I am planning a little post of the thrift and consignment stores that I visited when in NYC recently and I thought I’d show you one of the pieces I picked up at the Goodwill store.
A crocheted jacket/dress by Elif for Jordan Taylor.
Sometimes it is good not to know too much about a garment when you buy it.
When I saw this I knew the colour would be good for me and I liked the crocheted texture. It reminded me of something you’d see from the 70’s.
To me it just looked like an interesting boho layering piece that would go well with a bunch of other pieces in my wardrobe.
I just looked up that label online.
Guess what?
It is resort wear.
A swimsuit coverup!
Ha ha!
It’s a good thing I’m not going to let that influence how I wear this.
Keeping an open mind and seeing the possibilities that lie within pieces you discover while thrifting is where all the magic happens.
The more you thrift, the more advanced your “possibility radar” will become.
11 Tips To Train Your Thrifting Brain
- Take that item out of the context of the overstuffed rack you just pulled it out of. Hold it up to the light. Give it a chance to be seen on its own and judge it accordingly.
- Can you see that shape working well on your body?
- Can you see it with going well with other items in your wardrobe?
- Is it a colour you often wear?
- Does the fabric interest you?
- Is it something you will feel comfortable wearing?
- How many different ways can you see yourself styling that piece?
- Would it be something you would have chosen in a retail store? Don’t let the, “It’s so darn cheap I should buy it anyways. ” thought enter your mind. That is reserved for hoarders.
- Try it on. I know sometimes you don’t feel like trying on an item, especially in a thrift store, but often how something reads on a hanger and how it looks on your body are two completely different stories.
- When you have it on…does it make you happy? Do you feel good about yourself? Do you feel like it is accenting all your positives? Do you want to wear it as soon as possible? Then it’s a piece worth buying.
- Lastly, always check the seams and overall condition of thrifted items. It’s terrible to get it home and discover a hole or stain that won’t come out.
Soon you will know instinctively if a piece will fit with your style, your body and your life. You know what they say…practise makes perfect!
Is your brain trained for thrifting?
Do you have any thrifting tips you’d like to pass along?
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