Tag: How-To

  • 7 Underrated Clothing Sections At The Thrift Store

    white female holding up a black sequined top in a thrift store

    Underrated Clothing Sections at the Thrift Store

    It’s easy to fall into the trap of sticking to what you know.

    If you’re in a thrift rut and usually stick to the same routine, let this post be your inspiration to try some underrated sections of the thrift store to find new-to-you clothes. Trust me, some of the best finds are often hiding in the least expected places.

    Let’s dive into the racks often overlooked by other shoppers!

    Where To Thrift Accessories

    Hats may seem intimidating, but don’t worry! They are worth the effort of searching them out and giving them a quick cleaning. Whether you like classic fedoras or bold sun hats, you’ll find one that suits your style.

    I love hats that add personality and can also hide a bad hair day!

    And don’t believe the myth that buying a used purse will bring bad luck to your finances.

    Thrift stores sell many purses at much lower prices than regular stores. You can discover a quality leather tote for work or a stylish crossbody bag for a night out. A well-made purse can last a lifetime!

    a hanging row of thrifting store purses

    Uncover Thrifted Coats & Jackets

    Thrifted coats are usually overlooked and only prioritized when the weather turns cold. But I believe they’re worth looking at year long and buying in the off-season!

    You might find a timeless trench coat, a cozy puffer jacket, or a statement leather piece.

    Look for classic styles made with high-quality materials – they’ll become wardrobe staples for years to come.

    Beyond Denim: Secondhand Skirts & Pants

    Seeing all those black pants at the thrift store might seem boring, but don’t worry! There are cool choices on the rack. Treat yourself to a pair of fancy dress pants for a special event. The thrift store has plenty of options for you to explore!

    And, of course, the skirts have a special place in my heart. They’re a forgiving item of clothing that can be a reliable staple in your wardrobe!

    a white female holding up a sequined patterned skirt in a thrift store

    Don’t Sleep on Thrifted Lingerie, Pajamas, and Athleisure

    I don’t get to the sleepwear section often but when I do, I usually score. So what could be hiding out on the racks that others don’t know about?

    Think kimonos to be used as swimsuit cover-ups, trendy corsets, vintage nightgowns as dresses, and more.

    Plus the nearby athletic wear is is a great place to find coveted sports brands, cozy sweatshirts, and leggings to pair with your tops and tunics.

    a white female in a black hat looks at a rack of sleepwear in a thrift store

    Borrow From The Boys: Thrifting The Mens Section

    Depending on your size, the men’s section could be great for uncovering oversized sweaters, button-down shirts, and even tailored blazers.

    And similarly, the little boys can be a goldmine for misplaced graphic tees, vintage polos, and other basic tops to fill in your wardrobe.

    Beyond Just Bedding

    Thrifty fashionistas know a secret: bedding can be transformed into fabulous clothing items!

    A lightweight linen sheet can be a breezy summer dress, while a patterned flannel becomes a cozy oversized scarf. With a little creativity, you can unlock a world of possibilities!

    the bedding section of a thrift store filled with shelves of pillows, baskets, and sheets

    Bonus Thrifting Tip

    Use your creativity and simple sewing skills to transform these hidden treasures into unique pieces that show off your style. Next time you go to the thrift store, keep in mind that the most awesome finds are usually in unexpected places!

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    If you enjoyed this post, please be sure to Pin it or share it with your thrifting partner-in-crime.


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  • Everything You Need To Know About ShopGoodwillMadison.com!

    shop goodwill online thrift secondhand website hannah rupp the outfit repeater

    If you enjoy secondhand shopping online, get ready to bookmark ShopGoodwillMadison.com!

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    Dislcaimer: This is a paid post in partnership with Goodwill of SCWI. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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    Your New Favorite Way To Thrift

    I gush about my thrifting adventures at the many Goodwills in South Central Wisconsin and now you can go on your own thanks to ShopGoodwillMadison.com! I’m excited to shed some light on this site and tell you more about what I learned during a recent tour of the home office in Madison, Wisconsin.

    Let’s dive right in!

    Tour de Goodwill

    To get the most accurate information, I went straight to the source. The Goodwill of SCWI Home Office in Madison was kind enough to let me tour their facilities and ask lots of nosy questions.

    shop goodwill online thrift secondhand website hannah rupp the outfit repeater

    I’ve taken a private tour before but I’m still in awe of how organized and well laid out the warehouse is. Above is a photo of me meeting with one of the many experts, Will, who helps to evaluate and research the items that are put up for sale.

