Instagram Thrifting Is a Thing, and I Found the Best Places to Shop
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Online shopping has skyrocketed over the last year and a half due to obvious reasons (i.e. the pandemic that led to citywide shutdowns). When it came to normal retailers it wasn't that big of a change for me really, but the one thing that I actually did miss was thrifting. I've always been a lover of thrifted, vintage clothing and houseware. Knowing that you were able to discover something so unique that you're unlikely to find in anyone else's home or closet is a different kind of joy.
And of course, after mentioning the idea of online thrifting to a friend, online thrift stores and small businesses started cropping up on my Instagram Explore page. (It's like they're listening or something.) I mean, I wasn't complaining. I admit I went a little ham when I first discovered this new little world.
But, apparently, other people had already caught on to the trend. More and more shops began to emerge, and those small-business Instagram shops ranged from having just a few followers (like up-and-comers Upperline Vintage and Hey Nana) to hundreds of thousands (like Thriftwares). I even discovered some that had been around for years already.
Some of these vintage shops use Instagram as advertising for their domain site, while others literally have Instagram Stories sales and sell to the first person to inquire about an item. It's a first-come, first-serve rat race out there! But the prize of items sourced from around the country — sometimes around the world — is worth it. Clothing, vintage glassware, furniture — you name it. It was all on my phone and just a click away. Take a look at some of these cool online thrift and vintage shops and shop my favorite pieces.
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'90s Frederick's of Hollywood Floral Midi Dress
Thrifter and Etsy seller Aarica Nichole thrifted this gorgeous floral dress in Dallas, TX. It's an authentic '90s Frederick's of Hollywood dress that features a V-neckline, sinched back, spaghetti straps, and tulips all over. Somehow this beauty is still available on Nichole's Etsy store here for $61. To see items tried on, check out her thrifting Instagram page, @aaricanichole, where she models tons of clothes herself!
Shop: '90s Frederick's of Hollywood Floral Midi Dress ($61)
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Vintage Ruby-Red Cowboy Boots
Dear Instagram algorithm: thank you for helping me discover this gem of a vintage shop, Oluchi Vintage! The ruby-red cowboy boots you see on the end are the only ones still available among this classic pointed-toe quartet. They're 100 percent genuine leather and run as a women's size 6.5. Oluchi Vintage is a Black-woman-owned business that sells amazing vintage clothing (women's and men's!) as well as some vintage Coach purses that are to die for.
Shop: Vintage Ruby-Red Cowboy Boots ($219)
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Wavy Z-Stem Martini Glasses
You'll feel extra fancy when drinking from these martini glasses at home! They come as a set of two (yep, two for only $16!), sold by Instagram store Sunroom Thrift Shop (@sunroomthriftshop) based in Grand Rapids, MI. Each glass is about seven inches in height with unique wavy stem details. Note that this is one of the many Instagram thrift shops that only take Venmo and/or Cash App for payments. Make sure to DM to snag!
Shop: Wavy Z-Stem Martini Glasses ($16)
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'70s Shag-Trim Cardigan
A vintage piece from the '70s in perfect condition? If you don't take it, I will. This beige cardigan is sold by Thriftwares (@thriftwares), which sells both on Instagram (if you make it to its Stories in time) and on its website.
Shop: '70s Shag-Trim Cardigan ($58)
Grape-Embossed Wicker Box Purse
This adorable wicker purse is sold by Florida-based shop MilkMade Vintage (@milkmadevintage). It features embroidered grapes and vines on one side and solid wicker on the other, and has a tan handle and a golden latch. It has a bit of wear, but it's clearly a vintage statement piece. You can purchase through MilkMade Vintage's website or via Venmo and PayPal.
Shop: Grape-Embossed Wicker Box Purse ($38)
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Primary Rainbow Summer Dress
Smocked sleeves, a square neck, and tons of color! This summer dress is sold by Aguacate Thrift (@aguacatethrift), which describes the shop as "curated found treasures with an emphasis on big body babes" in their Instagram bio, and we're here for it. This full-length dress best fits sizes medium through extra large.
Shop: Primary Rainbow Summer Dress ($40)
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'90s 2-Tone Italian Leather Jacket
Leather jackets have been back in style thanks to Zoe Kravitz in High Fidelity. Since then, they've been a little hard to find in thrift stores. And if you've been lucky enough to spot one, I'm sure it didn't look like this. This Italian-leather jacket is two-toned, with a tan collar and cuffs. Very '90s. This beauty is sold by Era Vintage Studio (@eravtgstudio) for $98!
Shop: '90s 2-Tone Italian Leather Jacket ($98)
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Seashell Salt and Pepper Shakers
If you didn't know, everyone needs cute salt and pepper shakers in their kitchen. Enter: Opulence Pdx (@opulencepdx), based out of Portland. The adorably tiny shakers are white, both with three holes at the top for easy use. They look identical to the shells you'd see on the beach, don't they? They're still available on Instagram for $25!
Shop: Seashell Salt and Pepper Shakers ($25)
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Vintage Liquid-Satin Puff-Sleeve Blouse
Retro Rhapsody (@smallneeds) is a vintage Instagram and Etsy seller with all the goods. This satin blouse is from around the '70s or '80s has gorgeous puffy sleeves that are currently trending and is in excellent condition. Tuck it into jeans, wear it over a tee, or get fancy and turn this blouse into a minidress. Oh, the choices!
Shop: Vintage Liquid-Satin Puff-Sleeve Blouse ($98)
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Vintage Armani Mom Jeans
Vintage Armani?! Yes, please. These jeans come from seller Blondiegirl (@blondiegirl_vintage), based in Italy. They are a medium-dark wash and labeled as a 33 waist. You can purchase them on Depop for €35 (or about $41)!
Shop: Vintage Armani Mom Jeans ($41)
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Vintage Ikea Lykta Lamp
Who knew we'd be at the age where we're pining over vintage Ikea? And look, here we are. This Lykta lamp is sold by San Francisco-based Upperline Vintage (@upperlinevintage) for $85. The retro Lykta lamp has been floating around the thrift world of Instagram for a while and is in very high demand, so get it while you can! On top of all else, supporting a Black-owned, woman-owned, and LGBTQ+-owned small business should always be a goal. (Check, check, and check.) DM the seller to purchase!
Shop: Vintage Ikea Lykta Lamp ($85)
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100 Percent Silk Robe
Are we living the life of luxury? With those martini glasses mentioned earlier and this long silk robe, we just might be. This robe comes in a beautiful champagne color and is sold by Aluna's Vintage (@alunas_vintage) via Instagram for $89. After you purchase, it's required that you prepare a bath, light some candles, and live your best life.
Shop: 100 Percent Silk Robe ($89)
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