Thrift Shop to Expand your Wardrobe and Your Look

Thrift shopping can be fun and social. Plan a date with a friend or two for lunch and spend the day at local thrift stores. Local thrift stores are concentrated in areas in cities making it easy to go from one store to the next.

Make sure you start with great foundation pieces – spend your wardrobe money on things that can last you for more than one season. Ann Taylor Loft is an affordable store that carries high quality separates that look terrific and will last.

Stay on top of the trends so you know what to look for when you shop. Splurge for several pieces during a season – find your “must haves” but don’t go overboard. You will wind up with a great look for one season but will have to start all over again the next season which will be expensive. Marie Claire Magazine is fun and fashion forward and features the latest pieces and accessories. Pull out some pages and bring them with you when you shop.

When you thrift, look for things that are timeless (vintage) and trendy. Thrifting is perfect for items like jewelery, belts, scarves, jackets and purses.

Don’t be afraid of color or patterns or textures. Jackets and scarves can extend a late summer wardrobe into a fall wardrobe. Layering is another way to add interest and to migrate your wardrobe into the next season.

Find something and change the color by using RIT Dye. It can totally restore the piece and change the look of something. Buy an inexpensive item – cotton works well and experiment. If it does not turn out well, you learned something and only wasted a few dollars. If you get good at it, you will save money and can create one of a kind statement pieces.

Befriend an artist – we paint on clothes, add embellishments, and rework pieces. I took my roommates old Ked high tops and totally restored them using Sharpie pens. They are now her favorite shoes.

Take a sewing class at Joanne Fabrics (http://www.joann.com/joann/home/home.jsp) and learn how to deconstruct something so you can rework it. This is a fun hobby and you will be proud to wear a garment you personalized. They also have interesting buttons and notions that you can sew on to your piece for added interest.

Just remember:

Be open – try things

Be prepared- stay up on trends

Take a friend – get their opinion and keep it social

Make a day of it – go to lunch. You will need  your stamina on your fashion treasure hunt!

My Favorite Thrift Stores in Columbus, Ohio – Do your homework on your city!

Second Chance Consignment Boutique – Grandview Ohio

http://secondchancegrandview.com/

Ragorama – If found the most beautiful short classic beaded scoop neck dress for $10

http://www.ragorama.com/

VOA- Volunteers of America – money goes to charity and they have a wide selection because they receive donations – helps people in need and provides a tax deduction. This is a great place for true vintage pieces from someone’s attic. You will have to dry clean the pieces but it can be so worth it!

http://www.voago.org/