Thrifting Tips
Walking in to a non curated, jam packed, unaesthetically pleasing retail space and hunting for treasure.
This sounds like a great time to me but I can see how that can seem overwhelming. I’m here to help those who find that concept less than exciting with some of my top tips! I will also be sharing some of my most recent thrifted and vintage finds that I am loving at the moment.
Tip 1. Look through every single rack, every size, men’s and women’s. Size truly means nothing at the thrift store, especially when it comes to vintage pieces, a size Australian 10 is more like an Australian 6. And what if the brand is European or American? The key if to try things on, you may like the oversized fit of that linen shirt or you may find that that wrap skirt just needs the button moved over to fit perfectly. That brings me to tip #2
Tip 2. Don’t be afraid of a bit of DIY. Get your Nanas sewing needle out and resew that button on girl! I am going to do a whole separate post on easy alteration techniques but even if you are not confident with a needle and thread, if you love a piece, don’t be afraid to take it to a tailor. You’ll get a perfect fit and the total cost will definitely be less than if you bought a piece at retail prices.
Tip 3. To avoid spending 3 hours in each thrift store you enter, focus on colours and fabrics that you are drawn to. If you hate pink (I don’t know why you would, but hey I’m not here to judge) then skip the pinks. Go to the colours you know you love, this keeps you from buying pieces that you just won’t wear.
Tip 4. The most sustainable way to shop is not to shop at all so only buy things that you love and will wear.
Tip 5. If you mess up a DIY on that thrifted skirt but you love the fabric, don’t just redonate it! Reuse that fabric! Turn it into grocery bags and a matching scrunchy. I’ll also be doing a thrift flip post soon on how to do this! Very cute and no waste!
Tip 6. Don’t ignore the basics! If you find a clean white tee at the thrift store that is the equivalent of striking gold. Treasure it. It also saves you from spending $5 on a Kmart t shirt that will fall apart after 2 washes. You know that thrifted white tee has had a whole life before it came into your hands, so she must be strong.
Above is an image of the selection of items I purchased when I visited Melbourne recently.
Featuring, some amazing vintage pants I found at Vintage Sole, in Melbourne. I love the fit of them, I feel like a business man. And also Meg Ryan in when Harry met Sally, which is a fashion film. Do not fight me on this, the styling in that movie is incredible.
The tee shirt is from a local Melbourne label called Australian Stitch which focuses on good quality basics made ethically in Melbourne. They are a really cool new brand doing great things, would highly recommend checking them out.
The necklace is my new true love (ironic because it was a very kind anniversary present from my other true love). It is from Temple of the Sun a stunning jewellery label based in Byron Bay, created in their environmentally and socially conscious workshop. They have a strong goal of sustainability in their craft and make pieces that create very little waste.
The rose quartz facial roller is my new favourite step in my skincare routine. This one is from Bopo Women, an Australian made, natural and cruelty free company. Gorgeous quality and feels amazing on the skin.
You can check out my Instagram @dharmaanddaisy for more vintage and thrifted outfit inspo.