I'VE GOT $20 IN MY POCKET
You may have heard the "Thrift Shop". In the song it state that you have $20 in your pocket and we are going to pop some tags. So the question comes can you buy a complete outfit for $20?
Mission: Snag some well-fitted, gently-used clothes at your local thrift store.
Instructions: Follow this guide to thrift store shopping to make the most out
of your trips. And yes, you really can walk out of the store with a complete outfit for just $20!
1. SHOP IN THE FALL AND SPRING.
If the flowers are blooming or the leaves are changing color, that's your time to head over to the thrift store. People everywhere start cleaning and reorganizing their housewares and wardrobes whenever the seasons change. As I noticed Spring weather started warm up, I started taking out all my summer shorts, and shirts (and taking stock in those that no longer fit). Thrift shops usually get inundated with new items to pick from when the weather shifts - so that's the perfect time for to go shopping.
2. VISIT YOUR LOCAL THRIFT STORE OFTEN.
The beauty (and the frustration) of thrift store shopping is that each individual item is unique. At the same time, you usually won't be able to get the same Lucky Jeans in a different size if it doesn't fit perfectly. It's like striking oil when you find something perfect for your body type and style; on the other hand, it can feel like a complete let-down when nothing seems to fit. You can easily increase your odds of finding thrift store treasures by popping into Salvation Army Family Store or a consignment store more frequently than you would a normal department store. Now, I'm not encouraging any form of impulse shopping, but with an ever-changing selection, your odds of finding something incredible will increase the more often you go.
3. PAY ATTENTION TO STORE SALES.
Some thrift stores like SA Family Store hold weekly sales on already heavily-discounted items. For example, you can take another 50% off already affordable prices and you can scoop up a $10 dress for only $5 or even less on Saturday's sales. Keep track of regular sales at your favorite second-hand shop and you can turn a money-saving trip to the thrift store into a legitimate shopping spree.
4. BRING IN USED CLOTHES TO DONATE EVERY TIME YOU SHOP.
If you're heading out for some second-hand shopping, it's a good rule of thumb to always bring something to donate while you're there, for a few reasons:
1.It's a good reminder to assess what clothes you really need and wear - and avoid overstuffing your wardrobe with new purchases.
2.Regular donations literally keep thrift stores in business.
3.You'll feel like you've accomplished something on your trip, even if you end up walking out of the store without having bought anything.
On that note, be prepared to walk away with nothing. It will happen, and you shouldn't feel bad about it. You may spend a whole hour in a thrift store and walk out without a single purchase. Just remember to shop often and always bring in something to donate to help you feel like your trip was worthwhile.
