Fashion

Sarah Shah

Image Consultant

www.sarahshah.com

Family Thrift Stores

920 N. Durham

713-868-4261

Consignment:

More Than You Can Imagine

www.mtyci.com

Dardan's Tips for successful thrift store shopping:

Before you go:

• -Bring cash or a credit card, some stores don’t take checks
• -Bring a list of what you are looking for and bring along any items you want to match. 
• -Sometimes there aren’t any dressing rooms, so wear clothes you can easily try things on over or under and shoes that are comfortable and easy to take on/off
• -No Restrooms! So plan accordingly…
• -Time flies when you’re having fun shopping, so give yourself enough time to relax and enjoy the hunt…

While you’re there:

• -Enjoy the hunt. Items are in the store for a variety of reasons –not just because they are “old and worn out” -Sometimes, they are just “too big”, “too small”, “not my style”, “I’ve got to clean out my closet.”  Some items are even brand new!
• -Don’t look at size labels.  Items may have shrunk, stretched, been mislabeled, or the brand can run small/large.” Just hold it up to you, try it on, or take a tape measure to measure seams to see if they match a favorite garment at home.

• -First, go to the section that has the type of clothing you are looking for, otherwise you’ll get distracted.
• -Check tags to see what’s on sale – sale items are usually identified by a specific color or a “sell by” date on the tag.  Sometimes the store’s pricing system is posted.  If not, just ask the sales clerk how their system works.
• -Check each item for spots, stains, tears, missing buttons and zipper damage.  Evaluate whether it can be fixed and whether it’s worth it.
• -Try to buy “outfits” while you’re there, it’s easier to match in the store and you don’t spend the rest of your life looking for something to wear it with! Check out accessories: belt, purse, scarf, jewelry, and shoes.
• -Keep an eye on the check-out line.  The line can form quickly and cost you 20 plus minutes waiting in line, especially after work and at closing.

After you’re home:

• -Carefully remove the tags.  They are often attached with several small overlapping staples which can tear the garment if removed quickly.
• -Try on and do repairs; wash, iron, air out or dry-clean items before wearing.
• -Make an outfit! Match the item with what you already own– who knows how many great outfits you can make out of this one new piece; mixing, matching and accessorizing is half the fun!
• -Edit your closet! Is there something you can get rid of now? Donate to your favorite charity as you upgrade your wardrobe.
• -Accept any and all complements with “Thanks, I love it too!

Caution!:

-Don’t buy it just because it’s such a great deal. Would you pay full price for it, if you had the money? Be selective, and create outfits or you’ll end up with lots of fabulous odds and ends, and no way to wear them. I know!