Steve Clark

What do you think of when you think of thrifting? A musty smell? A weird hairball attached to a worn-out sweater? Or maybe a blimp-size dump of unorganized clothes? It’s very possible you will encounter these things, but look past them and you’ll see there are many benefits to secondhand shopping. It supports a sustainable lifestyle, it’s cost-efficient, and there is a certain novelty to it. “I like the idea that something I’m using has a history,” avid thrifter Jonathan Fletcher said. Fletcher, 56, has been frequenting thrift shops since he was a high school student, buying everything from clothes to the crutches he needed after his recent knee surgery. There are many reasons why people thrift. Some just want to avoid the mall, others want a unique wardrobe with vintage flair.  Many thrift store shoppers are parents just trying to keep up with their growing kids who don’t stay in one size for very long. But one reason is constant: Everyone is looking for a deal, esp...

Secondhand Style Is Chic & Sustainable Thrift shopping is having a moment. More and more people are giving pre-loved clothing a second chance at life and for a good reason. Not only can great quality pieces be found for too-good-to-be-true prices, but, by buying secondhand, we’re keeping still-wearable garments out of the landfill. Plus, who doesn’t love a good thrift shop find? If you're new to the art of thrift shopping, be forewarned: hunting for pre-loved treasures can be tiring and overwhelming. The rewards, however, outweigh the challenges, and, by following some of our go-to thrifting tips, you may just walk away with unique threads for amazingly low prices. To help you make the most out of your next thrift shopping excursion, here are seven tips on how to thrift shop like a boss! 1. Make a Plan Using Your Smartphone “Thrift shopping without a clear goal is like grocery shopping on an empty stomach. It’s doable but it’s not ideal.” ...

Thrift shopping allows you to declutter your wardrobe and escape the thrall of fast fashion while doing good for the community! With so many options, it is easy to become overwhelmed and intimated by the experience. How do you know where is the best place to shop and donate? Unfortunately, the thrift store landscape is not clear-cut. Not only are some thrift stores for profit, but you will also find some phony charities. Others are real but are wasteful or ineffective in what they do. Choosing the right charitable group is not rocket science. It is a matter of asking yourself the right questions and doing the appropriate amount of research before deciding where to shop and give. What Should You Consider When Donating and Buying At A Thrift Store? Ask if the Store is A Non-Profit Group Some stores have a “for-profit” approach. They accept and sell items in an attempt to make a profit, instead of helping a community. Typically, nonprofits operate under a tax-exempt organiza...

Blazers can never go wrong in turning a simple outfit into a powerful one. Whether you’re going to office meetings, parties, or casual dates, blazers are always a great choice. This wardrobe essential can easily help you dress up because of its sleek and effortless look. While often expensive at other stores, the good news is that you can score them at a much lower price at a thrift shop. If you want to know more about how to style blazers effectively, read on! Wear a Monochromatic Look One of the best ways to look polished is to stick to a one-color palette with your blazer. You can get matching pants, shorts, or a skirt with the same shade, along with a plain top. Don a pair of stilettos to look taller. If you’re just starting to invest in blazers, neutral colors are suggested to make it easier to pair with different pieces. A monochromatic look with your blazer also leaves a great impression in the corporate world. Go Casual with Sneakers Who says you can’t pull off a ca...

Who said the back-to-school season has to break your wallet? For anyone who wants to catch practical yet high-quality deals for school essentials, thrift stores are the way to go. All you need is a good eye for quality pieces and a bit of patience. With a huge selection of good finds, it can be easy to be overwhelmed when deciding which school items you should pick. Here are some of the best school-friendly thrift finds that you will love! Daily School Outfits Freshen up your wardrobe by picking staple items that are perfect for school. Choose neutral colors that you can easily mix and match. Leggings, plain t-shirts, or denim jackets are great additions to any outfit. You can also look for sweaters to cover up in colder seasons. Make sure that the items you choose are a good fit and comfortable to wear. School Bags Getting a handy yet affordable school bag is definitely one of the best back-to-school bargains. You can score backpacks that younger children will love. You ...

Do you have a lot of pre-loved jeans that you can never seem to let go of? Thrift stores never fail to be the perfect place to find all kinds of high-quality denim. It’s easy to fall in love with its re-usability and comfort. However, if your jeans really do not fit you anymore or have fallen out-of-style, you can always revamp them! We have rounded up some of the easiest ways to recycle them into a new favorite of yours. Check them out! Trendy Shorts If you are tired of your old flared jeans, all you need is a pair of scissors to get some new cute shorts for the summer. First, wear the pants and choose how short you would like them to be. Then, get a pencil to mark where you will cut them off. After that, carefully cut each leg straight. You can also go for a ragged design by pulling the excess threads from the cut. Denim Decorations You may also craft denim decorations by adding colorful patches, cloth, ribbons, or flowers. While these decorations are commonly sewn or att...