Hi Eve and Amber!

I just recently discovered your website and I thoroughly enjoy the photos you post of fantastically stylish, but very unique-looking women. I am making it my goal this year to seriously explore, research, stomp around the city, do whatever I can to source out cool thrift stores. So here comes my frank question. These women look so amazing and seem to find great items in thrift/vintage shops. I, of course, will not overlook the fact that what they exude of their character in their ensemble contributes to how interesting it looks. But here’s the thing that is just tugging at my mind: where are they finding these cool pieces? I know that by clicking on each photo, they cite where they have acquired each piece, but I still find myself feeling just….boggled…by where I need to go to find something as interesting as what these girls wear. I live in Vancouver and I do see SOME, not as many people as I like to be honest, wearing vintage in an interesting way, but perhaps I am not dedicating enough time or patience to digging through the racks? Are there any stores, or tips, you could suggest? Thanks for your time and have a great day!

Cheers,
Nadia

Thanks Nadia!
I know. My mind is boggled daily at the genius of our thrift stars. First off though, you should keep in mind that quite a few of our most featured ladies are professional thrifters! They make it their job to find amazing pieces to resell on eBay so they spend much more time than most of us filling their closets (and ours) with glorious, glorious vintage. So don’t get too down on yourself! That being said, here are a few tips to help you in the time you do spend with your nose in the mothball-scented racks.

1. Head for the hills!
Skip the thrift stores that are right in the middle of the city. Those are all picked through. You’re getting what’s left over when all the hip kids that live there (and work in the thrift store) have made off with all the good stuff. Go to the ‘burbs where senile old ladies are pricing the vintage lacoste shirts at 50 cents.

2. Be there first! Have a score-gasm.
Most thrift stores have certain days when they put out their “new” inventory. Ask the clerks and find out when that is. Get there early that day and you won’t believe the treasures! Perhaps an almost new pair of Irregular Choice shoes worth $80 (seen it!)? A skinny vintage leather bomber? A Pucci scarf…? You never know!

3. Context, context, context…
I cannot overstate the importance of this. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the hideousness that overwhelms the racks. Muumuus, terrycloth jumpsuits, christmas sweaters, stretched out bicycle shorts… So in your hurry to sift through it all, you might nonchalantly skip over your new favorite piece. Try to make a day for yourself when no one is waiting for you when you can take your time and just try on everything. Get to know what looks good on your body, what would fit with your current wardrobe, what makes you feel happy! Think of how the piece would look with your favorite pair of jeans or new moccasins. Some ridiculously 80’s looking sweater might look completely hip with your edgy haircut and designer ankle boots. If it tickles you, TRY IT ON! Don’t be too quick to toss it aside because you don’t think you can pull it off. Challenge yourself!

…Also, don’t stay stuck in the women’s section! If you’re petite, check out the kids section for a shrunken blazer or a little dress you can wear as a top! Or head over to the men’s section where you can find oversized cardigans or some nicely cut trousers. Think about ways you can alter things as well. Maybe that dress is frumpy as is, but hem off a few inches? A sophisticated mini dress.

4. Play dress-up.
This is the fun part. Get all your new shit home, pour yourself a glass of wine and spend a day ransacking your closet! Maybe invite a good (open-minded and positive) friend over for a second opinion, but remember you’re trying to challenge yourself. Try your new finds on in different combinations and with different hairstyles. Try layering them under and over things you already have. Try different colors of tights, different kinds of shoes and accessories. Go crazy, loosen up. You’re in your own house, there’s nothing to worry about. Get used to seeing yourself in a new light (repeat to yourself, “I’m a thrift STAR!”) and maybe soon you’ll have the confidence to wear some of your crazy concoctions out of the house!

5. Post on Wardrobe Remix.
I know I’m shooting myself in the foot with this one, having to look through the overload every week, but seriously! One of the rules of wardrobe remix is that the outfit must be something you actually wore. So do it! Swallow your self-doubt and rock your new finds! The cool thing about wardrobe remix is that the more creative you are, the more good feedback you tend to get. And the more good feedback you get, the more confident you’ll feel.

6. Don’t have time for all that? Spend a little more money and shop online or in boutiques.
If you have too little time and a bit extra money to spend, eBay, online vintage shops and boutiques are a good alternative. They have stylish people doing all the digging and legwork for you. Some stores even have great stylists who will put the clothes into context with current trends on a hip model for you. Here’s a good list of online shops to get you started…

Liebemarlene Vintage
Thriftwares
The Olive Shoppe
Sally Jane Vintage
Vintage Revolver
PastModern Vintage
La Meow Vintage
Tin Roof Vintage
Mill Street Vintage
California Vintage Connect
Indie Cult Vintage
Vintage Amour
Get a discount with coupon code PAINFULLYHIP at:
PenelopePups Vintage
ModCloth Vintage

If you know of any more awesome thrift stores or tips and tricks, please leave em in the comments. Rock!