You know how the saying goes — One man’s … nevermind.
Before gaining popularity, thrift stores carried the stigma of bad smells and penny pinchers. Not anymore. Today’s thrift stores have a variety of customers, including the hobbyist who actually ENJOYS thrifting. According to recent statistics, 16-18% of all Americans shop at a thrift stores, making thrift and resale shops a multi-billion dollar industry that grows about 7% per year. (Source: Association of Resale Professionals).
As one who truly loves fashion, I’ve come to enjoy thrift and vintage shopping as a source of inspiration to check fabrics and garment construction. It’s not hard to find a range of clothing styles in my closet and since high school (those days at St. Vincent De Paul on Superior); thrift shopping accounts for some awesome pieces in my wardrobe.
With the arrival of spring, this is one of the best times of year to indulge in a little thrift shopping. Many people are spring cleaning, getting rid of clothing and accessories that they can no longer fit, have space for or need, making this a peak time to find that hidden gem designer item, overlooked and waiting just for us to provide that rush and further incentive to keep us coming back!
Have you always wanted to thrift, but don’t know how to get started?
Enter Ciara J. Ware of Simply Just Jolie, a wardrobe/personal style consultant who started thrifting as a teen and says that over the years it has become “her secret weapon.” Totally devoted to the craft, she’s even developed “thrift trips,” which focus on meeting other thrifters in the area as well as inviting new ones while giving pointers on how to thrift shop.
We asked Ciara for a few tips both for the newbie or veteran thrifters. Here goes:
1. Have an open mind. Be prepared to seek and find the many hidden treasures found in thrift stores.
2. Be ready to try something new — refrain from the urge to pick items that match what is currently in your closet. Without knowing it, you will create THE SAME your wardrobe.
3. Buy pieces you love and that can become essential to your wardrobe and that you can get the most use, such as blazer and coats.
“Simply Just Jolie” also pointed out thrifting hot spots in the area including Value World, Unique Thrift Store (both have various locations, check online for locations) and Village Discount Thrift in Akron.
The thrifting process is about rediscovering your style and even trying out new ones. Embrace it. Your experience is a good time to try new colors, patterns or even silhouettes you may have not though of in the past.
With a little patience, an open mind and a great eye, there’s plenty of hidden treasures that await you.
Happy Thrifting,
Dru
To learn more about ‘Simply Just Jolie,’ email info.simplyjustjolie.com, or go to Instagram at @fashionably_ci.
Dru Thompson is a designer, writer and educator and currently owns and operates Dru Christine Fabrics and Design. Thompson has worked in several facets of the fashion industry throughout the years and consults for local artists and designers throughout Northeast Ohio. Most days, you will find Thompson bustling in her fashion design studio and boutique, located at 15615 Waterloo Road in Cleveland.
To learn more about Dru Thompson, go to druchristine.com orvfacebook.com/druChristine.
Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @druchristine.