I love going to a thrift store often and perusing the racks of clothes. It is a fun little shopping joy that I learned to love long ago from my Mom. I try to go thrifting at least once a month, sometimes more depending on my schedule.

Second-hand fashion is a great way to look chic on some really good finds. Thrift stores not only have vintage, but they have many other kinds of fashion as well. Thrifting is all about having a good shopping eye, and knowing what your style is before you go in the store. I tend to shop for the more newer chic styles; more of a timeless type of chic style, and what is currently in style.

You can also save money and be a little more eco-friendly. In order to look chic on these thrifty finds is simple: look for classic,chic, and gently worn items. With thrift store buys, you can afford to buy different styles and try out things you would never buy for full price.

I don’t buy everything at thrift stores, but I do buy a lot there. Then I buy new pieces to fill in the gaps where I couldn’t find items at thrift stores. Some things are harder for me to buy at thrift stores, like jeans and tennis shoes, so I usually just buy them new.

The reason I don’t like to buy jeans at thrift stores is because I don’t like trying on things. Since I have gained weight over the past 10 years, I have a harder time finding jeans that fit, and spending an afternoon in the dressing room trying on jeans, is not how I want to spend it. Weird, I know. But that’s just mean. Now I will buy elastic waste items, but if I’m not certain a buttoned pair of pants or even a skirt will fit, I won’t purchase them.

For tennis shoes, I will buy used tennis shoes at thrift stores to wear for looks. But for my treadmill walking shoes, I buy at Academy Sports, or some other store, so I can buy new. The reason for that is, a used pair of tennis shoes for running or walking, is already worn pretty good (unless you can find new) and will start hurting your feet, back, or knees sooner than new shoes like Sketchers or Asics (both types of shoes I buy new to walk on treadmill in).

Then when you get home, it’s about how you style your purchases. You can blend them with new items, or wear full thrifted outfits. But it’s all in how you style your clothes that makes them look good and not like they are necessarily thrifted, and also buying gently worn items. Many times I will find new items with the tags still on them. This is a bonus!

Looking chic on second-hand fashion is one of my specialties and hobbies. A hobby that is enjoyable and rewarding. It satisfies my shopping habit, while saving money, and also is an enjoyable adventure with my Mom as well, when we go. We always have the best time.