Comments on: Thrift Store Shopping Like a Pro — Inspection

By: Lauryn

Lauryn — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:34:33 +0000

Have you tried just replacing the zipper, or cutting it out and fastening it with something like buttons?

My worst thrift fail was finding an amazing brown riding trench that fit me perfectly, with flawless blue satin lining, and immediatly throwing down the $20 and getting out of there. But, of course, as soon as I got home, I put my hands in the pockets…. And there was a huge hunk of already chewed gum in the left pocket.

By: Sammy

Sammy — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 10:06:04 +0000

woah! I’ve never found mold in a coat before! Ugh … was totally in a basement before you snapped it up ;-(

By: Tanya

Tanya — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 01:03:28 +0000

My recent thrift fail…..burgundy and leather are both in this fall so I snatched up a burgundy leather matrix looking trench coat from my local thrift. When I got home, I noticed that not only was the lining coming undone on both arms, but that there was an icky smell. I looked inside of the lining of the jacket and found mold!!! That was $11 that I had to throw in the trash.

By: Sammy

Sammy — Mon, 21 May 2012 21:43:40 +0000

Deborah you know what, reading your comment just now about not reaching into coat/jacket pockets is so spot on. Actually I just shivered at the thought. I’ve definitely put my hands in a lot of dark thrifted places in the past but you just may have been inspired me to be a bit more cautious. GOOD CALL ON THE VACUUM CLEANER!

By: deborah

deborah — Sat, 19 May 2012 13:32:52 +0000

My fails usually revolve around thinking the resale value for something is higher than what it really is. And of course, not checking for stains. I bought a vintage YSL gown for $85! and didn’t realize it had stains on it. Two trips to the cleaners later and the stains are still there.

I refuse to put my hands in pockets because I don’t want to touch crumbs, snot-rags, etc. I pat the pockets for a bulge and will open them, but my hands don’t go into dark recesses. When I get home I’ll get out the rubbermaid gloves, sanitary wipes and sometimes the vacuum cleaner to clean out pockets and purses.

By: Sammy

Sammy — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:14:36 +0000

Hi Serena! Thank you so much!! I am not a “thrift diver” so I need to give your site a thorough read to pick up your experiences and insights! We should work together sometime soon. Please email me anytime! XO

By: Sammy

Sammy — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:04:49 +0000

Hi Jamillah! EEK! See that IS a classic thrift fail-debacle, but it is a valuable lesson to learn and I’m grateful you learned it! Were you able to return for credit at least?