Five Dollar Finds

Shorts: $1
White Shirt: $2
Striped Shirt: $1
Shoes: $1
Total: $5



Shirt: $2
Shorts: $1
Shoes: $2
Total: $5

Super cheap but super fly

Dress: $1
Belt:$1
Total: $2

Shirt: $1
Shorts: $1
Shoes: $1
Total: $3

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Let's get our thrift on.

First things first- figure out where you're gonna go. Check out Goodwill and Volunteers of America. If you're not ready quite ready for down and dirty thrifting, try a vintage shop or a store that sells "gently used clothing". We like Rag-o-Rama. You're likely to find decent clothing at places like these but, be warned, prices will be steeper.

Keeps your eyes peeled for sales. My favorite Goodwill recently had a sale for 50% off of all womens clothing. Some stores have different sales daily and some stores have one day a week when the sales are super bargain-y. Get to know your stores; the more often you go, the more likely you'll score.

Go in with a strategy. I've talked previously about organizing your current wardrobe to narrow your focus when you shop. But there are other ways to get the most out of your trip. One way: set a budget. This helps you weed out the good from the great. When I'm second-hand shopping and I don't really need anything, I usually give myself a twenty dollar limit. If I don't do this, I tend to bring home a bunch of crap that usually gets re-donated. I have a habit of imagining myself wearing a particular shirt that would look really cute if it could be altered. Imagined-me is really productive and knows how to alter clothing. In reality, I've learned 10 out of 10 times I will not alter anything. So, if you're like me, only buy items that fit you and that you're sure you will wear. This is where the budget becomes helpful. If you are torn between several items, this forces you to pick the cuter, better fitting one, not one that needs fixin' up.

Shirt: $1
Skirt: $1
Shoes: $1
Total: $3

Shirt: $1
Shorts: $2
Belt: $.50
Total: $3.50

The Adventure Begins...

Before you get started with the fun stuff, you've gotta do a little unpleasant organizing. Diving straight in to the endless racks of clothing at a thrift store can be a bit overwhelming.

So, go through your wardrobe. Put together a pile of clothes that you haven't worn in over a year. You can drop them off on your first thrift shop journey! If you have trouble letting go, no worries. Do your best and think of the wonderful cycle of second-hand goodness that you are contributing to.

Next, make a mental list. What do you need? Paying attention to what you don't need can be just as important. I recently discovered that I had about seven variations of blue hoodies. Avoid repeat buying!

Walking in with a goal will help you not get freaked. But don't be rigid. Think of thrifting not only as a way to get cute clothes for a bargain but also as an adventure. Know what you want but don't be afraid to peruse. My best finds usually happen unexpectedly.

Shirt: $2
Shorts: $3
Shoes: $2
Total: $7

Shirt: $1
Vest: $2
Belt: $1
Pants: $4
Bracelet: $2
Total: $10

Second-hand

adj.
1. previously owned or used (Example: Alex and Sarah often wear second-hand clothing.)
2. (Business / Commerce) dealing in or selling goods that are not new (Example: Goodwill is a second-hand store.)


Sup! We're here to share our thrifting treasures and to give you a few tips on how to look bangin' while saving the planet and your dollar$. We conquer thrift stores and soon you will, too.

Shirt: $3
Shorts- $1
Shoes- $2
Total: $6

Shirt: $2
Skirt: $2
Shoes: $1
Belt: $1
Necklace: $3
Total: $9