Getting Started

In order to get ready for my project, I inventoried all of the items currently hanging in my closet. I tallied the total number of dresses, skirts, pants, and shirts. I put them in three categories:


1). Items bought new in retail stores (31 out of 163)

2). Items given to me by other people (48)

3). Items purchased in second hand stores (84)

The results were interesting. I would say that about 80% of my clothes are used. I haven't inventoried my drawers yet, but I would say that's pretty close. I have been a thrift store shopper since I was a teenager and am lucky to have a lot of friends who bestow clothes upon me. Sometimes we have clothing swaps. I would say my thrifting started from a desire to be different and artsy and to find a style that worked with my budget (scholarship girl at private school). As I became older, I thought thrift stores were the way to go because I grew up in California and was raised on conservation. We had Conserva-Cat and Admiral Splash teach us lessons on the subject in elementary school. To this day, a light left on in a room with no people is like nails on a chalk board to me. I also find thrift store shopping to be like treasure hunting. You look through racks and racks and come up with a prize. You have to have patience and a careful eye. A beautiful print peaks out from a sea of polyester... I actually found a Diane Von Frustenberg leaf print silk dress at Goodwill a few days ago. I saw the print from afar. I didn't buy it, but it was a great find. I often get complimented on an item I have on and people are surprised when I tell them the source. They say they "never" find things at thrift stores, but I'm telling you, they are there, and they are waiting to be discovered!