Thrift Shops Supply More Style for Your Dollar
Nicholas Hong
Photo Courtesy of henryjose
To buy or not to buy—that is the question. As a college student, it’s hard to keep up with the latest trends and designer clothes if all of your money is going toward tuition and school materials; you’ll be lucky enough to have some pocket change left over. Let’s face it: being a college student is the only time when it’s socially acceptable to be a borderline bum. Why not put some weight off your shoulders and give thrift shopping a try?
Although people might stray away from places that sell second-hand clothes, I prefer to check out thrift stores first before I decide to go anywhere else. Nowadays thrift stores have grown very popular due to their affordability and stylish clothes, as they carry clothes with the “vintage look” that most people seek when they walk into a thrift store. I have been going to thrift shops for well over two years, and every time, I have found at least one article of clothing that I have wanted to purchase by the time I walked out.
Most thrift stores sell both men and women’s clothing, so it’s a great place to bring friends who want to try something new. Thrifting is also a great way to sell your unwanted clothes. Maybe they no longer fit you, or you’ve just grown tired of them; thrift stores will take your clothes in return for a decent amount of cash back into your wallet. Being a compulsive buyer, I, for one, enjoy these perks, especially when I have a mountain of unwanted clothes.
There is an exception, though; some thrift stores look for a particular type of trend, and might not accept your clothes based off of their criteria. But don’t despair, because there are several thrift stores in different locations that will gladly take what you have. “The Closet,” located downtown, is specifically for women. However, “Crossroads,” also on State Street, is open to both men and women. There is also the “Alpha Thrift Store” in Goleta.
Now if you’re new to thrifting but still want to give it a try, there are a couple of things you need to know before you grab all your unwanted clothes and start your car. Make sure your clothes are clean before you try to sell them; no one wants to buy a pair of jeans that smell putrid. It’s also good to start friendly conversations with the employees, get to know them and they can give you advice on when certain clothes are on high demand. When you look through your wardrobe, try to predict what articles of clothing would sell more depending on the upcoming seasons.
My best word of advice is to be patient. Don’t expect to find something you’re searching for when you first walk in; it’s all about trial and error. Have fun with it. Try on clothes you never thought you could pull off. Make plans with your friends to go thrifting, so if you end up not finding anything you still have the rest of the day to enjoy. In end you’ll realize how much of a bang for your buck, and that is pure satisfaction.