Wardrobe malfunction

Last year I lost a bunch of weight and found myself needing an entirely new wardrobe. I started looking at my favorite thrift store and found myself pleasantly suprised at the offerings and the pricing was right up my alley. To date I have purchased most of my current clothing from the store. Today I am wearing a pair of Hagaar Black Label pants, a button up dress shirt and some Merril casual shoes all that came from my favorite store. These items were purchased months ago so I can't remember the prices I paid - but you can rest assured that all were extremely inexpensive.

I am not a brand name snob but I to believe that if you buy quality clothing and shoes it does wear better and last longer making it less expensive over the life of the garment. Obviously if you buy things that last forever but they are trendy or quickly go out of style that you will find your fashion sense questioned by your friends, family and your spouse - but if you stick to basics you can find some great bargains in the used clothing stores. Some things I have picked up include: North Face shorts, Trek padded cycling shorts, Sugoi padded cycling shorts, REI running shorts, Ralph Lauren Polo dress shirts, Born casual shoes, Chaco sport sandals, Patagonia rain gear, Nike baseball cleats, Coach leather dress belt, Gap jeans, Bostonian dress shoes, etc., etc. The list is pretty long since and I would venture a guess that I am probably wearing at least 1 item from the thrift store every single day. Nobody would know unless I told them - and many items have been brand new with the tags still hanging on them! Anyone can recycle an aluminum can - it takes a little more work to recycle your wardrobe. Here are some tips:

1. Make sure items you buy are in good, clean condition. You probably don't need any more stained, torn or tattered clothing in your closet!
2. The price should be considerable less than new for used items. I have my own thresholds but I would say not to ever pay more than 25% of new price.
3. If you buy trendy items - stay away from trends that have already come and gone!
4. Name brand items are easy to find and can be the best bargains at thrift stores. These items are often priced the same as generic versions at thrift stores.
5. If you see something you want and the price is right - buy it! If you wait it will be gone and someone else will be blogging about their great deal.
6. Shop on days when the deals are sweetened. My favorite store is 25% off every Tuesday so that is when I go. It saves you even more money!
7. Have fun and don't be ashamed that you saved something from the landfill and have some money left in your wallet.

There you have it - my tips for buying clothes at thrift stores.