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Written by Administrator
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Every summer that I have spent with her on the boat is a summer that I have learned to look at discards a bit differently. Garage sales in the Hamptons are not to be missed. These are people discarding goods that are so last year, that they make Vail, CO look like the pinnacle of fashion. Translation- you can get a barely worn pair of Prada heels for about $20. No joke. I have found antique purses, felt hats reminiscent of Bonnie Parker, jeans, shoes. Name it, and I have found it the thrifty way.
My love of thrift shopping began in high school. My style than was really to look as different and “artsy†as possible. I couldn’t find that at the Gap. So, I began to spend time strolling down Broadway. In Denver. At the time, Broadway was a thrifty shopper’s paradise. You could walk down the street and hit doors and doors. The stores were full of so many different types of clothes that they could keep up with my daily transformation. One day it was a tweed blazer, t-shirt and Levis. The next it was one of those Indian wrap skirts from the 60’s and huarache sandals. The next day was inspired by Robert Smith, and the next- just plain old high school girl. Mini skirt, crimped ponytail, white blouse belted at the hip and a skinny neon tie. Oh- can’t forget the EG Smith scrunchy socks over the Reebok high tops. Yes. I was a fashion chameleon in High School, and the second hand stores were the best place to go to outfit that particular shade.
I would have to say that one of my best second hand purchases came from a friend. She bequeathed it to me. She was living in Paris and got it at a second hand store there. It became my Junior prom dress. I loved, still love it, still own it and would love an occasion to wear it again. It is strapless with a white sequince bodice and a full skirt of layers upon layers of black tulle. It is gorgeous. And the best part- no one could ever possibly have a replica. It is truly the best in second hand fashion.
My love of second hand clothes outfitted me in college, out of college and still today. I am not afraid of something that someone else has worn. In fact, I think that it gives the clothing some soul of its own. Somehow each article of clothing that someone has passed on takes a bit of that person with it when it moves on. An example of this- I just bought a dress at Holy Toledo in Minturn. It is wonderful. Pale yellow with a pin tucked top, box pleats in the skirt put together by a band of sunflowers. The sleeves and the neckline have crocheted appliqués. So, I have no idea how old the dress is. But it already has taken on a life of its own. I am trying to figure out if it was handmade, which clearly it was, how old it is, where it came from and why in the world anyone would give up such a gem. You just don’t get this from a store bought dress. The store bought dress just hangs. The second hand dress has a life. Something that is beyond me. It was cherished before me and will be cherished after me.
Second hand shopping, mind you, takes work. It is not for the faint hearted shopper. It is very important that you go into second hand shopping like an art. It takes practice to get really good at it. Something I have learned from my Aunt. She is a second hand pro. I would not want to go up against her. I would call myself a second hand welterweight. I have a few divisions to go before I become a heavyweight, yet I am not quite at that flyweight category. I have boxed a round or two in the ring of second hand.
Outlined below I have listed five of the basic cardinal rules of second hand shopping.
Second hand shopping must be done when you have time on your hands. Because second hand stores do not generally have two items that are the same, each piece must be looked at carefully. It’s not like you can go in and find something you like and try it on in your size. Either it fits or it doesn’t.
You must not get emotionally attached to your items. Because the garments you take to try on may or may not fit you, you must be able to cut the ties quickly.
You should be willing to clean all items before you wear them. Although most people bring in clothing that is clean, it is never known how long something has sat in a closet, bag or trunk of a car. I know that when I bring clothes in they are always clean, but not always fresh.
You should be able to recognize flaws as a part of the fabric. Because second hand clothes have been worn before, you need to be okay with the fact that a button may not be on as tightly as it was brand new, or a tag in the clothes is missing.
Only buy something that you are totally sure of. While most places offer a store credit it would seem a little silly to return a second hand item of clothing. Recycling the recycled clothes that you just bought.
Second hand stores offer so many options. From ski clothes to summer hats, spring shoes to fall jackets, you can find anything you want at a second hand store. If you are patient, chances are you can get even better deals. Especially at consignment stores. The longer they hold something, the lower the price goes. Which I suppose is the case in all stores, but the “sales†in second hand stores are the best. You can get a whole new outfit for $10. How can you beat that?
We are lucky here in our Valley that women have great taste. Chances are very good that you will find some quality designer duds at deeply discounted prices. A friend of mine bought a pair of Diesel jeans with the tags still on them at the Thrifty Shoppe in Edwards for $5. I will repeat that sentence for emphasis sake. A friend of mine bought a pair of Diesel jeans with the tags still on them at the Thrifty Shoppe in Edwards for $5. I have found items from Hard Tail, Prada, Gucci, True Religion and more. Name brands at valley local prices. If you haven’t tried it before, I urge you to do so. Second hand takes shopping to a whole new level. It is exciting, cutting edge and quite affordable. If you have taken the plunge chances are you are hooked like me. Whatever your second hand status… keep shopping!
For second hand treasures locally try Holy Toledo in Minturn. Offering some of the best designer brands out there.
The Thrifty Shoppe in Edwards is less discerning with what they take, but is always worth a pick through. You never know- you could find those lucky Diesel jeans.
Ritzy Recalls and Remarkable Kids in Eagle Vail is great for mom’s who are looking to spice up the wardrobe. They can shop for themselves and stop next door to outfit their kids. (I would need another whole page to talk about how great it is to buy second hand clothes for my son!)
Of course summer is approaching and that means garage sales and the Minturn rummage sale so, Happy sifting! |
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