Thrifting? No, thanks. I don't dig the grandma look...

  Contrary to the popular belief of non-thrifters, second-hand stores do not solely consist of grandma clothes, 80's and 90's blasts from the pasts, and polyester suits. 

  As a shopoholic college student, buying clothes at full price isn't always in my budget...ever. So, how does a trendy gal (or guy) like myself keep up with looking fashionable and not outdated? I thrift. Thrifting isn't just walking into the nearest second-hand store and walking out with armfuls of trendy clothes. Like most activities in life, thrifting has rules. Theses rules aren't made to annoy you, they are made to help you get the most out of your thrifting experience. :)

The Trendy Gals&&Guys Guide To Thrifting.
1. Walk in with a sense of adventure. 
Walking into a second-hand store with a specific item in mind will get you no where (except to a place of constant frustration). Remember: It's not the mall. 

2. Don't always look at things as what they are but what they could be. 
If you posses any type of sewing ability, embrace it! If not, learn some simple sewing techniques. Vintage is very popular, but not all vintage silhouettes are modern friendly. I find this to be the case with a lot of dresses. Sometimes you want the neckline lowered, the hem shortened, or sleeve length changed. Having the ability to alter second-hand looks will help them to move fashionably forward. 

3. Make sure you are familiar with current and future trends.
Read Cosmo, Glamour, Vogue, Elle, Seventeen, People, any type of magazine that gives you examples of current and future styles. I find quite a bit that people give away clothes to second-hand stores that they think have been outdated. Remember: Everything in fashion comes back! Styles, colors, patters, silhouettes, you name it! 


4. Check out the accessories!
Do not make the mistake of only looking at the clothes! Check out the bags, shoes, belts, hats, and jewelry. 


Sew Thrifty. Sew Happy.