THRIFTED BASICS- Great wardrobe staples... secondhand. Sharing my favorite thrifted basics.

[@dabneydee9109]

With the wild thrift store prices today, thrifting is a lot less fun than it used to be. But the odd time I do go, I am laser-focused on finding top quality basics - like cashmere, linen, and merino wool - rather than trendy pieces. Recently, I found an H&M acrylic sweater for $14.99 right next to a Theory black cashmere cardigan for $7.49. Of course the Theory cardigan came home with me! But you have to be prepared to spend time and sift through the junk.

[@kimberlyberlin4999]

Love that you explain why you chose it. I've gotten much better at thrifting. When I first started, I would buy items that were "almost" what I was looking for in good quality and in good shape but maybe not my color. These always wound up being given away or donated back to the thrift store. Now if it's not a wow, it's a no. And, I never buy an item that's not in a color that goes with my wardrobe.

[@KristenCainStyle]

Thanks for sharing!! Yes! Wow only!!

[@RobertaShaw-mm2mi]

PHENOMENAL ideas and values

[@marionannmacredie]

Oh the thrill of the chase😎

[@FoggyMom]

Great information, but the prices mentioned do not apply where I live in Santa Monica (near LA), or in Northern California where my sister lives. I agree with another commenter, that pricing for cashmere, silk, wool, leather etc. can be much higher depending on the competition in your area. Still fun to find the good piece in cashmere for @ $30 to $40. As an aside, my daughter in law has had good luck at the clothing swap the moms at her daughter’s school organize each fall.

[@ktburger659]

My 2 cents: the best way to remove thrift store odor is to let clothing air out outside of the house for 1-3 days, either on a clothesline or a clothes drying rack put outside. Indirect sunlight or only a few hours of sun, breeze if possible. Then wash it as normal. That’s the only thing I’ve found that works

[@lisadavis4279]

Thanks for sharing. I appreciate you encouraging others to thrift. I thrift about 20% of my clothes. I try to thrift first either online or in a shop. I have had better luck online finding what I am looking for. I most recently lived in Philadelphia and now in LA. You must have very good thrifting karma. You will likely not find cashmere and coats in a city like LA for under $20. Likely this is due to the demand for thrifted items. The cost of living here is much higher and therefore more people are looking for thrifted items. The shops that are more curated are a much higher price point and those that are a lot less curated are a bear to get through. In Philadelphia, I used to consign items at Greene Street thrift stores. They are well curated but you will not find a wool coat for under $80, and a cashmere sweater is probably closer to $30. They also have some high end designer pieces at much higher prices. The point is that the demand in so high in bigger cities that you just don't find quality pieces at the prices you experience. So, its a toss up if its worth the hunt. Im not saying that I will stop thrifting. I do it more for sustainability purposes. I just lower my expectations if I don't find what I am looking for.

[@KristenCainStyle]

Thank you for your comment! I used to love Greene Street when I lived in PA. There was one near me for a very short time... first visit, I score a Vince long black cashmere cardigan for $3.50!! I literally ran to my car thinking they must have priced it incorrectly!

[@glendajorde9062]

Just found your channel. Love it

[@KristenCainStyle]

Thank you! Welcome!!

[@marciagarcia8486]

I only find great basics in my thrifting. I am focused on basics. 100% linen, cotton, denim, silk . Basic colors and fit. Dated pieces only once in a while … practice makes you master. In Brazil We don’t have that much of big thrifting stores like in the USA. Your finds are amazing, I would wear all of them

[@KristenCainStyle]

Hi Marcia- Thank you for your kind words! I'd love to thrift with you! I think we'd make a good team. I agree... secondhand basics in classic colors, fabrics, and shapes are fabulous! 💖

[@jaelynnh8413]

❤ love your videos. As a thrifter, I enjoy seeing what you get and how you mend, wash and wear the clothes. Many times I find lovely pieces but the heavy scent is too overwhelming I leave it behind. Advice on how to getting rid of the smell?

[@KristenCainStyle]

Hi Jaelynn- Thank you! I appreciate your support. For odor removal, see my comment to Carrie Collins. 🌷

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Because I am LP, I am more successful using ebay or Poshmark. I have never found a great white tee that way, but my size is likely the reason.

[@carriecollins4542]

Great tips, thanks so much. I'm ready to try another thrift shop trip now! I am very interested in learning tricks to remove odors.. on my last thrift trip I found a great sweater but it stunk like cigs so much. I passed on it because I wasn't sure how to safely launder it and really try to avoid dry cleaning if possible.

[@KristenCainStyle]

Hi Carrie- Thanks for your kind words. I usually find that even strong Fabreeze smell fades after a few normal washes. I've only ever had one pair of Levi's with an unpleasant odor that I couldn't remove. If the smell is strong, I soak the garment in a mixture of warm water and white vinegar (about 3:1). I buy a big jug at Costco (box store) and let it soak for an hour or more. I will also put a cup or two of vinegar into the washer with a load of 'fragrant' clothes. There are also laundry soaps meant for removing sweat odors from workout clothes, I find that can be helpful. Baking soda in the washer has helped and also lots of time hanging outside in the sunshine. I'm relentless and don't stop until the odor is gone or at least palatable. I hope that helps! Good luck.

[@carriecollins4542]

@@KristenCainStyle Thank you so much! I really appreciate all your style tips and look forward to your videos each week. Also really appreciate your odor-fighting ideas that don't involve harsh chemicals.

[@jodeeclarklompa852]

I love thrifting and would appreciate tips on laundering and removing odors.

[@sandramatos6409]

Use Dryel for dry clean items in your dryer. For normal laundry use Unstoppables beads. Love the scent. There is even a mild one … for sensitive people.

[@KristenCainStyle]

Hi JoDee- Same! Please see my comment to Carrie Collins about removing odors. Thanks!

[@amandastorey1517]

Loving that animal print belt❤

[@KristenCainStyle]

Thank! Same! 🥰

[@Julie-gx5qm]

Unfortunately, the prices for used clothing in Germany are much higher

[@dianegowland5866]

Hi thank you for your videos and greetings from the UK ❤ can I ask how you mend something with a hole in It ? I have a nice thin nylon casual cardigan I love but it has a small hole on the back of it

[@KristenCainStyle]

Great question. I find that a small embroidery hoop makes mending knits easier because it holds the damaged area taught and still while I work. This will help you get started... kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZ61kGyZd61_nassi=CjwsZpr2Z7L8rxrV

[@dianegowland5866]

@@KristenCainStyle thank you kindly ❤️🦋