Staff Writer
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| After purchasing a shirt, consider dying it then set the garment outside to dry. |
Here are items to look out for as well as some tips to take your best thrift shop finds to the next level:
SHIRTS:
Styles are constantly changing, so why not get a cheap but cute shirt from a shop like Uptown Cheapskate? There are tons of different designs, patterns and plaid button-up shirts to choose from. TIP: There are also tons of t-shirts you can find to cut into comfy work out tanks.
PANTS:
Many people go thrift shopping only for the unique shirts or dresses but tend to skip over the pants. There are usually a lot to sort through and it can take some time to find a good fit, but isn’t it worth the search to find that perfect pair of Lucky jeans? TIP: Have you found a pair of pants that fit at the waist but are too short? Turn them into capris or shorts with a simple snip and stitch.
DRESSES:
There are some really nice dresses you can find at thrift stores if you know what to look for. Some dresses are perfect and will fit you comfortably, while others simply need some stain remover. TIP: Some dresses you find will be adorable, but too big. Just take your measurements, undo the seam, and take it in a bit.
SHOES:
No, thrift shops don’t only have green alligator shoes and moccasins. You can find some really great barely worn or even brand new shoes. TIP: A lot of shoes are machine washable, just check the tag and then pop them in the washing machine to sanitize to restore some original color.
ACCESSORIES:
From belts to fur fox skins, you can find tons of accessories at local bargain stores. Most stores have large sections of jewelry and if you just take the time to hunt through all of it, you can find something to fit your personal style. TIP: Some jewelry you find may be dull or cloudy. To make it look new, get some jewelry cleaner and polish away.
COSTUMES:
One of the main reasons that people go to thrift shops like Goodwill is to find clothes to make costumes for different occasions. You could even find a leopard mink or a “built in onesie with socks.” TIP: After Halloween can be the best time to go shopping at a thrift shop, with people donating their costumes, it’s a good time to look for some interesting costumes to add to any dress up box.
FURNITURE:
You can find some really nice furniture, especially chairs and couches, in good shape. TIP: Couches and chairs can be found that would be perfect for a bedroom or dorm room. Slip a fitted couch cover over to match any décor.
PAINTINGS:
Expensive pictures and paintings can be found at many thrift shops. TIP: Looking for a cheap canvas? Often, there are paintings at Goodwill and the Guardian Angel. Simply paint a base and then paint over the canvas. Be sure to check for any significant value in the paintings since they may be worth something.
These are just a few of the things you can find at any average thrift shop; to find more, roll on in to a store near you. You may even get lucky and find some “flannel zebra jammies.”
