How To Shop Resale Like A Pro

 

There has been a significant rise within the thrifting community. What was once taboo, is now a commonplace for the stylish. For some it could be the character that lingers, holding on by a thread. For others it's the price point that is most reasonable a price point that delivers an air of originality.  For me, it is and always will be  about style. If it's awesome, I will own it and since I have had the pleasure of being  called "stylish" by the fashion savvy,  you all know how we do, we smirk and send two snaps in their direction but, I have the secret. I've never shared it with anyone until now: 

  

 I have always held the fact that many of my designer duds are discovered by scouring racks and racks of archived fashions. And by archived, I refer to Valentino from the 1960's, Louis Vuitton of the 1970's, Gucci of the 1980's and last but not least, Yves Saint Laurent & Celine outerwear of the 90's that are resold or consigned for the previous owner. Power was being implied in the clothing back then. The stitching, the silhouettes, every thing seemed to scream "POWER" from the racks. And that is why I enjoy carrying on the sophisticated legacy of the resale shopper. 

 Now.... all though I've named high end brands, Don't misunderstand me, I am not by any means one of those "label queens" purporting the message that higher end brand makes a thing more or less stylish. I would like to believe In order to be, "high style" you must be fearless  and  master the art of the high some of my clients in pieces from Target but you would never guess because the formula is to look well put together, not try to be something you are not.   

The message I am screaming from the mountain tops is this one though:

"I will NOT go broke, in order to look rich."

I will advise all readers to choose that  mantra as well.    

Below I have noted a list of important tips, and I would also like to share  some of the greatest shops that have reshaped how I feel about the  shopping experience and  the fashion industry in it's entirety.   I think the saying goes: "Nothing is new amongst men", I can't really recall the phrase verbatim but I think I'm pretty darn close since we  are constantly being reintroduced to the same  recycled fashions, new designers perpetrating new shapes that being innovated with a new pattern, texture, available in various sizes  - ultimately trickling into  mass production in order to target a new demographic.  

Take the trench coat, for example.  In all of it's classic  sophistication someone decided they should recreate the design, in order to shake off the "old" adage that this jacket is for the father, grandfather, mobster, etc etc... Now, the trench coat that was once introduced in khaki/camel, black and navy has a higher demand one that lead the designer to introduce various colors, brighter colors that will make it more fun, and less sterile attracting a younger consumer with disposable income or at least the idea that they will appear more wealthy if they incorporated these "new" statement pieces into their wardrobe of today.    

Here are the 5 tips on how to thrift like a pro!  

1. Always shop with a purpose.  Make a list of the trends that catch your eye.  Example: sheer gloves and socks,  Chantilly lacy tank tops, high waisted palazzo pants.  Go into the shops and focus SOLELY on the list. 

2. FOCUS! If your goal is to create a vintage collection based off of sophistication, you MUST focus on the details: hardware such as buttons, appliques, intricate details, beading  anything that elevates a piece of clothing for you. 

3. Scour the racks like a PRO! I can't speak for anyone else, but I LIVE for the shopping experience. You cannot walk into a resale shop and expect the best pieces to stand out! All of these pieces are standing out, waiting for their next opportunity to help someone get their shine on! So scour the racks with patience and maintain your composure.  The goodies are always hidden!  

4. Remember one hour or more is needed to sift through the racks successfully. I'm sort of a weirdo in that way, I wear gloves and make it a point to touch every single piece of fashion I come across. Fashion is about feeling, and the pieces truly have to speak to you.  

5. It's important to INSPECT before you ACCEPT! Check pockets, under arms, stretch seams, you must inspect the piece from top to bottom! You're looking for holes, you're looking for the way fabric is manipulated when real life pressure is applied.  Always ask for the addition 10% discount when purchasing anything with holes or imperfections – doesn't matter that it's resale. 

THE GREATEST RESALE SHOPS ARE USUALLY RIGHT IN OUR OWN BACKYARD! 

1. BUFFALO EXCHANGE,  BROOKLYN, NY   

2. MERCY VINTAGE, OAKLAND CA   

3. PRIMA DONNA'S CLOSET, NEW ORLEANS  

4. WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND,  NEW YORK  

5. WASTELAND, LOS ANGELES   

6. LABELS RESALE BOUTIQUE, ATLANTA   

7. CONSIGN OF THE TIMES, MIAMI BEACH  

8. SNOBSWAP, WASHINGTON DC  

9. SUI GENERIS, SAN FRANCISCO  

10. ALL OF THE GOODWILL/ SALVATION ARMY STORES, NATIONWIDE  

THRIFTER'S STYLE KIT ESSENTIALS:  

Sewing kit
Deodorant stain removers
Heel shields
Lint roller
Measuring tape

by Jerime Dervon, for ItsArkeedah.com