I can’t remember the last time I forked out $20 or more for a shirt, ever since my family started staking out thrift stores. Unless it’s my professional work attire which can cost more than $100 but such purchases happen once in a blue moon.
<p>It is very common to find fashionable clothes for less than $5. Now, thrift stores are not always dirty or smelly. My neighborhood thrift store happen to be clean and organized. If you intend to make a trip to a thrift store over the weekend, here are some tips to hasten your treasure hunt as you sort through tons of “dirty” junk.
<p>1. Review Your Budget
You can still spend a bomb at thrift stores if you are not careful. Tell yourself that you are not going to spend more than $50 and see how much you can buy at the store. It becomes a challenge and you get more astute over time.
2. Try Things On For Size
Sizes are not the same for manufacturers or in years gone by. People are bigger size these days so if you have bought clothes from the last decade, they may not fit. Know your measurements well and wear extra clothing, in case there is no dressing room and you strip down in a corner.
3. Examine The Items
Don’t buy clothes and pants with embarrassing holes or missing zippers unless you are good at stitching. Else it is a sheer waste of money.
4. Don’t Base Your Purchases On Branded Tags
Unsold branded clothes from department stores can end up in thrift shops. Go for these quality brands but don’t ignore unfamiliar brands as they may go well with your existing clothes in your wardrobe.
5. Watch For Sales
Thrift stores also run special sales, so keep an eye out for really special and cheap stuff.
6. Go For Something Different
Diversify your wardrobe by buying clothes with colors with styles you normally avoid. You may fall in love with the new choices, especially when people start praising your change in taste. As for accessories like caps and belts, you will be surprised that very few people give two hoots whether you get them for $20 in boutique stores or $3 in the thrift stores. <p>
Make a trip down to the thrift stores this week. There will be some legwork and sweat involved but you will smile at the quantity of items you purchase for the same budget.