Thrift + Vintage Shop Like a Pro
I adore thrift shops and vintage stores. I found this amazing outfit last time I went to Queenie & Pearl. Well hello '80s!
Going out thrifting with my friend Sara, though, is even more fun because she is an absolute PRO.
I’ve captured all of her advice for fabulous thrifting, including how to dress for the day! Plus, I've mapped out some of our favorite spots.
Dress and prepare for a power thrift shopping afternoon!
Sara’s tips for Thrifting:
1) Go to shops in upscale areas
You wouldn’t believe some of the things I’ve scored by hitting thrift shops in higher-income neighborhoods. I’m talking well-known and designer labels–-barely worn or tags still on.
2) Map it out
You wouldn’t believe some of the things I’ve scored by hitting thrift shops in higher-income neighborhoods. I’m talking well-known and designer labels–-barely worn or tags still on.
3) Dress appropriately
Many thrift shops and vintage stores don’t have dressing rooms. Wear something you can try on clothes over, like skinny jeans or leggings with a top you can easily remove. Slip-on shoes are a plus too!
4) Hit certain sections
Areas where I have the most luck: Dresses, shoes, jackets, bags, coats, accessories.
Where I find the least: Tops, blouses, sweaters, pants.
5) Go often...they get new things in often
Ask the store when they get shipments in and mark your calendar to come back. Plus, places like the Salvation Army and Goodwill get new things daily!
SIDE TIPS: 1) Know that vintage sizes are two to four sizes smaller than current sizes. The farther back in time you go, the smaller they get. 2) Don’t rule something out if it doesn’t fit perfectly. With a little altering, this skirt fit Sara to a T!
6) You CAN return
This is often a surprise to people. However, keep your receipts. Most stores don’t have sophisticated digital commerce so they can’t just look up your purchase in their system.
7) Buy things you can alter
My friend found this awesome vintage leather skirt when we went shopping several weeks ago. It just needed a little tuck in the waist, then it was ready for prime time!
8) Bring your own bag
Thrift shops, especially, stock up on a mish-mash of plastic bags. It can often be awkward to carry them around. Use a large shopper bag to put your purchased items in. Below are some great bags perfect for vintage shopping!
Ready to jump in? Here’s a list and map of some of my favorite Minneapolis-area thrift and vintage stores.
My Sister’s Closet
2741 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Buffalo Exchange
2727 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408
B. Resale
2613 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55408
The Salvation Army Family Store
900 N. Fourth St. Minneapolis
Hunt & Gather
4944 Xerxes Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
June
5027 France Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
Queenie & Pearl
5014 Xerxes Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410
The Cat and The Cobra
2400 N Second St. #105, Minneapolis
Down the Rabbit Hole
17516 Minnetonka Blvd #2, Minnetonka, MN 55345
Goodwill Minnetonka
13820 Wayzata Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55305
