THRIFT SHOP: by Regan Mading, featuring Mackelmore

Hello readers! I am sorry I have been so M.I.A, February and March were wild months, but I am BACK! Today's post is all about my top thrifting tips and how to put together an entirely thrifted wardrobe. Thrift shopping is not only good for the soul (finding a piece you love after an hour of digging) and the wallet (Citizens of Humanity jeans for 20 dollars, YES PLEASE), but it is also good for the planet! What is not to love?! Without further ado, here are all my thrifting tips!

1. PATIENCE

   1. Don’t expect to build an entire wardrobe based on one thrifting trip. Thrifting is a luck game and a numbers game, the more often you go, the more often you are to find something you love or have been looking for, commit to going once every two weeks or so and only expect to find around 5 things each trip, consistency and patience are key. 

2. SHIRTS and DRESSES

   1. One tip: start at the front of the store, then move to the back. Thrift stores often organize by putting their cutest and most stylish pieces in the front of the store, so start there and pick up anything that catches your eye, then, move to the back and start looking for hidden gems. 

3. JEANS

   1. Keep an eye out for brands you like. Jeans often have some sort of stitching on the back of the waistband announcing the brand, if you have a certain denim brand you know you love (ex: BDG, Seven, Hudson, Levis) look at the BACK of the jeans to quickly spot the brand name. 

4. COATS

   1. I love looking for statement coats at the thrift store. This past weekend I bought this gorgeous red puffer to take to the east coast with me when I go over spring break. You might not be able to find a nice neutral staple coat when thrifting, but my local goodwill never fails to bring me a statement piece. 

Building a thrifted wardrobe:

Follow the tips above and you will slowly but surely watch as more and more of your closet becomes thrifted. Thrift stores usually will have some type of basic white, gray or black tee or tank, which is always good to stack up on. Jeans are also something I always pick up a few of when I go thrifting, of course, denim is not always going to fit perfectly or be in perfect condition, but when it comes to building your jean collection I think thrift stores have great options. It is also important to know which of your favorite brands you can often find at the thrift store. For example, I love Ralph Lauren/ Polo and Jones New York, and I often find those brands all around my local thrift shop. My final tip is the most important, which is, if you are not sure how you are going to style it, DON'T BUY IT! I only purchase things if I am chomping at the bit to style and wear my finds. 

Thank you so much for reading! I hope this post inspired you to get out there and do some thrifting!