The Outfit Repeater

Category: Thrift

Learn a thing or two about thrifting from The Outfit Repeater. From outfits made of secondhand finds to saving money when you shop.

  • Answering Your Most Frequently Asked Questions About Thrifting: Part One

    What Do You Want To Know About Thrifting?

    This post (or rather, series) has been a long time in the making.

    I love answering reader questions about thrifting and personal style and have covered quite a few over the years, but I want to come up with a more cohesive system to keep all your questions organized and handy for you to access!

    So with that, I’m going to start tackling a list I’ve had growing for the past 5+ years.

    As we go along, if you want to see a question get answered, please feel free to leave a comment or send me a DM on my social media!

    Without further ado, let’s dive into some thrifting basics.

    Q: Do you have a specific way of organizing or keeping track of your clothes and accessories?

    A: Until recently, no. This started becoming a problem because I have brain fog, and it lead to buying doubles or very similar pieces.

    Then last year, I started seriously trying out digital closet apps and fell in love with Whering. I now reference that app on a near-daily basis.

    To use it, I either snapped photos of my closet or found items online and added them to a digital wardrobe.

    I’ve discussed the Whering app in depth on my blog and would encourage you to check that out if you want to learn more about how it works.

    But the bottom line is, I can quickly pull it up at a thrift store and see if I have something similar in my closet already. It’s a game-changer!

    Q: Do you have a thrift wish list of items that you’re actively looking to acquire? 

    A: Yes, I do!

    My thrifting wishlist is mainly housed on Pinterest, but I also carry around scraps of paper (if I can’t find a reference photo) and have a running list in my Keep/Notes app on my phone.

    It may not be the most sophisticated system, but it works, and I manage to find what I’m looking for!

    Q: What are some guidelines to buying things you’ll actually want/wear/use?

    A: This is tough because I’ve surprised myself by buying things from my wishlist that didn’t work well for me in real life. Likewise, I’ve impulse-bought things that have become staples in my life.

    The best advice I can give is to picture how the item would work in your life. If it’s clothes, can you wear it with at least three items in your closet? If it’s a knick-knack, do you have space on a shelf for it? If it’s a tool or gadget, can you imagine using it at least three times?

    If you’re ever not sure one way or another, consider the price. If it’s low enough, under $5 or so, I’d say it’s okay to take a chance on it. You can always donate it back, give it to a friend, or try to resell it at a later time if it’s not for you.

    Q: Do you have a budget for what you can spend thrifting?

    A: Not officially. But I think, like a lot of people, I have a perceived value of what I want to spend on items. If something is over that made-up price, then I pass on it.

    I’ve been thrifting my entire life and have learned that letting something go that’s too expensive usually comes back to me years later in my price range. It might take years, but it will happen! (The only exception: rare vintage. I’m still kicking myself for putting back a few things!)

    If you want to learn more about my thrifting budget, I have an entire post on my spending habits!

    Q: How do you shop for things that are difficult to find in a thrift store?

    A: Piggybacking off of what I just said about putting back rare vintage, I turn to my network or the internet!

    There have been a few instances where friends or family members had what I was looking for stored away in their basements.

    And when all else fails, there is always the internet. There’s the tried-and-true eBay or Etsy, but I also like the explosion of apps that act like a thrift engine for online thrift stores. This includes apps like Beni, Gem, and Cirkular.

    What We’ve Learned About Thrifting

    Thank you for reading through this first round of questions about thrift stores! I could probably yap about thrifting all day.

    If you enjoyed this post, please share it with a friend! That helps my little colorful corner of the internet grow so much!

    See you in my next post!

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  • My Etsy Shop is Back & Weirder Than Ever

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    My Return To Etsy

    After shutting down my Etsy shop years ago, I’m reopening it to sell my handmade one-of-a-kind, upcycled accessories constructed from thrift store trinkets and broken vintage jewelry.

    This time, I’ve lowered my expectations, given myself zero sales goals, and am just having fun creating, sharing, and connecting with fellow creative weirdos and kiddults!

