Thrift shopping is one of my favourite weekend activities and in Toronto, I love going to Common Sort. I usually head over to their Annex location after my morning yoga class to browse any new arrivals. That’s one of the beautiful things about thrift shopping: always finding something new. Especially in this world of shortening attention spans, something new is always welcomed.

But thrift shop sleuthing not only helps grab our attention by constantly rotating stock—it’s also environmentally friendly, can save you heaps of cash and can give you a totally unique approach to dressing.

Here are five ways I have mastered the art of thrift shopping everywhere from Beacon’s Closet in New York to Toronto’s favourite, Common Sort.

1. Check back on the regular

Thrift shops are constantly buying, selling & restocking their items. There are new dresses, jeans, bags, shoes, blazers—everything—arriving daily so you have to check in quite a bit. You don’t want to miss out on a fierce pair of leopard print pants, do you? At Common Sort, they do a great job of selecting what they let onto the sales floor. While I also love shopping at lower-end thrift shops (you never know what you’ll find anywhere) there’s something to be said about knowing that you’re going to find a good quality, fashion-forward piece.

2. Also, follow them on social media

The @commonsort babes are fantastic about posting their new arrivals on social media. But you have to make sure to follow them & turn on notifications because people notice their thrifted looks and snatch them up real quick. You’ve got to be ready to like, comment and get down to the store to check it out as soon as possible. Following second-hand stores on social is a surefire way to get first dibs. Pro tip: channel your inner cheetah and pounce on those new arrivals!

3. Dress in a chic but comfortable shopping outfit

This is a general rule for all shopping, but especially when it comes to thrift shopping. More often than not, I’ll bring an armful of clothes into the fitting rooms, try everything on and then find more clothes that I want to try on when I come out. It’s never a one time try. You have to be mentally prepared to go back to the fitting rooms more than once.

4. Make friends with the fashionistas who work there

If you’re friendly with the fabulous fashionistas who work there, they can get to know what you like and in turn, perhaps save some pieces they think you’ll look fierce in. If you’re lucky, you might just get that style you’ve been waiting for. Talk to the staff, let them know what you’re after and go back in often to check on your thrifted wish list.

5. Keep an open mind when you’re shopping

Whatever you do, do not go shopping with anything too specific in mind. It usually ends up backfiring. Or at least for me! I like to thrift shop with an open mind and be perfectly thrilled with whatever gems I end up finding. For example, I’ve been looking for a pair of leather pants for forever but if I only go looking for them, I’ll miss out on all the other gorgeous garments. Like, the gorgeous, ruffled blouse I found.

In case you’re wondering—my fabulous blouse, chocolate brown skirt and statement crossbody bag were all thrifted. My leopard print sneakers were bought new (but on sale) from Aldo.

All photos by Evangeline Davis.