I’ve been a huge fan of thrifting for years. One man’s trash is another’s treasure, right? I know some people get grossed out by even the thought of second-hand clothing, but give me a few minutes to try to convince you that second-hand doesn’t mean second-best. Thrifting also encourages me to try new things I may have shied away from at their new price. Now that I know how much I love blue on me, I look for those items specifically. I also always look for bright prints and color because that’s my personality. You can find what you like, too!

When thrifting there are a lot of places to look and things to look for. Here are 5 QUICK & EASY thrifting tips for when you hit up a local thrift store and/or a chain like Goodwill or Savers.

1. Look at the item from every angle. Check for stains and/or rips and holes.
2. Look at the tag if you want to and do some quick Googling. It can be fun to see what a “deal” you’re actually getting.
3. Don’t just shop in “your size,” but browse through the entire short-sleeve shirt rack for example. Things get messy. Things get misplaced. You can find gems exactly where you wouldn’t look.
4. Know the return policy and/or wear something easy to layer. Often times, stores won’t let you try-on in their fitting rooms post-COVID. I always just wear a t-shirt, so I can do my best to try an item on while shopping.
5. Take care of your clothes. If you love them, they’ll love you right back. Hang-dry, hem, etc. accordingly!

Poshmark is also a great place to shop second-hand, but there are literally 1,000s of items that are brand new! You can use my code HALEYSHERIF for $10 off your first order. Here are 5 QUICK & EASY Poshmark tips I use to shop successfully:

1. Always do a quick Google of the item you’re interested in. Sometimes sellers will list items for a higher price than you could buy them in-store. An item may not be currently available that’s why or a seller may just assume you won’t do your research.
2. Heart an item to like it and alert the seller. They might offer you a discount on the item and/or discounted shipping.
3. Make an offer and don’t be afraid to negotiate–after all, you want the best deal you can get.
4. These are often small shops run by regular people just like you, so make a point of leaving a kind comment for a seller, a thank you not once you receive the item, and/or shopping with the seller again.
5. Enjoy your item! No one is going to know the difference and the best part is…you know you shopped second-hand at a price that didn’t break the bank.

Finally, I want to highlight one of my friends because she is a force to be reckoned with and also a perfect illustration of working hard and working thoughtfully. My friend, Victoria Haynes, owns Pretty Things Hoarder, a shop for pre-owned luxury goods like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Hermes. I don’t know how she does it, but her items are always super unique and even sometimes vintage. The best part? Victoria has a 100% authentic guarantee. I know there are a ton of bloggers who share “dupes” (look-alike high-end items), but Victoria sells the real thing at an affordable price marrying two of my favorite things: authenticity + thrifting! Her items go fast, so if something catches your eye make sure to message her quickly.

Recently, I challenged myself to $50 at Goodwill and $50 on Poshmark. I didn’t make it to Goodwill before pressing “publish” on this post, but I did make it to Thrifty Threads in Brookline at the United Parish Church. TT is a small, wonderful charity shop that both supports those in need as well as other charities they collaborate with such as Rosie’s Place (women’s shelter) and More Than Words (non-profit bookstore than employees youth in the system). You most likely have a smaller charity shop in your town and it can be a great place to support as well as find some true gems!

I saw Katie from Thrifty Wife Happy Life post this adorable Kate Spade purse which she purchased from Poshmark and I immediately went to do some digging. I found one and after some negotiating, (which sellers typically engage in), I snagged it for exactly $50. I think it’s the perfect grab and go purse and I love how it already looks with some of what is in my closet.

And, my items from my Thrifty Threads for a total of $6 are:

1. This seriously gorgeous red roaster vase.
2. This straw basked with such a unique shape.
3. The red and white striped top,

Remember, it’s never about the price–some of the best items I’ve ever found were less than $20 and in mint condition, just at Goodwill and not Nordstrom. I always laugh when people say that second-hand means the quality isn’t as good…ya’ll know that the item has the same tag whether you buy it at a fancy name brand store or at one with blue and yellow tags, right?!

I’m gifting one of you a $25 gift card to Goodwill!

I’d love to see what you end up getting. All you need to do is comment on this post (up top to comment) one item on your wishlist that you hope to scoop up second-hand.