I’ve gotten some of my favorite shoes, clothes, accessories, gifts and house wares from thrift stores. For me, there’s nothing better than rifling around in a tiny consignment store and then discovering something cute, unusual, unique.

Frankly, I can’t handle walking around the city looking like every other girl. When I put together an outfit made of thrift store finds, I know I’ll never have those awful experiences when you walk down the street facing someone in the EXACT SAME SUNDRESS. Also, why pay full price when you don’t have to?

There’s an amazing thrift store in my neighborhood that I go to whenever I can – especially on a Saturday afternoon when I need something cute for a party that night. I’ve gotten vintage brown sandals for $6, a black Urban Outfitters dress for $4, a vintage polka dot pleated skirt for $3, an awesome brown hand bag for $4, and loads of bangles, faux strings of pearls and other accessories for $1 each.

If you usually turn your nose up at thrift store shopping, I recommend you give it a try. Contrary to popular belief, thrift stores are not full of shabby, torn clothes at all – you can easily find brand-new, last season, or even this season, stuff. All you need is a little patience. You never know what you’ll find.