- Cheryl Egger
5 TIPS FOR THRIFT SHOPPING
Looking for budget-friendly options? Thrift shopping! Looking for unique super cool pieces? Thrift shopping! Looking to catch a disease? Thrif--just kidding! If you're new to the thrifting game and want to ignite your inner Mackelmore, I got chu!
I loooove a good thrift find. When I roll into a thrift shop, the hair on the back of neck rises at the thought of all of the potential finds....Or maybe it's just the smell, either way, I'm ALL IN for the thrill of the hunt!
Over the years, I've found some 'straight treasures' as Dale and I like to call them. The Salvation Army closed in Dunnville (sadddd!) and Dale's response was, "I can't believe you didn't keep them in business?!"
People often say, "you're house is modern, but it's also cozy," and I give all credit to the thrifted vintage pieces!
My favourite items Items I thrift for: furniture, trays, vases, mirrors, lamps, baskets, frames and art. Buckle up, here are my 5 top tips:
1// SMALL TOWNS
In my experience, the small town thrift shops have the 'straight treasure' we're talking about. And this isn't likely what want you want to hear, but often the shadiest looking shops have the best finds! So put on your big girl panties and take a chance!
2// CASH MONEY
Most people reserve their cash for coffee money, not this girl! I rarely carry cash, but if I do you can bet it's for thrift shopping. Other than Salvation Army or Goodwill, most shops rarely take debit or credit.
3// OPEN MIND, STRICT VISION
I find thrift shopping is a tricky balance of being prepared enough that you don’t end up with the ‘grocery shopping on an empty stomach’ situation, but also being open minded enough to consider unique pieces.
4// THE ART OF "THE SCAN"
This isn't Home Sense friends, items aren't perfectly styled to show you their potential. Thrift shops are typically PACKED with treasures amidst a lot of junk, but the finding is your job! Sooo, we must master 'the scan'. I recommend scanning for a certain colour or style. Looking for a mustard yellow piece? Scan for mustard yellow. Or a vintage print with blue tones? Scan. Scan. Scan.
5// INSPECT THE GOODS
All purchases are final sale. Things can be bumped and bruised. Also, be sure to watch for things like old lighting hardware that could be a fire hazard.
