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Teen

Thrifty yet nifty

By CATHERINE McCARTHY
Published July 24, 2006

If you're low on cash at the end of the summer, or are just looking to get more for your money, thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army can be great resources for adding funky pieces to your wardrobe.

Check out these tips for making your back to school wardrobe vintage and affordable.

* Instead of grabbing the reissue of the printed minidress off the rack, why not go for the real thing for three bucks?

* Some thrift stores have weekly "dollar days" or other specials where the prices drop even lower.

* Ask what days the store receives shipments so you can be sure to have the biggest selection to choose from.

 * Even if you have trouble finding clothes that fit your frame or style, the deeply discounted accessories like belts and jewelry will add one-of-a-kind style to your ensemble. Belts are the hot accessory this fall.

* Celebrities pay a fortune for "vintage" clothing, and many people shell out $20 for graphic T-shirts. But you can find the real thing at a thrift store for much less.

* As the empire-waist looks of the '50s, '60s and '70s and now '80s return to fashion, you can often find the original inspiration hidden in the racks of your local thrift store. And skinny jeans are back from those earlier decades and can probably be found too.

 * Simple sewing skills can help you transfer intriguing buttons from one item to another, ensuring you will be the only one donning your creation in the halls this fall.

[Last modified July 24, 2006, 06:43:21]