Accessories, accessories… how I love thee! Seriously, I live for them. Earrings, necklaces, rings, sunglasses, oh my! I am a believer of the Baroque philosophy of more is….well, more. Then again I‘m a proud Latina and God knows we love our “tchotchkes.” Either way, they are the one thing in the closet I don’t have to worry about the size. To me the bigger the better! That does not mean that look is for everyone. Choosing the right pieces to suit your wardrobe needs has to do with personality and lifestyle more than anything. It’s not about what size you are. You can go big and dramatic or delicate and classic; it doesn’t matter if you’re a size 2 or 22.
I have tons of amazing pieces I have accumulated through the years and my best resource is THRIFT SHOPS! You have big chains like Salvation Army, Goodwill and then are the smaller stores run by churches and non-profit specialty shops like Housing Works. Second hand is a perfect way to acquire unusual, one of a kind items that you won’t find anywhere else. Fashion is all about reinventing and what better way to do it than to give new life to an old classic and reducing your carbon footprint in the process!
To make your scavenger hunt more pleasurable and efficient, keep in mind these few tips and you’ll come out with a treasure in your hand!
Make Friends with a Shop Employee – some of them are quite savvy about values and they can let you know when a good lot comes in and you can get first dibs.
some of them are quite savvy about values and they can let you know when a good lot comes in and you can get first dibs. Keep Track of Special Sale Days – most big chains have recurring deals every week like 30% off blue tags on Thursdays or 2 for 1 on green tags on Fridays.
most big chains have recurring deals every week like 30% off blue tags on Thursdays or 2 for 1 on green tags on Fridays. Say NO to Bulk Jewelry Bags- some shops will consolidate a bunch of pieces in a plastic bag, seal it and sell it for a flat price, DON’T DO IT! Most of it is junk, stuff that did not sell and lots of Mardi Gras beads! You will end up using it in arts and craft projects, giving them to your little nieces or bringing them back to the donation table.
some shops will consolidate a bunch of pieces in a plastic bag, seal it and sell it for a flat price, DON’T DO IT! Most of it is junk, stuff that did not sell and lots of Mardi Gras beads! You will end up using it in arts and craft projects, giving them to your little nieces or bringing them back to the donation table. Examine the Glass Cases -that’s where better goods are kept. But do check through everything outside to. Some employees that do pricing have no idea of the value of certain items and they end up displaying them with the cheaper selections.
-that’s where better goods are kept. But do check through everything outside to. Some employees that do pricing have no idea of the value of certain items and they end up displaying them with the cheaper selections. Condition-examine each piece in detail. Watch out for broken clasps, missing stones, worn metal finishes, and any green gunk on gold tone jewelry. The green is corrosion and won’t come off but don’t be afraid of tarnish metal, If it’s silver 925 or gold it will polish.
examine each piece in detail. Watch out for broken clasps, missing stones, worn metal finishes and any green gunk on gold tone jewelry. The green is corrosion and won’t come off but don’t be afraid of tarnish metal, If its silver 925 or gold it will polish. Signatures-usually found on the back of earrings and on the clasp of a necklace or bracelet. Signed pieces are more valuable, especially for resale. If there’s a copyright symbol next to the name then it was made after 1955. No symbol means you most likely got a true vintage piece!
