Thriftting

As mentioned in previous posts, I am an avid bargain hunter and do not like missing a great sale. Although shopping the clearance racks at stores like J.Crew can be rewarding and worth the trip, the best way to find truly great bargains is to flip through the racks at local second hand stores. Usually associated with moth balls and shoulder pads, thrift shops have really improved over the past few years as more and more people have started to realize the benefits that can come form recycling favorite styles. At the beginning of each new season, I devote a few hours to looking through my closet and picking out the items that I no longer like or want to wear. After some contemplation, I either donate the pieces to the Salvation Army or bring them to a consignment boutique like Second Time Around where I can earn credits for future purchases. This "cleanse" not only frees up my closet but also allows me to spread some good "recycling" karma—a major plus in our "go green" culture." Below are examples of a few great pieces that I have come across during my thrifty adventures:

Ralph Lauren Button Downs: Retailing at around $90 these classic oxfords are a staple in any prep’s wardrobe. Wrinkle resistant, and easy to pair with jeans, shorts or a skirt, these versatile blouses add an instant dose of "class" to an otherwise bland look. Hoping to save myself from the "sticker price" I opted to do some research and found that most second hand stores carry a large amount of button down tops from brands like Ralph Lauren at very reasonable prices. After a great deal of patience and a few trips around the Boston area, I finally came back with three of these styles all in different colors and fits, and none costing more then $8!

Ralph Lauren Oxfords

Shorts: One item I absolutely hate spending a lot of money on are shorts. Now I’m not talking about the adorable patterns turned out by Lily every spring, but plain denim or khaki that you throw on for a day at the beach or an impromptu afternoon bike ride. In order to save myself (and my wallet) from the sea of outrageous prices, I take to the racks of local consignment boutiques where I often leave with styles from companies like Gap and J. crew for around $10. Because most purchases made at thrift shops are non-refundable and the sizes on the hangers can often be deceiving, I would definitely suggest trying on the shorts before you buy them- nothing is worse then getting home and realizing your new find is two sizes too small (or big). Also, don’t be afraid of making your own adjustments! There have been several times when I have purchased a pair of shorts in a long length that I later cuffed or cut to create a whole new look.



Nantucket Reds (J. Crew) Khaki (Gap)

Oversized Sweaters: A quintessential look for any High School or College girl, an oversize sweater paired with leggings and a favorite pair of boots is the best way to feel comfortable without sacrificing style. Since most of us don’t like dishing out a lot of money for a an extra large top that you might only wear on rainy days, looking around for these items at consignment boutiques is the best solution. Recently, while browsing at one of these shops, I came across an adorable Ralph Lauren sweater with a sailboat emblem that helps me to feel nautical without looking overdone—an ideal combination that only cost me $17!

Ralph Lauren Sweater

Despite the fact that "thrifting" definitely takes more effort then heading to the mall, the extra searching time is well worth it for the deals. In order to get the most for your money it also helps to know how your particular store handles sales—often times items will be discounted after a certain amount of time on the rack and their tags are color coded so the final selling price is easier to calculate. Hopefully these tips inspire you to do some hunting—happy summer and happy thrifting!