As some of you may know, last week's New York Fashion Week featured a plethora of well-known designers who showcased their new collections for the season.
Some people might have difficulty with making the fashions that were featured their own. For starters, shopping for similar looks that aren't as pricey can be time consuming, or maybe, you don't even know where to start!
After a long night of studying, partying or whatever it is you're doing, it's so easy to throw on a T-shirt, sweatpants and a pair of flip-flops as you head out to class the next morning.
If your closet isn't already stocked with fashionable get-ups and money is tight, thrift stores could be the answer to many of your fashion needs.
The first thing to know is that fashion is a continuous cycle of ideas that are always being reused.
New fashions are inspired from past collections over and over again, so you are bound to find something from an older season that can be used to emulate a current runway look.
It's often possible to find something you can use if you take the time to sort through the donated items at thrift stores.
If you have patience, it will be worthwhile.
You can find some pretty good quality items at a fraction of the price you would pay at a retail outlet. See it as a treasure hunt!
Then, once you have all of your new prized possessions, it will take you the same amount of time to put together an effortless look in the morning as it would to wait in line at Starbucks.
For inspiration, check out Style.com's coverage of recent runway shows.
With that said, let's check out some Gainesville thrift stores.
Flashbacks Recycled Fashions is one of my favorites. This little store has a diverse selection of brand names, from American Apparel to Free People, at inexpensive prices. Not to mention there are accessories, such as scarves, hats, clutches and belts, that can give your look the extra edge it needs to separate you from the ordinary T-shirt-and-jeans category. Just the addition of an accessory can take your outfit from normalcy to nifty. What makes thrift stores unique is that they have vintage items that are a great way to make your style distinctively yours. And even better, they have a $1 rack at Flashbacks.
The Junior League of Gainesville Thrift Shop is amazingly organized – something that can be rare for a thrift store. The employees have taken the time to organize the items not only by articles of clothing, but also by "better brand names." This can save you time if you are looking for a specific brand name. Bring your student ID on Wednesdays and you'll receive 20 percent off each item you purchase!
Gainesville has two Goodwill locations. With big, warehouse-style stores, it could take a long time to sort through each of them, but it's worth it. You can stumble upon some great finds, and if you're looking for denim, they have quite the selection. Not to mention they have a ton of blazers, which are a staple to any wardrobe.
Loop De Loop is a really fun place. Most of their items are vintage, but the prices are really excellent! They have shelves that are filled with vintage purses and bags that range from $1 to $10, as well as vintage coats, dresses and racks full of many one-of-a-kind items.
Family Treasures Thrift Shop is also organized like Junior League, but is bigger and has a wider selection of shoes and bags. Bring your college ID on Thursdays and receive 10 percent off!
They also have two bag-sale days coming up: Saturday and Wednesday, Sept. 28. They provide you with a bag and you can fill it with whatever you want for only $4, excluding the boutique items (the better brand names).
Thrifting will keep you, your wallet and the community, by supporting the local economy, happy.
Another thing to keep in mind is that supporting thrift stores can mean supporting good causes.
Junior League uses the profits to improve the community by promoting voluntarism.
Goodwill is committed to taking donations to create jobs and Family Treasures' profits benefit the Children's Home Society of Florida, which is dedicated to helping protect children who are at risk of abuse, neglect or abandonment.
Flashbacks Recycled Fashions:
509 NW 10th Ave.
Gainesville, FL 32601
352-375-3752
The Junior League of Gainesville Thrift Shop:
430 N Main St. #A
Gainesville, FL 32601
352-372-1710
Goodwill (North):
2624 NW 13th St.
Gainesville, FL 32609
352-378-4449
Goodwill (South):
3520 SW 34th St.
Gainesville, FL 32608
352-376-9041
Family Treasures Thrift Shop:
710 N Main St.
Gainesville, FL 32601
352-393-2826
Loop de Loop:
205 NE 16th Ave.
Gainesville, FL 32601
352-373-1814