    Online vs. In Store

    So how do they pick what goes online and what stays on the floor? Items are chosen for their potential resale value with all funds going towards the job coaching service that Goodwill SCWI provides. So if something is highly sought after, they’re more likely to sell it online to get the most profit for their cause!

    Everything you see online is something that was actually donated to the stores. I found out there is a weekly newsletter that circulates to the employees which tells them what items are trending and what would be better suited for ecommerce. The main items they focus on reselling online are electronics, jewelry and apparel (which we’ll talk more about in a second), household, and books.

    Despite having a system in place to scout potential pieces, lots of valuable items still end up on the floor. Like one customer at a store who paid next to nothing for a painting that had a value of over $10,000! However, when things don’t sell online, they are sent back to the stores to be resold so that means you still have a chance at scoring your dream item in real life.

    shop goodwill online thrift secondhand website hannah rupp the outfit repeater

    shop goodwill online thrift secondhand website hannah rupp the outfit repeater

    Meet The Experts

    Many of the experts started off as employees within the Goodwill stores and eventually found their true calling in the company. Like a lot of us, they learned on the job through many years of hands-on experience.

    Below is a photo with me and Michael, “the record guy”, who blew me away with his extensive knowledge of musical history. Did you know that the Synchronicity album by The Police actually has over 36 different cover variations?! Michael even had a few to share with me.

    But more than that, he’s interested in preserving their history and passing it on to another person who will cherish it. Every time new music comes his ways, he’s careful to inspect it, sanitize it, and use the Goldmine Grading System to determine its value. He enjoys putting together similar audio paraphernalia to create bundles that get sold on ShopGoodwillMadison.com.

    shop goodwill online thrift secondhand website hannah rupp the outfit repeater shop goodwill online thrift secondhand website hannah rupp the outfit repeater

    The Making of a Bundle

    Speaking of bundles, I was in for quite a surprise on my visit when I was asked by Debbie and Stephanie in the clothing department to make my own lot of clothes and accessories to put up for auction!

    Before I jumped in, they told me about their process for testing precious jewels and purses for authenticity, how they sort their loot (well organized plastic drawers), and how they come up with their own lots to sell.

    The idea to group items together was only a recent exploration. It happened after lots of good items were going unsold and rather than send it back to the store, they decided to combine their huge stock with unsold items and BAM!, a great idea was born. So far, the venture has been well-received so I was honored that they asked me to make two bundles to sell online.

    shop goodwill online thrift secondhand website hannah rupp the outfit repeater

    Each bundle started with a handbag and grew from there. The “sweet” spot is about 12 items with a mix of necklaces, rings, bracelets, brooches, earrings, sunglasses, watches, and a piece of clothing to be tie everything together.

    shop goodwill online thrift secondhand website hannah rupp the outfit repeater shop goodwill online thrift secondhand website hannah rupp the outfit repeater shop goodwill online thrift secondhand website hannah rupp the outfit repeater

    I even got to assist Stephanie when it came time to set everything up in the photo studio. My job as a stylist at Maurices has me well trained for dressing mannequins so I felt very comfortable helping out!

    In the end, we had two incredible sets. Stephanie took the photos, edited them, and put them online within the day. The auctions were live for 7 days and, if unsold, would get relisted. But wouldn’t you know it, The Outfit Repeater community was just as excited about what I created and they received lots of bids in their time frame!

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    Tip: Click a picture to check out the listing!

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    shop goodwill online thrift secondhand website hannah rupp the outfit repeater

    Fun Facts

    While I could go on and on telling you about each department, I think it’s more important to give you some insight about the overall website and it’s operations that will help make you a more informed buyer!

    ShopGoodwill.com started in Orange County, California during the early 2000s. In 2003, Madison joined them with a team of just two people! The website has grown to include many districts all over the country who each sell items online to help support the Goodwill mission.

    • Selling things online helps to further reduce waste at Goodwill as it gives items an opportunity to be seen by a very wide customer base as opposed to just a few people in a store. More eyes = more chances at being sold and kept out of a landfill!

    • They value quality over quantity. With that in mind, about 90-125 pieces are listed online every day with about 100 items shipped out per day.

