Are you a student on a budget? Do you fancy paying £10 for 15 items? Then thrift stores are for you! I hit the East End of London to grab myself a bargain. VOGUE named it ‘the legendary cult vintage store’ and as I walked in, it wasn’t hard to see why.
Generally I love rummaging through charity shops for vintage gems, and thrift stores are great places to find a bunch of items at a bargain price. As opposed to paying for each item of clothing individually, at a thrift store you pay for a bag- a small one for £10 or a larger one for £20- and you fill fill fill! I bagged myself (pardon the pun) over 15 items and I certainly found a few diamonds amongst the stones! One shopper has said: ‘you never know what you may find and that’s the beauty of it.’
Thrift stores have everything from leather jackets to winter jumpers to summer dresses. Just give them a wash at home and you’re good to go. Don’t be afraid to have a rummage around and try things on, you could even bring a friend and make a day of it. I found a stunning Levi denim jacket and some gorgeous vintage floral playsuits! Once I had added my own accessories and incorporated my own style I was on to a winner.
Student, Jack, agreed with me:
‘As a student, clothes can be costly but thrift stores are cool. My University is a short distance away from here, so I pop down a lot. Today I found a denim jacket, some jeans and a few jumpers so I’m really happy.’
‘I think more people need to know about them. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about or anything, I know some people may find it a bit weird sifting through other people’s old stuff, but I really don’t see it like that.’
‘Thrift stores are great for the essentials as well as vintage. It’s just as good as any high street shop, but here, the clothes tell a story.’
Male or female, old or young, thrift stores really are for everyone! When I went I saw a variety of people, and if you’re on a budget thrift stores can be really handy with their fill-a-bag concept.
‘Thrift stores can be great if you have an open mind towards them. After all one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.’
Plus who doesn’t love a bargain… Student or not.
Check out the East End Thrift Store at www.theeastendthriftstore.com
And for you vintage lovers, try Judy’s affordable vintage fair at www.judysvintagefair.co.uk