5 Reasons Why I Shop Secondhand | Thriftanista in the City

8.06.2013

5 Reasons Why I Shop Secondhand

It's no secret that I like thrifting and secondhand shopping. I didn't always spend so much time in thrift stores. I like shopping in general but my money is funny. Since my pockets are uhmmm shall we say "light", I love that I can still indulge in one of my favorite past times and not break the bank (too much).

5 reasons why I enjoy shopping secondhand

Here are 5 reasons why I enjoy shopping secondhand based on yesterday's outfit for a trip to the zoo:


a flea market vintage find marquise white cabochon earrings

1. Vintage Finds

My earrings are from the Kane County Flea Market. They are one of three pairs of earrings I found and fell in love with over the weekend. My haggle hymen was broken when I asked the seller if she would take $7 for the 3 pairs. She did.

nice quality thrift vintage italian made sunglasses

2. Quality 

The sunglasses are a find from a recent thrift trip. They're "made in Italy" and good quality. The shape is simple with a little design on the bridge. The lenses have no scratches and they're very sturdy. I did go over my $3 per item limit but they're worth the $3.90.

front tie blouse trend with thrift store shirt

3. Trends

I only wear the button up as front tie blouse. The fabric is perfect for it. It's also very airy and soft. It keeps getting better with every wash so even when I'm tired of the front tie, I can still wear this ray of sunshine for a few more years.

secondhand midi a line skirt found in thrift store

4. Originality

I like putting my own spin on everything I wear. Having a unique print makes it easy. I had planned on limiting my color choices for this magenta / grey a-line midi skirt to black or white but look what happened when I added an additional pop of color. It works, right?

ballet flats found new in thrift store

5. Cost

The price is usually right. Sadly, my ballet flats are on their last leg. The material is busting at the seams in back and looking kinda raggedy. Unlike the sunglasses, the quality ain't that great. These probably retailed pretty cheap anyway. They were new and only $3 thrifted. Had I bought them retail, the cost would have been higher. They are my go to shoe so I'm ok with them only lasting 2 months. I got my money's worth out of them.

Why do you shop secondhand?

***In other news***

Most of the animals at the zoo didn't have time for us but these 2 giraffes seemed to enjoy the photo op.

Linking up with What I Wore Wednesday.

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26 comments

ChickPool said...

you are my thrift store hero! i wish i had the patience. my daughter loves thrifting. whenever we go, i usually follow her around like a lost puppy. *sigh*

Daenel T. said...

I agree with all of your reasons for thrifting. I'd also add that my taste changes a lot, so I'd hate to spend a lot only to not wear the clothes. And I'd add one of a kind... I bought a cute blouse at a box store recently and saw a woman at the car lot with the exact same shirt on. It was awkward.

Oh to Be a Muse said...

Those are all wonderful reasons and the proof is in the photos based on the great pieces that you wear. I really need to go thrifting again soon.

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Shon said...

You are always on point! I love this look. Cheers for thriftiness!!

Sistergirl said...

I just got back into thrifting because Iam saving for a cruise. I thrift because ...
1)Price is right and I can save my money for something else.
2)Designer brands I normally can't afford
3)Low price allows me to be creative, upscale and trying patterns I normally wouldn't.
4) Vintage classic styles.

Antionette Blake said...

I miss seeing your little one in the background!

Ashley @TheCreamToMyCoffee said...

I am actually headed to the thrift store right after work today! I love it for the all reasons you do!

Lauren @ Style of Ones Own said...

Love the yellow tied top! I just recently discovered a decent thrift store in town (our Goodwill never has anything). I love to thrift because finding a brand you love for 98% off the original price is the best high in the world. ;)

Lauren
Style of One's Own

K. Elizabeth @ YUMMommy said...

Money and unique finds are my biggest two reasons for shopping thrift stores and consignment shops. Where else can you get designer wears for dirt cheap? And like you said, you find tons of vintage pieces if you look and dig hard enough.

Natalia/Shandrese said...

love that skirt!! you look amazing!

http://sincerelyrenay.blogspot.com/

Mo said...

I like the top tied up. The additional color does look good with the print on the skirt. :-) I thrift because I like finding cool pieces on the cheap. Most of the time it will be something that no one else has because it's out of season.

Mo

Unknown said...

I love secondhand shopping for the same reasons you listed. Great deals on a bargain and not having to worry with looking like everyone else.

http://thriftyandshameless.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed reading your blog. I shop thrift stores for about the same five reasons. The sunglasses were some really great finds.

Ashleigh said...

I shop thrift because i love shopping too much. I budget myself $20 at a time. That would buy me one item at the mall, if that. However, recently thrift stores have been getting so much attention that pickings are slim. There's also a lot of buyouts from like, Target lately. Dresses and shoes, etc end up being $15+ at the thrift store??? Just because it's Merona and nwt? I've found J.Crew Cashmere sweaters for $3.00 but you want me to pay $15.00 for a merona dress?
In the end, if I like it I will buy it, but I wish I lived in a bigger metro area so that there would be more to choose from.

I love your skirt and top! It's classic and still trendy with the crop top and midi length skirt.

-Ash
www.thestylizedwannabe.com

Thriftanista in the City said...

Aww. thanks! Patience is the supreme thrifting rule. It can be overwhelming.

Thriftanista in the City said...

Same here. Fashion fickle club. I change my mind on some of my favorites all the time.

Thriftanista in the City said...

Do it! It's fun.

Thriftanista in the City said...

Thanks! Yay thrifting!

Thriftanista in the City said...

All very good reason. Have fun on your cruise!

Thriftanista in the City said...

She's still around....

Thriftanista in the City said...

Weeeee! What did you get?

Thriftanista in the City said...

Thank you! It can be pretty exciting! I become giddy when we drive up to the thrift.

Thriftanista in the City said...

I like the dig!

Thriftanista in the City said...

Thank you!

Thriftanista in the City said...

Yay! Can't wait to see your maternity thrift finds, mama to be. :)

Thriftanista in the City said...

$20 is my thrift budget too! They do jack up the price of Target brands. What's that about?

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