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Dead Wrestlers Society
January 21, 2009 4:11 PM
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I miss living in Northern Virginia and being near a Syms. I picked up some very nice suits there for very cheap.

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Coup d’état
January 21, 2009 5:24 PM
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@Dead Wrestlers Society: Syms? What is this Syms you speak of? I am in desperate need of affordable but nice suits!

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pecan 3.14159265
January 21, 2009 7:27 PM
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@coup d'état: In Northern Virginia, I think there's one in Falls Church.

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Ayan YanYan Warsame
January 21, 2009 8:43 PM
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@pecan pi:

Whoa, I live in Falls Church, I didn't know of this store. I think actually I might have seen it, but I didn't know they had suits, I'm in desperate need of a new suit that isn't grey or black. :/

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pecan 3.14159265
January 21, 2009 8:54 PM
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@Ayan YanYan Warsame: It's inside a pretty big building. If memory serves, it's near the Eden Center.

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Ayan YanYan Warsame
January 21, 2009 10:19 PM
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@pecan pi:

Okay, I've most def. seen it, I just have never been inside. It kind of looks like Loehmann's, is it anything like that?

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pecan 3.14159265
January 22, 2009 5:23 AM
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@Ayan YanYan Warsame: Yeah, kind of. I haven't been in that Syms in YEARS, but the last time I was there, it was a little daunting. Unless they've done a complete remodel of the inside, expect it to kind of look like the interior of the Death Star. It's kind of darkish grey inside, well lit, but just kind of somber looking and industrial. I'm a woman, so I've only looked at women's clothing, but I expect if men's clothing is on par, quality and price wise, you'll be able to find pretty good deals.

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Dead Wrestlers Society
January 21, 2009 5:49 PM
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@coup d'état: let Mr. Google guide your way. They are in various US states, sadly, the nearest one is about 4 hours from me now. If there is one in your area, it's worth checking out.

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Malkiel Salomon
January 21, 2009 7:27 PM
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@Dead Wrestlers Society: i just got a suit and 4 pants there for under 350

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rednrowdy
January 21, 2009 4:12 PM
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10. make sure you're a size 8 or smaller

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10 replies
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AshleyKeen
January 22, 2009 3:52 PM
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@rednrowdy: I find that my experience also reflects yours. A size 14, I've snagged a few (very few) thrift store buys in my time, and most of them I've donated again soon after bringing them home. Frankly, I'd rather hit up a good clearance sale at New York & Company than spend 5 hours combing the racks of size 2's and grandma suits for one fabulous thrift-store find. I find that thrift stores are better resources for purses and for kitchen odds and ends than for clothing.

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battra92
January 21, 2009 8:46 PM
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@rednrowdy: Not being a woman (and a person who doesn't buy clothes at thrift shops but will buy most anything else) I can't confirm or deny what you say.

I do know that I've heard many thrift shops advertising for donations of \"plus sized\" clothing. I don't know if that's reflective of the clientele or just that supply is, as you say, lacking.

@CumaeanSibyl: I think it's kind of funny that the old paintings of Greece and Rome and the Renaissance the wealthy people were painted to look chubby as they were the only ones who could afford to eat well. Heck, a lot of the classic nude portraits look like Lane Bryant mannequins.

(not that that's a bad thing)

FWIW, I donated all my \"fat clothes\" to the local Goodwill or sold them at my parents' yard sale.

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rednrowdy
January 22, 2009 12:18 PM
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@battra92: i think it's reflective of both scenarios.

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CumaeanSibyl
January 21, 2009 8:20 PM
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@Merkin: My experience confirms both yours and MameDennis's. I think that, not only do wealthier people tend to be thinner (being able to afford health food, personal trainers, et cetera) but they also tend to be okay with getting rid of things that don't fit. Us poor fat people, we hold on to everything. It might fit someday! It cost too much to get rid of!

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rednrowdy
January 22, 2009 12:17 PM
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@CumaeanSibyl: there's also the idea that if you have a great piece of clothing and you lose weight and are too big for it, you can at least have it tailored to fit you.

