Five Ways To Thrift

Hello, hello! As we have established here on my blog - thrifting is a massive passion of mine. So in keeping with this theme I thought I'd discuss the five different ways in which you can shop sustainable fashion, and the key pros and cons of each, or at least what I think the pros and cons are. You never know, one thing may be more you than another.

1. Charity Shops / Thrift Shops

These are what I have discussed before on my blog - and if you want to read about my thrifting tips then the blog post on it is here.

PROS:

Good variety of items
Most items are relatively cheap
Discount shops are even cheaper
Can be found in near enough every town / city
The items have to fit a certain criteria, so everything should be in good condition

CONS:

The prices of items depends on your area (especially in Cities)
Items might have been researched so up ticking prices can occur

Charity Shopping is my favourite way to thrift, as it is reliable and I have my favourite areas and shops that I like to go too. Once you find an area that suits you, you stick too it.

2. Vintage Shops

The enhanced charity shop, but without the charity aspect.

PROS:

Great selection of hand picked items
"true" vintage
Unique / one of a kind items
A more condensed selection of items you are more likely to want
More likely to come away with a purchase

CONS:

Very expensive / overpriced
Not as easy to find as charity shops - more shops in city centres

I love vintage shops, especially those within Manchester (they have the BEST shops, and ones that aren't too overpriced as well). However due to my success charity shopping I am always stunned with how much certain items can cost, especially items like flannel shirts and t shirts. They always have a selection of everything that I would want, however I am a bit of a scrooge and refuse to pay the prices (especially when I was a student) I also think it's more special when you find a diamond in the rough, rather than something that has already been scouted (probably from a charity shop or carboot!)

3. Carboots

My favourite way to thrift in the summer, and it keeps you fit too!

PROS:

Probably the cheapest way to thrift
Can haggle on prices!
keeps you fit - your walking long distances but don't even realise it
A lot of fun
Wide variety of sellers

CONS:

Weather permitting (unless indoors)
Less reliable
Usually a small cost to get in (50p/£1)
Not as accessible

For me car-booting is the most exciting and fun way to thrift in the warmer months, it can literally be the highlight of my week. I love find hidden treasures and gems for bargain prices. However they are weather permitting, the nicer the weather the better the turnout. If you don't know of any in your area give it a google search, I think everyone should go at least once just to experience it (and have a laugh in the process!)

4. eBay

The most popular / well known online buy and sell retailer, and the most trusted.

PROS:

Online
Good if you have a particular item in mind to purchase
can get a good bargain through bidding

CONS:

Bidding can be frustrating and disheartening
Postage Costs
less reliable than shopping in a store

eBay is a good platform, but it is one I do not h use often anymore. The image quality is usually really bad and it's hard to visualize the items on. Also, its very time consuming trying to find an item that you want due to the amount of listings. Bidding may be frustrating - but my biggest tip if you find something you like, but in a bid that is the highest you would like to pay for it. If you don't win it, then that means that it sold for more than you think it's worth.

5. Depop

eBay's trendy younger sibling.

PROS:

Online
All items are very current and on trend
good if you are searching for something in particular
Easy to use format
Room to negotiate on prices
Heavily influenced by street style

CONS:

Can be overpriced
Postage Costs
Less reliable than shopping in a store
More aimed at the younger generation (teens to early 20s)

Depop is my favourite online thriting platform, I am very much influenced by street style and younger trends so it has everything I want all together. I also love the instagram like layout, it makes is super nice and easy to shop. Some items might be overpriced but you can find some hidden gems, and can always try and negotiate on price and bundles from the same seller.

-SHAMELESS PLUG-

I do have my own depop shop (if any of you are interested), I buy that much stuff all the time that I need a good clear out near enough every month. I donate most of it, but list my favourite pieces on my depop. My username is @emmalouisloves Or click here.

-OUTFIT DETAILS-
Rugby Shirt - Charity Shop , but was inspired by pieces by Lazy Oaf / The Ragged Priest
Joggers - Select Fashion ( also in the sale) Link: here
Boots - Charity Shop, but originally from Ecco. I bought these boots as a take on the sock boot trend which is everywhere at the minute.

So there is my roundup of the 5 different ways to thrift, something to note is that my preferences might not be the same as yous. My pros might be your cons, etc. etc. You just need to find out what works best for you, and what your preferences are (I just felt like sharing my own!) If you want to, leave a comment if you're an avid thrifter too, and what some of your all time favourite purcheses are! That's it for today, so till next time..