We needed props for several upcoming styled photo shoots and some golden goodies for our homes sounded like a fine idea also. But really, we love good deals! At a recent team meeting we were brainstorming for an upcoming shoot and so a thrifting trip was planned. Today we are bring you along on the thrifting day trip. Most importantly Liz, our stylist, is sharing tips for successful thrifting.

Liz will take it from here…

There is nothing better than finding an amazing piece for your home or wardrobe at an unbelievable price. For anyone who loves finding a good deal, you know that shopping for a bargain can be somewhat addictive and so rewarding when you can brag to your friends about how little you paid! Some of the team went thrifting together this past week and today we are sharing a few tips and tricks for scoring a good bargain at thrift stores.

1. Keep an open mind

When it comes to thrift shopping, having an open and creative mind will always work in your advantage. If you are expecting everything in the store to look phenomenal off the shelf, think again. Thrift shopping requires searching through the junk to find the real gems or items that can be made to look even better. An old set of chairs could be repainted and reupholstered to look modern and new, or a neat frame could be painted to match your home!

2. Make a plan

Before going to a bunch of thrift stores, it helps to make a plan. If you are buying for your home, it can be incredibly overwhelming to look at everything and you may end up with a cart full of stuff that has no function or place in your actual home. Make a loose list of things that you would like to find, and search within those categories. Ask yourself “does this have a place or a function?”, and if the answer is no, you may want to put it back. Don’t buy it all just because it’s cheap!

3. Start a collection

The beauty of thrifting is that you can find truly unique pieces that won’t look like everything your friends have. Identify items that you love, and start searching for them when you go thrifting. Items that make beautiful collections are mix and match china dinner plates, candlesticks, and vintage barware. If you have at least 2-4 of the same style, they look like a great cohesive set together! A collection of unique dinnerware will make your next dinner party look planned and effortless, without over spending on pretty matching sets.

4. Search often and everywhere

The biggest thrill of thrift shopping is the search for great pieces. This can be exhausting, but our best advice is to search everywhere, and search often. Thrift and consignment stores constantly rotate through merchandise, so you can have bad days and good days at the same store. Check with each store about days when they may place new merchandise, or when they have upcoming sales! We have a list of our favorite local shops below.

5. Mix old and new

Last but not least, don’t be afraid to mix the old with the new. These days, there is no stigma with mixing brand new items with incredible vintage pieces. It’s the balance of old and new that we love and creates unique personal style. Try mixing in a few vintage pieces with your Ikea furniture, and you’ll instantly feel like your home isn’t straight out of a catalog. Keep an eye on home and fashion trends, and find ways to make them your own with your thrifted finds! Another fun tip: most Goodwill stores now get brand new items from Target that have been marked way below clearance prices, a great way to get the new look without the price tag!

Our favorite local shops:

1. Salvation Army

2. Jubilee Ministries

3. Goodwill

4. Blue Mountain Thrift

Are you a thrifter? What are some tips and tricks you have learned?