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JulesNoctambule
January 21, 2009 4:56 PM
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@rednrowdy: And not a whole lot taller than average!

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TheWillow
January 21, 2009 5:01 PM
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@JulesNoctambule:

Maybe if you'd donate your clothes, people your height could buy them!

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online persona
January 21, 2009 4:31 PM
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@rednrowdy: Not true. Salvation Army and Goodwill always put out a myriad of sizes. At these chains you might have to do some hardcore rummaging, but I've never seen any signs of size-ism at these stores, at least.

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rednrowdy
January 22, 2009 12:15 PM
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@PeachyPeach: there may be a myriad of sizes, but not a myriad of styles if you wear over a size 8, and that's true for salvation army, goodwill, and the thrift stores in fancy neighborhoods or consignment shops.

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MameDennis
January 21, 2009 5:38 PM
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@PeachyPeach:
I agree that Goodwill seems to have a good range of sizes, but as far as consignment shops, rednrowdy's experience matches mine. There are several upscale resale stores in my area, and they have very small clothes. (No offense meant to anyone of any size--in fact, congratulations to the size 2s who are getting great deals!)

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rednrowdy
January 22, 2009 12:16 PM
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@MameDennis: if i was over the age of 60, perhaps the clothing available size 8 or over would be good, but i'm not, and i wouldn't buy what's available at some of those stores for my own mother who is over the age of 60.

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Merkin
January 21, 2009 5:44 PM
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@MameDennis: The other thing is that whether or not all sizes are represented, the cool wonderful stuff is overwhelmingly -- well, even size 8 is generous. 2, 4, maybe 6, more like. At least, that's my experience with consignment shopping. I used to score all kinds of fantastic, barely worn designer deals during the thirty seconds I was a size 2. Now, at a size 10? Not so very much!

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fizzyg
January 21, 2009 4:17 PM
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My #1 would then be: Drive an hour to get to the nearest city, because all you find at your local thrift stores are things people bought originally at walmart, target, or sears. There's no cashmere here.

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BytheSea
January 21, 2009 7:45 PM
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@fizzyg: No, go to a rich suburb. The city places have crap.

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cuchanu
January 21, 2009 7:26 PM
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@fizzyg: Your #1 is essentially the same as theirs.

We live in Seattle and my wife finds all kinds of good stuff. At least 2 times a week she goes to goodwill and comes home with brand name stuff that she keeps or sells online. She always buys 7 jeans for a couple of dollars then sells them on ebay for $30-50.

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lyndyn
January 21, 2009 6:31 PM
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@fizzyg: I live in a small town an hour from the nearest city, and at this very moment I'm wearing a DKNY sweater that I bought at the thrift store three blocks from my office for $2. It's all about, as brendastarlet says below, getting to know the local stores. Also going in FREQUENTLY. I go in at least twice a week, spend less than half an hour on a given trip, and may not find anything at all 3/4 of the time, but the times I spend ten cents on the retail dollar make up for it.

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JerseyCurl
January 21, 2009 4:37 PM
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If you're willing to invest the time to a.) go to a more upscale location and b.) look through just about the entire store, there really are deals to be had. Probably because I live near (but not *in*) a high-income town in NJ, there's a local thrift shop where I've found some great bargains. Lots of weird boxy jackets and shoulder pads from the 1980s, but every so often, a barely-worn skirt or suit from a designer name.

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adb1158
January 21, 2009 4:39 PM
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We spent less than $100 to purchase a beautiful dress and shoes that my wife wore to my niece's wedding last September. The shoes alone would have cost $200 new and the dress was probably $300 or more new. For the tonier clothes I recommend consignment shops rather than the Goodwills, etc. (at least in my area).

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buymecandy
January 21, 2009 4:41 PM
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um, I live in Florida and I can attest to it being very hard to find actual winter clothes - especially coats here. People dump those things before they come here.

