Thrifty Shopping- Clothes for a Cause

One of the many outfits I've worn to the office,
courtesy of the thrift store!

All of my friends know that if they want to find me on a Saturday morning, I will be at one of two places: my house or my second home-- the thrift store.

For all of you who are thinking to yourself, "Really, Krysta?  Why on earth would you spend your Saturday mornings there?"  Well, my question to you is "Why not!?"

When I was a kid, all I knew about thrift shops is that when something didn't fit anymore or if I no longer wanted something, that's where it went.

For the past couple of years, I have been doing the opposite- going to second hand clothing stores to purchase stylish yet cheap clothes.  Who would have thought!  Not only do I come home with all kinds of goodies, but my girl instinct to shop benefits many people in the process.

My love affair with thrift stores began when I was in college.  I was given the opportunity to intern at a newspaper.  In order to do that, I needed clothing: dress pants, dress shirts--the works.  I didn't want to spend a ton of money because I would only be needing the clothes for the semester and my taste in clothes changed like the weather anyway.  Getting discount clothes gave me a wardrobe to meet my needs -- affordably.

I knew that second hand stores existed, but I was too proud to step foot in one.  A building full of people's old stuff didn't really appeal to me and might not appeal to you either.  But have you ever borrowed a girlfriend's dress or a buddy's suit?  If you're guilty like me, you wore someone else's clothes.  The way I looked at it, thrift store clothing gave me a huge selection that I can borrow permanently!

Here Are Some Reasons You Should Shop Thrift Stores:

 

You're Benefiting Your Community - Thrift stores like The Salvation Army and Goodwill have all of the proceeds go right back to helping those in need.  For example, The Salvation Army's Older Adult Rehabilitation Centers are 100% funded by the proceeds of their family thrift stores.  Shopping at Goodwill helps to support job placement and training programs for people with disabilities.  Whether you buy donated goods at Salvation Army or Goodwill, you're helping your wardrobe and others in the process!  You can visit their websites for store locations and for more details how both organizations help your community.

You Won't Buy Children's Clothes Ever Again! -  Attention parents!  Thrift shops are jackpots for children's clothing.  Kids grow like weeds and before you know it, shirts are too tight and pants look more like shorts.  Whenever I go shopping at second hand clothes stores, the biggest section of the store is almost always the children's section.  There is a huge selection from onesies to winter jackets for all ages. Whether you are preparing for a new baby or need a one-time Easter dress for your little girl, savers should visit second hand clothes shops for clothing your kids will only wear a handful of times.

Over 20 pairs of dress pants--all from the
thrift store!

Inexpensive Work Clothing - College graduates and bargain hunters alike can have their money go a lot further by staying away from pricey department stores.  After I graduated from college, I needed professional clothing to go on job interviews and then clothes to wear to work when I eventually got a job.  I scored a dresser full of work pants and paid a fraction of the price new pants would have cost.  Here's a tip:  If you find a pair of dress pants or jeans that fit like a glove but are too long or too short, no problem!  Most of the pants I've brought home were that way.  For pants that are too long, take them to your local dry cleaner so that they can be hemmed for around ten dollars per pant.  Or I discovered a great invention called hemming tape (its about three dollars for a roll) that can provide a temporary fix preventing your pants from dragging on the floor.  If the pants are too short, turn them into capris or walking shorts and wear them to the office during the summer.


$ales! - Just like department stores have sales, so do thrift stores!  (And they're way better!)  The thrift store I go to has specials every day.  One day of the week you can fill a whole basket of clothing for six dollars.  Other days they offer a percentage off of the ticketed price.  Keep an eye out for specials to save even more money on top of the already discounted clothing.

New Clothes - If you can't shake the thought of buying other people's clothes, there is usually a section of clothing with tags still on them.  Discount fashion clothing with tags are usually sold at 50% or more off the retail price on the tag.  Last year, I found an awesome blazer with the tags still on it.  I get tons of compliments and people look at me like I'm crazy when I tell them I got it at the thrift store!

The next time you want to go shopping, skip the mall.  Venture into a second hand store and you will be amazed at what people donate.  One person's old clothes can be another person's treasure.  And your thrift store finds help many people who really need it.

Thrift stores are a great place to add to a wardrobe, but there is more to them than just clothes.  Keep an eye out for another blog filled with tips to furnish your house with the help of thrift shops!

Krysta W.