How to thrift shopI frequently post my thrift store scores on the blog, Instagram {user: LookingFlyonaDime} and Facebook and the one statement I hear over and over again is, "you always find the best stuff" or I'm asked the question, "how do you find the best stuff?"

Though I've done a ton of posts on thrift shopping 101, thrift shopping commandments, etc, I'll let you in on the three secret tips I utilize to always** find great stuff. Well, they're really not secret since I'm telling you and honestly, anyone can utilize them for a great thrifting trip.

Looking Fly on a Dime and Nate Berkus showBy now I hope you've had a chance to catch my most recent appearance on The Nate Berkus Show. I gave holiday makeovers to two women using thrifted clothes and accessories. Some people tend to think only basic pieces {jeans, tees, etc.} can be found at secondhand stores, but that's so not true. You can find everything from the basics to formal wear.For the taping, I rocked a sweetheart neckline cocktail dress that I found for $1 at the Housing Works Buy the Bag sale {the woman next to me actually gave it to me}. I threw on a $9 Tahari blazer from Salvation Army, some platform pumps and my look was complete.

looking fly on a dime, thrifted holiday oufit

Housing Works Buy the bag, thrift store haul

This past Saturday was the Housing Works Buy the Bag {$25 for all you can stuff in a bag) sale and as usual, I racked up. I met a few of you there and it seems everyone walked away with a bag {or two} full of goodies. As usual, it was crowded inside, clothes were everywhere and the crowd got a bit rowdy when additional bins were put on the sales floor, but the majority of people were super sweet. I didn't take pics inside {I was too busy shopping}, but the clothes were eventually pulled out of the bins and everyone was walking over the garments and one woman even lost her shoe in the clothing avalanche.I managed to stuff a total of 30 items in my bag, so at $25 for a bag, that averages out to 83 cents per piece. Considering I found some vintage items, including Armani, I'd say that's a thrift store score.This sale always has a ton of blazers and I snagged with six of them. A bit excessive, I know.

vintage blazers, housing works sale