DIYs & Tutorials

Thrifting Tips Part II

July 21, 2009

I posted something similar on Part I, but I’ve learned a couple more and figured I should share.  The subject thrills me! I’ll share some of my finds as we go. Take note, however, that I’ve only tested these tips in my town and I’m not sure if they can be applied anywhere else.

1. In most stores, items are priced at moment of request. So don’t be surprised if the salesgirl scans the item, rolls her eyes and then adds an “ehhhh” before the numbers.

ripped-jeans-and-tshirtStriped tee: thrifted. No big deal but I like it in all its faded glory.

2. Never EVER show excitement no matter how wonderfully the vintage Dior gown shines in the midst of dust, boxes and fraternity t-shirts! Bite your tongue if you have to! Why? Keep reading.

couch

Highwaisted skirt:thrifted.

3. Barter, barter BARTER! Do business like you’ve never. If it doesn’t work the first time, pretend you weren’t even THAT interested in the item…point out the defects, perhaps even walk away! If you showed any excitement for the piece beforehand, prepare to do the ugly…pay full price ! If the price is still too high for an item that’s too “weird” (according to locals, anyway) leave it. Come back a couple weeks or months later and the item will still be there and…oh yes…in the 10 lempira (less than a dollar) bin! This last part at your own risk.

thrifted-choker-and-chair

Chair: secondhand! It wasn’t really a bargain, more of a guilty pleasure.
Necklace: thrifted! 50 lempiras, about $2.00!

4. This should’ve been the first one: dress comfy. Flats, nothing too fancy or ostentatious. You’ll fall in the “This one’s rich, an eye for a top!” category if you do otherwise.

thrifted-necklaceVelvet vest: thrifted. Necklace: vintage, gift from grandma.

5. Prepare yourself. For what? A serious arm & back workout, cockroaches (that might sweep up your arm at some point), soar throats caused by dust, and the occasional attitude from salesgirls.

 vintage-jumpsuit
Jumpsuit: thrifted. Not good for peeing urges.

Now, enjoy ladies! Enjoy the salesgirl’s grin as you pay for the hideous item she thought know one would ever buy. Enjoy knowing that she has no idea how good you’re gonna look in the silky Moschino skirt as soon as you fix the zipper.

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  • Anonymous July 24, 2009 at 12:12 am

    Sos increible Fabiolaa

  • Be July 24, 2009 at 1:14 am

    Es cierto, tambien se aplican en Mx! Me encantan los collares y que buenas fotos!!! y esos zapatos rojos, i love them!!!

  • WendyB July 24, 2009 at 1:44 am

    “Never EVER show excitement ” — so important but I always get carried away!

  • Anonymous July 24, 2009 at 3:26 pm

    Hola:
    Tienes un gusto exquisito para los collares, me encantaron. Te sigo
    Un beso, Ainara

  • Gissel S. July 25, 2009 at 2:05 am

    thank you Fabi!!!! 😉

  • SUÉTER July 25, 2009 at 3:07 pm

    nous aimes tes photos
    bises

  • thimbles and gingham July 26, 2009 at 8:08 am

    such a funny post. i love your thrifting finds.

  • Key July 27, 2009 at 4:33 am

    yo tmb he querido hacer un post parecido…. tus consejos son super basicos, si te notan un gesto de que mueres por comprarlo o que tienes dinero, lo tengas o no, te suben el precio al doble!!!
    Las veces que he tenido que poner una cara seria mientras salto por dentro por mi hallazgo!!
    Una vez encontre un precioso kaftan dorado en la pila de ropa de $1 dll… no podia ser mas feliz! jejeje

    que gusto verte por aqui te nuevo Fabi!
    bsos 😀

  • Style Bird July 28, 2009 at 6:28 pm

    Great jumpsuit!

  • Alya July 28, 2009 at 9:57 pm

    Your advice is soooo true. And you know what they say: beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So most likely, the salesgirl thinks “what the hell does she see in that??”

    So good for you 🙂 And thanks for the tips!

  • syd vicious July 30, 2009 at 7:36 am

    I like your style and I’m digging that gold necklace!

  • Austere July 31, 2009 at 6:34 am

    That jumpsuit is absolutely gorgeous!

    Great advice. i’m a terrible thrifter,so this will come in handy.

