Tips for 2010

We all know that times are tough… the economy isn’t the best. So, what better time than the present to go thrifting and find some great clothes without breaking your budget. Here are 5 tips as you begin your thrift and consignment shopping adventures for 2010:

1. Look more at the general sizing of clothing than at the size on the tags and never give up an opportunity to try things on. This is for two reasons. First, sizing by brand varies greatly and also has changed vastly over time. Over the last few decades, many brands have gradually made their women’s sizes larger to flatter the consumer. Therefore, a vintage 1970s style skirt in a size 8 may really be more like a size 4 in today’s sizing. Sorry ladies – just swallow your pride. No one will see that tag but you, anyways (and maybe your dry cleaner, but he won’t tell, right?).

Also, many articles of clothing in consignment and thrift stores have been altered. Therefore, you cannot trust the labeling to indicate the true sizing. Sometimes pants have been shortened (or lengthened!) and generally they can be readjusted. And very commonly with dresses, people will make “hack” alterations because they only need to wear it for a few hours, but need to bring it in an inch on the sides or bring the hem up, etc. Beware of this as, sometimes it is just tacked and can be taken out without harm (depending on the material) and sometimes there is serious damage to the garment (so sad!).

2. Always remember this – you will (generally) most love something in the store. So, if you are unsure about it, either because of fit or because you just aren’t sure you truly like it, then just don’t buy it. Yes, it may only be $3. Yes, it may be the buy of a lifetime! But, if you will never wear it, what is the point of having it? And doesn’t that garment deserve to go on to a second (or third or fourth) life where it is loved and worn – and not just shoved in the back of your closet but talked about as “such a steal!”.

When you are about to buy something, ask yourself “do I really like/love this?”, “what will I wear this with?”, and (and maybe most important) “do I see myself choosing to wear this out of my closet?”. If you can be sure about these questions, then, buy away!

3. Avoid Monday shopping. Why? Often thrift and consignment stores have been picked over during the weekend, leaving very little valuable merchandise for early week shopping. Most stores will restock on Monday though, so, on Tuesday there should be a whole new selection of things to choose from!

4. Know what you cannot fix and what you can and also the cost of doing so. If you find something fabulous with a broken zipper, this is an easy fix, either if you can sew, or if you are willing to shell out $10 or so to a tailor to have them replace it. Buttons are also easily replaced – although remember, if one button is missing on something, you will generally have to replace every button on the garment so that they all match.

Avoid buying anything with rips or tears, unless they can be hemmed off. Patching holes, by definition, just isn’t classy! Stains sometimes can be a tough call. My general rule is, if something is a great find and really cheap, I will tackle it. To me, it’s worth the risk. Here are a few of my favorite tricks of the trade I have learned to use. Credit to my mother for teaching me about some of these “secrets”. As far as I’m concerned, if these things can’t get it out, nothing will.

Aerosol hairspray –  Will take ink out of cloth. Only aerosol hairspray works though (sorry ozone layer!), so don’t use the pump hairspray because it will not work!

Greased lightning – Will take out makeup, grease, food, grass and red dirt stains (and a million other things!). This stuff really is amazing. I keep a spray bottle of it (diluted with water) in the house all the time – you can use it on almost anything! The amazing thing is that it doesn’t take the color out of things but still will remove the stain!

Octagon soap – Is good for really set-in stains. You will have to really scrub and scrub, but, Octagon has a higher concentration of lye than other soap, so, somehow, it gets stains out!

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser – Is good for getting out the weirdest stuff. It’s hard to explain, but, basically, if I think there is a chance this thing MIGHT work on it, I will try it and it generally does. I don’t understand how in the world that thing works, but, it does and I am so glad I discovered it! It’s fantastic!

5. Lastly, don’t be afraid to bargain. Most chain stores (Goodwill, Salvation Army) have set prices and cannot negotiate. However, you can sometimes have success negotiating prices at smaller stores that are often managed by their actual owner. Never be afraid to offer a lower price for something, especially if the item needs repair or significant alteration. The worst thing they can do is decline your offer!

Happy bargain hunting in 2010 everyone!