Thrifting 101: Thrift Shopping

Posted by Alexandra C. | Tuesday August 9, 20116 comments

If you've read any of our pose-offs before or even my introduction to ChickAdvisor, then you know how much I love a good thrifting bargain. So much in fact that I've made an art- nay, a science of out it! Normally, I'd ask people to pay me to divulge my thrifting secrets in such a fashion but 'cause I like y'all, I'm going to do it for free; enjoy these tips and tricks!


(Left: thrifted tweed jacket and peasant blouse C$11.00 for both, Right: thrifted coat C$8.00)

Timing is key when thrifting. This applies to thrift stores that take in donations and vintage stores that buy and re-sell. Most people will clean out their closets at the beginning of a season, this happens especially in the spring (i.e. spring cleaning). This means that stores will have new merchandise in and a better selection around these times. Try going to thrift stores on a Monday or Tuesday as well since old clothes are generally dropped off over the weekend; by this time, new clothes are out on the floor. 

For me, getting an awesome deal is first and foremost. You call it cheap, I call it frugal! I sign up for newsletters from thrift stores like Value Village and Salvation Army. These stores will email you when they have a coupon going around or when the stores are having a big sale and you can plan your trips accordingly! Most Goodwills also have 50% off days once a week. Let me just repeat that- 50%. Off. Once a week!

In Toronto, most vintage stores can be found in an area called Kensington Market. Kensington has great stores but because it is known as a destination for vintage, especially with tourists, don't be surprised when the prices are a little higher than usual. Try looking to different areas and locations- they are called hidden treasures for a reason afterall! In my experience, I have found some of the best vintage in small towns at independent second hand shops and their prices will be far lower.


(Thrifted skirt C$7.00)

I need to warn you now, of the disease known as "thriftyitis". It occurs when everything is just so fabulous and inexpensive. You will grab everything in sight without a thought as to whether or not you will actually wear it. There is no cure, but we can prevent it. I have definitely have a case of this. When I go thrifting and see a great pair of vintage shoes, I'll try them on; pretty soon, "these don't fit at all" turns into "they'll fit if I don't wear any socks" to "these fit perfectly"! Listen to this carefully, don't buy anything you don't fit into and though you think at the time that you can definitely alter something- you won't. I have piles of unaltered clothing at home. The exception in this case is expensive brand name, designer items. Let's say you purchase a vintage Chanel suit on consignment, most likely it was pricey. If the skirt needs a bit of hemming- pay a professional tailor to do this.It is definitely worth the money.

Knowing exactly what to purchase when thrifting is trickier. Finds earlier than 1985 are rare. 1950's clothing was made to last and is generally very good quality so if you find a piece from the 50'd or 60's- I say snatch it up! Anything from the 70's is fun, chances are, it is also made of polyester so beware the sweat that you will endure. Look out for brand names and good fabrics. Fabrics like silk, cottons, wools will degrade eventually but hold up against the test of time better than cotton blends.

I've found some awesome pieces while thrifting and the best part of it is- no one else has these items! I feel as unique as a snowflake! Do you have any amazing thrifted find stories? Let me know!
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6 Comments

on August 11, 2011  AlexJC  50 said:

@curlysue10, I have never thrifted in Montreal but I would LOVE to. I have thrifted before in Quebec though and gotten some amazing deals. I think Montreal would have really great, creative stores! Also- that is a really good rule of thumb for thirft shopping, or really any shopping. I hate when you see something adorable but you know deep down you have nothing to wear it with. If I find something that I can picture myself wearing with a whole bunch of different things then I snap it up!

on August 10, 2011  curlysue10  7,326 said:

Great article. I LOVE thrifting!! (This goes hand-in-hand with my love for clothes swapping). In Toronto I really like the CTS (Canadian Thrift Store) on Queen and Spadina.

Montreal has the best thrift shopping because I find people there are creative dressers to begin with so you're sure to find original pieces. My FAVOURITE store for thrift shopping in Montreal is Eva B (not too sure how I haven't reviewed this place yet. I should get on that!) It's on St Denis if you want to check it out.

"Thriftyitis" is super dangerous. I find when I'm shopping I want every cute item because they're all so cheap. A friend of mine told me a tactic that really works for this particular disease: if you can't think of at least 5 things you can wear with it, you don't need it and won't wear it.

on August 09, 2011  The Fashion P.A.  1,255 said:

Thank you for posting your thrifting shopping tips @Alexandra!!!

I always seem to find great pieces in smaller cities or towns when I'm traveling throughout Western Canada. My Toronto thrift store secret where I always find something is, Vintage Mix 1 on Ossington (just south of Dundas).

on August 09, 2011  beachbabe  4,164 said:

This is so awesome! Thanks for posting this :) These are awesome tips and I can't wait to do some vintage shopping!

@mamaluv - So true about finding the right place to go. In my past experiences, the donations have also been poor quality and that's what has turned me off from vintage shopping.

on August 09, 2011  jskim07  50 said:

TO Alexandra,
We need a shopping trip.

on August 09, 2011  mamaluv  STAFF said:

Very cool, Alexandra! I have wanted to try thrifting, but am always daunted by the thought. It's so important to find the right place to go - most of the second hand stores in my immediate area have very poor quality donations.

My one thrifting success story was finding a pair of Diesel jeans for $7. They fit perfectly, but at the end of the day it was just plain denim. Nothing particularly special. I really love your pieces in the first two pictures!

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