We have a team of incredibly talented organizers and I’m so excited to introduce you to one of them today. When Christie Congdon isn’t organizing for The Baer Minimalist, she also owns and operates an incredible vintage + secondhand fashion resale business called Wise Thrifts.

If you are aspiring to become a more conscious consumer when it comes to shopping and filling your closets, you might be wanting to step into the world of consignment and vintage fashion. But it can be a little overwhelming.

Lucky for us, Christie is an absolute expert and was oh so willing to break it down for us.

I’ve always loved fashion—designer pieces, unique finds, you name it—but as a stay-at-home mom, I had to get creative with my style. That’s when I discovered the world of thrifting and secondhand clothing. Fast forward, and now I’ve built Wise Thrifts around my passion for curating and reselling quality clothing. With over a thousand items sold on eBay, Poshmark, and Mercari, and my Instagram @wise.thrifts thriving, I’m here to share my journey with a guide to the amazing world of consignment shopping.

Why Secondhand? My Thrifting Journey

Thrifting didn’t just keep me stylish on a budget; it allowed me to explore brands, textiles, and discover hidden gems. As I developed a knack for spotting valuable items, I realized I could actually turn a profit by reselling my favorite finds. That’s the heart behind Wise Thrifts—a way to share quality pieces with others while promoting sustainable shopping.

Breaking Down the Basics: Types of Secondhand Stores

There are several types of secondhand stores, each with a unique purpose. Understanding these differences can help you get the most out of your shopping (and selling!) experience.

• Consignment Stores
  Consignment stores offer a curated selection of secondhand clothing that the store itself has vetted. You’ll often find high-quality, seasonally appropriate pieces organized by brand or style. If you’re looking to sell, consignment shops will handle the entire sale process for you, from tagging to point of sale. The best part? You get a portion of the sale price once your item sells. Shopping here is a treat because everything is thoughtfully selected—you’re more likely to find gems without having to sift through everything.

• Secondhand Resale Stores
  Resale stores like Plato’s Closet, Simply Chic, and Clothes Mentor buy your items outright, so you get cash on the spot. They’re excellent for offloading larger quantities at once, though their selection can vary based on what’s currently trending. Expect a bit less organization than consignment shops but more structure than thrift stores.

• Thrift Shops
  Thrift shops, like Goodwill and Thrifty Threads, sell donated items to benefit charities, from homeless shelters to domestic violence centers. Thrift shopping has an additional feel-good factor, knowing your purchase helps a cause. You might need to dig a bit deeper here, but the bargains make it worthwhile!

The Power of Shopping Secondhand: Quality for Less

Buying secondhand extends your budget. You can find designer pieces, unique vintage items, and seasonal essentials at a fraction of their retail price. From down coats to cashmere sweaters, secondhand shopping offers access to luxurious, well-made items without breaking the bank.

My Go-To Thrift Tips

Here are a few of my personal favorite tips for shopping consignment:

• Prioritize Natural Fibers
  Fabrics like wool, cotton, cashmere, and linen stand the test of time. When you invest in these materials secondhand, you’re getting better quality at a lower price. I often bypass new, synthetic-blend items in favor of a high-quality wool coat or cashmere sweater from a consignment store.

• “Buy the Dress, Let the Event Find You”
  I love this approach. Instead of scrambling for an outfit right before an event, purchase pieces you love when you find them. Having beautiful, quality garments on hand will save you from last-minute purchases that might only last a season.

• Touch and Feel Everything
  Natural fibers have a unique feel—you’ll start to recognize quality pieces just by touch! I often scan racks by feel, saving time by going straight for high-quality items.

• Shop Selectively
  Consignment stores can be overwhelming. I recommend focusing on 1-3 sections, like coats, handbags, or sweaters, where the value of consignment shopping really shines. When you’re ready, expand to other areas to see what treasures you might find.

Let’s Go Secondhand Together!

Whether you're looking for unique wardrobe pieces or timeless basics, the consignment and secondhand world has so much to offer. Embrace the fun of finding treasures that express your style without breaking the bank! And if you’re feeling inspired to refresh your own closet, stay tuned—I'll be sharing my top tips on when and where to consign various items in an upcoming article.

Ready to make room for new treasures? Let The Baer Minimalist help you edit your closet and streamline your wardrobe, leaving space for those one-of-a-kind finds. For even more tips on savvy shopping and my latest consignment finds, follow along on Instagram at @wise.thrifts.

Happy thrifting!

Christie Congdon, Wise Thrifts

The Baer Minimalist helps busy families create ORGANIZED + STYLIZED spaces throughout Indianapolis. Owner, Maria Baer, is passionate about being a conscious consumer when it comes to filling her own closet, so meeting Christie was a match made in heaven. Her favorite purchase from Wise Thrifts was a vintage handmade 70s Mrs. Roper dress (pictured above) that happened to match a purse hanging in her closet all too well.

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