Build a (FABULOUS) Thrifted Wardrobe - What to clarify first and why thrifting rocks!

[@downtoearthsewing]

Love it! I have been thrifting for years and refined my skills over time :) You make very good points and that's pretty much the way I shop. I quickly scan the racks for the few colors in my palette, I can spot good fabric and then I check labels. I would add this: thoroughly check for stains/damage and think, "what is the reason the original owner donated this?" While many people donate things just because they no longer fit their size or style and the item is in perfectly good shape, many times there are permanent stains or other damage. I don't mind treating stains, washing, doing small repairs. But sometimes it's just not possible to rescue an item. Although many, many times it looks like the original owner just couldn't be bothered to IRON a perfectly good shirt 😅 I do thrift to try out a different color or silhouette too. I sew and can make anything in any color or pattern, but I want to make sure it's something I will wear before I invest my time, so thrifting is a great way to give things a try. I also will pick up the occasional item that was not on my list and doesn't fit my style but somehow just calls to me!

[@chrisf8489]

Best thrifting video I have ever seen. You are a goldmine!

[@KristenCainStyle]

Oh, my! Thank you. What a sweet comment. Thanks for watching!! 💕

[@wendybarker590]

Great video! 👍 Have been a thrifter for 35 years, statement jackets and coats a "signature" during my working life, beautifully tailored or fun pieces that found a new life in my wardrobe. Now retired, I've found new ways of wearing my favourites - with jeans, graphic t's, sneakers, as I like to feel energetic and youthful. A colour and style consultation at 40 (and a refresher at 55) was a great investment that helped to hone styles that work best for me. I still thrift, still buy the occasional outstanding jacket, operating a "one in-one out" policy (no new coat hangers) as I don't want the burden of unworn clothing or clutter. Garments can be updated with new buttons, a fabulous belt, crossbody bag. I rarely buy "bottoms" or shoes unless they are standout pieces in great condition and there are some amazing handbags in thrift stores too! So easy to feel uninspired in a clothing store, whereas a thrift store is uplifting, and most often it's the garment that finds me!

[@KristenCainStyle]

Hello, Wendy- Thank you for your comment! I love all of this. You sound like an exceptional thrifter. 🎉 I agree, I'm always so inspired in a thrift shop... the possibilities!!

[@kimberlyberlin4999]

I am a big advocate of the one in one out policy. I make a pile of my "outs" and then my sister and daughter look through them. After they take what they want I donate the rest.

[@downtoearthsewing]

Changing buttons is a great way to update things! I had a thrifted safari jacket with beige buttons that matched the fabric. I wore it a bit but something was off. I changed the buttons for dark brown ones and now I absolutely love it and matches my style so much better. I do like contrast and the dark buttons did the trick.

[@angelahuebner9120]

I’m 50… coming from a family of 13 children. My mama thrifted and taught me to do it as well. Thrifted my whole entire life. Now that it’s trendy I see prices skyrocket but still better than buying retail( in most cases). Love the video!

[@KristenCainStyle]

That is awesome! Wow... 13! I'm sure your mama was a pro... was a great skill to pass on.

[@lose999]

I am disillusioned with retail and fast fashion. Thrifting is magic for me too! I can relate 100% to everything you say in this video! My most recent treasure is a pair of European hand made blue leather slip on loafers. They are unique and so comfy. I also once found an Emilio Pucci faux fur custom coat with silk lining for $10. I gave it to my daughter. I've found antique pottery, retro furniture, designer handbags, silk scarves, vintage Levi's, and more!!

[@KristenCainStyle]

Wow! Those shoes sound incredible!! Thanks for sharing. 💖

[@KristenCainStyle]

And the Pucci coat!!! 🤩

[@lose999]

@@KristenCainStyle it's only been worn a handful of times since we live in South Texas.🌡☀️

[@lizbethdane]

Thanks, this is one of the best videos I have seen about thrifting...and dressing in general

[@KristenCainStyle]

Wow, thank you! I appreciate your kind words. I'm so glad you enjoyed it! 🩵

[@darlenegriffith5625]

Thrifting is my jam! I quit/retired from my job as a nursing assistant in surgery when the plaNdemic hit, 2019. I was a size 4 most of my 18 years working. I started putting on some weight...first I went to a size 6, then I went to an 8 and now Im a 10. I thrifted my wardrobe the whole time my body was changing. I have a spare bedroom with the clothes that dont fit and would like to open a small thrift/clothing store one day. I love thrifting clothes and Great video Kristen!

