Three Thrift Myths that Must be Busted!

     One thing you might not know about thrifting is that your success depends entirely on the mindset you have when going in. Believe it or not, I too have had my fair share of off days where I've gone home empty handed and frustrated. And I've come to realize that each time that has happened, I walked into the store thinking "I'm not gonna find anything good today." You won't stumble upon great stuff if you don't start with a great attitude! 

     My conversations with people about thrifting are very frequent, and I keep hearing the same things over and over: LIES! Lies that either they have told themselves because they don't trust their thrifting abilities or lies that other misinformed people have told them out of pure inexperience and assumption.

     "I would like to start thrifting but..." Is something that I hear a LOT. So I've come up with 3 "Thrift Myths" that I know you all have heard, and I'm going to debunk them for you right now! Hopefully after learning the truth you will hold your head a little higher on your future thrifting endeavors.

Thrift myth #1: "I am neither a hipster, nor a vintage collector, nor a redneck housewife, therefore I have no business being in a thrift store."

Thrift truth: There are all sorts of people who shop at thrift stores, not just the obvious stereotypes. The only thing you need to thrift shop is a desire to spend as little money as possible. And in all honesty I cannot think of a brand of clothing that I haven't seen at goodwill. From Gap, to Target, to Ann Taylor, to Hollister, to Forever 21, to Old navy, Lucky Brand and Fossil. So, unless you're a character from The Devil Wears Prada or a judge on Project Runway, there IS something for you at thrift stores.

And as far as "vintage" goes, the only place you're really going to even find it is vintage stores. People think that since I shop at Goodwill that means I find bell bottoms, go go dresses and Parisian night suits all the time. That is definitely not the truth. There are actually far more sensible, wearable, modern pieces of clothing to be found while thrifting than wild retro fashion statements only psychotic vegan art students would be caught dead wearing in this century.

Thrift myth #2: "Only old, beaten up stuff ends up at Goodwill."

Thrift truth: Take it from me, this one is very untrue. Every few months I get real honest with myself on what I ACTUALLY wear frequently enough to keep, and get rid of the rest. I do it to maintain perspective on what I actually need. (But mostly I do it because I run out of drawer space and need room to buy more things. Hehe.) Sometimes I take it to a consignment store to make some money, but then I take the remaining items to Goodwill. And I think I'm a good example of most people who drop off stuff at Goodwill. It's not all hole-ridden high school football t shirts and pilling Christmas sweaters. A lot of it is just stuff that people didn't need or never wore. (Pro tip: This is especially true in thrift stores that are closer to rich neighborhoods. Rich people aren't as concerned with making money off of their clothes so they just give everything to Goodwill!)

And if you're especially snooty about quality, there is a "specials" section of every goodwill, usually located toward the front of the store. It consists exclusively of high quality, name brand clothing. The items cost a little more but sometimes it's worth it! I once found a Franchesca's dress there with the tags still on it for $9.50! You're not gonna find that anywhere else.

Thrift myth #3: "There won't be anything that fits me right at thrift stores."

Thrift truth: The only way this could be true is if you refuse to try anything on! There are hundreds of different brands in each store and they will not all run the same! Don't just look at the size tag and turn away. Trying on is a HUGE part of thrifting. If you don't do it you will get discouraged and maybe even end up wasting your money on purchases that don't even work for you. If you like an item and you think there is even the tiniest chance that it could fit you, try it on. If it's bigger around than your pinky, and smaller around than an above ground pool, TRY IT ON! You might be glad you did!

That's it for today! Don't forget to subscribe and comment!

Your Thrifty Godmother,

Leah