Being a chick always on a budget, I refuse to sacrifice my style solely because my wallet may be a little lighter. Now that I have moved back to DC, I am revisiting all my favorite thrift stores and consignment stores in the city. Although I am not THE thrifting guru, I do love sharing my tips to thrifting in DC, Maryland and Virginia.
* don’t mind the wrinkles, I took these during my lunch hour and well ish happens*
Tip #1: The men’s section is chock full with amazing finds and amazing deals. If your thighs are bodacious like mine, men’s jeans tend to have a bit more room in that area for a comfortable fit. In the colder months, I purchase darker pairs such as Levi’s and Lucky Brands and roll up the bottom to create the perfect slouchy boyfriend pair as seen in this POST. In the summer, I love creating my own cut-offs and once again its all about the Levi’s that you can easily find in the men’s section. To each his own but I’m not about that tight daisy dukes life. I like my cutoffs roomy, frayed and comfy! My absolute favorite places to find Levi’s are the Savers in Owings Mills, MD, The Value Village on University Blvd in Hyattsville and the Goodwill on S. Glebe Road in Arlington. They have the largest variety and the most “like new” pairs.
Tip #2: Go early in the morning. Like before 10am on a weekday and you are certain to avoid the crowds and find that the store is neater. Also find out when the extra discounts are for the items you like and go on those days. Tuesdays tend to be pretty successful for me as most often they are the senior citizen appreciation days and they aren’t shopping the same things as me.
Tip #3: Into Flatlays? Well you can get the cutest knick knacks for under 5 bucks to perfectly style all your flat lays. My favorite things are colored glass cups and vases and all sorts of silverware. I also like picking up old film cameras to add to my flat lays. If you are shooting food a lot, you definitely want to find super cute plates, bowls and glassware there as well.
Tip #4: Don’t forget jewelry. If you are in love with Iris Apfel, like I am you know she has the most meticulous and stylish ways of arranging her neckwear and bracelets. You can find so many tribal necklaces, statement necklaces and bangles at your local thrift store for under 10 bucks! This usually solidifies that you will not be wearing the same as everyone else.
Tip #5: Get innovative! I tend to purchase a lot of the 80s style button down “blazer dresses” and wear them as knee length jackets. It is an easy way to recycle the garment. Most times they don’t fit me buttoned up anyway. I will be debuting a cerulean blue one at Paris Fashion Week!
Tip #5: Look at Labels! I have copped some pretty designer items. We are talking from Dior to Chanel at the thrift store. Sometimes it may not fit me but you can always purchase it for the low-low, research it for authenticity, bring it to the dry cleaners and then resell it at a consignment store such as my absolute fave: Secondi in Dupont Circle.
Tip #6: Denim Jackets. Enough said. The men’s section has the cutest oversized jackets!
Tip #7: Off shoulder shirts? Ok well not necessarily those but get button down collared shirts in sizes larger than you normally would wear and wear them as an off the shoulder top or create a fun strapless top with one as well.
Tip #8: Wear really fitted clothing. I tend to wear leggings and a fitted top with a flowy coat or wrap over it so I can ditch the flowy top and try things on without going into the dressing room.
Before I close out, this dress I got from the Goodwill in Bowie Town Center for 6 bucks. It is silk and 2 times too large for me but the print was so fabulous I knew a belt would solve that problem with the quickness. I got a million compliments when I wore it to work and all it took is some imagination. I may wear it this fall with a chunky sweater over top and cute booties.
This was the windiest of days and this non body con dress sure wanted to imitate its curve clinging cousin.
Thrift Stores to Check Out:
-Savers, Owings Mills: 9800 Reisterstown Rd, Owings Mills, MD 21117
-Value Village: 6611 Annapolis Rd, Landover Hills, MD 20784
-Goodwill: 3871 Evergreen Pkwy, Bowie, MD 20716
-Value Village: 2277 University Blvd E, Adelphi, MD 20783
-Goodwill VA: 10 S Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA 22204
Favorite Consignment Stores
-Second Story (black female owned): 1702 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009
-Secondi: 3903 Georgia Ave NW Fl 2, Washington, DC 20011
Last tip: I order 90% of my sunglasses from eBay for 3-10 bucks each. Just search for statement sunglasses or even just mirrored sunglasses. You will find an abundance of cute pairs that wont leave you broke!
THIS WEDNESDAY: all denim is 40% off at Savers and Value Village stores! Hurry and get your Levis for under 10 bucks!
Thank you for reading my tips to thrifting in DC, Maryland and Virginia.
Love this!! After three years in Maryland I’m still looking for good thrift stores, so this was super helpful.
Love ya! Hope you’re doing well.