Only got $20 in your pocket? Abby teaches you to pop some tags

Abby Mohr, Staff Writer

“Macklemore, can we go thrift shopping?”

Thrift shopping is not just for Macklemore any longer. As a new wave of frugality has taken over the American teenage populace, Salvation Armies across the nation have been swamped by not only bargain hunters, but fashionistas alike.

Being a frequent visitor to the local Goodwill myself, I know firsthand that the draw of thrift shopping is hard to deny. As I walked through the mall just the other day, it became evident how expensive much of the “name brand” merchandise had become. Watching as a young girl begged her mother for a $60 sweater, it occurred to me just how absurd the concept was, knowing that a very similar sweater could be found at a thrift shop for less than half the price.

Many people are often discouraged by the loaded racks of thrift shops, seeming to have no form of categorization whatsoever, but after a few ventures of my own, I have found that the hunt is the best part. Rifling through pile after pile, the moment of finding that perfect sweater, the diamond in the rough, can be exhilarating.

Practice makes perfect. The search at first can be frustrating but after a few trips to various thrift shops, you will develop a keen eye for the pieces that fit your style, cutting your shopping time in half. In the process of becoming a seasoned shopper, you will quickly find your favorites, determining stores with the best selection, best deals, and the clothing that best fits your taste.

Still skeptical because of that distinct thrift store smell? Wash your new threads in the hottest water safe for the fabric, with a strong detergent, and add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse to neutralize the odor.

Now you’re prepped and ready to go on your own thrift shop adventure. Be patient, have an open mind, and enjoy the hunt!

 

Happy shopping,

Abby