Looking to add a punch to your holiday outfit on a budget?  Bored on a Saturday with just twenty bucks in your pocket?  Thrift shopping may be the perfect solution.  A cheap fix for the itch to shop and a cure for boredom, thrifting is not just for the less fortunate.  With trends repeating every few years and even celebs shopping vintage clothing, a few thrifty tips might even help make you more fashion fortunate.

Thrifting Versus Vintage

While I support all forms of shopping secondhand (it's environmentally and economically responsible, y'all), I prefer thrift stores to vintage stores.  The difference between the two is that while a thrift store is generally based on donated clothing with few guidelines as to what goes on the shelves, vintage stores consist of hand-picked secondhand items.  The same as stores that accept trade-in clothing and accessories (stores like Buffalo Exchange and Plato's Closet), the quality of the items throughout the store in vintage shops will be better.  As a result, prices are considerably higher.  With a thrift store, you are on your own to dig through the racks and bins of donations.  As a result of this, the prices are lower.  I prefer thrifting to shopping vintage stores as it is much more affordable and also a challenge.

Location

Although location isn't as crucial to thrift shopping as some will tell you, it can play a part.  I recommend finding the place near you where other people are least likely to thrift shop.  Affluent neighborhoods where people don't "need" to buy secondhand, for instance.  The more money people in the area have, the nicer the donated items will be, in theory.  Trendier "hipster" neighborhoods will likely have stores that are picked over; you'll have competition.  Independently owned secondhand stores may offer unpicked treasures, but may also have higher prices than chain thrift stores such as Goodwill and Value Village.

Have a Plan

It's helpful to have a plan when you step into a thrift store or flea market.  Do you need a quality, affordable jacket? Cowboy boots?  Are you on a mission for scarves, or perhaps sunglasses?  I personally am always on the hunt for jewelry, scarves, shoes, and jackets.  I scope the entire store, but generally have better luck searching for complementary pieces than basics.  Especially if you don't like the idea of wearing someone else's clothes (there are a lot of you, I'm sure, who are averse to thrifting for this reason), thrifted accessories will add a vintage or unique style to your non-thrifted wardrobe.  Of  course, you absolutely can find awesome secondhand jeans, and last month I brought home a black lace top perfectly on-point with this season's trends.

From my experience, the best place for a newbie thrifter to start is looking at shoes, scarves, belts, and jewelry.  These pieces require less imagination to make work, and are a good morale boost. Having no luck when you're determined not to go home empty-handed is frustrating.  Finding something that you love right off the bat can make the trip worthwhile and loosen you up for the rest of your shopping experience.

I wouldn't say there is a worst place to look (except maybe undies and pajamas - those should be avoided in 99% of all thrifting circumstances), as it really depends on what you're looking for.  Old t-shirts and jeans are perfect if you're planing to do alterations, and fancy dresses are great for the fabric and for costumes.  For day-to-day wear, however, I recommend spending most of your efforts in the following departments:

• Shoes
• Outerwear
• Accessories - belts, scarves
• Jewelry

Really though, it's all about knowing your style.  I've tried and failed with sixties dresses, but if you know you can pull off the look, secondhand stores have great stuff.  An old flowy dress could look amazing with a belt cinching the waist and your favorite designer boots.  One of the great things about thrifting is that with very affordable pricing, you can take risks.

Some Buying Tips:

Try things on.  Just like anywhere else, you never really know how something will look on you until it's on you.

Pay attention to the material.  If the fabric is good, the chances of it being a great cut are good.  Something made with cheap fabric is likely to be cheap all-around.

Be realistic - and excited.  Be honest with yourself about what you can (and more importantly will) fix or alter.  When I first started thrifting I ended up with a lot of clothes stuffed in the back of my closet because I saw potential but lacked follow-through.  When shopping for anything, I ask myself, "Do I want to wear this tomorrow?"  Visualize the entire outfit in your head.  Clothes worth buying are ones that get you excited.

Keep in mind that you can have items professionally tailored if sewing ain't your thing.

Go with your gut.  If you are instantly in love with something, get it, especially if it's easily within your budget.  You can always re-donate it.  I passed up a faux fur vest last spring, and I'm obviously now kicking myself.

Work thrift pieces into your usual wardrobe.  Avoid looking sloppy or dated by pairing new and old pieces - your brand new jeans with a worn-in thrifted tee, or a thrifted dress with shiny new accessories.

Really, the best way to learn how to thrift shop is to do it.  If it grosses you out, you can wear rubber gloves - really - and shower once you get home.  I will admit, after a day of hopping between secondhand stores, I often feel a bit grody.  Give your items a quick hand washing (some things will be washing machine safe, but I do a first wash by hand so that I can wear my new things ASAP!) and let them dry out while you hop in the shower.

I can't guarantee that you'll stumble upon a vintage Chanel purse for ten bucks - that probably isn't going to happen - but the more you thrift shop, the better your odds of scoring amazing deals.

Photos: Discovery, Time