    Why Am I Back on Etsy Now?

    I’ve been feeling a huge creative pull in my life for the past couple of years, and the timing worked out with some other work projects ending.

    So, many months ago, I started putting plans in place, stocking up on random craft supplies, and began creating my signature charm necklaces, Barbie shoe earrings, and other fun accessories I’ve been dreaming up.

    I still don’t particularly have an itch to become a reseller or do sales of any type, really, but I’m willing to give it another shot on Etsy to release some creative energy and maybe make some passive income while I continue managing my invisible illness.

    What Am I Selling on Etsy?

    My new Etsy page, Shop Made In The Past, offers one-of-a-kind upcycled accessories, digital downloads, original apparel designs, and a curated selection of rad vintage finds!

    Jewelry is really my bread and butter, since I’ve been creating my own unique pieces since I was a teenager, but now I’m excited to extend my offerings into other artsy designs that everyone can enjoy.

    As far as the selection of secondhand finds, so far I’m just selling items from my own collection. You’d be surprised by all the cool ’80s and ’90s items I’ve saved up over the years that I’m willing to let go now! If those sales go well, maybe I’ll start picking up items with the specific purpose to resell.

    Old Finds, New Fun

    Like I said, I am just taking things slow, having fun, and taking it all in as a big learning experience. I would love to hear your thoughts on the current products and what you’d like to see in the future.

    I appreciate all forms of support for Shop Made In The Past. Follow it on Instagram, give it a like on Etsy, or Pin this post to reference to later! Thank you!!

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  • What I Scored on ThredUp: My Best Finds of the Year

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    Best ThredUp Finds of 2024

    If you love fun fashion finds, then you’re reading the right post!

    It’s the end of the year, and I’m looking back at what I accomplished in my closet and how the world’s largest online consignment store, ThredUp, helped add to my personal style.

    Let’s be real: I’ll never be a “zero-buy” girlie, but I am always conscious of my buys and the impact they have on my wallet and the earth. For me, thrifting isn’t just about shopping—it’s about conscious choices, personal expression, and giving clothes a second life instead of sending them to a landfill.

    So, while this post might seem like a celebration of consumerism, it’s really about embracing sustainable style, experimenting with fashion, and creating a wardrobe that feels uniquely mine.

    Now, let’s break down my best finds of the year and how I styled them.

    Best ThredUp Finds: Cozy Essentials

    When you find a secondhand basic in good condition, you KNOW it was meant to last! Considering how often I wear my comfy favorites, it’s a wonder an oversized hoodie and cropped graphic tee could make it out of my closet in wearable condition.

    It’s nice to be able to upgrade those worn-out pieces with new-to-me ones. How often do you end up replacing pieces in your closet from getting too much use? Or do you get creative with mending and upcycling?

    Best ThredUp Finds: Fancy Frocks

    I love thrifting fancier pieces because I’m never sure how often they’ll get worn and want to spend modestly in case it just sits in the back of my closet, y’know?

    ThredUp did not disappoint this year with a sequin duster, a blouse version of my favorite dress, and even some platform clogs from my thrifting wishlist.

    Best ThredUp Finds: Pretty Little Pieces

    I’m not immune to an impulse purchase, and thankfully some of my late-night shopping produced some really fun pieces from ThredUp! With the exception of the pink platform sandals that just arrived (I’m just shopping off-season for the really good deals), everything else has already gotten a few moments in the spotlight when I wore them this year.

    The Future of (Secondhand) Fashion

    I can’t wait to see how these pieces continue to earn their place in my wardrobe and what new frocks I’ll discover on ThredUp in the coming year.

    If you’re ready to embark on your own style journey, ThredUp is a great place to start! Use my ThredUp affiliate link to save 45% on your first order and get free shipping.

    New ThredUp customers can get 45% off AND free shipping on their first order.

    Happy thrifting!

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  • The Ultimate Thrifted Gift Guide

    Thrifting For The Haul-idays

    The holiday shopping season is here!

    For those looking for a unique experience on a budget, thrifting offers the perfect solution with a vast selection to choose from.

