Confession no. 2

Common Misconceptions About Thrift Stores + Why They Should be Disregarded                   

Word on the street is that thrift shopping is pretty popular these days-- power to the people, am I right? But what is holding non-thrifters back from doing the dang thing? Well, a number of reasons could be holding someone back from thrift shopping- 7 more specifically. Let's debunk these myths and turn more heads toward the better side- The Thrifty Side.. duh. 

1. "Thrift Shopping is Filthy"

I cannot begin to explain the amount of times I've heard people saying this and how wrong they are. It's no secret that when you thrift shop, you're purchasing used items, whether it be anything from clothing articles and shoes to housewares and furniture-- thrift stores have it all. This concept tends to steer many people away, as they may be afraid of "dirty" items, and they don't know who's worn the donated clothes or used the curling wand. Well, I hate to break it to you guys but I can almost guarantee that the clothing you're trying on in department stores or any other clothing store have been tried on by many other people, and you have no idea where they've been and how often they shower. Need a solution?? Wash your clothes upon purchasing them! No matter where they've been purchased from, I strongly suggest you wash them in your washer machine before wearing them yourself. Buying a used kitchen appliance? Clean the heck out of it. I recommend Lysol or disinfectant wipes-- they get the job done. Thrifting isn't filthy, its healthy for the soul :)

2. "Thrifting Takes Too Much Time"

While I've been on a thrifting haul that has taken nearly all day, this doesn't mean thrift shopping has to take hours. Your shopping experience is contingent on yourself. If you're on a time limit, search thoroughly and skip the sections you know you don't need to look through. Let's be honest, you have to dig in any store you go to if you're looking to walk out with some valuable items.. so why not do it at a thrift store and save some money while you're at it??? Yes, most thrift stores are assorted randomly and not by size, unless you're at a consignment shop like Plato's Closet, but its very unlikely. A good trick to sorting through shirts picking a pattern or color you like and attacking it head on. Flip fast and only stop if you see potential, then you can worry about the size later. I can honestly say thrift shopping is a hit or miss most times, so you can either spend 8 minutes total or up to 2 hours at a time in a single store. But on average, i've spent more time in a Forever 21 or Urban Outfitters hands down. 

3. "I Can Never Find My Size at Thrift Stores" (said mostly by XS or plus sizes)

Girl, if you are guilty of saying this, no matter what size you are, you don't circulate thrift stores enough! Inventory is consistently changing at thrift and consignment stores-- meaning new stuff is getting donated or sold each day. I will admit that thrift shopping doesn't produce results each time, its truly a hobby. You must be committed and dedicated when thrifting, as theres a possibility you won't find the item you want for up to months- which can be disheartening at times. I was searching for an oversized white/ cream blazer for almost 6 months (I probably didn't accumulate the stores often enough) but I persisted to dig and found not only one, but two a couple of weeks ago! Just keep searching, you'll find that one item soon, girl.

 

4. "Thrift Shopping is Intimidating"

Thrift shopping is made for a woman or man of any kind, there are no requirements one must meet before they can thrift. As thrifting can be seen as a task, I can give ya a few tips to help conquer your fears. Bring a friend or sibling with you when thrifting, it makes the experience a lot more fun and seem less "scary." If it helps to throw jokes back and forth about horrifying clothing articles you see or make silly faces while searching up and down the aisles, then do it. Also, there isn't a quota you have to reach when thrifting, so sit back and enjoy your shopping time. If you're stressed out but don't have a lot of money, I strongly suggest venturing off to a thrift store and pondering through one specific section of choice- but not the whole store because it could stress you out even more. Sorting through items can be extremely therapeutic and calming, especially when you score an item. 

5. "Everything Sold at Thrift Store's is Outdated"

Another one of my favorite myths... as it can be true and untrue at the same time. First off, isn't vintage totally in style right now? Whats better than wearing a vintage outfit that is actually from the 60s or 70s and not faux? Also, Ive found a number of items at thrift stores with tags on them, untouched or unworn and I can guarantee I payed a much smaller price at a thrift store than I would've at a department store. Thrift stores have a variety of inventory, from new to old, small to large, smelly to non smelly, etc. Your perception may be different from another persons. Always remember that one mans 'junk' is another persons treasure. 

6. "Thrift Stores are Unorganized"

Sis, if this were true, what would be the point of hiring employees? These employees work hard each day to sort through their inventory and organize it as much as they can. Wanna know who makes the store unorganized? Us.. the customer. The amount of times I've watched someone pick up a hanger and accidentally allow the shirt hanging on the rack next to it, to fall off and disregard it is countless. We have to do better. These employees are trying their best to sort through the items they're given and organize the best way possible, but we keep messing it up. If you pick up a shirt but decide no on it later in the shop, go put it back where you found it. A woman's dress doesn't belong on the mens T-shirt rack. A thrift store is probably opened in the morning looking 10x cleaner and organized than it does when its closing time.

7. "Thrift Stores are Only for Costumes and Funky Clothing"

Ugh... the amount of people who are missing out on the everyday items found in a thrift store because they believe this. Most, if not all of my outfits are put together with at least two articles that have been thrifted. Yes, if you're searching for something unique or for an outfit for a themed birthday party, a thrift store is your place to go. But this doesn't mean you should rule out thrift stores for all other articles or items... because they have it all. Just like a department store (but even better, in my opinion), you can find many items in many different styles and sizes. 

   

These mom jeans may have been worn by Karen in the 90s.... but a girl named Rachel is rocking them now;) Be BOLD... and Keep on Thrifting. You won't regret it :-) 

Till next time my people...

-Ray<3