*Thrifted Guees heels from the '90s

Often you will see an item labeled "thrifted" on my blog. The term "thrifted" means I bought it at a used clothing store. I include thrift stores, antique stores, consignments boutiques, yard sales, swaps, and flea market finds when I mention thrifted items. It keeps the blog easy, so you don't have to look up a million things like "Swapped." (But for the record, if I swapped an item it means I traded for it with someone.)

Many people are intimidated by thrift stores. It's okay! It CAN be overwhelming! There is a lot of stock to go through, but if you look hard you can find some jems. Some of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe like my snuggly Ralph Lauren sweater and my monogrammed Coach tote, are from thrift stores! I try to stick to some basic rules when I go,  so I don't take home EVERYTHING just because it's $2.00 and 1/2 off.
  • Take of list of items you'd like to get. It can be clothing or household items, whatever. It's easy to buy a lot when everything is under $5.00! I take a notebook that has what I'd like to find, like "leather purse" or "black boots" or "envelope clutch" and stick to the areas that house what I'm looking for. If I can't find it, it stays on the list till I do. Then I won't be in the home goods section looking at vases when I just need a new purse for a party!
  • Ignore sizes and try everything on!  Seriously. Items that are older are differently sized. What I like to do is take EVERYTHING I like (that's on my list, of course) and put it in the cart and try it on. You never know, it may say "size small" and fit a size large. Items can shrink or get stretched out over time, so always head for the dressing room to be sure. There's nothing worse than the crushing disappointment of something you LOVE not fitting.
  • Dress to slip on/slip off! Some vintage and thrift shops don't have dressing rooms. You must try everything on, so I like to dress for the occasion. Wear leggings,a tank and a jacket or cardigan that you can remove so you can just slip stuff on in the aisles. Don't worry, it happens all the time. No one is going to judge you!
  • Be realistic.  If something you really like is damaged or stained, are you REALLY going to fix it or will it stay in your closet for the rest of forever? A broken zipper, missing button, or hole in a seam are easy fixes, and stains can be covered with patches or dye. A hole in the middle of the shirt or too small item are things that aren't easily repaired. Don't be overly cautious either though! Scratches in leather bags and purses can be buffed out with leather wipes (mostly.) At the end of the day if you've tried your hardest and the item is still not up to par, it was only $2.00 right? Blogs like New Dress A Day can give you great inspiration to make over things that seem hideous. If it has great bones, trust your instincts!
So have fun poppin' those tags and listening to "Thrift Shop" by Mackelmore. There are lots of jems to be had at there!
-Ashleigh

*Thrifted J.Crew Sweater and slouchy brown boots.*

*Thrifted poppy print Merona loafers.*

*Thrfited Apt. 9 cashmere leopard print cardigan.*

*Thrifted cream Gap cardigan, thrifted Eiffel Tower striped top, and thrifted blue glass drop earrings.*

*Thrifted black skirt.*