Thrift shops offer a unique and fulfilling shopping experience that goes beyond just finding a bargain. The excitement of rummaging through racks and shelves, not knowing what gem you might stumble upon next, is just the best! The sense of accomplishment in finding that perfect piece, whether it’s a timeless jean jacket or a one of a kind bracelet, is simply a thrill.
Hi! My name is Abby and I’m on the M&K Team as the Administrative Director. I love working behind the scenes for Melissa and Katie, and while I’m not doing that, you can find me in a thrift store. I love secondhand shopping for numerous reasons, the bargain, the hunt, the unique finds, and the sustainability. Melissa and Katie asked if I would be willing to share my secondhand shopping tricks and I couldn’t be more excited to share a few tips & tricks with you!
Whether you are shopping for yourself, your family, or home, here are a few tips I use when perusing the aisles:
Tips for thrifting
- Have a list
- But also keep those fun and different pieces in mind 🙂
- When you find something, ask these questions
- Do you see yourself wearing this?
- Do you already own something similar?
- Do you feel confident and comfortable?
- Shop in all the sizes
- You are looking through so many different brands with all different sizing, don’t limit yourself to your typical size.
- Items are not always put back in the right size section, take your time and browse.
- Go for fit, not the size label!
- Shop in the men’s section
- Men’s sections are great for sweaters, jackets, and sweatshirts.
- Great for the oversized look too.
- Check the label
- If that sweater has a tag from the 60s and still in great condition, means it will probably stay that way for years to come. Follow the care instructions to keep the longevity of your clothes.
- If it’s dry clean only, make sure you are up for the task of keeping the piece in good condition.
- Fabrics and materials matter. Wool, cotton, linen, denim, are great fabrics. Natural fabrics are going to last longer and are better quality, perfect for your staple closet pieces.
- Don’t forget the accessories!
- Vintage jewelry, belts, watches, and so many fun and beautiful pieces are found at second hand stores.
- Hit up a bunch of stores!
- Do a little research of thrifts stores in your area and make a day of it!
- In a larger city? Make sure to check out thrift stores in the surrounding small towns.
- Once you have a list of vintage and second-hand stores, call up a friend, and go shopping together. Two sets of eyes are better than one! Also, great to have someone to give you the confidence to try something new.
- Every store offers something different, you might not find something the first visit, but keep trying!
Beyond the Thrift Store
- Thrift while traveling
- Out and about in a new town? Do NOT SKIP thrift stores. They offer a unique experience to your trip.
- If you are traveling overseas, different countries have different styles, sometimes better materials, and fun pieces you will probably never find back home.
One of my favorite pieces I purchased secondhand was in Munich, Germany. We were visiting for Oktoberfest and stumbled upon a vintage store where I found a hand made sweater perfect for a night with a giant pretzel and stein of beer. Prost!
- Make sure to check out the jewelry, Christmas ornaments, knick knacks, etc. for you, your home, or your friends. Thrift finds, stateside or overseas, are much more unique than anything you will find at the airport or souvenir store.
- Attend those Estate Sales!
- From clothes, home items, and furniture, Estate Sales are gold!
- Make sure to bring cash – a lot of times they don’t accept card or sometimes offer a discount for using cash.
- ThredUp & Poshmark
- I tend to find online second hand stores overwhelming.
- When I do use online second hand shopping, it is for specific pieces. For instance, I love Lululemon Joggers, do I want to pay $125 for them, no, so I create alerts for those items in my size that I can usually get for 40-50% off. For high end items or specific pieces you like, Thredup and Poshmark are great options for shopping.
- Invest in a tailor
- Whether you are shopping secondhand or shopping your own closet, if you love an item, but not wearing it ask why not? Don’t like how it fits? I bet that’s a yes, get it tailored! You are more likely to wear an item if it fits you perfectly!
- If I find a piece I know I will love and will wear for years to come, I am going to buy it and take it to a tailor. Most likely I will still be saving money than buying brand new.
Home Good items
- Be prepared to dig and keep your eyes peeled!
- Take your time and go through every aisle and shelf.
- Brass, silver, heavy metals, wood pieces are always great items that are quality and timeless.
- Don’t forget about gifts! It may not be for everyone, but couple of gift ideas:
- I love picking up bud vases to have on hand. Picking up flowers to give to someone with a real vase versus a plastic sleeve looks so much better for an extra $1 or less.
- See a cute frame, mug, or knick knack that just reminds you of someone special? See if you can find a cute wicker basket, maybe a fun towel, or item to compliment your gift to create a thoughtful gift basket.
- I’m reluctant to say this for others to discover, but the card section is a major score! I pick up birthday, wedding, thank you cards, etc. often for .50 or less!
- Looking for furniture?
- Follow social media accounts
- Set up alerts for Facebook Marketplace for specific items
- Estate sales, flea markets, are always great
- Habitat Restores are great for furniture, you may have to visit often, but it’s always worth a look!
Favorite Madison Area Thrift Spots
Madison and the surrounding areas have great thrifting and vintage stores! Below are some of my favorite stores. Make it a day or date by also hitting up M&K’s favorite restaurants in the area.
- St. Vincent De Paul my favorites are Odana Road and Willy Street (women, men, and kid clothing)
- Good Style Shop (vintage clothes)
- The Next Generation (kid’s clothing)
- Agrace Thrift Store – West (clothes and home goods)
- Habitat Restore East and West (home goods, furniture, and appliances)
- Agrace Thrift Store – East (furniture)
- Columbus Antique Mall – this place is a whole day event! It’s at least 3 stories and a maze of aisles full of antiques, clothes, furniture, pots, pans, and more! It’s cash only, so plan ahead with money in hand and comfortable shoes!
Thrifting intertwines sustainability, self-expression, and the joy of discovery. Stepping into a thrift store is not merely a shopping trip – it’s an adventure waiting to unfold, finding delightful surprises and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of pre-loved items. Embrace the thrill of thrifting and discover the magic within its eclectic aisles. I hope these tips are helpful and can’t wait for you to find your unique treasures!
