TJC: The Chronicles of Vicieux ~ Thrifty Tips
by: Daniel Vicieux
First, I am a designer. Secondly, I am a consumer. My eye for detail, creativity, and personal style help to curate my fashion picks. As a style maven, I’m always asked about my favorite stores, where are the best places to get certain pieces, and of course the endless “Where did you get that!?” Lately, my answer has been “Go to your nearest thrift store”, or some variation of the sort. Below are major tricks and tips from a pro! These notes will not only give you a better sense of what’s out there in terms of shopping, but will also help you find those one-of-a-kind pieces that closets are made of!
1. Go Often
This is the ultimate point to thrifting! Keeping a regular rotation of stores is great. At first it may take a little getting used to, but that’s normal. This gives you a chance to mingle with workers, source shipment times, and also weed out the stores in your town that don’t have what you’re truly interested in buying.
2. Get Out of Town
Some people may live in a big city with thrift stores on every block. Don’t fall for it. You’ll end up wearing almost the same look as your neighbor. Hop on a train and head to the next city! It’s a great get away, and it also give you a chance to peek into another city’s sense of style. Every city is different! Don’t take that for granted. Your fashion pot of gold may just be 30 minutes away!
3. Dress for the Occasion
This may sound trivial, but it’s imperative that you dress to shop! It defeats the purpose if you’re not. From head to toe, keep it simple.
4.Dig!
I know it’s hard to walk into a store and dive in. Take your time, but be diligent. You’re not the only one looking for buried treasure. And trust me it’s usually buried. Frequent thrift shoppers or even workers tend to hide their favorites as soon as they see them! Check ALL Departments! From Children’s wear to Housewares, you never know what’s hiding in a dresser!
5. Know Your Fabrics
This step requires a bit of research, but nothing too extensive. Keep in mind the natural fabrics: Cotton, Wool, and Silk. These are your top sellers. They’re easy to clean most of the time, and are staple fabrics unlike their counterparts Rayon, Polyester, and Acrylic blends. I know some stores cram clothes onto racks just to empty the trucks. Don’t let this hinder your shopping. Simply thumb through the clothes for the feel of the fabrics, and keep an eye out for patterns.
6. Keep an Open Mind
It’s ok to have a particular piece or look in mind as you shop, but be open to the endless possibilities presented by thrift shops! This is a creative adventure, having tunnel vision won’t allow you to fully take in all that’s available.
9. Don’t Be Afraid of the Dirt
Often the older, more desirable pieces will have stains of some sort but unless they’re really awful, don’t let that put you off. Vanish Oxi products can work wonders on 40-year-old stains and if the worse comes to the worst, there’s always the option of dyeing.
10. Think Outside the Box
Have fun with your finds! There’s nothing more exciting than to create something you can call your own, and know that nobody else has it. The great thing about clothing is that it’s fairly easy to alter. You can take things in, chop things shorter or even change a garment into something else entirely.
Happy Hunting Style Mavens!
