I have been going to thrift stores since I was able to drive. To me it is like going on a treasure hunt, constantly looking for that “diamond in the rough” piece. Dreaming of the designer label that would change my week and alter my closet, I love the thrill of the chase. As no surprise, there has been a surge in people selling clothing to vintage and thrift store as a quick way to get cash. But beware of the designer labels that are too good to be true popping up at thrift stores. I have noticed that some crafty people have been sewing “designer” labels into garments that are of different origin than the label indicates. To the untrained eye, these garments appear to come from the so-called designer, yet with a second glance at the finishing work, one will be able to tell it is a fake. To help spot a fake, look at the label. Notice the hand. A designer label is of very high quality and will not resemble a label from H&M. Also look at how it is attached to the garment. Is it just sewn to the four corners? If so than it is a fake. As with the construction of the clothing, a designer label will look meticulous in its appearance. Like currency, designers can combat this practice by making highly intricate labels that are harder to replicate.
Thrift stores have caught on to their appeal. They know people are looking for quality and originality, thus their prices have been skyrocketing. Even prices of fast fashion are as expensive as if you were buying it new at the store. I was at a thrift store just the other day and a Forever 21 t-shirt was priced as if it had never been worn. A Vince sweater with the original tags on it was priced at $170. It was from seasons past and even the fact that it had not been worn did not justify the hefty price tag.
In the next decade, our thrift stores are going to look pretty bleak. They will appear to be the grandchild of H&M, Forever 21, American Apparel, and Urban Outfitters with a smattering of Topshop. Oh wait, they already do. With the all the fast fashion leaking into the thrift stores, how much of a selection will even remain?
I want the economy to bounce back so I can have my selection back. Go back to your boutiques, so I can have my shockingly inexpensive original pieces. I have been doing this long before it was cool and acceptable. It gave me such a thrill when I would show up to my ritzy private high school in clothing that was fashionable, yet came from a place that smelled of urine. My love for thrift stores will continue and I will keep on the hunt to find new places to acquire treasures. I can be sure of one thing however, that the new thrift stores I discover will not be printed in this column. Happy hunting.
-Oriana DiNella
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