How to Conquer the Second Hand Shops

We love a bargain! Really who doesn't? While away we were able to visit a few second hand shops and flea markets. One of them is very popular in the area and you have to go early as there is quite the line. We went thirty minutes ahead and there was already people lined up. The anticipation and excitement gives our shopping hearts a real thrill! The competition! The adrenaline! The DEALS! Everything in these shops is between 10 cents and a couple of dollars.

A few of our triumphant purchases were: a pink J.Crew blouse, a turquoise apron from Belgium,  a  vintage polka dot skirt, a H&M blazer, a Calvin Klein t-shirt, a couple of men's flannel shirts, dozens of cut lace table runners, scarves, and our mama's big find: A china deviled egg plate. : )

Not all of us however get into this thrilling shopping escapade, Miss Leah is not a fan. She comes with us, helps us out, but really prefers to not touch everything that is a bit dirty, a bit smelly and of course there is all that Polish lady pushing. But bless her heart! This time Leah had a blast. After our thrift shopping adventure we came up with the following tips for all of you lovelies to go out there and conquer those deals! 

Helpful Strategies for Becoming the Conqueror of the Thrift Shops

1) Have a plan and a basic idea of what you would like to buy. Think game plan like in football. : ) Leah and I were designated to the Clothing section, with specific items we were looking for: scarves, denim anything, men's shirts, and of course whatever catches our eyes! Our mama and Charlotte went to the household items and were looking for wool blankets and anything linen and lace. Upon opening of the shop, our mama staked out her territory (three bins of cut lace work) and hurriedly claimed her deals. 

2) Know your labels. While digging through bins of clothes, before holding the item up and discerning whether or not it is worth it, we scan labels. They are the golden ticket. While shopping in the men's section I found a brand new Calvin Klein shirt( for our brother) for only a dollar, and it was just hanging on the wall for all the guys to see it. I didn't even register the pattern, just saw the label and tore it off it's hook. Leah discovered two cotton flannel men's shirts in mint condition! Sorry fellow shopping guys : ) Charlotte found a lovely pastel pink J. Crew blouse by digging into the bottom of the bin, and I discovered a classy H &M blazer in a sea of tacky coats.

3) Search, scan and then search some more! One of the best ways to uncover those hidden gems is to not be afraid to dig. Often times we find the best things underneath a huge pile, or in the midst of a big rack. After walking through the shop, Leah and I returned again to find Charlotte and found even more things that we missed the first time. Charlotte plunged almost half her body in a bin to uncover pretty blouses that fit her just right.






























4) Bring water and a snack to replenish after all that hard core shopping! : )

Have fun!

Do you have a shopping strategy? Share with us!