If you are intimidated by thrift stores, don’t have the time to go thrifting, or simply don’t have the best thrift stores in your area BUT you want to commit to making your wardrobe more ~sustainable~ without breaking the bank, I’ve got the perfect solution for you.
Today I wanted to take you along with me as I thrift for my clients as part of my Soulful Styling services. I started this service because I had realized that there are a lot of people who want to get into sustainable style/thrifting, but either don’t have the time or resources to or are intimidated by it… which is totally understandable. I have so much fun styling clients and helping them build a wardrobe that they love (and that the planet loves too).
After years of accompanying my friends to thrift stores and helping them navigate the overwhelming racks of thrift stores, I realized that there are so many ~online friends~ I could also help!
So, whether you’re a long-time friend or a newly acquainted online friend, I’d love to help you level up your wardrobe.
The Process
Consultation Call
I first start off by meeting with clients for a short 15-20 min consultation call (through Google Meets). I love having the face to face interaction with clients but this is mainly to get a good grasp of what they like, what they want, and what their sizing is.
If my clients feel comfortable, I will ask for their phone number so that I can ask them questions about pieces I pick up as I’m shopping and get their input on them. I prefer for this process to be iterative so that you are as satisfied with the final package as possible.
The Prep
Before I head out to the thrift store(s), I’ll review notes from client meetings and revisit their Pinterest Style Boards. Some clients create style boards for me, but it isn’t necessary to do so. If you don’t have one created, I’ll create one for you!
Before heading out the door, I make sure to bring my notebook, measuring tape, gloves, mask (ofc), reusable bag, and wallet.
Thrift Process
On average, I make about 2-3 trips to the thrift store per client. It’s rare that I am able to find everything that the client wants in one trip due to the variable nature of thrift stores, especially those that I go to.
I regularly frequent Goodwill Outlet and Family Thrift Outlet, both of which are filled with bins of clothes that customers literally dig through… hangers who?!
Wash, Wash, Wash
As soon as I get home, I will throw the items in the washing machine and give them a good ol’ cleaning. Then I air dry them for about a day and steam them/lint roll them/take off excess piling before taking pictures.
Photoshoot
With the help of my handy dandy (and beautiful decor piece) mannequin, I’ll take pictures of the pieces.
Presentation
I put all these pictures together in a slideshow with ideas on how to style each piece. The clients have access to this forever. I record a video voiceover talking through the slideshow (which they also have forever access to) and share the folder with them!
Packing and Shipping
After getting the client’s feedback, I go ahead and get ready to ship the items off to them. I work with a carbon neutral shipping company, Sendle, and use old recycled boxes to package the items. I’m constantly looking for more environmentally friendly shipping methods, so if you have any input/ideas, please do let me know! Finally, in every box, there’s a surprise included…. Though I don’t want to spoil it here, I’ll just say it is VERY Soulful Seeds hehe.
That's All!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this article (and video, if you watched that!). If you are interested in learning more about the consultations, let’s set up a FREE appointment to chat! All the love.
