The Art of Thrifting by Ana Olson

When I started my weight loss journey I decided I wasn't going to spend a lot of money on new clothes. I just hate the idea of spending full price on something that won't fit me in time. See that, that's me being optimistic. In comes Thrift Shopping! 

I love to thrift shop but I am in no way at the mastery level of my cousin Ana. I am excited that she has agreed to share her tips and insight into her craft.

Ana and her husband Kris are also experienced travelers and have visited and lived in several countries across the globe. If you are starting to get antsy in these Corona days and dreaming about the next beach or panoramic view you want to take in check out their blog www.lifeisgrand.org. Here they chronicle their many travels, sharing highlights and tips on where to go, the food, the weather, the people and so much more. 

Enjoy this...we hope you get as much out of it as we have! 

As the Corona days roll by, I often think about some of the first things I will do when all this is over. Hug my family and friends, enjoy a walk on the beach or maybe a boat ride. But truthfully, one thing high on the list will also be thrifting!

An art form like no other, thrifting is my gift. I feel good about buying clothes and things in a way that doesn’t contribute to fast fashion and commercialism. I like the unique style that develops when I reimagine things from the past in a fresh way and I also love seeing new and old in our home, side by side.

I am often surprised at how few people I know that thrift shop. Perhaps I have been doing it for so long and for so much of what I purchase, that I can’t even imagine people continuing to purchase full price, brand new things all the time.

I thrift for several reasons:

1) I am cheap – there isn’t really any kind or nice way to put it. Thrifty, frugal, tightwad, but there is more to it than not spending my hard earned money on new things. I can assure you, the money I earn does get spent, just mostly on travel - but that’s for another blog. I just can’t bring myself to spend money on something new that I know I can find used for less money, and sometimes better quality. It physically pains me to spend that money.

2) The thrill of the hunt – I get a lot of pleasure in combing through literally thousands of pieces of clothing, purses, shoes, and jewelry to find that perfect unique thing for a fraction of the price. I have found authentic Louis Vuitton bags at consignment stores, Tiffany bracelets at Value Village and Burberry sweaters at the Sally Ann. The hunt is mostly why I do it. It’s fun and who doesn’t love to look fashionable for a fraction of the price.

3) Being unique – although the mall can sometimes be interesting to me, the thought of going to a shop and buying the same item that 30 or 40 other people in my town have is just not that appealing. The hunt at a thrift store, although daunting for some, produces items and styles that are unique for that moment in time. Not the latest trend, but the vintage look, or the quality item that adds some class to a trendier piece. It is all there if you look for it.

4) I am saving the planet – sounds crazy, but honestly there is so much waste in the world. I have saved thousands of pounds of items from ending up in the landfill through buying them used and extending their life. To me, re-using is an important part of saving our planet and ensuring that our seas are clean and our landfills kept to a minimum. I know that someone has to buy new to have used, and I am ok with buying new sometimes, but recycling what is out there now, is the easiest and fastest way to make an impact. It also can expand beyond clothing and accessories. Before we purchase anything – and I mean anything - for our household, we first try to find it used. I am always amazed at how many things can be purchased used, if you look.

Today there are so many ways to purchase used, from my personal favourites Value Village and garage sales, to Salvation Army and Plato’s Closet (for younger styles), to numerous independently owned consignment stores. You don’t even need to leave your couch to buy used. From Facebook Marketplace, LetGo and Kijiji to higher end online vendors like Poshmark and Tradesy – the possibilities are endless.

 Some advice for new thrifters:

1) It’s a marathon, not a sprint. If you are hoping to run in and out with the grey turtleneck of your dreams in your size, stick to the mall. Thrifting takes time and energy. I usually go to for 2 hours on my day off and just comb the racks. I am so good at it now, that I can skim them by colour and texture and find some amazing stuff. Some days yield treasures, others I come out empty handed. Part of the fun!

2) Know your prices and brands. Every retailer is different, but some have prices almost at the same price as new, so know what the price of brands are and shop accordingly.

3) Keep a mental list of the things you need – If you need something RIGHT NOW, let’s face it, you will probably have to buy new. If you can be flexible on colour, shape and timing, then you will usually find it used, maybe just not today.

4) The item is used – check it thoroughly. I have purchased $100 cashmere sweaters for $4 that look new after a quick fabric shave, and I often purchase items that still have the original price tags. But, every once in a while, I will miss spotting a hole or other damage. The other nice thing about used clothing, is it has likely (hopefully) been washed so you know what it looks like after having been through a cycle.

5) Choose who you support – many people are critical of Value Village as they are a for-profit business. I for one, am much more critical of places at the mall, which are not only not recycling, but often have questionable manufacturing practices. But there are several other ways to support the community. Salvation Army supports in many ways with the proceeds of their stores going to the homeless, and independent consignment stores are usually supporting a family directly, one of the best ways to give back.

6) Forget the stigma – when I first started thrifting about 15 years ago, there was definitely a stigma to purchasing used. That is now gone. Vintage and flea market finds are all the rage and younger people are now getting into thrifting more than ever – ride the wave and save your money for the other cool things in life!

As we take this involuntary pause from all things consumerism, it gives us an opportunity to think hard about how we contribute to this world we live in. When I think about my life and the decisions I make that contribute to the health and well-being of the globe, thrifting is definitely an indulgence that I feel a little less guilty about.

Enjoy, stay healthy and good luck with your treasure hunting after we make it through to the other side of this crazy time.