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Comment: Ah, Simpsons…is there anything I didn’t learn from you?*

I don’t know about you but after the gift-giving season and boxing week of madness, my cash no longer flows as much as it trickles. I’m pretty sure the credit card companies have put a hit out on me.

It’s times like these when I wish that I were a cartoon character like Homer Simpson.

After all, Homer’s blue pants and white collared shirt got him through being a rockstar, an astronaut, and a monorail conductor.

But the reality is that many of us have little cash and a need for clothes. Now, for all the men out there whose present pocketbook only allows for dreams of Dolce & Gabbana suits, don’t fret. Thrift store shopping just might be the answer. Now, before you hang your head in shame, let me tell you this little fashion secret: the difference between some of the boutiques out there and thrift stores is the price tag – and nothing else.

Surprised? Don’t be. Fashion likes to recycle itself and you can often find some pretty cool stuff if you know what you are doing. Some of the most stylish articles of clothing can be found here. More so, you can earn style points for mixing a vintage find with an expensive new piece of clothing. Here is a quick list to get you prepared for thrift store shopping.

Research

Have specific items and styles in mind when you are shopping. Be prepared for that completely unexpected rare find but otherwise shop as if you are a man on a mission. Research before leaving the house because you can save time that would otherwise be wasted in the store. Use magazines, television, celebrities, and the Internet as guides.

Another idea is to go with a girlfriend who has your best interest at heart and knows what you like. Just be prepared to have to answer her clothing questions as well. I still haven’t figured out the perfect answer for “Does my butt look big in this?” but I’m working on it. So far, saying that their behind looks good ends in either an embarrassed smile or a coy slap across my face. Either way the questioning usually ceases.

Make Your Time Count

Thrift store merchandise changes regularly so it pays to check them often. It is also smart to go during seasons when people are making room for new items in their wardrobe. Holidays are great times to go looking for gear.

While in the store, you want to use your time effectively so shop as if your time is worth money. If you know that a particular item is available at regular stores for a good price, don’t waste time on it at a thrift store. With any luck, you can execute the glorious and notoriously male shopping move: the-one-stop-shop-hit. Try saying that three times fast.

Location

Hit the thrift stores that are near trendy and/or rich areas. Wealthy people are fickle and they can afford to discard and buy items at their heart’s content. So don’t hate them – just use their grotesque ways to your advantage. These trendier places are more likely to have the items you are looking for.

Pay Attention to Detail

Thrift shopping is all about detail. Here are a few checkpoints:

• look for scuffs and tears
• check that zippers work
• check for missing buttons
• if an item is damaged, work out the cost to get it fixed as it might still be worth buying
• double check the cleaning care instructions before you buy anything
• try on the clothing and don’t believe the tags because they can be wrong – remember, you normally cannot return anything

Shop for Quality

This is a no-brainer. Look for quality vintage clothing, timeless classics, and brand name labels. These deals are steals. In my books, vintage does not mean cheap.

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that was thrifty

Sure the setting is not as nice and there may be a stigma attached to it, but the fact is thrift stores have a lot to offer. They’re not for everyone, but if you are looking for a great deal and some stylish new clothing, you might be pleasantly surprised.
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