The Hunt is On! The "How-To's' on Finding That Perfect Score

I get asked all the time, "How in the world do you find this stuff at the thrift store?!?!" Well,besides being blessed with my Taurus-tenacious personality, I've come up with a system that I follow when shopping. Here are some pointers:



1. Go alone or with someone that knows your needs or is on the same page as you.

You know what bothers me? Pressure. I can't stand making any kind of decision when I'm expected to or when someone is waiting on me to answer or speed up a task at hand. That's the same as having someone come with you to the thrift store that doesn't truly want to be there. You don't need that pressure in your life. Someone waiting for you to shop, silently sighing to themselves while saying, "they're fine, don't mind them!" is a MAJOR annoyance and distraction.  No, you need to have like-minded folks whom either share your appreciation for the hunt or who will entertain themselves by enduring in all the wonderful eye candy the thrift store encompasses. Also, there have been many items that I either overlooked or second-guessed that a dear friend encouraged me to "just try it on" and it ended up being one of my favorite thrift store scores.

My niece clearly found a piece that entertained her and she just had to share. 

From the advice of a friend to "just try it on!" MY FAVORITE DRESS 

2.Explore. Give yourself the time.

Even though sometimes making a quick stop is needed, nothing beats having the time to become involved, determined and thorough of having an endless time limit. PERIOD.



3.Make sure you brought enough dough.

A lot of thrift stores accept cash only. BE PREPARED. You might go in thinking you won't find anything, but you never know what you might come across that day. I still think about those nude heels that I put back because I didn't have enough funds to purchase them. That was over 2.5 years ago. *sigh*



4.Look at end-caps, junk piles, go backs, the floor under the  clothes where the items fall.

People can be lazy. We know this to be a fact. I've witnessed it first hand on several occasions people placing things down where they don't belong. It's ok, it happens. This is a useful tip to know for when you thrift. Keep your eyes peeled for those items that may have been misplaced. A lot of times clothing falls off the hangars as well and are on the floor. One man's mishap is another one's score!

5. Shop out of season.

You can't think here and now when it comes to thrifting. It's important to know that when the weather and/or seasons change, flocks of hungry thrifters come soaring into stores. Take advantage of the in-between times. For example, many of my jackets have been purchased mid-summer when the jacket aisle is pathetically deserted. Don't worry jackets, I'll buy you and show you some love.There,there.

My favorite trench coat. Photo courtesy of www.photogracey.com 

My bad-ass faux leather. An essential.  

6. Become aware of the busy days and stay away.

I don't know about you, but I can't stand shopping when someone is is rubbing elbows with me. I also can't stand it when lurkers will follow you to pick up items you may have changed your mind on. It's like they use your hunting skills to their advantage. Just back off lady!! Call me picky, but I don't want to be distracted with planning on how to maneuver around the pertinacious bargainistas. I want  the choice of free shopping space,ok? This is why I'll chose the empty aisle first IF it's busy. But, I'll try to go at slower times so I don't have to worry about any of that.

They're hungry, thirsty and ready to take your bargains from you!! 

8. Think outside the box!

 If you're needing something unusual and on a budget, why don't you try the thrift store first? It might not be the top of the line or the most current gadget but at least it'll be cheaper and will hold you over until you do find the perfect one. I've had to get an emergency keyboard before, a couple mice for the PC, curling irons, and so on. The most unusual items that I never thought I'd want OR find at the thrift store but actually love finding now are shapewear,sleepwear and corsets. These items are usually hella expensive y'all. One day I looked in that section because I was curious, I'd never looked before. Well, I ended up finding a bunch of items and a whole new appreciation for thrift stores. Some amazing things I have found:

a beautiful shapewear skirt, a lovely lace shapewear dress and a HipsandCurves black lace gown. SCORE!

Anyways, I just love thrifting. It's almost a complete, full-blown addiction now. The more I find these tasty bargains, the more I want more. I'm a glutton for a good bargain,I can't help it. Regardless,  I've learned a few things along the way of which I share now with you guys. I'll keep thrifting,for sure, but at least my experiences might be useful to some!! Please, if you have any tips or suggestions, share them! I might need them too!