    In this ultimate thrifted gift guide, I’m going to share with you why it’s important to thrift gifts, some amazing gift ideas for everybody on your list, and tips for getting it all done even at the last minute.

    If you’re ready to thrift some special gifts for everyone in your life, then read on!

    Why You Should Thrift Gifts

    Shopping secondhand for gifts is more than just buying presents at a low price—it’s a small step toward sustainability. It helps counteract the waste and consumerism often associated with the holiday season.

    Did you know that up to 17.8% of holiday gifts are returned after Christmas, with many of them destroyed because it’s cheaper for retailers than reselling? By choosing secondhand, we can disrupt this cycle and make a positive impact.

    Encouragingly, nearly 50% of shoppers are open to giving secondhand gifts, with Gen Z and Millennials leading the way. This growing movement is a hopeful sign, and I look forward to seeing it grow in the years to come!

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    Thrifted Gift Ideas for Family Members

    As with all gifts, it’s important to be thoughtful and consider the receiver and what they’d love to get from you.

    When it comes to family, I think sentimental and practical gifts are best, and thrift stores are great for that.

    Some gifts to consider are: picture frames (with a printed picture of you together!), artwork, or one-of-a-kind mugs.

    Thrifted Gift Ideas for Friends

    Nobody is more fun to shop for than your friends! The sky is the limit on what you can find as a secondhand gift.

    Look out for funny t-shirts, board games to play together, and items to add to their collections.

    Thrifted Gift Ideas for Everyone Else

    We all have people on our list, like co-workers or acquaintances, that we’re not quite sure what to get. Play it safe with simple accessories, a good book, or, if all else fails, a thrift store gift card.

    Thrifted Gift Ideas for The People Who Have Everything

    For the person who has it all, is there anything better than a novelty gift? Look around the thrift store for new-in-box items that you won’t find anywhere else.

    Finger golf, funny awards, and odd bathroom items are some great options!

    Tips for Thrifting Gifts

    • When thinking of gift ideas, grab a pen and paper to make a fun word map about the person you’re gifting. Write down what they like, their hobbies, favorite colors, and any special quirks. Look for links between these ideas to spark cool, unique gift ideas. For example, if they love coffee and vintage stuff, think about a thrifted retro coffee set or a special mug with gourmet coffee beans.
    • Notice the little things people say, like a book they want to read, a favorite movie, or something they’ve been looking for. Use your phone or a notebook to write down these ideas when they pop up. This way, you’ll have a handy list when it’s time to shop for gifts!
    • Don’t put all the pressure on yourself to buy gifts in December! Make thrift shopping for gifts a year-long habit. You’ll not only spread out the cost but also have time to find meaningful, good-quality items. When you shop ahead, you can take advantage of sales, seasonal items, and that perfect piece that just happens to come your way.
    • Even the simplest thrifted find can shine with a bit of creativity. Make it your own by adding a personal touch! For example, a plain frame can hold a special photo or piece of art, and a thrifted basket can become a fun gift set filled with tasty treats.
    • Always check thrifted items closely to make sure they’re in good shape, especially if you’re giving them as gifts. Look for stains, chips, or missing pieces. For clothes, check for wear and tear or missing buttons. Spending a bit more time to choose nice items shows you care!
    • A thrifted gift can look just as nice as something new with the right wrapping. Think about eco-friendly options like reusable cloth, thrifted scarves, or vintage tins for packaging. A well-wrapped gift adds a fun touch and makes it even more exciting!

    Remember that thrifting gifts isn’t just about saving money—it’s about giving with love, fun, and care for the planet. When you take the time to find cool secondhand stuff, you can make gifts that are as special as the people receiving them.

    Happy thrifting! I hope you find gifts that spread joy and inspire others to join the secondhand fun!

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  • Is AI The Secret To A Better Thrift Haul?

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    The Future of Secondhand Shopping Is Here

    What would you think if a robot appeared on your screen and helped you thrift on the web?

    That reality is already here, and you might not even realize it!

