Your Guide to Charity/Thrift Shopping

Thrift shops or charity shops aren't everyone's cup of tea, however I am an avid believer in reviving old items, whether it be an item of clothing or a pair of shoes, anything can be made good as new again. It's also a fabulous way of owning something that very few people will have (depending on where it was originally from). I personally find charity shopping very fun and often come away with a few gems. However, some people can come back from a day of thrift shopping with nothing at all or very few items and can feel a little disappointed. There's no secret to charity shopping, it can be very hit and miss, even with the most experienced of thrift shoppers. 

This post is designed to make your shopping trip as successful as possible, I have also split up the post with some pictures of my favourite items I have purchased in a trusty charity shop. Hope you find this useful :) 

Go Early

If you hit the shops early in the day, you're more likely to find some great items, if you leave it towards the end of a working day, a lot of the nice things would have gone. The early bird catches the worm as they say, and this definitley applies to charity shopping. Get in before everyone else and you'll bag all the good stuff. Just keep in mind that everyone's tastes are different, what one person may think is a gem, another will not, so go in with an open mind :) 

Bring Your Own Bags

It sounds simple enough, but often charity shops will have to use their own bags that the charity itself has paid for. Save them a bag and bring your own cute one. Trust me, they'll be grateful you did. It also means you won't be carrying around multiple bags, just one strong one that you needn't worry about! 

Think 'Creative'

When it comes to clothes, don't look at the sizes and don't just stick to the ladies section or the men's section, look around. I have some lovely casual checkered shirts that have been purchased from the male section of a charity shop, you can also pick up some great tops from the men's section whether you want them to sleep in or just wear them to the gym. 

If you see something across the other side of the shop and you like the look of it, go and have a look, if you like the pattern but that piece of clothing is too big or too small, think of something else you could use it for. If it's too big, you could turn it into a dress, or wear it with a belt to show off your curves. But if it's too small, you could cut it up and turn it into a head band or a scarf, you could even make a cushion out of it. Be creative. 

Look At The Window Displays

Window displays are a great indication as to the kind of things a shop has in stock. Is the window interesting or stylish? If so, pop in and have a look, if the stuff in the window is nice, I'm sure things inside on the rails will be as well.

Take A Friend

Going with a friend is always a nice thing to do, you can help each other find things, especially if you have different tastes. However if you and your friend have the same taste, it can be a little more difficult, everything in the shop is different and no two things will be the same. If you find something you both want, just be grown up about it, compromise with each other. If you see something you like but your friend spotted it first, let them have it. The first to see it is the one to bag it, that's fair in my opinion. 

Know Your Brands

To ensure you're getting a bargain, buy things made by brands you know, especially if it's an item of clothing. If they're selling a Primark dress that you know was a fiver to buy brand new, and the shop is selling it for £4.00, then walk away (unless you really like it), yes it's cheaper than the original price, but it isn't a complete bargain which is basically the whole point of charity shopping. 

Only Bring Cash

Leave all credit/debit cards at home, bring cash, this way you can limit the amount of money you spend, if you bring cash, you're more likely to think twice about your potential purchase. It always hurts a little more to see cash draining form your purse, its an incentive to be careful with your money and not go overboard on things that you may not ever wear or use. 

Not Sure? ASK

Make sure you ask about returns and refunds policies, it can catch a lot of people out. Also, if there's something you need, but can't see it out, ask if they have one/it in the back, if they do, it was worth asking and if they don't, at least you won't be wasting your time looking for something they don't even have in stock.

I hope you found this somewhat useful, if so, let me know using one of my social media sites below. If you have made a recent charity shop purchase, tag me in it on IG or tweet me a picture on Twitter, I would love to see them! See you next time with a brand new post for you all. X 

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DISCLAIMER

I have not been paid or sponsored to write this specific blog post. All views and opinions are my own. I am not affiliated with any companies that may be mentioned in this blog post. All but one piece of photographic content is my own. No Copyright infringement intended.