This, my friends, is a subject that is very close to my heart.

I started thrift shopping around 5 years ago. Before that, my personal style was practically non-existent. I didn't know any good clothing bands (for quality's sake and not necessarily recognition from others). I would basically wear things until they fell apart. Most of the time the articles were expensive and would break down very quickly. Fashion, to me, had limited importance in general.

This is when I discovered thrift store shopping. At that moment, it's almost as if the clouds parted and the sun shined through upon my life. I began getting some extraordinary brands for next to nothing. This is the real deal! We're talking some serious stuff here... Armani shirts, Gap Star jeans, Banana Republic sweaters, Versace glasses and shirts, Gap jeans, J. Crew button downs, Fossil and Armani Exchange watches, Ariat leather belts, sterling silver jewelry, Nike and Jordan brand sneakers, North Face and Eddie Bauer parkas, Express everything, etc. The list goes on and on. Most of the time these items still have the tags on when I buy them.

This hobby combines retail therapy (which can be dangerous anywhere else) and treasure hunting. The kicker? After all of this fun, you get to keep the loot and add this treasure to your wardrobe! For $20-$50, I can usually get 3-5 shirts, a couple pairs of jeans, a couple of accessories, a sweater or two, some button downs, and maybe a pair of shoes. One time I found a $100 bill in a small pocket in a pair of thrifted Gap jeans. It was an incredible feeling. What a score!

Honestly, and I'm aware this may be my addictive personality fueling this hobby, but it's fun and I look good darn it! The only things that I wear that aren't bought at thrift stores are my socks and underwear.

Does anyone else enjoy doing this? I love to hear where others thrift shop and what scores they've had. If you haven't checked this out, I HIGHLY recommend it.

Happy hunting!