    With the rise of AI (artificial intelligence), many apps, websites, and plugins are now utilizing special features to help us find the exact secondhand clothes we’re looking for or get the best deal online.

    ThredUp, the largest secondhand clothing website, is the latest to release new AI features to help you navigate their platform and become a better thrifter.

    In this post, I’m going to explore these new features and share how I’m using them and what my honest thoughts are about them.

    What is AI?

    AI is defined as artificial intelligence, a technology that allows you to generate, classify, and perform tasks like image analysis and speech recognition.

    It’s been around since the 1950s and is more a part of your life than you think.

    Most people became cognizant of it with the rise of ChatGPT, but it does so much more than write poorly structured social media captions for your Instagram.

    I honestly am in favor of AI and how accessible it makes things for many people. I’m not afraid of it taking my job, but I am in favor of how it can help me and you!

    Now that we have covered that, let’s take a closer look at how AI is being used on the ThredUp platform!

    AI-Powered Thrifting: How ThredUp is Transforming the Thrifting Experience

    Search Bar

    The first change to appear on ThredUp was an improved search bar. I was excited to be part of this Beta testing earlier in the year and was impressed with how quick it sped up my searches for specific pieces!

    According to ThredUp, this feature is meant to help you search for anything you want–from brands you love, specific pieces, or trends you can’t get enough of and they’ll show you endless options to add to your cart.

    Image Search

    The next AI tool being implemented is an image search. This is already a popular feature on other apps like Gem or Beni, and now ThredUp is getting in on the fun.

    Upload any photo (even from Instagram) and they’ll find the picture-perfect pieces to match.

    In my experience with this feature, I found it to be very accurate! It was able to detect multiple pieces in one photo (despite a messy background or a human being featured) and found matches every single time. I’ll be utilizing this feature most to help search for Halloween costumes this year!

    Style Chat Bot

    The last AI technology that ThredUp is using is a style chat bot.

    Just tell ThredUp what inspires you–a look, an aesthetic, or even a celebrity–and they’ll instantly show you options that bring your imagination to life.

    How does this differ from the search bar? While the search bar is great at finding singular pieces (ie: purple tank top, black strappy high heels) the style chat bot can collaborate with you to build the perfect look or share new ideas with you.

    I entered a few style scenarios into the bot and it came back with collections and searches I wouldn’t have thought of. This would be so great to use if you need help getting dressed for an event or want to revamp your personal style.

    Is AI The Future of Thrifting?

    Whether we like it or not, AI is going to continue popping up on our favorite thrifting platforms and change the way we shop. Are those changes going to be good or bad? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!

    If you found this post interesting, please be sure to Pin it and share it with a friend.

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  • Thrifting on a Small Budget? Discover Creative Ways to Find FREE Clothes

    Where To Find Free Clothes

    Getting clothes for free seems too good to be true but it’s the real deal!

    For some people, thrifting for free is not just a choice but a necessity.

    It could be due to a tight budget, a preference for frugal living, or a wish to live a more eco-friendly life.

    There are many reasons why someone would look for free clothes and accessories.

    No matter your motivation, thrifting for free is a smart and eco-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe without breaking the bank.

    So let’s explore how to find free clothes that match your style and budget!

    Finding Free Clothes in Real Life

    Community Closets

    Many places hosts regular community clothing giveaways. These might be housed at churches or another central meeting place. Ask around or search for “free stores” online in your city.

    Giveaway Piles

    If you live in a dorm, apartment, or other shared space; chances are there is a common area where people can leave items they want to donate. This might be a great way to get to know your neighbors and make a friend who matches you size and style!

    Free Boxes at Yard Sales

    When you’re out at yard sales, don’t overlook free boxes on the curb. You never know what you’ll find!

    Finding Free Clothes Online

    The internet has become an invaluable tool to finding anything you could possibly think of. This is especially helpful if you live in a small town without a lot of resources, or certain items are out of your price range and you need to do some deal hunting.