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brendastarlet is on it
January 21, 2009 4:41 PM
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11) Get to know the owner/managers at resale and thrift shops. Tell them what you regularly look for, i.e., styles, labels, sizes. Ask them if they'll call you if good pieces come in.

12) Shop above your size. You can always have it cut down. The expense of fabric alone may make this worth while.

13) Visit resale/thrift shops when you travel. Vegas is great for cocktail looks; New Orleans is fantastic for wool things because people buy them and then can rarely wear them.

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CassetteLove
January 21, 2009 5:21 PM
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This one I almost feel guilty about: shop at thrifts near nursing home. When residents move in, most assuredly their long ago beauties go to the thrifts.

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cuchanu
January 21, 2009 7:27 PM
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@CassetteLove: Dressing like a senior citizen is always fun.

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richcreamerybutter
January 21, 2009 5:27 PM
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American Cancer Society thrift stores...cancer doesn't discriminate based on income, and if the deceased have no one close to them to take the good pieces, the survivors are often just eager to get rid of everything. If you find one item that fits, chances are there are a few others in exactly the same size.

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cuchanu
January 21, 2009 7:29 PM
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@richcreamerybutter: For some reason being excited because somebody died and I got a great deal on their clothes would make me feel bad.

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richcreamerybutter
January 21, 2009 10:11 PM
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@cuchanu: When you deal with the death of someone close to you, you would of course give all your money and possessions to have one more day with the person. Unfortunately, only the living can enjoy these things, and abstaining from doing so won't bring them back.

Think if it this way: if you're purchasing from one of these stores, you're helping the donor help the charity itself. I did this with my own loved one's wardrobe, and it made me feel better knowing both the Salvation Army and poor people shopping for needed clothing were directly benefitting from my donation (despite the circumstances).

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Liz11685
January 21, 2009 5:27 PM
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I thrift in the suburbs, at my favorite thrift store I have gotten some good deals. My friends have gotten even better ones, but they are far more dedicated than I. Where I live now (large southern californian city) I have yet to find a good thrift store with anything that isn't homeless person wear. These are great tips!

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bohemian
January 21, 2009 5:28 PM
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Don't ask me where I got my Brooks Brothers shirt, Coach purse or Ferragamo shoes I was wearing last week. :-)

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littlemisslondon
January 21, 2009 5:30 PM
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I got a gorgeous tailored Moschino Cheap and Chic dress at a thrift shop for $7 once. True story. I've worn it to like 3 big events now and it's a showstopper.

I've also gotten Seven jeans for $5 and a pink small-indie-designer cashmere sweater for $10 (original price on the designer's website: $400).

All of this stuff is from thrift shops in a really expensive area, so that's what I'd suggest!

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Outrun1986
January 21, 2009 10:07 PM
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@littlemisslondon: My mother has gotten 3$ evening gowns from shops in years past and they are still show stoppers today. They were usually bought off clearance racks in normal retail stores and in the off season. She is ALWAYS getting compliments on them. The thing about a good evening gown is it really doesn't go out of style if its a classic style you just need to pair it with a different pair of shoes and a cute purse or a nice scarf in the winter. Hasn't bought a dress in years but still looks great when she goes out. Of course accessories are also found in thrifts or on clearance as well, usually these are not worn out and in perfect condition so you can really dress up an outfit with the right purse or scarf. She looks better than the woman who paid 200$ for their chinese-made gown of the worst material that they bought 3 sizes too small just so they could brag that they got into a size 6.

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richcreamerybutter
January 21, 2009 5:31 PM
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Also, I've had some incredible luck in clothes swapping lately. You have to be careful to limit your gatherings to those with at least a similar taste in fashion, and try to make sure people not of average size are matched by at least one other participant. Add refreshments, and it's a party!

Last week I scored a sweater and dress from Anthropologie, and a new Betsey Johnson dress, along with some other really nice basics. Almost everything I brought was also taken to a new home.

