People have many different ways of comforting and relaxing themselves. Some like to purchase a ticket to a movie. Some like to go out for a drink with friends. Some like baking cupcakes and cookies in their onesie.
I like to go thrift shopping.
In my eyes there is nothing like going for a little wander down an aisle of a thrift shop. The musky smell and timeless clashing colours capture my attention. I crave the thrill of the hunt for second-hand clothes. I gently prey on each detail of a garment, lazily allowing my fingers to brush over the racks of cashmere, merino wool, floral crochet and hollie-point lace. With a rush of adrenaline; I’m in competition with myself, trying to score the best buy of the day. There is an unsurpassable excitement as I stumble upon the odd Chanel handbag from the 60’s that only the thrift store shopper can know.
Yes. I could call myself an official ‘clothing hoarder’. It doesn’t exactly help when the lady at the counter says “Did you find your treasure today?” She clearly knows there’s always going to be new treasures hidden in the store, meaning I have reason to keep returning for another adventure tour. Unless she thinks I dress like a pirate. But what I can say, is I do put these clothes to good use with my other personal hobbies such as my photography. This is how I can show others how to combine today’s fashion with the timeless fashion that you can collect from thrift shops.
So, here are 10 tips and tricks on how to thrift shop successfully:
1. Before thrift shopping, I would have a look through my closet, maybe even have a clean out or pick out clothing that you have not yet risked wearing in public. This is where you can gain inspiration and start thinking of the particular items you want to purchase at the thrift shop to help you pull off the looks you want.
2. I would then jump online and have a look through the mainstream fashion lines and local magazines selling in stores – even create a mood board. Puzzle together a small collage of textures, patterns, tones and colours that would suit items you already own.
3. Mapping out my local area I find every thrift store possible – from the Salvation Army to Recycle Boutique, you name it. You also need to realize that every thrift shop has only one of everything; you will only come across particular items once – so make your mind up. This is also where you can begin making a list of items you are on the hunt for.
4. Pack some particular items like tissues and hand sanitizer, you don’t know where these items have previously come from. Once you have bought your items, do the deed, go home and immediately wash the clothes.
5. Before even stepping into thrift shop, be strict on the amount of money you spend in every store. I would personally suggest twenty dollars and under, unless you find something extremely well worth your money like a one-off designer piece.
6. Music. Always bring along an iPod with some good tunes to keep you upbeat. You have a long day ahead of you.
7. When thrifting always to remember what you are wearing in the meantime. You need to try clothes on. I suggest you wear something equivalent to a plain latex body-hugging ninja suit – because you are literally on a mission!
8. Always take a break throughout the day of your shopping. Sit down and have a look through what you have already purchased, and maybe tick things off your list.
9. Pick out things you like in the store and separate them into different piles. Have a ‘yes’, ‘no’ and a ‘maybe’ pile. Do this at the end of every store and remember to stay within your personal budget.
10. Finally trot along to the counter with what you are happy with. But first keep in mind there are a few questions that you need to be asking yourself before you hit the cashier up on your purchase: ‘Would I wear this already or should it be kept for special occasions?’, ‘Is it a one-off or at least inteeresting?’, ‘Will it suit the clothes I like to wear?’, ‘Do I already own similar items?’ Remember being honest with yourself is the key to a solid final purchase. I know for women especially, enough is never enough, but trust me – It feels good achieving a goal of spending less than your budget in each store.
Here’s a shoot I did using thrift store items, to inspire you.
Credits
Model: Islay Payne from Voda Model Management
Studio: Look at me Studios
Hair, Makeup, Styling, Editorial and Photography: Briahna Patterson
Read more by Briahna Patterson on Threadnz here with her favourite thrift op shops in Auckland and Wellington; Fashion thrift shopping.
See Briahna Patterson’s website here http://briahnapatterson.4ormat.com/
Blog: https://www.facebook.com/briahnapatterson.photography
and model interview blog: http://briinterviewsmodels.blogspot.co.nz/
Words Briahna Patterson
10th April 2014
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