[@KristenCainStyle]

Hello, Darlene- Thank you for your comment! I love that you were able to thrift your way through the changes. I think the world needs more great secondhand shops! I hope you decide to open one in the future! 💕 Kristen

[@heidimeigs5192]

I live in a small, rural, economically hard-hit area, so our thrift stores don’t really have amazing finds in clothes. I like books so this is a decent place to pick up hardbacks at low prices. I wish there was an amazing thrift store here, I’d be all over it.

[@KristenCainStyle]

I also thrift lots of books! Are there any neighboring towns or cities that you could visit occasionally to thrift for clothing? Or maybe host a clothing swap with friends? I know it can be tough in some areas to find great pieces secondhand. 💕

[@aliciareisinger3103]

I have horrible thrift stores in my town. Once or twice a year I drive to a huge thrift store that’s clean and very well organized to look for anything on my list. I would say about 80% of my wardrobe is second hand at this point.

[@KristenCainStyle]

It's tough when you don't have a good thrift shop close. I also think it's worth the drive a couple times a year. I feel the same way about IKEA. 😉 Love that your wardrobe includes so much secondhand merchandise!!

[@marionannmacredie]

After studying your videos I am developing a much better idea of my style. This week I got 2 fab tops from the one overstuffed thrift shop in my village. I knew exactly what to look for!! I’m new to thrifting and love it. Your videos are amazing! 💞💞💞

[@KristenCainStyle]

Yay!! That makes me so happy!! Nice work and thank you for sharing. 🥰

[@saral8092]

Great content, thank you for sharing. I am new to thrifting but totally agree with the thrifting energy, A couple of days ago I was sharing my linen thrift finds with my work colleagues, and they were asking me how I find the pieces on my wish list? And I was like, its my thrifting vibration. I enjoy thrifting and people at my thrift store are so friendly. 💕 🇨🇦

[@KristenCainStyle]

Exactly!! It's amazing how the energy builds and we keep finding incredible pieces. It's as if the Universe likes to play along. Thanks for sharing! 💫

[@gabiocampo6639]

Yes, 80/of my clothing Is from 2nd hand,👌becides ,underwear, shoes ,bags,AND jackets..I feel the stores abuse on prices☺️☺️💗👌thankbu

[@kimberlyberlin4999]

I love thrifting coats and jackets....it's my weakness.

[@MaryCunningham-u5j]

I really enjoy thrifting and it has been very good to me, although I do have to make sure I don't buy something just because it's a good price or because I don't want to have gone to the store and come home empty-handed; better to just get things that are really right for you!

[@karenpiotrowski]

I love cream sweaters as well! I got a great one at Deseret Industries a couple weeks ago for $5. I have gotten several compliments on it.

[@KristenCainStyle]

Woohoo for cream sweaters from DI!! Nice work!

[@relaxingmusicwithroren5681]

Hi Kristen! 🌼Good job!👍 Thanks!🙏

[@KristenCainStyle]

Thank you!

[@trinahughes1230]

Great video- love the tips .... my biggest issue is just buying a tshirt in multiple colors , because I just can't be bothered with shopping for long periods.... and I hate leggings, so I started wearing sweatpants during lockdown and haven't really went back to jeans or slacks... I do enjoy thrifting, however I have noticed in the last few months the prices are at or even sometimes more than the actual retail prices.... the only thing I refuse to buy thrifted is shoes - that's just gross !!

[@KristenCainStyle]

Thank you! If you love those t-shirts, that's a win! Less shopping and lots of color options in your wardrobe. I agree, prices are higher than before. I sometimes find thrift pieces that would be the same price at full retail.