Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Thrift shopping necessities

So for the last couple of years I've been going and doing the 50% off Labor Day sale at a couple of local thrift shops with a good friend.  I have learned from each experience and don't want to brag, but I think I have my shopping experience down to an art.

First off - a tank top and a skirt are a necessity as long as it's warm enough.  It totally was today.  This way, you don't have to stand in long lines to try stuff on.  I pull stuff on over the tank and pants I can pull up under the skirt.  We just find a corner - usually in bedding because that aisle doesn't seem too crowded, and just do a quick change right there.


Also a necessity are sandals - easy to slip off if you do find good enough looking shoes to try on and take home.  I don't have tons of luck thrifting shoes but a big part of that is, I'm picky.  They have to look relatively new. 

The last necessity is a good crossbody bag.  I want to be hands free when I'm digging the racks and I don't want a big bag in the way.  I have learned this the hard way in the past, but I finally have that part figured out! I got this bag just this weekend when my ModCloth order showed up - it's my first ever order, I shopped their big summer sale and the box came on Saturday.   Girlfriend needs a shopping ban now!


Anyway, this worked out perfectly - we only made it to two stores before we were shopped out, but I was pleased with my purchases, you'll see more of those soon too.  Like I said, it may be time for another shopping ban....

Outfit rundown:
Tank top - Mossimo, Target
Skirt - LOFT thrifted
Sandals - Italian Shoe Company, DSW
Purse - ModCloth
Jewelry - S&D

21 comments :

  1. Simple outfit for the marathon of thrift shopping. Can't wait to see what you got!

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  2. I hope you found some great bargains! I went to four thrift stores, but was very good and only spent $20 total! Lots of cute summer clothes, when I was looking for fall! :) I hope you had a fun day!

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  3. love that bag! xoxo linds http://www.rubygirlblog.com/

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  4. That's a super sensible thrifting outfit! AND I love the new crossbody bag, Beth! The pattern on the fabric is so cute.
    ♥ laura
    the blog of worldly delights
    the shop of worldly delights

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  5. I always go shopping with a crossbody bag on too.. I like to keep my hands free to peruse the racks :)

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart
    Win a Mint Green statement necklace!

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  6. I totally understand about the thrifting wear...you have to wear something that you can do sneaky public changes in :D It's a bummer when thrift stores don't have dressing rooms. LOVE your bag soooooo much, it's the best shape and plaid!!!

    <3 Cambria
    jupefashion.blogspot.com

    Check out my GIVEAWAY!!!!!!

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  7. A cross body bag is definitely a necessity when doing any kind of shopping. Hands free is the way to go. I haven't been thrifting in so long since I am on a shopping ban, but I am starting to go through withdrawls, lol! Heather

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  8. Great tips but... they're not available to me. As much as I'd like to, I can't put on female clothes while shopping in public as a man. It'd be too disruptive. Which is why I eyeball and guess about how clothes will fit. I'm wrong as often as I'm right.

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  9. i made it to ARC with eva and that was enough for me. but we got a ton of stuff!! i love your new purse. i have a great one that i wear all the time, but it's getting too small for all that i need in a purse!! (or maybe i just want an excuse to get a new purse!)

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  10. Anytime I go shopping, I try to wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off. It's a must!

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

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  11. I'm with you on the crossbody bag & slip on shoes don't forget to skip the necklace I've made the mistake of that getting in the way. The tank is a good suggestion I will try that next time.

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  12. Great tips! I might remember this for any market shopping! I'm so jealous of the modcloth sale- there were so many lovely dresses! Alas!!!!

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  13. I love our thrift store shopping days :)

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  14. Looks similar to how I dress when thrifting. I always bring slip on shoes that I can stand on and not touch the dirty thrift store floor too. Hope you got some good scores while thrifting. Can't wait to see what you came away with.

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  15. You look ready to shop! Now you have to share your purchases.

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  16. I can't wait to see what you found!! I think a shopping ban may be in the very near future for me too. :(

    Jess - J's Style
    fancypants514.blogspot.com

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  17. Great structured bag!
    I was itching to go to the Labor Day sale at my thrift store, but called upon all my willpower to not shop.

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  18. Yes! We have very similar strategies! I posted about that a while ago. The tank and crossbody bag are musts!
    http://thriftedshift.blogspot.com/2012/02/behind-my-back.html#comment-form

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  19. Great tips. I've worn skirts to the thrifts but never tried pants on under them, if I'm trying on pants I usually just wait for a dressing room, just a little too awkward for me. That bag is pretty adorable and I hear you on the shopping ban, pretty sure I need another one too.

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  20. I completely agree with everything in this post! Crowds at thrift stores can take such a long time for the fitting rooms- wearing simple, non fussy items is a great tip! I also ADORE that bag! Although, pretty much everything from modcloth is amazing... :)

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