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Outrun1986
January 21, 2009 5:50 PM
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@richcreamerybutter: Clothes swapping is hot here especially for kids clothes, because kids outgrow them so fast and its way too expensive to buy brand new ones, even the walmart clothes get expensive when you have to buy a new set of clothes for your baby every month or 2.

Clothes swapping is also good because you know that the clothes have only been in one person's home, so they are usually not very worn out, in contrast to the sometimes utterly beat up clothes you have to rummage through to get to the good stuff in a thrift. No one would bring their most worn out clothes to a clothing swap either, people usually bring decent quality stuff. Thrift prices can also add up, clothes swapping is free!

Yard sales here tend to have the BEST deals on clothes, plus there is no size-ism, you just have to hit on a house where people that are your size live. You will hit on that house eventually as well, trust me. The person at the house will be more than glad that you are buying their stuff too! The prices are usually flat, 50 cents for shirts, 25 cents for shirts, 1$ for pants etc. so you can choose what you want and even the brands that you want. Every yard sale here has clothes, even more if your looking for kids, children's or baby clothes. Stay local to save gas (driving 20 miles out for a sale usually isn't worth it).

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Super_Kitten
January 21, 2009 5:41 PM
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Awesome article. I'm an avid thrift shopper myself. I live in L.A., so I don't know what it's like in less urban areas, but here if you go to the right shop, it can be AMAZING. I find consignment better than charity thrift in terms of new and designer clothes- but I still go to Goodwill for random stuff, like a $25 real thick leather biker jacket. For anyone in L.A., my tips would be to shop used in Santa Monica, NOT Melrose- that's where I got an Armani blouse, Miu Miu shoes, burberry earmuffs, a Galliano jacket...and so on.

Also, this article does not point out that reusing and recycling can be good for the environment!

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thepassenger
January 21, 2009 7:04 PM
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@Super_Kitten: Burberry earmuffs? 1) If you live in LA, why would you need them? 2) Maybe it's just me, but I can't grasp why anyone would care about such a thing. I don't mean that as critical of you so much as I'm unable to understand why such a thing exists at all...

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pecan 3.14159265
January 21, 2009 9:35 PM
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@thepassenger: Because if you travel anywhere that isn't LA or Arizona, at certain times of the year you encounter winter.

And if you're going to buy something you don't really use very often, why not look for it at a thrift store? And if you find Burberry ones you like, awesome.

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elisa
January 21, 2009 6:16 PM
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@Super_Kitten: Any recommendations on particular stores in Santa Monica?

I've just been to the Goodwill, nothing much. I did score an amazing Kenneth Cole purse from the Out of the Closet store in West L. A. though...

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perfidia
January 21, 2009 5:45 PM
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I must gloat about my recent thrift karma:
1. Anna Sui hand crocheted long cardigan - $6
2. Evan Picone 80s evening gown covered with bugle beads and ornate beaded paisleys, in perfect condition - $30

Although not they're not filled with designer goods, I love small town thrift stores on road trips. I've scored amazing goodies in Albuquerque, Fresno, and Kansas.

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ElizabethD
January 21, 2009 6:13 PM
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A private ($$$$) school in our city holds an annual clothing sale with zillions of donated items, usually upmarket labels, from its parents, families, etc. They even have a designer label boutique in one corner. You can get amazing deals if you're willing to negotiate the crowds on opening day! Then there is half-price day; awesome. My kids always dressed like trendy little preppies growing up. :) And the sale totally solved the problem of buying a navy sport jackets for once-a-year wear by my boys. $10 apiece, and hand-downable.

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JulesNoctambule
January 21, 2009 6:20 PM
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@TheWillow: And then I wear what, exactly?

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JulesNoctambule
January 21, 2009 6:23 PM
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Sometimes I get the feeling I'm one of the only women in America who doesn't give a damn about designer things. If it fits, looks good and doesn't cost a lot, I don't care whose name is on the tag!

