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Welcome to The Fitting Room...How many items?

Full of fun fashions and stunning styles, The Fitting Room is where we take it all off and really see how things look behind closed doors. If it's too expensive, you're going to hear about it. If you really do look fat, you're going to know it (and not buy it). If we need to get another lip plumping gloss, we'll see who has the best. There's nothing off limits. We'll be trying on a lot of items here. Just remember, if it doesn't fit, then you don't have to buy it even if the sales girl says it looks great and it's 50% off of 50%. 

 If you have any items you want to throw in the cart just let me know. Come on guys and dolls, we've got shopping to do!

For discount style, you may have to dig to the bottom.

With the economy heading south faster than our waistlines after the holidays, a lot of shoppers are heading to their local Goodwill, or Salvation Army Thrift Store before they even consider going out to the mall. Most people find some great deals there whether for clothes, accessories, books, or household items. The thing to remember is that the fashions aren’t going to jump right out at you. This isn’t like going into Hollister and heading for the shirt section and knowing everything is just “so hot.” Like the best bit of style you have to offer the world about you is someone else’s brand lettered out across your chest. If you dare treading the water at your local thrift store, you better bring your own unique brand with you.

So, once you know yourself and you know what you like, put your big girl panties on and get in there. I’ll be honest, there’s a lot of garbage to weed through. A lot of garbage! You’re going to find suit jackets with shoulder pads bigger than your boobs. You’re going to see memories in the form of horrible cupcake-colored prom dresses. But most of all, you will without a doubt remember the 80’s and 90’s in there. I say this from experience, but if you’re persistent and don’t mind digging you will find something you really like that expresses who you are. Don’t be afraid to combine items you may not have put together before. It all depends on the kind of look you’re going for. If the outfit works for you, then who cares?

Another point to consider is that you don’t have to be looking out for finished products. Sometimes the items they have can be just the beginning raw materials. If you have a sewing machine and good strong scissors at home a new jean skirt could be just a couple of pairs of jeans away. I’ve even seen skirts made of out ties (there are always tons of those, too). Never forget either that it could just be about the fabrics. A good many of those ties are 100% silk and could make great customized pockets on your fading jeans or sewn together to create trendy clutch purses if you have the knowhow. The point is: be creative and expressive.

On the flip side, however, don’t be afraid to walk out empty handed. I do this one, too. Sure the shirt is only $2, but I’m not 100% on it, not even 80%. So, why buy it? Inevitably it will clutter up my closet with a $2 shirt I won’t wear. Think before you act on the purchasing part of the game. This is where most women, and some men, have a huge tendency to buy just because of the value being marked down compared to a brand new shirt at a big box or department store. A cheap top you don’t wear is just a cheap top. Think about what else you could get for that two bucks and if you’re more excited about the Wendy’s Frosty after that—go for it!

Shopping at these kinds of thrift stores is not only like a giant scavenger hunt without a list, but also good for the community. A majority of the time the foundation of the company is built around employing individuals from your neighborhood that may or may not be able to work anywhere else. Besides, it’s also helping others clear out their houses of things they don’t use anymore. Who doesn’t need to do that? So grab a friend and head out there in search of your next great fashion find and maybe a treat or two. Happy digging!