    • All shipping is done right from the home office! They’ve even got experts for that. 😉

    Final Thoughts

    Thank you once again for having me tour your facilities, Goodwill! I hope you enjoyed learning more about them just as much as I did. Let me know in the comments what item you’re coveting from ShopGoodwillMadison.com!

    If you found value in this post, please be sure to Pin it, share it with a friend, or bookmark it for future reference!

    shop goodwill online thrift secondhand website hannah rupp the outfit repeater

    📸 by me and Addie Peck

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  • My Closet Confession

    My Closet Confession

    I always thought I was a pretty smart shopper until recently when I discovered that almost all of the accessories I own were bought when I was a teenager and do not match my grown-up wardrobe. No wonder I have so much trouble choosing jewelry to wear!

    My solution to this problem is to do a fun closet audit. I’m going to share how I do this and give you actionable steps on how to complete your own. Let’s do this!

    • Grab a pen and paper (or your cell phone) to keep track of notes. You’ll be taking a lot of them!

    • Go through each item in your closet and write down 3 accessories that would compliment it.

    Hint: Don’t know what goes with what? Check out Instagram, Pinterest, blogs, magazines, etc. Inspiration is everywhere!

    Optional: Try on everything in your closet. This isn’t necessary but might make it easier for visual learners like myself! You could also use this time to write down any additional clothing pieces you need to make an item wearable. Ie: You need pants for a certain top.

    • After going through everything in your closet, look closely at your notes and see what themes appear. Are there any items that pop up repeatedly? These should be moved to separate thrifting wishlist or ordinary shopping list and become high priorities for you to buy.

    Optional: Since you’re already trying everything on in your closet, now would be a great time to discard any items you’re not loving!

    For me, these items ended up being dainty necklaces, bold earrings, and COLOR.

    Now that you have this amazing list, what should you do? Get shopping! If shopping isn’t your thing – because you clearly make poor purchases like me – use a service like Redbird Vintage Box that will help your source secondhand accessories for a small monthly fee. Watch my new video to learn more about them and see how my closet audit turned out!

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  • The New Gamechanger In My Closet

    The Bright Stuff

    Colourful pants have been a game changer in my closet for me recently. They’ve elevated my standard jeans + a t-shirt uniform into something that reaps compliments from strangers and puts a little pep in my own step.

    Here’s how I’m wearing them that will hopefully inspire you to try them out!

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    GRAY. Venturing into the world of colorful pants can seem daunting so I’ll ease into things with a pair of gray pants.

    This look was inspired by an outfit I saw featured in one of the free catalogs that I subscribe to. Looks like they’re paying off already!

    MAROON. Another easy color to incorporate into your wardrobe this winter is maroon.

    While it’s technically a color, this dark red hue works really well as a neutral. I paired it up with a radical (firsthand) shirt from my closet that has some similar shades in it. It really makes the outfit something special!

    WHITE. Something we all probably have in our closet, but are intimidated by, is a pair of white jeans. 

    You don’t have to store these away just because it’s cold outside. Ever heard of winter white? Throw these on with your favorite sweater and you’ll be set!

    GOLD. Gold are for the bold. I love wearing my yellow jeans with red tops (I welcome the Winnie the Pooh jokes) but it looks just as great with a plain colored top.

    Not to sound biased since I work at Maurices, but we really do have some of the best colored jeggings around. The maroon and gold pair in this post are both from the store and I haven’t found another pant that compares – thrifted or not!

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    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR OWN COLORFUL MAURICES JEGGINGS

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  • 3 Ways To Wear a Blanket Scarf This Fall

    The Blanket Scarf

    Wearing a blanket scarf is as easy as 1-2-3!  I know this piece of fabric wrapped around your neck can seem intimidating but I promise it’s not as difficult as it looks and you’ll soon grow to love the warmth and functionality of a blanket scarf!

    To help you out, I styled a blanket scarf 3 different ways to give you plenty of inspiration. Be sure to let me know in the comments which one is your favorite!

    Every girl should be able to recreate this look in their closet. All you need is a plain top, classic denim jacket, colored jeggings (like mine from Maurices!), and booties. Wrapping a plaid blanket scarf around your neck really makes this look something special and so quintessentially fall!

