about clothing. They can also have shoes, accessories, jewellery, books, furniture and homewares.
3. CLOTHING
- Look for quality labels. Knowing the names of New Zealand designers helps. If it looks high quality but you don't recognise the label, try it on anyway. Don't buy chain-store labels unless it is unworn.
- Don't put something back because of the label size. Unless it is obviously too big or small for you, try it on. Many times I have tried items on that are supposedly too small for me and they fit perfectly.
- Look for high-quality natural fabrics with a good cut. Don't buy clothing made of cheap synthetic material.
- Check the clothing for any damage: Does it have stains, tears, holes, yellowing, stretched stitching or unpleasant odours especially in the underarms, crotch or lining? If it does- don't buy it!
- If you're good at sewing or have an inexpensive tailor- disregard missing buttons or broken zips. You can always replace those. If you're not interested in the hassle of fixing the item, just put it back on the rack.
- If an item is too big or too long, you can still buy it and have a tailor (or yourself) take it in or up. If the item is too small or too short, just forget it. Watch out for pockets or decorations near seams.
- Don't forget to check accessories!
And the last but most important piece of advice: Do not tell people where you shop! If you do, you'll find that all the good pieces will get taken before you get there, or worse, it's sold back to you overpriced...
