My Thrifting Tips

I have searched the web high and low for thrifting tips. Being unsatisfied I have decided to craft my own. Sorry guys, this advice is more for the ladies but some things apply.

The first tip, BE AWARE OF FASHION. There are two parts to this tip:
a) Be aware of the current trends. You can do this by taking not of others clothing choices or reviewing up-to-date fashion magazines. Take note of colors, shapes, and textures.

b)Be aware of the classics. Classic clothing pieces are the foundation of your wardrobe: White button up shirt, proper fitting 3-piece suit, a simple black dress, a cardigan, and a great pair of jeans. And accessories, a satchel hand bag, a great watch, pearls--earrings and necklace

By understanding and being aware of fashion trends and classics you will have more success with thrift store shopping. The next tip is to BE PATIENT. It takes time to find the classics and the trends. My advice is to grab everything find and bring it into the dressing room. Take the time to try on each piece.

Having patience while thriftin is a necessity. Another necessity is to BE BRAVE. Grab everything you can find and be creative. Most of the time being creative takes a little bravery. But bravery can pay off. When you really feel good about what you are wearing and you are able take ownership over the outfit you have created it will show in your confidence.

So in conclusion, Be aware of fashion, Be patient, Be brave and lastly BE YOURSELF!

Good Luck Thrifting!

I love thrift store shopping, TLC's show What Not to Wear, Goodwill and Banana Republic

I love thrift store shopping and I love TLC's show What Not to Wear. I love Goodwill and I love Banana Republic. All of these things wrapped up in two events in the Twin Cities. See below:

On Tuesday October 21st Clinton Kelly, Nick Arrojo, and Carmindy of TLC's What Not to Wear make an appearance at Mall of America next Tuesday. All sign copies of their new books and Arrojo promotes his new beauty product line. Noon-2 p.m. Mall of America (outside Nordstrom)

On Sunday October 26th Banana Republic partners with Goodwill for a special holiday campaign. Beginning this Thursday and running through October 26, shoppers can donate a gently worn sweater or coat at any Banana Republic store to receive 30 percent off regular-priced Banana Republic merchandise. Seven metro locations, including Rosedale, Roseville, 651-636-5022


See more events from Mpls St. Paul Magazine online at http://www.mspmag.com/style/features/114517.asp

I can relate to Paula Marantz Cohen

I found an essay on Thrirt Store shopping by Paul Marantz Cohen. Paula Marantz Cohen is a Professor of English at Drexel University. Her essays and stories have appeared in The Yale Review, The American Scholar, The Hudson Review, the Times Literary Supplement, and other publications.

Cohen's articulation of Thrift Store shopping nearly brought me to tears....

"Reverse snobbism is one — to boast about how little one spent on something when others like to boast about how much. A swipe at capitalism is another — diverting profits from the coffers of rapacious moguls. But most of all, I am motivated by the pleasure of the hunt: sifting through racks of undistinguished merchandise for something that has escaped the tar brush of cheapness and shoddiness; glimpsing the elegance of a garment underneath the deforming overlay of smocking, ruffles, and bows. If shopping is a sport that requires stamina and practice, it is also an art that requires vision and boldness — the willingness to snip off an offending swag or imagine how an extra-large shirt will look when belted and worn as a dress."

Her elequint decription of Thrift Store shopping makes me respect her. It also inspires me to keep going because....Thrift store shopping is an Art. I hope it inspires you too!

The full essay can be found at http://www.thesmartset.com/article/article10310702.aspx.

Be Thrifty....Online!

In the busyness of life it can be difficult to take time to be thrifty. Online thrifting solves this problem. It is fast, easy, and convenient. No need to drive anywhere just park it at your computer and find the deals--and help someone else in the process.

Here are a few sites to check out:

Goodwill Online:
http://www.goodwilltoo.com/

Once in a Blue mood
"Where merchandise is here today and gone tomorrow"
http://www.gone-tomorrow.com/

America's Thrift Stores
"Where every purchase helps others"
http://www.americasthrift.com/store/

Housing Works Thrift Shops
http://housingworksauctions.com/

October is Choose to Reuse Month!

Coupons for your favorite earth-friendly retailers to use in Hennepin County during October!

http://www.hennepin.us/images/HCInternet/EPandT/Environment/Household/Reduce,%20Reuse,%20Recycle/ChooseToReuseCouponBookOnline08.pdf

Enjoy!