    Get Social

    Buy Nothing Facebook Groups

    If you have a Facebook account, then Buy Nothing Facebook groups are a very direct way of connecting people in your area who are giving away free items. Join the group nearest to you and keep an eye on the posts to stake claim to their goods up for grabs.

    Website

    Facebook Marketplace

    Facebook Marketplace allows you to filter for free items, including clothing, being given away by people in your local area

    Website

    Nuw App

    The popular subscription clothing rental service website, Nuuly, is getting in on the clothing swap action. Now you can upload clothes, earn “coins”, and swap with other members on the platform. There is a small transaction fee of .99 cents so it’s not entirely free, but it’s still a great option.

    Website

    Lucky Sweater App

    Lucky Sweater is different than the other options in this list as they’re heavily focused on the sustainability aspect of trading fashion.

    Anyone can hop on the platform and start swapping but they’re more selective about which clothes get circulated. This has it’s pros and cons for the average user (ie: if you mainly buy from mass retailers) but has great benefits on the planet.

    I also highly recommend subscribing to their newsletter as they’re very dedicated to cultivating community and launching new features to help members on their platform. I’ve learned a lot from them!

    Website

    Other Websites

    Freecycle

    While not a dedicated clothing app, Freecycle is an online community where people give away unwanted items for free, including clothes. You can join local Freecycle groups to find free clothing giveaways in your area.

    Website

    Craigslist Free Section

    Check the “Free Stuff” section on Craigslist regularly for people giving away clothes and other items at no cost. You can also post a wanted ad looking for free clothes!

    More Creative Ways to Find Free Clothes

    Clothing Swap Party

    Get a group of friends together and host a clothing swap! Everyone brings along a couple bags or boxes of unwanted clothes and accessories. Lay them out and make it a party with snacks, drinks, and of course a fashion show.

    You could even choose to donate the leftover items and keep the sustainability movement going!

    Ask Your Friends

    If you just need one or two important items (say a wedding dress guest or a job interview outfit) ask around to your friends if they have anything they’re getting rid of or have something you could borrow.

    Local Organizations or Churches

    Reach out to local organizations or churches for more help specific to your area.

    Some organizations may have free vouchers to use at a local thrift store and, like I mentioned above, others may also have regular clothing giveaways you could participate in.

    In Clothes-ing

    Remember, embracing frugality and eco-friendliness doesn’t mean sacrificing style. With a little effort and an open mind, you can create a wardrobe that’s both wallet-friendly and fashionable.

    I hope this list of resources helps you find free clothes! I have other options available to help you learn about more about where to find free clothes in this past blog post.

    Good luck and happy thrifting!

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  • Must-Have Apps for Finding the Best Thrift Store Deals Online

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    Shop Smarter Online, Not Harder

    Online thrift stores and independent resellers are popping up every day online! This is great news for eco-conscious shoppers and budget-savvy fashionistas alike.

    With so many pre-loved goods to discover, navigating the digital thrifting landscape can feel overwhelming. Where do you even begin?

    Luckily, I’m here to take some of the guesswork out of shopping secondhand online and help you get a good deal on your favorite thrift site.

    This post will introduce you to my must-have apps that will transform you into a thrifting pro, helping you score the best deals on everything from designer finds to everyday essentials!

    Let’s dive into the world of apps that will revolutionize your online thrifting experience!

    Beni: Your Secondhand Shopping Sidekick

    What is it? Beni is a browser extension and phone app that will turn anyone into a sharp online thrift shopper.

    Why should you use it? Beni finds you the best pre-loved options when you’re shopping online! Just add the extension to your Chrome browser, scroll through your favorite clothing website, and Beni will automatically detect your search and find a similar option secondhand. Or open up the app and directly search for a specific item. Easy peasy!

    Where to find it: Website | Browser Extension

    screenshot beni resale app

    Gem: The Google of Vintage

    What is it? Gem is a website that will help you quickly find really good vintage and secondhand items online!

    Why should you use it? Gem lets you search everything vintage and secondhand – Etsy, Poshmark, independent stores – all at once. It’s like the Google of thrift shopping, and it’s going to save you SO much time. Just type in your search, narrow down by filters, and enjoy the hunt!

