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Come Thrift With Us – Denver Edition

Taryn

Q. Do you shop on a mission or see what catches your eye? 

A. I shop second hand for those statement pieces that might not hit the budget anywhere else or might be trendy for only a season. I therefore, find it hard to shop on a mission successfully, but rather shop for pieces that fill the holes in my closet and give it some personality.

Q. Where do you source inspiration for thrifting? 

A. There are quite a few thrifting bloggers that I follow who really know how to play with print mixing, balance of new and old, and outfitting that feels fresh and full of character. I also love following street style during fashion weeks and taking inspiration from influencers and cultures all over the world.

Q. What decade do you love to shop for the most? 

A. I would definitely say the 70’s and 90’s, but lately, have been drawn to some 80’s blouses as well. I love a good caftan, shoulder-padded blazer, or high-rise menswear inspired trouser.

 

Q. What is your strategy? What are your favorite sections?

A. A thrift store can be very overwhelming and lackluster, so I find it’s best to nail down your favorite departments. I usually just walk through the jackets, blouses, and dresses if I’m in a time crunch. I also never flip through each item, but rather see what catches my eye while walking the aisles. If it caught my eye in the first place, it will be an item I will more likely pull out of my closet to wear.

Favorite thrift or consignment stores in Denver: Goodwill, Goldmine, Meek Vintage, La Lovely Vintage, Common Threads, and Buffalo Exchange

Tips on outfitting consigned items: Outfitting secondhand pieces is all about balance. I love to mix old with new, and statement pieces with basics. A go-to outfit is a vintage 70’s or 80’s blouse paired with my current high-rise Levi’s, or a consigned embellished skirt with my favorite soft gray sweatshirt or white tee. It’s all about making the outfit your own and helping the old feel new again.

Describe your style in 3 words: With the help of my husband, I would say optimistic, eclectic, and confident.

Best day to shop thrift stores? My favorite day would be Tuesday’s when the floor is freshly stocked after the busy weekend, or really early on 50% off Saturdays.

Chelsea

Q. Why do you thrift? 

A. I started thrifting when I was a teenager. I loved finding vintage tee shirts and unique pieces of clothing that you wouldn’t find at the mall. Clothing was an expression of who I was. I loved finding interesting, unique and unexpected pieces.

Q. Do you shop on a mission or see what catches your eye? 

A. When I thrift, it’s a treasure hunt. I hunt for things that catch my eye. I look for colors that pop, I love looking for certain brands that I like. I love vintage.

Q. What decade do you love to shop for the most? 

A. I have a little of everything in my closet, but I really love classic pieces that never go out of style. My Mom gave me a lace black dress with pearl beading. I remember her going on dates in that dress when I was a little girl. I’ve worn it a few times on dates with my husband and absolutely love it.

Q. What is your strategy? What are your favorite sections?

A. Favorite section to shop in thrift stores? I speed shop at the thrift store or consignment shops. I first start with what I need. If I need jeans, I start there. I fill up my cart with lots of options and sizes. Depending on the brand, I might be able to fit a size that I don’t normally fit. If it doesn’t catch my eye, I keep going.

Favorite thrift or consignment stores in Denver: Plato’s Closet in Lone Tree, Goodwill off Broadway, ARC in Centennial

Tips on outfitting consigned items: I start with what I already have in my closet. I have a few amazing flutter sleeved shirts that I’m into right now. I look for as many ways I can wear a particular top that I love. When I’m at the consignment shop, I imagine my top with overalls, a pencil skirt, and some high waisted jeans; I always only buy what I love. If I must convince myself to like it, I don’t buy it.

Describe your style in 3 words: I base my style on how a piece of clothing makes me feel. I must feel quirky, sophisticated and powerful in an outfit. That’s how I describe my style.

Best day to shop thrift stores? Saturday mornings!!!  

 

 

Damaria 

Q. Why do you thrift? 

A. Thrifting is a great way to promote individuality. For me, personally, I never wanted to wear what everyone else was wearing because it was trending. I like to have unique pieces.

Q. Do you shop on a mission or see what catches your eye? 

A. Honestly I do both. Sometimes I go in looking for a specific piece to complete a look. Other times I’m just exploring to find anything that interests me.

Q. Where do you source inspiration? 

A. Pinterest is a great place for me. I am becoming more interested in the style of African American women in the 90’s, so I look to my mom. She has inspired every phase of my fashion life since I was little!

Q. What decade do you love to shop for the most? 

A. The 90’s! I am largely inspired by my culture, and this was a time when African Americans were really inspired to create their own individual style.

Q. What is your strategy? What is your favorite section?

A. I honestly do not have one. If I go in on a mission, I’ll start in the section where I would find the item I am looking for, and then make my way around other sections. Unconsciously, I always start in tops and pants.

Favorite thrift or consignment stores in Denver: DeJa Blue, Goodwill

Tips on outfitting consigned items: I think it is easier to first find the statement piece of an outfit, whether it be a pair of shoes, pants or a jacket, and then formulate the rest of the outfit based off that. Try to leave with a full outfit, that way the statement item doesn’t end up stuck in the closet because you can’t find anything to match it! Remember, almost any item you find is going to be different and unique. Don’t be overwhelmed by the item, but find things to complement it!

Describe your style in 3 words: Casual, Afro-centric, Classy

Best day to shop thrift stores?  On Blue Saturdays at Goodwill, specific colored tags are 50% off.

For our shopping expedition, we hit up a Goodwill off of Broadway, in Denver. I always recommend choosing a store that is fed by a trendy neighborhood. Chelsea grabbed a cart right off the bat and dove in, Damaria began to wander racks, and Taryn walked quickly to her favorite sections to skim. I was fun to collaborate with other thrifters with different styles. Damaria was all about completing an outfit and finding the right layer for that 90’s edge, Chelsea pulled classic and retro items with a rock and roll edge, and Taryn gravitated toward sweet, silk bow blouses paired with menswear trousers and leather skirts. 

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