Recently I’ve picked up a new hobby. Like any real hobby, it’s been costing me a penny or two, but not a pretty one. I’ve become obsessed with thrifting, indulging in the purchase of quality, used clothing at a significantly cheaper price.

What’s ironic about this is that I actually loathed thrift stores as a kid. 
My mom used to encourage my brother and me to shop at the Salvation Army Thrift Store in order to try to save her some money. I literally despised it; I was, in short, a brat who demanded new clothes fresh from the mall. Now, that same thrift store has become one of my favorite places to browse for “new” stuff.
Now that I’m older and less self-conscious about things, much less where I get my clothes, I’ve preyed on about half of the Goodwills St. Louis has to offer. I generally find clothing that is more unique and more alterable.

Say you’re looking for a pair of high-rise cut off shorts with studs on the pockets or an American flag print. You scavenge the mall all day until you finally find a pair at Urban Outfitters…for $60.

Alternatively, you could spend 5 minutes in the denim short section of a thrift store and pick out several pairs to try on. These shorts will more than likely not have a design or print to them, but that’s when you should view them as a canvas. Watch tutorial videos on YouTube that teach you to alter and add print to clothing. Even after buying supplies to make your shorts, it will be considerably cheaper and more unique than shorts from the mall.

Also, if you’re unsatisfied with a piece of clothing, it’s less risky to alter something that was thrifted rather than brand new. That way, in case you mess up with your alterations, you’re out $3 versus $20.

If you’re still a skeptic, heed this: Becca Keathley, 12, often referred to as “B-Swagg”, looks dapper as ever just about every day. She also happens to be my thrifting comrade, so now that you know her secret, maybe you should try it yourself!

If interested, I have a few tips. Visit Goodwills and other thrift stores in wealthier communities. You’ll get a lot more variety and possibly find some designer stuff for about a tenth of the price. 
Also, pick a time to go when you have real time to spare. You’ll want to look through every rack and hanger, if you can. Lastly, wash the clothes before you wear them. Hopefully whoever donated the clothes had the courtesy to wash them beforehand, but just to be safe, wash them when you get home.