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for a fraction of the store or boutique cost. For the prce of one top, you can put together a whole outfit, with some extras. So don't be shy, go thrift shopping.

Thrift shops are great places to find low priced clothes. You will find high fashion labels as well as Main Street brands, in everything from gowns to shoes, bags and other accessories. Still think thrift shop shopping is not for you? Think again. Thrift shoppers range right across the board. Yes, most have to live within strict budgets, but some are just smart shoppers who know how to nose out a bargain - and the best thing about Thrift Shops is that you are not only finding bargains, you are helping charities.

Find out if your local thrift shops get new deliveries from a central warehouse and when - be there on those days to snap up the new bargains. Many thrift shops rely on daily donations as well, so pop in frequently to see what is new. When lots of new stock comes in, older stock is often moved to a lower priced bargain rack. Keep your eyes on these bargain racks and bins, because you can pick up new or almost new items at ridiculously cheap prices.

It is a basic rule of clothes merchandizing that you don't let the customer leave with just one purchase. If the customers buys a blouse, you point out accessories that will go with it. You can turn this retailing strategy to your advantage in a thrift shop. Once you have found the right outfit, look at the shoe racks, peruse the bag and belt stands and wander around the store for other ideas to compliment the outfit. You will be surprised how quickly and cheaply you will find all you need in the one shop, for less than the cost of one item in a boutique.

If you cannot find what you are looking for, buy some inexpensive fabric and make your own outfit. Thrift shops also sell patterns, fabric swatches and even sewing machines cheaply.

If you make up your mind that you won't let hard times affect your need to feel good about yourself, you may even start to enjoy using your creativity and bargain hunting skills to keep up appearances.

Learn more about this author, Gail Kavanagh.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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