The Right Cut

Think about this: What is your shape? Do you have curves? Are you slender? Do you think you have a large rear? Or perhaps, you have a well endowed chest? Who knows you better then yourself? Try this: Stand in front of a mirror with clothes on. What do you see? It's difficult to see shape when we are wearing clothes, so try this again wearing only undergarments or completely naked. That's your choice. If you have curves, and perhaps, wider hips, you might want to look for jeans that have some flair in the leg. This will create symmetry in your body when you are wearing clothes. If you are smaller and have less curves, you might want to go with a boot cut leg, or maybe straight leg jeans. Either way, you want to accent the features that you have, not hide them. Wearing clothes that are too baggy are just as bad as wearing clothes that are too tight. No one wants to see every little crease you have, but no one wants you to hide your figure either. The plus side to this is that you get to feel good about what you are wearing and the price you paid for the item. If you are looking for dresser clothes, keep in mind what you are looking for when you look for every day clothes. What do you like? What fits? What accents your features? Don't go for clothes that are extremely flashy, but don't go for clothes that make you look like you don't live in this century. Also, it's been my experience, for most people, it is a good idea to stay away from shoulder pads as much as possible. These make most people look too boxy and are generally unnecessary to most garments (except perhaps suits for men). I hope that all of this helps with your next thrift shopping adventure and my next post will be dedicated to what non-clothing items should not be purchased at a thrift store.

Thriftastic

Thriftastic: Looking fantastic in clothes that came from a thrift store. One of the best and most important ways to do that is to buy clothes that fit. I know that you might be a bit iffy about trying on clothes at the thrift store, but it is important that they fit. Many different clothing companies use different numbers for sizing their clothes, so if you are a woman, a pair of 14 sized jeans might fit in one brand, but be too big or too small in another brand. When you know you are going to go clothes shopping at a thrift store, always remember to wear close fitting undergarments for trying on clothes. You might want to wear an undershirt or spandex shorts underneath your clothes when you shop. That way, the fabric from the clothes doesn't touch you as much and you still have an idea of what fits. If you like a piece of clothing always try it on before you buy it. You might find out that the pants you just bought would fit your child better. Some thrift stores allow you to return items to the store, so if you want to wash it before you try it on, then you can try the clothes on at home, too. Just return the ones that don't fit properly. You may also want to have a friend or relative with you when you try on the clothes since sometimes our own eyes can be deceiving. They may be able to tell you whether or not the outfit looks good on you. For my next post, I will discuss the right cut of jeans for your shape.

21st Century Thrifting

Dear Readers,

One of the first steps to buying great items at a thrift store is staying within the standards of our decade. I'm not saying you can't buy that 80's denim jacket, but remember, if you are trying out a retro look, compliment, don't over compensate. Pair one retro item with other items that are more up-to-date. Remember, if the clothes don't fit you, don't buy them. Not only do you not look that great in them, but others might be better suited for that over-sized t-shirt you just bought. You want to look great and buying clothes that don't fit just doesn't work. For my next post, I will discuss how to know what fits and what doesn't when thrifting.

Welcome to How to Thrift

Dear Readers,

I have over the years noticed a trend in the way people seem to shop at a thrift store. Actually, I have to admit, the idea to start this blog was inspired by a combination of the TLC show "What Not to Wear" and a friend of mine who once had a really difficult time shopping for clothes at a thrift store for a number of different reasons. This blog is meant to inspire you to look your best while saving money and helping out your community. I will start by saying the first step to shopping at a thrift store is knowing how to find the types and cuts of clothes you look good in, while keeping your clothes up to date. (And yes, you can do that at a thrift store). For my next post, I will talk about staying in the 21st Century at a thrift store.