You'd be amazed what you can find second hand!

by Jac Harper
(stanwood WA)

I am a major thrift store shopper, as well as everyone I know. Why? The answer is easy. Thrift stores can be some of the best places to find amazing, priceless items, in addition to clothing or electronics that are perfectly good but sold at a fraction of their retail price. Over the years this idea has come through for me and because of it I refuse to shop at overpriced and cliché retail stores.

Clothes are always the first thing I seek out at a thrift store. You never know what you're going to find, so entering with an open mind is very important. I've managed to buy several pairs of brand name jeans for fewer than ten dollars, including 'Lucky' brand and 'Mossimo,' Both of these brands sell for around thirty dollars to one hundred a pair. Also, one of my greater finds was a designer Alfani jacket, which I was able to purchase for twenty dollars in new condition!

Another good thrift store find is fabric and sewing material. I am an artist that sews stuffed sculptures, and it was my great satisfaction to find over 6 yards of material for three dollars per two yard bundle. The same material sells at retail stores for eight dollars a yard.