First rule about thrifting: Go with an open mind. Thrift-store shopping is not like shopping in a mall, boutique or online. In those areas, you pay for convenience. Thrift-store shopping is an art in the karmic sense. And the thing about art is that it’s very open to interpretation. There are as many reasons for thrifting as there are types of black pants. For some, it’s more practical. Others are just trying to be in the right place at the right time. There are others for whom thrifting is a way to go green. Renew-reuse-recycle. But one thing’s for sure: You can’t beat the price and the feeling you get when you find that just-right item. Here are our top tips for thrift-store shopping.
[ TRIBUNE ]3 TO CHECK OUT
– Brown Elephant resale shop (four stores; howardbrown.org/hb(underscore)brownelephant.asp)
-Salvation Army (more than 30 stores in the Chicago area;ww.satruck.com/findstore.asp)
– Unique Thrift Store (12 locations all over Chicago; call 708-371-4242 for info.)
4 THRIFTY TIPS
1. Know your size — and not just the number — because that changes from brand to brand. Most stores do not have fitting rooms or return policies. Be able to eyeball a shirt for fit, or know how it should wrap around you if pasted against your outdoor clothes. Take the best-fitting clothes you have and do this before you go. One way to check pants’ fit at the store: Wrap the waistband around your neck Superman-style. If it fits around your neck, it fits your waist. Don’t worry, you won’t be the only one doing this.
2. Get acquainted with the store. Find out about sales. Yes, thrift stores have sales. Also, ask them when they get “new” inventory.
3. Bring cash. Many stores do not accept credit cards. Thrift stores are keeping costs low, and accepting American Express ain’t cheap.
4. Shop at stores in affluent areas if you’re hoping to catch a designer label.
Bargains we found
Handbag: $8, Unique >
Bikini: $6, Unique
Jumper: $7, Brown Elephant