The (Rebecca) Essentials

Ok it's been a couple weeks, err month or so since my last blog entry,so I better quit slacking! Dang!! People need to know that when you have low dough ,you can still find the right look to accentuate your curves. Thrifting is hella fun and a great way to find what you need when on a budget!  For this entry I am going to focus on THE ESSENTIALS. These are your everyday wardrobe needs that will never go out of style and most likely be used to make multiple fabulous outfits. So here we go dahhlings!


Essential #1: The Black Blazer:

Finding a blazer to fit you right is not really difficult to find at the thrift store. Well, for me, it wasn't. The first place I went to when I needed a standard black blazer, I found one within 5 minutes. Yes, my beautiful niece was there to help, but to be honest, there were sooo many blazers to chose from. Maybe it's one of the first items of clothing that people discard or maybe I stepped into the 'blazer r us' of thrift stores, but getting that bargain...well, needless to say, I found it.  This standard black blazer I purchased well over 2 years ago and have used it countless times. I've used it in many photo shoots (yup, im a repeater..shhhh, don't tell anyone), castings, dinner dates, family outings and more. It's an all-in-one must have and an essential building block to your wardrobe. This one here cost me $4.00.Yes, that's right, $4.00!!  It WAS $7.95 but it was 50% that day. SCORE!!!

Date night. paired with my CK animal print dress (yes,also from the thrift store)

my first ever test shoot :)

     

Studio Work with Jphotos

Moving on and keeping the theme....

ESSENTIAL #2: The (Faux) Leather Jacket

If your thrift stores are anything like mine, then you'll be able to find some really great leather or faux leather jackets!! Pricing can be tricky and sometimes you can find cheaper outside of the thrift stores, but tenacity is the key for me! I've found some really killer jackets! I think the trick is to shop for them out of season. Here in Florida, a jacket is not needed 75% of the year so that leaves the jacket-hunting season open for a bit longer but you get the jist. When you find that fall/winter score in the summer, you'll remember when the time comes, believe me! Below are pics of black and brown faux-leather jackets I got earlier this summer. Both were $5.00 each. I used the black one for a photo shoot and plan to wear both throughout fall and winter....maybe even spring (Florida blood never really thickens to tolerate the cold lol)

going for that edgier look with this photo shoot! Photo credit: Vanessa Bates :)

Apt9 Brown motorcycle jacket

ESSENTIAL #3: Everyday Pants and/or Jeans:

A good percentage of workers out there have to purchase pants for their work. For me, my job requires me to wear black or khaki pants. Due to my line of work, there's no way I'm spending full price on them!  I'd be uber pissed if I got massage lotion on my brand new $50 pants!! I need to buy cheap and a bunch of them at that... so my answer: thrift store (duh!) At most thrift stores, finding jeans and pants that actually fit comes with a risk, especially if if you have a uniqueness to your figure. Mine happens to be tall with a big ole butt and a smaller waist. My figure tends to be a pain in the ass shopping for in general, but we won't open that door lol.  Anyways, nine out of ten thrift stores don't have changing rooms or you really don't have the time to try the pants on so you take the risk of buying what you think looks about right. I've purchased some jeans that have stayed in my closet hoping to one day actually fit (no I'm not a hoarder...yes I am) but, saying that, my favorite jeans and pants that I wear all the time are thrift store items. Here's a HELPFUL HINT  when looking to buy pants/jeans without having to try them on. 

I've purchased brands such as Banana Republic, DKNY and Old Navy (and have been really happy with them) but my favorite pair of jeans are these knock-off type jeans that I don't even have the name for because I've worn them for too many years now. I don't even remember how much they were but believe me, they were priced well for this bargain huntress:

Photo Credit: LBPhotography

These pants I love! They're black corduroy and I got them for work for $6.95:

Finally, last but certainly not least and actually my favorite.....