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HogwartsAlum
January 21, 2009 9:28 PM
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@JulesNoctambule:

I feel the same way most of the time, but if properly cared for, even WalMart clothes can last for a while. Don't put your WalMart stuff in the dryer, and it lasts longer. And my jeans are always Riders from WM, mostly because they fit me well.

The thrift stores, markdown stores and discount outlets do have deals that are pretty good, however. I don't buy any designer stuff at them for the name, but if they are made better, as bohemian and pecan pi said, it's worth a look, as they will last longer.

There's a store here that has used clothing, slightly upscale, and I got a Jones New York embroidered wool cardigan there for $20. It's a little '80s (has great big clock motifs on it), but I've worn it for years and it's still in great condition. I also hit a markdown store looking for a cheap coat (found one) and walked out with a Liz Claiborne beaded shawl for $15. I didn't NEED it, but I WANTED it. It looks great draped over my chair!

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HogwartsAlum
January 21, 2009 9:29 PM
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@HogwartsAlum:

Meant to say, I am very tall and it's sometimes hard to find stuff that is not too short, but if you keep going back and looking, stuff shows up. :)

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bohemian
January 21, 2009 7:20 PM
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@JulesNoctambule: Mainly because some designer clothing is really better quality. You have to know what constitutes better quality rather than just paying for a name or some over the top style.
I quit buying cheap shoes. I either fork over the cash, wait for a sale or find a slightly used pair on ebay or at a thrift. I quit having problems with my feet being tortured, cut and blistered by doing this.

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JulesNoctambule
January 22, 2009 12:51 AM
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@bohemian: Some might be, but a designer brand is not a blanket guarantee of good workmanship and fine materials, at least not in this day and age.

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pecan 3.14159265
January 22, 2009 5:25 AM
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@JulesNoctambule: No it's not, but many designer goods are very well-made, and it's a great day when you can find a genuine designer leather purse or bag that you know has been hand-stitched.

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pecan 3.14159265
January 21, 2009 7:32 PM
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@bohemian: Exactly. Many designer pieces are much, much better quality, and are much more durable than any piece of anything picked off the shelf at a Wal-Mart.

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thepassenger
January 21, 2009 7:05 PM
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@JulesNoctambule: My wife is in your corner. Her current favorite jeans are from Eddie Bauer.

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sockrockinbeats
January 21, 2009 6:49 PM
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i love thrift stores. most of my clothing comes from them!

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Xanaxian
January 21, 2009 6:56 PM
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Any Canadians reading might want to check out Value Village. My mother would kill me if she knew I were reporting this, but all those fabulous designer suits she wears to the University Board of Governors meetings? Yep ...

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unobservant
January 21, 2009 10:46 PM
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@Xanaxian: I stopped shopping there after the strike they had at the Whitby store. Masquerading as a charity shop + forcing low-wage workers to sort through needle-ridden piles of clothes in poor conditions = see ya.


If this has changed, please let me know - it doesn't otherwise seem to be all that bad a place. Except for the one near Bloor and Dundas West in Toronto - that one smells so bad, I threw up a little in my mouth just thinking about it.

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pecan 3.14159265
January 21, 2009 9:36 PM
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@Xanaxian: Actually, there's a Value Village in Maryland and Virginia too. I just found that out. Value City is also in Southern VA, but I did find Value Village, FYI.

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pecan 3.14159265
January 21, 2009 9:37 PM
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@pecan pi: Oops, meant to add that I don't know if that's the same company.

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BytheSea
January 21, 2009 7:48 PM
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@Xanaxian: For the Americans, that's Value City. Looks like a Pakistani bazaar, has lovely stuff.