    Where to find it: Website | App

    screenshot gem resale app

    Cirkular: AI-Powered Online Thrifting

    What is it? Cirkular is a new platform to help you locate vintage and secondhand online with both text and picture searches.

    Why should you use it? Cirkular is your ultimate shopping BFF! Filter for your favorite brands or let AI work its magic to find similar styles across different thrifty platforms. Feeling inspired by a specific look? Say goodbye to text search and give visual search a try with your inspo picture! You’ll be amazed at what this website can help you discover!

    Where to find it: Website

    screenshot cirkular resale app

    Honey: For Coupons and More!

    What is it? Honey is a browser extension that automatically applies coupons on 30,000+ sites with one click and helps you earn cashback on the purchases you’re making.

    Why should you use it? Honey is a hassle-free way to earn points from your purchases (some secondhand sites included are eBay, ThredUp, Thrift Books & Thrift Vintage Fashion), then cash out your points for PayPal money. Add items to your wishlist and automatically get notified when the price drops into your budget!

    Where to find it: Website

    screenshot paypal honey cashback app

    RetailMeNot: The Original Deal Hunter

    What is it? RetailMeNot is your one-stop shop for coupons, cash back offers, and hidden deals from tons of stores and restaurants.

    Why should you use it? RetailMeNot is the original deal hunter. With features similar to Honey; you can sign-up, search for promo codes (or have them automatically applied with the browser!), earn cashback and feel good about online shopping. It’s clutch for keeping up with coupons available for ThredUp!

    Where to find it: Website

    screenshot retailmenot cashback app

    The Future of Thrift is Digital

    With these handy apps and online platforms at your fingertips, online thrifting has never been easier or more rewarding! So, ditch the guilt of fast fashion and embrace the sustainable, budget-friendly world of pre-loved clothing.

    Did I miss any of your favorite secondhand shopping resources from this list? Share them with me in the comments!


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  • How To Ethically Refresh Your Wardrobe When Your Style Gets Stale

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    What To Do When Your Style Changes

    Wouldn’t it be amazing if our wardrobes stayed perfectly tailored to our lives forever?

    In reality, our styles evolve along with our experiences. We cycle through different phases, and our clothes need to adapt accordingly.

    Are you currently experiencing a major life change or simply feeling like your wardrobe doesn’t reflect your personal style anymore?

    This post will guide you through navigating an identity shift (fashionably and sustainably!) on a budget.

    Here’s what you need to know to revamp your wardrobe while staying kind to your wallet and the planet.

    When Your Style Changes

    When your style changes, it can be tempting to get rid of everything in favor of wearing a new identity. Before making big decisions, try a closet audit! You might find hidden gems or items that can be upcycled to match your changing style.

    To prevent potential regrets, take a look at these items you might want to hold onto:

    • Classic pieces. This could be solid colored tops, well-fitting jeans, tailer pieces.
    • Sentimental items. Remember that dress you saved up your entire first paycheck for? Items like that are irreplaceable and worth hanging on to. If it meant something important to you at one point, it will probably mean something to you in the future.
    • Garments in good condition. A piece might be in really great shape and have potential to be styled to fit your new wardrobe, or consider upcycling it with some RIT Dye or simple sewing skills to give it a new life.

    After giving everything a careful evaluation, it’s ok to get rid of items in your closet that are no longer serving you.

    Organize a clothing swap with friends or donate your items to charities that accept a wide variety of styles and sizes. You can also try selling higher-end pieces online or through consignment shops. Even some clothing recycling programs accept gently-used garments you don’t want anymore!

    When Your Size Changes

    More often than not, you’re going to go through periods of life where your size changes—sometimes drastically—and you’ll be very frustrated when you look at the clothes from your old life.

