LA Thrift Shopping: Tips & Tricks

~Hello Everyone~

So today is Friday, woo hoo! Too bad that doesn't mean much in the retail business, but today I am excited to share with you my trip to Los Angeles and my thrift shopping adventure. Let me tell you: I  am not very experienced. However, when my husband and I started dating we used to take many trips to L.A. and he would thrift shop all the time! It took me a while to get used to. To be completely honest I am a bit of a shopping snob. I do not like to dig and I like the idea that if I need a different size of something it is readily available or can be ordered. In L.A. though you can find so many wonderful treasures at second hand stores that you wouldn't be able to in any other state (besides New York) and since L.A. is significantly closer, I am here to share with you my wonderful finds.

I spent the day that Omar (the hubs) was at work to do my exploring of Santa Monica:

View of the Santa Monica Pier andBeach

Amazing Oyster Bar

Delicious Lunch

Cute Performing Gal (sorry didn't get her name)

Stopped in Brandy Melville, Thought this shirt was hilarious ;)

Step 1: Selling

The rule I live by is if it has been in my closet more than two years and I have not worn it, it goes!

I don't care what it cost, you can't let things own you. Don't keep it if it no longer serves you a purpose in your life, trust me: you'll feel better.

I had about 4 pair of jeans and a couple jackets Omar wanted to sell. I got a total of about $100 between these two second hand buyers- Crossroads Trading Co. and Wasteland, both located in Santa Monica. They have second locations of each on Melrose also. Sometimes, if they don't buy at one location, they will at the other ;)

Step 2: Buying

I didn't find anything at Crossroads, but had a lot of luck at Wasteland! I took back around 20 tops to try on and 4 worked. All in perfect condition and with their original tags attached. I'm telling you, quality! I won't even try something on if it looks snagged or worn. 

Brands from left to right: Joie, Marc by Marc Jacobs, All Saints, Parker

Each top cost me around $30-$45. Brand new, these brands will easily cost you anywhere from $200-$300 each. I like to think the work I did digging, is worth the savings. With tax, the total came to $180, and with the money I made from selling my other clothes, the difference was only 80 bucks!! Woo Hoo! ~Happy Dance~

Here are some other places I went while looking around:

Another Designer Secondhand Store: Had a Beautiful Chanel Display!

Amazing Store that I Want EVERYTHING From... Check Out the Website

American Rag

Above are pictures from a store called Mister Freedom. They have a lot of classic, raw denim and antiques. They sell clothing both new and used. I loved how they had everything displayed. 

Hope you enjoyed my post and think a little differently about thrift shopping. And next time you are in L.A. give it a try!

XO Tyler Jane