Thrift Store Shopping Tips
by Sintilia Miecevole
If you are tired of seeing the same old clothing styles at mall department
stores and boutiques, it may be time to add a little spice to your wardrobe.
Rather than looking just like everyone else, thrift stores offer access to
unique items not found anywhere else- at least not in the last twenty or so
years! Not only are thrift store clothes relatively inexpensive, but they can
also be ultra hip. If you approach it the right way, you may be able to create
your very own personal style by mixing the old and the new.
When you first decide to embark on a thrift store shopping spree, there are a
few things to remember. Firstly, a lot of thrift stores only take cash, so if
you are used to grabbing Daddy's credit card and going to town, you'll have to
make other arrangements. Some stores do take checks, so you might want to have
your checkbook handy. Secondly, a lot of thrift stores do not have dressing
rooms, so you'll probably want to wear a light t-shirt so you can try on your
finds right where you find them. And most importantly, you are probably not
going to find anything that fits you absolutely perfectly. You can't go in
looking for "your size." You will have to try on what looks promising and see if
you can alter it in any way if needed.
Believe it or not, thrift stores in the hippest parts of town generally have the
least hip clothes. This is because there are hundreds of people just like you
who are picking through their stock of wearable items every day. If you want to
find authentic vintage clothing at inexpensive prices, you'll have to drive to
the most uncool parts of town. This could mean the suburbs, and it could mean
farmland, depending on where you are located. You will find, however, that it is
well worth the drive, and that your treasure is definitely another woman's
trash.
Shirts are typically the easiest items to find at thrift stores, because they
allow more flexibility in the fitting department. You can find some excellent
western shirts in rural areas, and there are always witty t-shirts on the little
boy's racks. If you are looking for a good pair of jeans, however, you might
want to check the men's section. Thrift stores typically stock a plethora of
pleated-front tapered-leg acid-washed jeans in the ladies section, so you will
rarely find anything cool on those racks. However, the men's section can be
filled with surprisingly girlish slacks in interesting colors and textures.
There have also been known to be great pairs of vintage Levi's hanging in the
men's racks.
If vintage dresses are your think, you will have a field-day going through the
strange fashions of yesteryear that you will find in any thrift store. Once you
make your way past the obnoxious flowery Sunday dresses and the strange lime
green pleated skirts, you may find one or two keepers. Don't give up until you
looked at the last one, because chances are there will be a diamond in the rough
there just waiting for a little nip and tuck from your sewing machine.
Thrift stores are also an excellent place to find work clothes for a job
interview or a new office job. If you'd rather save your money for more fun
items, you can always replenish your work wardrobe with some inexpensive black
skirts and dress shirts from the local Salvation Army or Goodwill. Work people
will never know that your new suit only cost you five bucks. They'll just be
happy that you're not wearing your favorite club get-up to the important meeting
again.
Sintilia Miecevole, host of
http://www.formshopping.com provides you with shopping information from
franchises, business, great buys and seasonal items to ecommerce and more. Be
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