Autumn is in the air, and sweaters, cardigans and boots are once again making their appearance.
But as every college kid knows, we are all poor.
Yes, that's right. You really shouldn't buy those designer jeans or that ugly, oversized Christmas sweater we all know you really think is beautiful.
Yet the unyielding desire to have them still triumphs.
But never fear, there is an alternative to this shopping problem. It's the thrift store.
What was once known as a place exclusively for those in need is now an up-and-coming shopping trend.
Nowadays, young adults and teenagers visit thrift stores to find quality clothes other people have either grown out of or simply don't want anymore.
This trend reflects a sustainable mindset, as customers are now recycling clothes and contributing to charities or churches instead of discarding them.
It's important to be careful about checking clothes and be wary of their condition, but in my experience, most clothing is fine.
One of the most attractive aspects of the wonderful land that is the thrift store is you can find clothing for nearly half the price of its in-store value, though each store's pricing may vary.
Plus, a lot of it is name-brand apparel.
In my shopping experience, I have bought J. Crew, Abercrombie & Fitch, Ann Taylor Loft, Gap, Aeropostale, Coldwater Creek and several other quality brands from the thrift store in great condition for prices ranging from $1-6.
Sometimes the process of thrifting can be overwhelming, especially when testing the waters.
Here are a few suggestions that may be useful as you delve into this new form of shopping.
* Find a friend. Friends help make for a fun atmosphere.
* Know what you're looking for.This definitely shreds off the anxiety of thrift shopping, especially when entering a larger store.
Often, clothes aren't neatly arranged like in mall stores, so knowing what style or color of clothing you're looking for will help ease your search time.
* Be patient. Thrifting is a process. It is not always as simple as grab and go, depending on how large and organized the store is.
This means you may need to take some time to sift through the racks. Take your time looking; the more patient you are, the more likely you'll spot something.
* Be aware. Always inspect your potential purchases for quality. Know materials, manufacturing and return policy to ensure top-notch purchases.
* Don't worry. Have fun with it and keep an open mind. Some days you will find nothing that fits well or strikes your fancy, but other times you will be overwhelmed with great selections.
Thrift shopping is a great way to save money and get quality clothes you like.
Find your local thrift store and give it a try, keeping some of these tips in mind.
Happy thrifting!
Kris Martins is a campus writer for The Plainsman. She can be reached via email at campus@theplainsman.com.
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