how to shop resale (stress free!)

One of my favorite ways to clean out and restock my closet is by taking advantage of local consignment and resale shops. For a lot of people, stepping into a Buffalo Exchange, Crossroads Trading, Clothes Mentor, or even (*gasp*) Goodwill can seem like a daunting task - whether it's because of the stigma attached to buying used clothing (why is this even a thing?) or because these stores can be haphazardly arranged and crowded with immense amounts of all types of items.

At least one of the items in almost every styled shoot on this blog is from a resale or consignment store - like my Hudson jeans in this boho chic look, my LOFT tunic here in the airport chic post, and my J.Crew sleeveless button-up from my Easter look. The Lilly Pulitzer jumpsuit I wore for a country-club wedding was via Clothes Mentor, as well. Want to shop like me and save tons of money while simultaneously helping the environment and your community? Don't answer that. I'll assume you said yes.

Here are 5 tips to make resale or consignment shopping easier for you!

1. The number one thing I shop for secondhand is denim.

Didn't end up loving the denim skirt,
BUT I snagged this pink Longchamp for just $20!

I'm not thrilled about the idea of spending over $100 on a pair of jeans (blasphemy, I know), and have been able to find pairs by my favorite designers in my size for often under $50.

2. You're going to have to try things on.

Most secondhand stores have a store-credit only return policy. Brave the dressing rooms - they truly are no worse than those at an Old Navy or Gap - and spare yourself the hassle and embarrassment of fighting with a sales clerk over something that actually doesn't fit. Remember, the items have been sold or donated by their previous owner for a reason. Sometimes, that reason has to do with fit.

3. Be prepared to spend time shopping.

Resale stores aren't good for impulse buyers, because often the best find is buried deep within a rack of 50 different types of shirts from 50 different designers. You're going to have to pick through the racks and possibly pass up a lot of items before you find what you want. For me, this is half the fun of it!

4. Know what styles look good on you before you take an item off the rack.

Certain prints and styles will be more common than others when you're shopping for used clothing. Like I said, there's a reason that these items were given up - so don't be fooled by a great deal. Take a look in your own closet before you go and note the colors that you usually stick with. If you lean towards solid neutrals, that $5 floral blouse won't get a lot of wear. With that said...

5. Be creative!

This is the perfect opportunity to try on an interesting new trend - you aren't spending huge amounts of money, so if things don't work out exactly how you envisioned, it isn't a huge loss. It's likely that nobody else on the street will have the unique piece you just picked up, so rock your new look (and healthy bank account) with confidence.

What's your favorite resale shopping hack? Comment below and let me know!

The PDX Belle