  • Eleh August 1, 2009 at 7:34 pm

    congrats on the sewing room! anyway the necklaces are gorgeous 😀

  • Jorge M. August 3, 2009 at 4:36 pm

    This is incredible! I’ve no fashion sense whatsoever but I’m somehow interested in it now. lol, keep this UP!

  • Miss M August 4, 2009 at 3:00 pm

    I really needed clothes when I was in Honduras. I had been backpacking for a couple of months, and just needed some new threads. There’s a particular thrift shop that I visit in Cortes and i always get carried away by the finds. i try not to sound too excited…but too late…they already know. Next time, I’ll definitely follow your tips!

  • savedforbest August 7, 2009 at 9:57 am

    Followed a link to your blog, I love it. You’re a champion thrifter!

    xx

  • KIRAFASHION August 7, 2009 at 2:07 pm

    You look so good!

    Kisses and hugs girl!

  • MITICA ILLUSTRATIONS August 8, 2009 at 1:19 pm

    Estas fotos son increíbles 🙂

  • Glowing Doll August 10, 2009 at 4:21 pm

    AHHHHHHHHH YOU’RE BACK!!!

    link to new blog is being added to my blog now.

  • Rollergirl August 11, 2009 at 9:00 am

    Tip no 3) is like buying a house! My boyfriend would never let me even speak to the seller when we were flat-hunting because I was so rubbish at playing it cool!

  • F Blog August 13, 2009 at 2:58 am

    great post!

  • katie d August 18, 2009 at 6:41 am

    looove the fourth photo! You look so awesome. Such a great post, love your tips!!

    x.katie
    fauxasfck.blogspot.com

  • E August 19, 2009 at 1:20 pm

    WOW! What amazing finds! Those red shoes are incredible! And those jeans!!!

  • liz August 20, 2009 at 5:50 am

    Holy wow, you are the cutest! Keep up the good bloggin’!

  • Alicia August 21, 2009 at 11:55 pm

    Me morí de risas leyendo tu post! Todo lo que escribes es taaan la verdad! Pués, pero viviendo en México, siendo guerra y teniendo un fuerte acento alemán de todos modos siiiempre me cobran mucho… .
    Me encanta tu blog, tus fotos, tu éstilo!! Eres guapísima, te agrego a mi blogroll en mi blog!

    http://aliciamexicana.blogspot.com

  • DELILAH August 31, 2009 at 6:13 am

    That vintage necklage was awesome.

  • compradora anonima September 2, 2009 at 9:14 pm

    hola fabi, me encanta tu blog lo he leido desde hace mucho, desde el primero y me da mucho gusto que sigas escribiendo por que me encanta saber de ti y ver tu estilo que es muy unico.
    Todos tus consejos son comletamente verdaderos…

  • Annie September 3, 2009 at 11:45 am

    Hi! God luck wiht the country situaion,I will indeed pray. I am quite shocked and disgusted this never gets brought up on our news. (uk). Anyways, I was REALLY HOPING A LOT thta you would be available to do an inetrview for my blog as I;d really like to feature you as you are so insprational with both your style and wanting to speak out about your country’s problems. My email is [email protected]
    and my blog is http://www.modeandme.blogspot.com
    Annie x

  • Cris Lazoru September 8, 2009 at 4:50 am

    Great advice! but now I want to go shopping…

  • trina's reality September 9, 2009 at 1:46 am

    Your really funny. I love you and your tips.

  • Miss M September 17, 2009 at 8:44 pm

    Hey,

    Where’s thrifttips part 1?

    M

  • valonia irene September 17, 2009 at 9:54 pm

    loove your grandma’s gift necklacce!and love your blog 🙂
    mind if we exchange link anyway?

  • valonia irene September 24, 2009 at 10:21 am

    thanks for your comment! I’ve already link you .and of course always stay in touch 😀

  • Fashion Pix September 24, 2009 at 9:35 pm

    Great tips! It’s too bad we don’t have a lot of thrift stores here in my town.

  • beckyxoxo September 30, 2009 at 12:44 am

    aww great tips ! my mom always do that and they work somehow . haha . great blog 🙂

  • Ms. Match October 26, 2009 at 1:41 am

    Looks like shopping in your town is a lot of fun! I also apply the same tips for shopping in my town

  • padded-shoulders November 5, 2009 at 5:22 pm

    I absolutely adore the high waisted shorts and corset combo you have going on! Am scouring Topshop for something similar – will sew it myself if I have to!

    Love your blog xx