We met a cool kid in the thrift store and decided to interview her: Resi
Meet Resi Krul (29), a seasoned thrift store explorer with a keen eye for hidden gems. When it comes to secondhand finds, Resi is rarely searching for anything in particular, but somehow, the best treasures always find their way into her basket. Whether it’s a yellow watersport jacket that just fits right or an upcycled ottoman turned cat haven, Resi has a knack for spotting the quirky and the useful.
- So, Resi, tell us: what brings you to the thrift store today?
- What kind of “stuff” are we talking about here? What’s your go-to?
- Sounds like you’re a bit of a regular. How often do you pop in?
- So you’re like a thrift store detective?
- I bet your home’s filled with treasures.
- Totally. So tell us, have you ever had one of those aha moments, when you found something that was just meant to be?
- That sounds like an epic find. You’ve got to be pretty choosy about what you pick up, right?
- You can never have too many jackets, right? What’s your trick for finding the best items?
- I’m guessing the best part is the thrill of the hunt?
Location: Charity shop ASNUCI, Ayamonte, Spain
Resi’s best thrifting advice: Take your time. Explore every aisle. You never know what’s waiting to be discovered.
So, Resi, tell us: what brings you to the thrift store today?
Honestly? I wasn’t looking for anything in particular. I mean, 9 times out of 10, I’m not on a mission. I go to ‘just have a look.’ You know, wander around aimlessly like, “Eh, if I find this or that, that might be useful, but I’ll never find it.” But somehow, I always come home with stuff anyway (laughs).
What kind of “stuff” are we talking about here? What’s your go-to?
Plates, books, clothes, games… and, yeah, random little things. Plants pots. Persian rugs. The small stuff. I’m not after anything big, but I do pick up the perfect little finds.
Sounds like you’re a bit of a regular. How often do you pop in?
You can find me in a thrift store about three times a month. And when I go, I take my sweet time. An hour, maybe more. I need to see it all. I leave no corner left unturned. I’m hitting up every department, even the kids' toys. Don’t judge me! (laughs)
So you’re like a thrift store detective?
Exactly. You can’t miss anything. There’s always that one item you didn’t expect to find, right? I don’t go with any expectations, just to see what happens. But somehow, I always end up with something.
I bet your home’s filled with treasures.
Oh, definitely! Actually, 80% of what I have at home is secondhand. Even my washing machine is secondhand. Why buy new when you can save and still get quality, right? I’m all about the price and the fact that it just feels wasteful to buy new.
Totally. So tell us, have you ever had one of those aha moments, when you found something that was just meant to be?
Oh, for sure. Best find ever? A little couch/ottoman thing. The seat comes off and turns into storage. I was like, “This is cute, but what am I going to do with it?” So, I cut one of the sides off, and now my cat’s got her own little nook inside it. It's literally the best thing ever. It fits perfectly with my decor... and my cat loves it. I think it might even be the cutest thing in my house, next to the cat, of course.
That sounds like an epic find. You’ve got to be pretty choosy about what you pick up, right?
I am. I mean, I don't go there to resell stuff or anything. Never buying clothes just to flip them. That’s not my thing. But if I find something I like, or something I know I’ll actually use... it’s going home with me. Even if my mom says I don’t need any more jackets. (laughs) I found this amazing yellow jacket today. GILL, a watersport jacket. It was just right. I was not looking for a jacket at all, but it was in my size and it just fit. It's oversized, comfy, perfect for me. No regrets.
You can never have too many jackets, right? What’s your trick for finding the best items?
Patience. Don’t rush. You’ve got to give things time to pop out at you. Sure, I don’t always find something every time, but when I do, it’s like finding a hidden treasure. It’s kind of magical, honestly. The fact that people just donate stuff and you get to give it a second life makes it even better.
I’m guessing the best part is the thrill of the hunt?
Oh, 100%. I never know what I’ll find, but that’s what makes it so fun. It’s like a mini adventure every time. And when I find something that fits perfectly, it just feels like fate.
Florine started out as an art critic, but that turned out to not be quite her thing. So, she did what any sensible person would do - packed her life (and family) into a tiny campervan and roamed the planet for seven years. Now back in the Netherlands, she’s juggling life as a strategic advisor for a Dutch non-profit, while also writing for magazines and platforms. When she’s not typing away, you’ll probably find her treasure-hunting at thrift stores to jazz up her tiny house by the sea. Or wandering outdoors, because apparently sitting still isn’t really her vibe.