    When this happens, your instinct might be to donate everything that no longer serves you but I would recommend taking a look at what can be saved, put-aside, or totally discarded:

    • Save items that can be resized. It’s important to try to hold on to as much as you can to save yourself from the hassle of starting your closet over. Inspect the items in your closet and see if items have a seam that can be let out (or easily made smaller!), or could possibly be made to fit better by cutting them off. (ie: a dress too tight in the hips can be snipped into a blouse!)
    • Keep items with elastic. Stretchy items are great for style transitions! If you don’t have already have a stock pile of them in your wardrobe, now would be the time to thrift some to have on hand in case you ever need them.
    • Hold on to sentimental pieces. Contrary to popular advice, I think it’s a good idea to hold on to a few sentimental pieces. But instead of taking up closet space, store them somewhere special, like a keepsake box. Detachment from the expectation of wearing them again is key. Think of them as memories you can look back on, not aspirational items you’ll wear again someday.

    This life transition might stir up emotions, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to rediscover yourself! It’s a chance to let go of pieces you never got around to wearing, or to finally part ways with worn-out items that you didn’t have the heart to get rid of sooner.

    When Your Size & Style Change At The Same Time

    When your size and style change at the same time, it will require a more comprehensive wardrobe overhaul. Here’s how to navigate it sustainably!

    Following the above advice, look out for pieces that have styling potential to accommodate your new look. This might be pieces you can belt, tuck, pin, or adjust without any sewing skills.

    Then, look through your closet for items that should be altered through more permanent modifications like resizing a whole garment or DIYing some flair or adding distressing.

    If you don’t have these skills to pull these off, get in touch with an expert or a good friend to help made these changes!

    Final Thoughts on How To Refresh Your Wardrobe Sustainably 

    Once you’ve exhausted going through your closet, keep things sustainable and budget friendly by adding back pieces from thrift stores, consignment shops, online resale marketplaces (I love ThredUp and Poshmark!) , or hosting a clothing swap in your community.

    If a big event is coming up, you could try renting unique pieces for special occasions instead of buying new. Or borrow something from a friend!

    ///

    I’d love to hear what you learned from this post and if you have anything else to add to it. Be sure to share it with a friend and Pin it to reference later!

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  • 8 Common Mistakes You Make While Thrifting Clothes & How To Fix Them

    How To Thrift Clothes Better

    When it comes to thrifting clothes, you might think it’s a straightforward process—just pick up pieces you like and add them to your closet.

    But if you’re here, chances are you’re running into some challenges and could use some assistance with your thrifting journey.

    That’s where this post comes in.

    I’ll be sharing some tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years to help you become a better thrifter.

    Remember, these are general guidelines, not hard-and-fast rules. Always prioritize what works best for you, your budget, and your lifestyle!

    Ready to start thrifting clothes better? Let’s dive in!

    Thrifting Mistake: Ignoring Garment Flaws

    Solution: Thrifting is a treasure hunt, but don’t get so caught up in the excitement that you miss hidden imperfections.

    Take five minutes at the end of your trip to inspect your finds closely.

    Is that a tear you can fix? Is a missing button a dealbreaker?

    A final edit ensures you only bring home pieces you can truly love and wear.

    Thrifting Mistake: You’re Not Trying Things On

    Solution: “But Hannah, the fitting rooms at my store are closed!”

    Fitting rooms are ideal, but not always available. Instead, wear fitted clothing on your thrifting trip. This allows you to quickly slip potential purchases over your clothes for a size check.

    Alternatively, carry a tape measure to grab key measurements (waist, hips, inseam) and compare them to the garment’s tag or a size chart on your phone.

    Thrifting Mistake: You Think You Can Fix Everything

    Solution: While upcycling is fantastic, be honest about your skills and time commitment.

    Does this stained shirt or ripped jacket really need a complete overhaul?

    If you don’t have the time or talent to tackle major repairs, stick to items in good condition.

    Thrifting Mistake: You’re Buying Clothes You Never Wear

    Solution: Thrifting is budget-friendly, but don’t fall into the trap of mass-purchasing! Just because something is cheap doesn’t mean you need it.

    Consider your existing wardrobe and how this piece would fit in. Does it fill a gap or become another “maybe someday” item?

    Resist the urge to over-consume and curate a closet you truly love.

