Kutztown Community Library staff and children strutted down the aisle in the Thrift Shopping Fashion Show during the library’s Thrift Shopping Workshop on June 13.
The Fashion Show featured fashion finds from Once Again Thrift Store and Renee’s Finders Keepers, both of Kutztown. Thrift store fashions from the local thrift and consignment shops, respectively, were modeled by library staff members and a few by a staff member’s children. Fashions ranged from casual to a sparkling gown, as well as children’s clothing. Fashions were fun thrift shop finds that met specific fashion attire needs.
Goodwill fashion blogger Kirsten Keim-Shendge, of Birdsboro, a personal thrifty shopper and closet cleanout and organizer, presented a Thrift Shopping Workshop, offering tips and tricks for smart thrift shopping. To demonstrate, she brought along her personal collection of thrift shopping finds, which included many name brands, vintage jewelry pieces and other treasures.
“I just love thrift shopping so tonight we’re talking about thrift shopping,” said Keim-Shendge. “There’s no secret to it, no science to it.”
Tips included visiting thrift shops often and trying different stores, shopping with a friend, checking the return racks, trying everything, and shopping during different times.
“You’ll never know what you will find so it’s good to look,” she said. “Thrift stores offer you finds that you normally would not find at big box stores.”
She also recommended touching the clothing as premium denim, wool, cotton and silk will feel different than synthetic blended fabrics.
“Read the labels. You can find new items with tags. You’ll never know what you will find,” said Keim-Shendge.
Another tip is to alter pieces to personalize or change according to the latest trends.
“Mix and match. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and colors,” she said. “I love to add jackets to everything, denim especially.”
A consensus of the group in attendance was they were inspired to go on the hunt for treasures at the local thrift stores. There is a rush of joy when finding a great fashion piece for a fraction of the original price.
“You see it and know it’s a little special,” she said.
For more, visit www.waffleswineandwhatIwore.com. Follow Kirsten Keim-Shendge on Facebook and Instagram.
