Secondhand Plan

What do you do when you go thrifting?  If you're like me it is a toss up.  It is just as likely that you will hit the secondhand shops without any particular plan as it is that you'll go looking for something very specific.

Thrift shopping can be a very relaxing exercise.  It's fun to stumble across something cute and there's no pressure because you know you can afford it.  The downside to thrift shopping is that without a plan, habitual thrift shopping can lead to an excess of clothes because they're so cheap.

I've been there and I won't judge you for it.  But, your budget might.  Over time mindless shopping, even when things are inexpensive, can add up to an overflowing closet and a depleted bank account.  So, today I thought we'd talk about a few tips for keeping your thrifting in check.

1.  Have a plan.  Maybe your plan is to look for a specific thing like a plaid wool skirt.  Maybe you limit yourself to only buying things that will work for one complete outfit.  Or, you could limit yourself to only searching for a specific brand and only in your size.  If you don't find the brand and size, you don't buy.  I do a combination of those things.  I'll start out by searching what's new only in ModCloth and only on my two or three favorite resale sites, then see a MC skirt and build one outfit around it.  What I'm wearing today was all purchased on one trip to ThredUp and the total cost was $26.40

2.  Have a budget.  If you like to go thrifting as a little reward at the end of a hard week, that's perfectly fine.  Look at your monthly bills and figure out how much you can set aside for a little thrifting splurge should the mood strike.  Then, have that money in an envelope in cash.  Only spend from your envelope so you're not tempted to go overboard with plastic payments.

 

3.  Buy it for keeps.  It's tempting to purchase something just because it's cheap or because it's a steal and then re-donate after you never wear it or try to resell it at a higher price if you think you found a gem.  If you really enjoy that, then by all means carry on, but accumulating things based on those reasons can be a heavy burden.  Your clothes should bring you joy not fill you with dread as you scan a room filled with piles of unworn clothes that you have to deal with.  Don't buy it because its cheap; buy it for keeps.

Shopping Info:  Modcloth Skirt, Mak Cardigan, XXI Top, Heels from Thredup.  Use my link to save $20 off your first purchase.