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catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
January 21, 2009 8:21 PM
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i know for a fact that the goodwill community foundation stores in NC send things to specific store locations based on the type of item and the store's location.

the store at the fancy new shopping center in the north of town gets the nicest dresses and intact housewares.

the store next to the japanese steakhouse gets the ladies suede and leather goods, target's cleared out inventory with price tags still on it and the nicer furniture.

the store near my house gets the jeans, widest selection of children's clothes and all the vinyl records.

i started to notice the trend about two years ago and asked about it. the employee i spoke with admitted that they sort the donations each store gets and then the nicest examples of certain types of items get shipped around based on demographics.

since the stores are only a few miles apart, when i am shopping it helps to know which store to go to if i need to find something specific. but for folks who have to take the bus it must be a pain to not ever be able to get a NICE winter coat at the store nearest them

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JulesNoctambule
January 22, 2009 12:53 AM
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@catastrophegirl: The Goodwill near the Japanese steakhouse. . .we have one of those in my corner of NC and it is, in fact, full of former Target goods. They recently expanded their book selection, though, and now I have a reason to shop there again!

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catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
January 22, 2009 2:56 AM
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@JulesNoctambule: that'd be the one. old wake forest rd is where the leather/suede clothes go and the nice dresses and coats are at brier creek.

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JulesNoctambule
January 22, 2009 3:07 AM
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@catastrophegirl: There's one at Brier Creek? What a surprise! I'm impressed they allowed a thrift store out there; I may have to check that one out. I've been off Goodwill since I discovered the PTA thrifts.

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catastrophegirl chooses not to fly
January 25, 2009 4:00 AM
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@JulesNoctambule: PTA thrift? hrm, must go shopping.
the one at brier creek is behind the ale house, across from walmart - the OTHER side of brier creek

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IndigoCharm
January 21, 2009 8:39 PM
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10. Get a sewing machine and learn how to use it. (I just got one, but unfortunately I have to put off sewing till everything outside of our room stops icing over.)
11. Ask friends if they have any clothes they don't need sitting in their attics. I got a 30's fur coat that way. Unfortunately, I have to fix it every week or so, but it still looks awesome...

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HogwartsAlum
January 21, 2009 9:31 PM
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@IndigoCharm:

I had to learn how to sew stretch velvet to make my own skating dresses. Adult size dresses are expensive. I save $25 - $30 a pop by making them, especially if Hancock's has a sale on the fabric.

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RebekahSue
January 21, 2009 10:19 PM
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I'm learning how to use my sewing machine, specifically for spiffing up thrift clothes.

There's no rule that says everything has to match :D I've got fish fabric covering holes in an old pair of jeans.

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RebekahSue
January 21, 2009 10:21 PM
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I didn't see anyone mention outlet stores. I'm not a Saks girl but I do know that there's a Saks outlet in the outlet mall half an hour from my house. There was a men's clothes store in there, and I scored a bunch of [new, of course] dress shirts for a [now ex-] boyfriend for about $20 each. The stuff that goes for outrageous prices anyplace except the thrift stores, the outlets, and Marshalls/TJ Maxx

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pecan 3.14159265
January 21, 2009 10:49 PM
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@RebekahSue: Outlets are amazing. I love getting shoes at the Nine West outlet.

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goodcheapfun
January 22, 2009 3:24 AM
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Richer area Goodwill's are usually more picked over (everyone has the same idea). I shop goodwill and have only once found a designer label. But I do find higher end clothing, i.e. Ann Taylor, etc., regularly. I bought a lovely new Ann Taylor dress at goodwill ($5). I also buy my kids' clothes there. I have a good eye and buy everything new or like-new.

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grandprairie
January 22, 2009 5:31 AM
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A few more tips:

Subscribe to email or regular ole mail updates from the chains. You're automatically notified of the big sales (1/2 off etc)...which usually occur because they are overloaded with inventory. Some even offer coupons or a discount card. Note: for goodwill emails, I think you have to signup on your regional goodwill website--use the store locator to find it.

Go early on the big sale days above. The new stuff is out, and it's not as crazy busy as you'd expect (at least in my experience).

Let other people do the work for you: check the go back rack.

If you're a smaller size, check the kids section. Sometimes smaller sizes are tagged/put back incorrectly.

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Jim
January 22, 2009 2:43 PM
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There's also a lot of clothes (especially kids clothes) on Freecycle, so if you've got little ones, check there first!

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