It has been a busy month, but I thought I should sneak in a blog before it ends (like last year). It's impossible to let Secondhand September go by and not write anything about it. The #SecondhandSeptember campaign is a great movement that explores secondhand shopping in all its forms. One of the activities that I didn't know before I shifted to the US was thrifting. So, I am still new to it. In the quest to explore this aspect of secondhand fashion, I reached out to my friend, Natalie Decker, who is an avid thrifter. Natalie is the founder and owner of Sourceress Vintage, a curated shop where you can find mindfully-sourced vintage finds.
My first ever and only thrifting experience was with Natalie, and it was such a memorable one. She gave me some really good and mindful advice on finding the right things for my wardrobe. So, I figured she would be the best person to share some valuable tips and tricks with us.
Here's the QnA with Natalie:
How and why did you first start thrifting? What was your first thrifting experience?
I first started thrifting when I was a college student at Chapman and didn’t have much spending money. There was a little charity shop right by campus that was super affordable, and all the money went towards pregnant women experiencing homelessness. From there, I discovered my passion for thrifting and started learning about the impacts of fast fashion on our planet.
What are the tips you would give a newbie thrifter?
A few tips I would give to someone new to thrifting:
1. Scope out the thrift scene before you head out. Get recommendations from locals on which spots are the best.
2. Be prepared to DIG! You’ll have the most success if you look through all the racks.
3. Ask the employees what days they get their new merchandise in, and try to go on those days.
What are the fabrics to look out for when thrifting?
The fabrics I always look for are silk, linen, cashmere, wool, and sometimes 100% cotton (if I am looking for good denim). These are the fabrics that are the most valuable and are going to last the longest. Anything with elastane or polyester is not going to last.
What are the must-grab items at a thrift store?
A couple of must-grabs for me would be vintage Levi’s in a cut like 501 or 701. Vintage Levi’s are almost always 100% cotton. If the red tab on the back has a capital E in LEvis, get them! I am also a sucker for 70s bell bottom pants or anything with a dagger collar.
Any particular vintage silhouette or style or clothing item one must watch out for when secondhand shopping?
It really depends on your style and what you like, but I tend to gravitate towards the 60s and 70s attire, which can include shift dresses, bell bottoms, bell sleeves, and dagger collars, and I LOVE a good jumpsuit!
Anything to be wary of while thrifting?
Always be sure to check the garment thoroughly for any stains, rips, tears, or holes. Also certain synthetic materials like polyester I would avoid.
What was your most favorite/unforgettable thrift store experience?
My best thrifting experience was at a flea market where I found a highly sought-after 70s Gunne sax prairie dress! I grabbed it as soon as I saw it. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to top that!
Which are your favorite secondhand shops?
I love supporting other fellow vintage retailers on Instagram. I’ve learned that this is a super supportive community, especially since most of us sell items that are one of a kind or rare. So, we all have unique pieces to offer. I used to frequent estate sales, but they started getting a little crazy during Covid, so now I mainly go to local charity shops. I avoid goodwill as I hardly ever find anything good for a decent price there.
Thank you, Natalie, for contributing to this blog and sharing these helpful tips. Do check out her shop for unique vintage finds.
Happy Secondhand September!
Love,
Rashmi B.
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