Hard economic times have given rise to new retail flava!  Well, the word “new” is a stretch since the subjects at hand are in the business of trading hand me downs.  The name of the game is “THRIFTING!”  Ever wonder where the rebel found his combat boots and destroyed jeans?  Curious as to where the vintage fanatic found her retro, leather skirt and bamboo earrings?  Do you long to know where the bohemian enthusiast found her cowboy boots and flowing peasant top?  Duh! Probably at the thrift store!  These second-hand hot spots offer a large variety of clothing to accommodate a plethora of fashion styles.

Thrift store patronage has grown in popularity within the D.C. community and is especially popular amongst college students. The fact of the matter is, most college students are strapped for cash. “Thrifting” fits right into these constraints. But, don’t get it twisted! The plus sides of this shopping preference are not limited to super-cheap pricing. Thrifts stores also offer tons of unique, show-stoppin’ clothing items, accessories and footwear that make unique fashion statements.

Thrift shopping is also a way to recycle and ultimately helps to divert tons of reusable items from going to landfills. Most importantly, thrift stores are charity organizations.  National chains such as Salvation Army, Goodwill and Value Village use at least 70% of their revenues to fund charitable initiatives ranging from youth outreach to international emergency services.  Talk about benevolence! What other retailer helps you to be a part of the green revolution and community service?!

Though “thrifting” has grown in popularity, the idea of patronizing these havens for stylish threads can be intimidating for some.  However, in terms of cost-benefit analysis, thrift stores are a true case where the good outweigh the bad. You get below-bargain prices and contribute to the bettering of society all in one!

So, you’re probably wondering…What’s the trick to conquering the thrift store??? The answer: RELAX, RELATE, RELEASE, and definitely read the recently added Fashion+Style article “Tips to Conquering the Thrift.”