Essential #4: Animal Print  (meeeoooowww)

I take quite pride in finding incredible animal print items at the thrift store. It's almost like my addiction or maybe a loved collecting hobby. Every time I come across animal print in the thrift store, my eyes grow big and I think and gasp to myself as I say, "ANIMAL PRINT!!". Maybe I have a problem but c'mon now,I've found some really great things...you can't deny it. My all time favorite is a Mix/It turtleneck that I got for $1.50. I've worn it in two photo shoots, a Halloween costume (Peggy Bundy) as well as just hanging out. It's da bomb!!! It hugs the curves in all the right places and that is worth  well more than $1.50 for sure. SCORE!

photo credit: Victoria Janashvili

I found this Torrid  top for $6.95. Sadly it wasn't discounted,but I couldn't pass it up:

Will go great with my red skinny jeans!

And this lovely dress was why you don't listen to your husband when asking if you think it will fit. He said no, I said, I'm going for it and well, I love it. It's super cute,comfy and easy to layer when the weather changes and was only $3.95. I was shocked at how cheap and still kind of am. 

Photo Credit: Vanessa bates :)

To conclude, these four basic Rebecca essentials are readily to find when thrifting. The hunting ground is plentiful and awaits your curvy self. The prices may vary but definitely know this: they are far less than what you would pay at the department store. All it takes is a little patience, a little risk ,and most definitely a fun and eager attitude!

         

The Beginning of an Obsession

Greetings and Salutations bargain hunters and thrifty enthusiasts!  This is my first [ever] blog installment devoted to my current and what seems to be, everlasting, thrift store addiction. I get so excited about my findings, that I feel the need to share. I've gotten over my small feeling of shame in knowing I'm wearing a used, second-hand item. Why should I be ashamed?!!? I've found some pretty amazing DESIGNER-brand, top-quality pieces of clothing for a price that is cheaper than a gallon of gas these days. There's nothing more satisfying than finding that one amazing dress that makes you smile AND gloat to all your friends as they ask you "Girl, that dress is fabulous...where did you get it?!?". I'll shop at any thrift store nation-wide but most of my purchases come from the same store located in Jacksonville,FL called the Thrift Store. Simple enough name, but their inventory is not simple at all. They have everything you can think of!! Even the keyboard I'm using right now to write this blog was purchased for $1.50 (I know!) Whenever we need anything random or if I have a specific look I need for a photoshoot, my immediate thought and process is: Let me check the thrift store first. I know I can find it there. I can honestly tell you that I'm never let down. 

<------this store is the shiz-nit!!!!

So...where do I begin? Oh yes,I know. Let me show you the outfits I found and used in my earlier photoshoots. My agent at the time really wanted me to test more. In other words, I needed to build my portfolio. As a newbie plus model, I really had no idea how much financial obligation there was into building yourself as a model. I was extremely naive and basically overwhelmed in the costs of building yourself as a brand. It ended up costing me a spot on the board of one of the bests plus modeling agencies in the U.S. But hey, you live and you learn,right? 
Moving on... needless to say, I didn't have the funds to support my new found love of modeling so I had to get creative. I was lucky enough to grow up with amazing sisters who had an artistic, innovative style.They were so influential. I would always tag along when they went thrifting. It was one of my favorite things to do with them and it definitely planted a seed for my future addiction. It was the first thing I thought of when I needed to outfit-plan a test shoot for my portfolio. I thought to myself, why not try the thrift store to see if they have any unique and different items there?? hmmmm  *GREATEST IDEA I'VE EVER HAD*
I found some amazing things. Here, I'll show you:

Belt and top(Old Navy) were thrift store finds! Both purchased at the same time with a $5 bill.

This Talbot  dress was perfect for my Brigitte Bardot-inspired shoot. And the necklace! It is currently the most I've spent on an item at the thrift store for a whopping $14.95!

These were just the first of many! It spawned a brand new addiction. An addiction that I can say, I'm proud of.  I have so many items and photos to share with you guys! I hope you'll enjoy and follow my thrifty journey! 

*Photo Credit: Journey Photography, Hair Mindy Stamulis,MUA Tracey Upson