Top 10 Secrets of a Thrift Warrior Queen

September 1, 2025

I wouldn’t grant myself this title lightly but in thrifting since ’75, I’ve racked up some great tips (and, yes, wisdom) in the process. This isn’t just about saving money; it’s about bringing incredible joy into your life (and the life of your clients, if you re-sell). And who doesn’t need more joy?

1. To find the grails, surf the hems. While everyone else is pushing hangers, the first thing to do is get low and inspect the hems. This is where you’ll quickly spot the fringe, the asymmetrical, the chiffon tendrils and fairy details. Once you’ve done that review, you can start back ‘at the top.’ This also goes for tops, bottoms (hello, 70’s bells!) as well as dresses.

2. Hit the bags and belts first. These are more obvious to the eye and an easier grab. Get that Kathy Von Zeeland before the other girlie does!

3. Quality Over Quantity. If you walk out with one or two great pieces, it’s still a win rather than a waste, with 15 ‘ok’ tops.

4. If you ‘kinda sorta’ love it, grab it and do your final review when you’re done shopping and ready to check out. Examine items carefully for quality materials, brand labels, and craftsmanship. Don’t let a low price blind you to potential flaws—check for stains that look challenging, hard-to-fix holes, and missing parts or zippers that won’t zip.

5. If the label is missing, look to the side seam. It might be vintage and it might be SHEIN. Maybe you don’t care but this Queen gets mighty pissed when she unexpectedly finds that label hiding.

6. Estate sales are supreme for scoring amazing pieces at a great price. But before you’re ready to pay up, go through everything (you're looking for flaws too, remember?) and mentally put a price on each piece for your grand total. Then when you’re quoted $75 knowing that $50 is your bottom line (or the real value), you’ll know how to wrangle (respectfully, please).

7. Check behind racks on the floor. Sometimes the best gets dropped off the hanger where it’s hiding with the dust bunnies. Before you dismiss that as ‘too gross’, you will be washing what you find, right?

8. Know your measurements, and always have a tape measure. If you’re buying for yourself it’s easy to mistake a 19 P2P blouse for a 20 and if the blouse gaps when you button it, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

9. Don’t gatekeep within your circle (I won’t). You can’t be everywhere at once but your buds will either score for you or gift that amazing cardi to you once they’re ready. And if they don’t or won’t, you need new friends. Speaking of friends, if you're on the fence about something, it's always good to text a pic to someone you trust so they can weigh in with a "YAY" or "NAY."

10. For the love of Pucci do you REALLY have to post the best thrift spots on SM? I guess you do if your forte is ‘neighborhood finds’ but otherwise, let’s keep it amongst us, K?

11. I know the title says “10” but I can’t help sharing this last ‘bit. For the sake of your mental health, DO NOT let your eyes wander to the next cart! If there’s obvious grails sitting there (mocking you), your mojo may suffer. Although, I have to say last time I broke (and realized the value of) this commandment, I immediately found a stunning Johnny Was blouse and my sanity was restored enough to keep shopping.

If you’re reading this, you’ve discovered my website and if you’re here, you might as well take a look at the collections! I’m also taking requests for any wish list items, so let me know what you’ve been looking for, and I’ll keep my eye out for you.

In the meantime, happy hunting, Queen!

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