Not to be sacrilegious, but thrifting has become one of my religions. I’ve spent years digging through racks and scrolling second hand sites. Along the way, I’ve had no shortage of flops where I have used up my shopping allowance, all to end up with an ugly pair of shoes that collect dust in the back of my already full closet. But over time I’ve developed a set of rules, my Thrifting Commandments, if you will. They’ve saved me from buyer’s remorse and led me to some of my most cherished items. These are the Commandments I follow, so that you too may find your holy grail:
1. Thou Shalt Prioritize Material Over Designer Labels
It’s easy to get starstruck by a familiar designer tag hanging on a thrift store rack. I know the feeling all too well…that moment when I spot a KNWLS top or a Blumarine dress and my heart starts to pound. I convince myself it’s a sign, a mistake everyone else has made, and that it was meant just for me. But I've learned that a brand name doesn't always guarantee quality, especially in a world where so many of our favorite labels have sacrificed craftsmanship for the fleeting trend cycle (a la vintage Chanel and vintage Burberry who have a higher quality than current pieces in store).
Instead of the label, my buzzwords on a tag are "100% silk," "merino wool," "100% linen," or "made in Italy," "Japan," or "Portugal." These are the green flags of timeless quality. On the other hand, cheap synthetics like polyester, rayon, and acrylic are red flags. They lose their shape, pill almost immediately, and cling to smells and stains, making them a nightmare to maintain. A piece of clothing is only as good as the material it’s made from.
2. Thou Shalt Not Fear Imperfection
There is definitely a limit on imperfections, when the price to adjust outweighs the price of the item. But often times if it’s a great item, taking in the seam, or getting the leather cleaned is worth the small investment.
Take vintage Louis Vuitton, for example. I've found that some of my favorite finds are bags with the same specific issue: a sticky, black residue in the pockets. It turns out that a lot of LV bags from the 80s and 90s have this problem due to a chemical breakdown of the original lining. While it’s annoying, it’s a telltale sign of an authentic, well-loved vintage bag. I recently snagged an LV camera bag with this exact issue for $140 and spent another $70 to have it relined. It was a steal for a bag that now looks and feels brand new.
3. Thou Shalt Go Forth with Hyperspecificity
A successful shop is not a vague one. My best finds come when I have a clear vision in my head. I’ve been hunting for a drop waist skirt for months, and I knew exactly what I wanted. I started with a specific search on Poshmark (“drop-waist, long skirt”), filtering by "recently added" to avoid sellers who are no longer active. I found that the older Ganni prints were exactly the vibe I was looking for, so further filtered on Ganni, until I found this gem:
Poshmark is a goldmine when you know exactly what you’re looking for. Be prepared to deal with the lack of a return policy, however you can always resell, and speaking of which…
4. Thou Shalt Resell, Resell, Resell
The thrifting journey doesn't end when I get a piece home. I see it as a cyclical process. I get an item, wear it for a season, and then send it back out into the world. It’s a great way to refresh my wardrobe, and I only allow new items in if I get rid of something I already have. Sometimes I break even, and sometimes I even make a profit.
When I’m ready to sell, I have a clear hierarchy:
I start with Poshmark for a specific, brand conscious buyer.
Next, I’ll drop items off at a local consignment store like Crossroads for a quick turnaround.
The RealReal is my last resort because while it can be a great option for high end pieces, the cut they take and the long listing periods make it a hit or miss experience (normally a better buying experience than selling).
5. Thou Shalt Slow Down and Observe
In an age of instant gratification, the "Obsessions" feature on The RealReal is my best friend. The prices are dynamic, and there's no set schedule for markdowns. Instead of compulsively checking for a price drop, I heart the items I love and filter my page by my obsessions every week. I can sit back, wait for the right moment, and be notified when an item's price finally drops. It’s a practice of patience that makes a purchase that much sweeter.
6. Thou Shalt Use Thy Smartphone Wisely
My phone is my go-to side kick. With tools like Google Lens and Gemini (not sponsored :/) I can translate tags in foreign languages, look up brands I don’t recognize, and quickly gauge the market price for an item I’m considering. It’s saved me from countless overpriced purchases and helped me uncover some hidden gems.
7. Thou Shalt Authenticate, Discreetly
I’m not saying stores love it, but for higher end brands like Louis Vuitton or Chanel, I’ve found it’s best to get an expert opinion. If I’m lucky, I can go into the store and have them check it for me. Not every store will do this, but they're often willing to provide a quick assessment, especially if I’ve bought from them before.
8. Thou Shalt Be Wary of Used Shoes
I have a strict rule with shoes: I will not buy a pair of used shoes for more than $60 unless they are like-new or new. Shoes are meant to be worn, and they often end up on the consignment rack for a reason; they're on their last legs. A quick trip to the cobbler can only do so much. I’d rather invest in a brand new pair that will last for years than spend money on a used pair that will barely make it through a single season.
9. Thou Shalt Learn to Love Leaving Empty Handed
Its okay to leave with an empty bag. In fact, that can also be a win - your wallet won’t be empty!
10. Thou Shalt Check the Men's Section
Some of my best discoveries came from the men's section, especially at Thanx God I'm a V.I.P. in Paris (the name is so camp, but the store is truly epic).
There's a simple reason for this: men's fashion has always valued durability and function over fast-paced trends. Just look at the classics: wool overcoat, a sturdy denim jacket, a simple button down. They're built to last, often made with heavier, natural fabrics and constructed with reinforced seams that can withstand years of wear. I go straight to the men's racks for an oversized button down to layer over a tank, a perfectly broken in leather jacket, or a structured blazer.
So that is tea… my personal guide to the holy art of thrifting. These Commandments are my roadmap to avoiding fashion sins and finding true grace. They've taught me to be patient, to trust my gut, and to look past the superficiality of labels (even though they can be extremely tempting). The truest treasure is not a brand name, but a piece that fits your body, reflects your style, and makes you feel unapologetically yourself!
love this so much! def agree w the 10th commandment, it’s actually my go-to (& a secret when im w my friends bcs i want those goated pcs for myself 🤪)