“THRIFTING” FOR THE SAAVY FASHIONISTA story: Sande Stevenson photos: Lawrence Bryant
What is Thrifting you ask? Long story short, it is the act of shopping at a local Thrift store or Resale shop with the intent of finding clothing and other fashionable accessories for super cheap. (Ok so that wasn’t the “dictionary” version of it but you’ll get the drift as you read further.) Shopping at your local Goodwill or resale shop is one of the best ways to find clothing, accessories and even shoes at super cheap prices… and these prices are cheaper than typical “sale” prices ya’ll! I mean, where else can you find a Blazer for $4.00? Now, keep in mind most of the items you will see are second-hand items but don’t be scared! Trust me, it is worth every bit of the trip and your pocketbook will be happy you did it. As you browse the racks of clothing just use your imagination. For example, you may come across a blazer with really “dated” buttons on it...keep in mind buttons can be changed and for pennies on the dollar! A blazer that would normally cost $100.00 or more could cost you a grand total of $4.00 plus the cost of buttons and a needle to sew them on! I personally just recently bought 16 work blouses, 2 belts and a blazer for a GRAND TOTAL of…wait for it…$69.00! Yes, ya’ll! It can be done! Now don’t get it twisted…I, too, was a little nervous about “Thrifting” because of the pre-conceived notions I had in my head of wearing second-hand clothing and my pre-conceived vision of what the thrift store itself would look like. Long gone are the days where a Thrift Store is located in a dingy basement of a church…Thrift Stores are now either Free-Standing buildings or located in Strip malls and they are also very organized with each type of clothing having its own section so you can browse easier. SCORE! So DON’T BE SCURRRD! Trust me, you will LOVE what you find and be back for more! Just take a few friends with you, take your time and use your imagination when browsing the many items you’ll come across. I’m ADDICTED to Thrifting and you will be too! Oh yeah…one quick note before I let you go…Make sure to either launder your Thrift Store finds or send them to the Dry Cleaners before you wear them. Ok guys, GET TO THRIFTING! If you’d like to see more of the work-related pieces and Blazers I found at my local Thrift Store and what they look like on, I invite you to check out my Fashion/Styling Vlog at www.Youtube.com/ TheSocialiteLife. You can also “Friend” me on Facebook at Facebook. com/TheSocialiteLife or follow me on Twitter at Twitter.com/ SocialiteSande. See you next month! MUAH! XOXO Fashionably Yours, Socialite Sande DELUX-MAG.COM JANUARY 2012 | 23