    👗 WHAT I’M WEARING 💄
    Maurices jeggings and blanket scarf, $34 w/ employee discount (shop exact jeggings, shop similar scarf) | Thrifted denim jacket and tee, $7 total (shop similar jacket, shop similar tee) | Outlet store booties, $15 (shop similar booties)

    This outfit is not for the faint of color! I draped the scarf over my shoulders to add a pattern to what was already a very bright ensemble. The duo formerly of What Not To Wear would likely approve of my use of “color, pattern, texture, and shine.”

    👗 WHAT I’M WEARING 💄
    Thrifted dress, $5 bag sale (shop similar dress) | Old Walmart glitter flats/tights, $15 total (shop similar shoes, shop similar tights) | Gifted necklace from Redbird Vintage (shop similar necklace) | Maurices blanket scarf, $14 (shop similar scarf)

    My favorite outfit of all three is this one with a witty graphic tee, dark brown corduroy skirt, and platform shoes. I love the throwback vibes and the scarf casually hung around my neck creates an extra layer of fun to it!

    👗 WHAT I’M WEARING 💄
    Thrifted tee/skirt/shoes, $10 total (shop similar tee, shop similar skirt, shop similar shoes) | Maurices blanket scarf, $14 w/ employee discount (shop similar scarf)

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    🛍 SHOP MY LOOKS 🛍

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  • 5 Tips for Celebrating National Garage Sale Day on August 11th

    shopping garage sale tips yard thrift secondhand resale hannah rupp the outfit repeater august 12th

    There is a holiday for everything and August 11 is National Garage Sale Day! In celebration of one of my favorite past times, here’s some tips to navigate those sales your neighbors hold in their yards.

    Haggle

    Haggling has almost become almost extinct at thrift stores with their strict policies and high prices. But garage sales are a different ballgame! You’re dealing with real, unpaid people, usually at their homes, over stuff they’re eager to get rid of. Haggle a little!

    (Read more about my grief with thrift store pricing in this post.)

    shopping garage sale tips yard thrift secondhand resale hannah rupp the outfit repeater august 12th

    $ Hand sanitizer

    Any time you do any second hand shopping, I highly recommend carrying around hand sanitizer. A few months back I picked up a box that I thought was a little Disney bank and the box was leaking a mysterious liquid. Hand sanitizer to the rescue!

    $ Batteries

    This might be old hat to some people but it didn’t occur to me until I was at a sale once and they had a Walkman (cassette player) on sale for $9. The price was too steep for me to take a chance on so I asked if I could test it out. 10 minutes and 3 people later, someone finally found batteries. And guess what? It didn’t work! That’s also a big lesson to the seller that she should have tested her products before asking so much. (She didn’t know!)

    On the plus side, I happened to be carrying a cassette tape in my purse for some unknown reason which came in handy to test the player. That counts for something, right? #80sGirlProblems

    shopping garage sale tips yard thrift secondhand resale hannah rupp the outfit repeater august 12th

    $ Smart phone

    Besides safety reasons, carrying a smart phone comes in handy to research item values on the web to make sure you’re getting a good deal, snap pictures and get opinions from others, and use for directions to more sales. Win, win, win!

    $ Comfy clothes 

    Lastly, your outfit should be doing you favors. My favorite garage sale uniform is leggings, a tunic, and flats (like this outfit). This sort of outfit allows for greater movement (like getting down low or reaching up high) as well as being simple enough to try clothes on over the top of since most sales don’t have dressing rooms.

    (Though if you ask nicely or know the owner, they may let you use their bathroom!)

    shopping garage sale tips yard thrift secondhand resale hannah rupp the outfit repeater august 12th


    You might think thrift stores and garage sales are exactly the same but you definitely need to navigate them a little differently. Hopefully these few tips shed some light on the situation, help you out, and make your next garage sale outing a success!

    Feel free to share your finds with me on social media. I’m @hannah_rupp on Instagram!

    Did you like this post? Then be sure to Pin it or share it with your garage sale partner-in-crime!

    shopping garage sale tips yard thrift secondhand resale hannah rupp the outfit repeater august 12th

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  • 5 Ways To Support Content Creators Online (Even If You’re Broke!)

    the outfit repeater hannah rupp how to support content creators even if you're broke no money

    Why You Should Help Content Creators Online

    Want to help out content creators this holiday season? Here’s how you can taken action.

    I was inspired recently by Modcloth and their announcement about shutting down their site on “Black Friday” (Nov. 24th, for non-US citizens) and instead donating $5 million worth of merchandise to Dress for Success, the organization aimed at helping women transitioning back into the workforce.