    Thrifting Mistake: You’re Not Finding The “Good” Stuff

    Solution: Finding “good” stuff is totally subjective. Instead, look past how clothes look now and imagine what they could be!

    Try things on, even if they seem out of your comfort zone. Experiment with layering and different styling techniques. You might find some incredible pieces with a bit of creativity!

    Thrifting Mistake: You’re Buying Low-Quality Pieces

    Solution: Educate yourself about brands and fabrics. Take a mini-course in your own closet – analyze the quality of the clothes you already own. Who made them? What are they made of?

    Do some research beforehand on common fabrics and their properties (avoid polyester that pills easily!).

    Knowing quality helps you identify gems that will last.

    Thrifting Mistake: You’re Paying Too Much

    Solution: Thrift stores often have promotions, special discounts, or color-coded sales. Learn your store’s system and shop accordingly.

    Do you have a smartphone? Use it to research brand value or similar items online to get a sense of fair pricing.

    Finally, don’t be afraid to explore different thrift stores – some may offer consistently lower prices.

    Thrifting Mistake: You’re Thrifting Too Many Clothes

    Solution: Low prices can be tempting, but resist the urge to fill your cart to overflowing.

    Be mindful of your closet space and avoid impulse buys you’ll regret later.

    If you do make a mistake, many stores offer returns. Alternatively, consider donating the item back to the thrift store or selling it on consignment.

    Thrift Better, Dress Smarter

    Thrifting is a great way to create a cool wardrobe on a budget. But watch out for these common mistakes. Learn from them and soon you’ll be a thrifting pro!

    Next time you go thrifting, relax, take your time, and discover awesome finds. Happy thrifting!


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  • I’m Obsessed with My New ThredUp Haul (and You Will Be Too!)

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    This post is in partnership with ThredUp in exchange for store credit on their website. This post also contains affiliate links & I may receive a commission if you click or complete a purchase through them.

    [/su_note]

    white female with mid-length brown curly hair is wearing a tie-dye top, black high waisted jeans, and holding a ThredUp shipping boxMy ThredUp Thrift Haul

    If you love shopping secondhand online as much as I do then you’re in the right place.

    I’m always scouring thrift stores and resale sites for items from my thrifting wishlist and ThredUp recently made an update that’s making it even easier for me to do that. So, naturally, I had a pretty great thrift month on there.

    To back up, ThredUp is an online consignment store that carries women’s clothes, shoes, and accessories. I’ve been a customer for many years and consistently order from them.

    I love them so much that I’m even a ThredUp partner so if you’re interested in trying it, use my link to get 45% off AND free shipping on your first order!

    Now let’s take a look at what I found this spring on ThredUp!

    Comfy ThredUp Finds

    ThredUp improved their search bar to make it easier to find what you want. Before, you had to use the categories and checkboxes to narrow down your search (which is still an option!) but even then your results weren’t complete.

    I’m thrilled with this new update (still in Beta as of 4/24) and it’s already helped me hunt down a red hoodie, yellow hoodie, and a pink jumpsuit. All from my thrifting wishlist!

    I recently started physical therapy again and searched for “soft overalls” and this pink pair popped up. I couldn’t believe my luck! And they’re just as comfortable as they look!

    Dressy Finds from ThredUp

    I’ll be honest, as much as I love these next three finds, they were all cart add-ons so I could order the items above and get free shipping.

    Despite that, I ended up being really happy with all of them!

    They are a black blouse with polka dot sleeves, a simple black long sleeve dress, and this epic pink floral muumuu style mini dress. I can’t decide which one I love more! Tell me what you think!

    In Clothes-ing

    So that’s how the new ThredUp search bar helped me have one of my best thrift hauls in a while. Have you used the new ThredUp search bar? What did you think?

    Just a reminder that if you’d like to try thredUP for yourself, you can use my code and save 45% AND free shipping on your first purchase. I’ll get store credit in exchange (which I’ll use on a future thrift haul) so it’s a win-win for both of us!

    Please be sure to Pin your favorite outfit, too!


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