As an avid thrifter, it's surprising I have never written a post about how to gain skills. I figure there is already a lot of that out in the blogsophere, but today I would give it a go with my thoughts on thrifting!
It can be overwhelming and exciting to walk into a thrift store and fall in love with everything you see. But you should go in with an idea of who you are and what your style is so you don't make purchases that you'll later regret. On the other hand, you may do enough thrifting that you begin to shape and understand yourself better. So know yourself to thrift and thrift to know yourself.
If you are with a like-minded individual, then you can help each other out by picking up items the other one might want. Thus making shopping go faster!
Another person is great to help justify a purchase and give you a second opinion on things.
Plus, everything is more fun with another person, right?
Thrift stores are like candy bars. You have just one, but it was so good that you want another. At first it feels really selfish, but after a few, you become satisfied. (note: it doesn't have to be candy, it could be another helping of your favorite meal or something else really scrumptious.)
But the point is - one thrift store is never enough! They're all so different, so you should make a day of going to multiple facilities and explore and have fun!
I'm cheap. I like to save a buck no matter what. Thrift stores already save you money, but there are more ways to save. Do what I do and sign up for newsletters with info about upcoming sales, shop for colored tags, take a stroll through the clearance rack, ask for student/senior/anyone discount. But do not be disappointed if you end up spending more than expected - these stores donate to good causes and support people in need. Your money is always going somewhere good!