    [irp]

    Even if I hadn’t had a collaboration with them earlier in the year, I’ve been championing for Modcloth for years. This is yet another move that sets them apart from other retailers and shows just how customer-centric they really are.

    Instead of posting a round-up of affiliate shopping links, it’s been on my heart to share creative ways you can give back & support your favorite internet people even if you don’t have any money yourself.

    the outfit repeater hannah rupp how to support content creators even if you're broke no money

    Click, click, click…

    So, speaking of affiliate links, you should try to click them more often. An affiliate link (meaning a unique link used by the creator to promote a product that rewards them a small commission) is a big way most influencers make money these days.

    They work in a few different ways because there are so many services out there. Some credit bloggers if someone clicks a link, others only get credited if a purchase is made.

    I’ve gotten in the practice of clicking links left by my fellow bloggers because I know it will help them make a few cents – even if I don’t have money to actually buy anything. Win win!

    the outfit repeater hannah rupp how to support content creators even if you're broke no money

    [irp]

    Turn Off Your Ad-Blocker

    Ads are annoying, I get it. But many creators rely on ads featured on their websites and videos to make a few cents.

    I get asked the most about how I make money on YouTube and it’s really simple: ads! They display before, during, and next to videos and if you have an ad-blocker turned on you’re doing a disservice.

    So next you catch yourself skipping through an ad, remember that it’s taking away money from that creator. While it’s not much, every little bit helps, and will add up in the long-run. (Pun intended!)

    I have a friend who said she actually keeps videos running in the background while she works just so the ads play all the way through and the creator gets their cut of YouTube money. It’s wild but it works!

    the outfit repeater hannah rupp how to support content creators even if you're broke no money

    Leave Comments/Interact

    Not only is it a nice thing to do to leave a comment and interact with someone you admire online, but it actually helps them out in a way you might not expect.

    A lot of creators rely on campaigns with brands to earn a paycheck and brands are highly selective in working with creators who have significant engagement on their social media networks.

    [irp]

    So the more you endorse a creator with comments, likes, and follows, the more chances that creator will have with working with brands in the future.

    Plus it’s fun to strike up a conversation and support someone with your words!

    the outfit repeater hannah rupp how to support content creators even if you're broke no money

    Buy Their Stuff

    Now for those who do have a way to pay, try to support your creators whenever they have a new product that you love. Whether it’s an eBook, a t-shirt, a closet sale, or a collaboration they’re doing with a brand.

    This is, of course, a very obvious way to help out an influencer and doesn’t need much explanation.

    the outfit repeater hannah rupp how to support content creators even if you're broke no money

    Donate To Their Campaign

    I can’t forget about fan funding and not just because I previously had my own Patreon page.

    The benefit of a fan funding campaign as opposed to, say, buying a t-shirt is that these platforms often come with some sweet kickbacks that extend beyond a material or digital object. A lot of times you get an inside look at the creative process and get to know the creator on a more personal level!

    My campaign was based on a lot of others in that I set up goals that I ask my supporters to help me get to. You can visually see a creator achieve their dreams and know that you were a part of making that happen!

    [irp]

    These are just a few ways you can help out this season as well as all year round. It’s my hope to spread awareness that creators are overworked and underpaid, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

    If you found this post to be helpful, be sure to tweet about it and add your supportive idea! You can also Pin this post for good internet karma. 🙂

    the outfit repeater hannah rupp how to support content creators even if you're broke no money

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  • Making Magic! DIY 1980s Inspired Greeting Card

    diy 1980s card birthday greeting magic 8 ball

    I predict you’re going to love this 1980s inspired Magic 8 Ball greeting card!

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  • Your Guide To Personalizing Fast Fashion With Thrift Store Finds

    fast fashion shop Tobi dress review Green 3/4 sleeve dress, black cat eye sunglasses, H&M black leather jacket from thredUP, vintage leopard print scarf, thrifted Target lace up flats, Colourpop lippie stix Contempo

    Here’s some fast ways to personalize your fast fashion for less than the price of a pumpkin spice latte.

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  • The Fashion Bloggers Guide To Using Pinterest

    The Fashion Bloggers Guide To Using Pinterest www.theoutfitrepeater.com

    It hasn’t even been a month and I’m already writing another post about Pinterest. Obsessed much?

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