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Confessions of a stylish thrifter
by Erin Gilbert
Photos by Julie Wiatt
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The cast of characters at my rural Ohio high school did not include
the stylish divas of movies such as "Clueless" and "Mean Girls." Rather,
in a demented form of homage to Paul Bunyan, flannel was revered--the
plaid flannel shirt in particular.
 Around this time, a friend introduced me to Value Village thrift store. While
the olfactory pleasures of this cavernous establishment were dubious,
this remained a discovery of great social import because a trash bag
of plaid flannel shirts sold for $5 or less. Indeed, I flaunted
my treasures at school, often wearing as many as three flannel shirts
at a time, as if quantity was equated to greater social distinction.
My arrival at college forced the realization that plaid flannel shirts
were considered haute couture only in the fashion-impaired enclave of
my hometown. As a malleable teenager attempting to meld with my
surroundings, I hastily abandoned flannel and the Value Village thrift
store for appropriately collegiate Columbia jackets and J. Crew sweaters.
Fast forward to 2006, a time when soaring real estate prices and credit
card debt are common issues. In the face of these bleak realities,
I have pondered ways to live cheaply and still sate my material desires. To
my dismay, my thoughts usually came to a screeching halt prior to the
development of a sound cash conservation strategy. I gave up ramen
noodles when I graduated from college, right? The same way I gave
up those flannels at the end of high school.
Memories of my local Value Village and the treasures found there, shoved
under a dusty box in the back of the store have grown more and more appealing. These
times call for a decision: Shop at Saks or Second Time Around?
 Not only are you watching out for your bank account by shopping at thrift
stores, but your patronage often supports excellent causes--drug-free
living for youth, animal rescue shelters and other non-profits. Talk
about bang for the buck! Unique and cheap goods, whose payment
goes to fund socially responsible enterprises.
However, thrift stores are not for the weak or weary. These stores
must be entered with determination, grit and a load of creativity. Here
are some thoughts on the role these stores may play in your life.
Furniture
A transplant to the DC area, I found myself lacking furniture to fill
my new apartment. One trip to a local thrift store and $130 later,
a truckload of used furniture was to be delivered to my apartment in
three weeks. Now, don't be misled. It was apparent that
Storehouse furniture was not being unloaded from the truck. But
I was prepared to put some love into these pieces. A gallon of
chocolate brown paint later, and my new furniture had an impressive look.
Clothing and Accessories
Vintage coats may be found for ridiculously low prices. Don't
be deterred by thoughts of ludicrously high dry cleaning costs for wool
or leather. Dryell from Proctor & Gamble is a wonderful and
inexpensive alternative to dry cleaning. Cashmere sweaters may
be found for prices as low as $4. Thrift stores usually have ample
selections of purses, belts and jewelry.
Books and Sundry Goods
 Holiday shopping at thrift stores yields unexpectedly amazing results. Books
for aunts and uncles, great metal containers for creating gift baskets,
old fondue sets and funky oil paintings that appear much more costly. For
myself, I have purchased items such as glass baking pans, picture frames
and lamps. A recent obsession has included small metal boxes in
a variety of shapes and sizes, used for office supplies or jewelry.
Re-purposing Treasures
Here are some suggestions for re-purposing common thrift store finds.
· Curtains, tablecloths or large pieces of fabric can be used
for their initial purposes, or to recover pillows, fashion bedskirts
or create wall hangings.
· Old luggage carry-ons make great retro purses.
· Old china saucers make great pet dishes.
· Silver serving trays look beautiful while holding a multitude
of tea lights.
· Old suitcases may be used as retro storage containers or as
makeshift night tables.
· Chairs or stools with faded or stained seats can be recovered
easily with new fabric and a staple gun.
· Coffee tables and chests can be turned into neat stools and
hassocks with new fabric, upholstery foam and a staple gun.
 Click here and find out:
Where the stylish
thrifter
shops
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