The Hard and Fast Rules of Thrifting
Image Courtesy: Instagram
I’ve done a lot of thrifting the past few years. I was inspired to start back when Conan Gray was still a Youtuber and made videos for all the other 2018 art hoes on how to find the best mom jeans or baggy grandpa polos. I have not looked back since. Most of my closet is second hand at this point, and while it’s my favorite way to acquire new clothes, I’ve also made a lot of mistakes. I’ve purchased one too many items to know that sometimes, you must remain strong, and put back the mysteriously stained shirt that proudly displays, I LOVE BINGO, despite how funny you think it is. So here I am, sharing my knowledge and advice with you in no particular order on how to avoid overconsumption while thrifting:
If you have to pull out a sewing machine to make a piece work, put it back girl.
Unless you're incredibly talented with a sewing machine. Maybe I’m just lazy, but I’ve discovered that no matter how convinced I am in the store that I’ll tailor something, I will probably (definitely) not tailor it. Scissors are also included in this category, but I’ll let the cropped t-shirts slide for now.
2. Have a goal in mind.
One of my favorite things about thrifting is going in with an open mind, but sometimes this is what leads to buying more than I need, all under the excuse that it’s so cheap it doesn’t matter. Thrift with intention. Make a list of the pieces you're looking for (bell bottoms, quality button-ups, summer tank tops, whatever) to sharpen your search.
3. Go with a friend that is often mean to you.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
For me, this is my sister. She’s gonna be real with me when I walk out of the dressing room at Betty Griffin wearing a deceased man’s shoulder-padded blazer from the 80’s. Do you think this is office siren, I might say, to which she’ll reply, please put that back, you look like a child pretending to be an adult. Sometimes (most of the times) we need someone by our side that is far less delusional than us who will say straight up, when are you ever going to wear clogs out? The more this friend makes fun of you in your daily life, the better.
4. Be realistic.
I get it. They pump the air of Goodwills with oxygen-laced-chemicals that convince you fringe vests are in. And maybe they are. Maybe you will rock the fringe vest. But for a moment, try and dig deep down and ask yourself if the fringe genuinely reflects who you are inside. You might tell yourself it would be really good for a cowboy party, but when’s the last time you were actually invited to a cowboy party?
5. Fuck being realistic. Get the fish purse.
If I see any article of clothing with a fish print, it’s in the cart, no questions asked. I bought a bag two years ago that's three feet long with the shape and design of a realistic freshwater trout. Have I only worn this out in public around three times and one was for a Halloween costume? Perchance. But does it spark joy in my heart seeing it on my coat hanger every day? 100 percent. Sometimes, that’s all that matters.
6. Bonus tip: Have you considered your mother’s closet?
Because let me tell you, I have. Most of my wardrobe is my mom’s old clothes from the 90’s. I’m thankful every day she kept all her jewel-toned blouses and psychedelic pattern maxi dresses.
I hope these tips empower you to go on your next thrifting adventure without fear. Be brave, soldier. Stay away from the fur-lined bra and you’ll be okay.
Strike Out,
Sophia Massebeau
Saint Augustine
Editor: Kaya O’Rourke & Jaden Rudd
Sophia Massebeau is a Staff Writer for Strike Magazine, Saint Augustine. You might catch her busking downtown or apologizing for how messy her car is. You can find her @sophiamassebeau on Instagram or sophiemass1355@gmail.com
