tips for thrifting

let’s chat about vintage finds- the dusty gems i love to use to make a home a little more cozy. people are always getting rid of things- so the shelves at a thrift store are always rotating and it can be an inexpensive way to add more personal touches to a space. although it’s not for everyone, thrifting makes me giddy. i love to peruse the tight aisles and the clutter brings me a sense of calm rather than a feeling of being overwhelmed. my mom, cousins, aunts and i have a pastime of doing the hunt together- so it’s also very nostalgic. my mom and i used to go often in charlotte with (pre-moving) parks (he would be nestled against my chest in the solly baby wrap) and then lately, i love to sneak out on a sunday afternoon with a coffee in hand. however, i think it will be fun once he is a little older to introduce him to the fun + history of ‘junk.’ 

now that i am on the path to ‘chasing slow’ + a more minimal lifestyle, i think these little charms can add a sense of simple touch when mixed with more neutral pieces throughout our home. 

my thrift store tips /

+ go on the day the inventory is put out. most stores set a day (usually tuesday) so go on that day!

+ don’t go in with a sense of finding something specific … but you might just find something ‘magical’ (not always… but you never know) if you don’t go in with either mindset, you might leave happier

+ try things on: a lot of places don’t have a dressing room, so this means leggings and a fitted tee / tank are probably your best bet for slipping clothes over your head

+ examine all goods before you purchase. my mom does this even with new things she buys and it’s such a good idea. examine for chips, nicks, discoloration, etc. 

+ remember you are helping your community through thrifting 

+ bring hand sanitizer

+ avoid major sales… it’s usually really crowded (and remember you can always politely haggle. some stores don’t allow this but you can always ask in a confident + respectful manner) 

+ enjoy the process 

these are from a solo trip i took last december

i especially love to go around the holidays, all of the festive touches give me a certain feeling,

reminding me of simple pleasures 

that little gold tree + two wooden baby hangers came home with me that day

i really loved that brown leather bag + baby boy hat

all of the dinnerware always reminds me of my grandma’s farmhouse 

she never had china or anything fancy / pieces worth any money – but her pieces remain my favorite.

remember to wash + sanitize everything you bring home 

thieves (one of my very favorite essential oils) is a great one to use for this process

…again, if you decide to venture to a local thrift store soon, please let me know how it goes…

xo