My love of thrift shopping goes way back. Like a lot of people, I started buying vintage or thrift store clothes because I didn’t have a lot of money to spend, but I also did it because I thought it made me edgy and cool. Today I shop used because of my conscience. I know how harmful the fashion industry is and I want to make a difference if I can. I try to be very selective when I add things to my closet, whether they’re new or used, and buy quality if I can. Then I take really good care of those pieces so they last. I find as many ways to wear those items and be creative in styling them. Lastly, I take great effort to resell clothes so they stay out of the landfills for as long as possible.
Replacement for my favorite AG jeans that ripped irreparably
IN PERSON
Pandora’s Closet & Style Encore — Located in Allentown PA, these sister stores are my favorite places to sell items because they sort, choose, and pay for clothes on the spot. I’ve found a few good things for my daughter and myself.
The Attic — I had one experience with this vintage consignment store in Bethlehem PA. I brought them a large bag of clothes, carefully edited, then went through a very lengthy and tedious process of consigning with them. They were very picky, took very few items, sold very few, and I had to hunt for the unsold pieces in the store. In the end I made only about $30.
Country Chic — This vintage consignment store in the very quaint town of Frenchtown NJ is great for browsing although I have only found one item I liked, a pair of leather pants that ironically my friend was selling there. It hasn’t worked out to sell to them because I rarely have the large collection of clothes they require to be a consigner.
Salvation Army — This is definitely the preferred place for my daughter and her friends. Sometimes we go to the Family Thrift Shoppe in Hellertown, but Salvation Army is better because it is a true non-profit, and they have a place to try on clothes. After I sell or consign, I hit up either of these places to donate the remaining stuff.
There are, of course, tons of other places like Greene Street in Lambertville and Shop Vintage Alley in Doylestown, but these are where we go most.
ONLINE
ThredUp — I can’t say enough about ThredUp. They have so much inventory, you wonder why anyone would want or need to shop new. I have found dresses for weddings and parties, great when you know you’ll only be wearing it once. One time I went shopping for dress pants at Ann Taylor, then came home and found the exact same navy blue trousers on ThredUp in perfect condition, for $9! As for selling, they provide pre-paid shipping bags for you to send in your used clothes in exchange for money or credit. I’ve purchased about 20 things over the years, returned some because they were not right, but found some very good pieces.
Poshmark — There was a time I was on there a lot. I’ve sold over 30 pieces, and bought close to 40. Every once in a while you encounter someone on there that is unpleasant or shady but it’s rare.
eBay — In the past I have found some good items on eBay like J. Crew coats and the like, but I’ve sort of drifted away from them.
I’ve scrolled through Vestiaire Collective and DePop, but never sold or bought on them.
Black leather pants, originally thrifted in Paris!
J. Crew slip dress.
J. Crew black wool blazer.
Whether you shop online or in person it’s good to shop with a list. Just like you would with new clothes, know what you already have, what you really need and be honest about whether you would really wear the new piece. Try things on and be picky. Most stores don’t take returns. I think thrifting is most fun when you go with friends and make it entertaining. Sometimes we have more fun finding things that are so wrong, rather that what’s right. Sometimes you get to go back in time to when your style was completely different. Chunky loafers! Low-rise jeans! And it’s especially enjoyable to see your kids discover things that are cool again.
Happy hunting!
