For those of us who dabble in , few things are as thrilling as randomly scoring a designer gem at a thrift store. For , TikTok’s reigning “thrift queen,” secondhand shopping is more than just a hobby; it’s a way of life. With an unwavering eye for vintage treasures and a passion for eco-conscious style, Eleni’s approach to thrifting is something that anyone can adopt for themselves.
She views it as so much more than just a simple shopping experience—it’s a way to express individuality and even find inner healing through it. In her newly released book, Eleni shares her thrifting origin story as a 12-year-old girl growing up in Ohio and how shopping secondhand helped her to express herself and fuel her creativity. Keep scrolling for tips from Eleni on how to spot genuine designer pieces amid the sea of secondhand items, why estate sales are the mecca for luxury finds, and all you need to know in order not to get duped (unless you want to).
One of the key tips Eleni offers for thrifters hunting for luxury gems is to keep your eyes peeled on the store’s display cases and behind the register. “That’s where they usually keep a lot of the designer items,” she explains. But don’t assume that’s the only spot to look.
It may feel like looking for a needle in a haystack, and in some ways, it is, but Eleni emphasizes the importance of thoroughly searching through every rack and corner. “In this store, specifically, I found a vintage Dolce and Gabbana Y2K baby .