Something interesting happened last week. Well, this wasn’t the first time it happened, but more like the second or even third time.

I had someone blame me for the increase in thrift store prices!

 A little backstory: I shared a link to one of my most popular and commented on posts, Have Thrift Stores Become Too Expensive?, and a Facebook follower commented that “fashionistas like you” are the reason these stores are raising prices. And I previously had a reader state that since blogs like mine “popularize” thrifting, that’s incentive for stores to raise prices.

While I’m flattered anyone would think I have that much power to affect pricing, I don’t. Of course there’s no denying thrift shopping has become more acceptable and trendy for people who don’t have to buy secondhand clothing out of necessity.

So why do I thrift shop and share my tips with readers?

I’ve shared my story in the past, but I’ve been thrifting for more than a decade, way before it became the in thing to do. I always loved hunting down a bargain back when I was a poor, barely getting by undergrad at Temple University. My love of thrift continued when I moved to NYC and I was a poor, barely getting by assistant at a fashion magazine. So for me, thrift shopping absolutely started out of necessity. I was able to create a head to toe look for less than $10 or $20. Also, I love how it gives me a way to really take fashion risks without investing serious money. And instead of wearing cookie cutter styles, thrifting is the most wallet-friendly way to develop an individual sense of style.

When it comes to sharing my tips and tricks {don’t forget, I’m writing a thrift shopping ebook!}, why wouldn’t I? If I have a level of knowledge about a certain topic, of course I’m going to share! I know some shoppers and bloggers who intentionally keep their favorite stores a secret because they don’t want anyone else shopping there and running up the prices or causing serious crowds. While I understand this line of thinking {the Queens Goodwill Outlet has become a zoo now that everyone knows about it!}, that’s just not how I operate. If I know of a great sale and way for people to save a dime, I’m sharing the info. Simple as that.

I refuse to accept that avid thrifters like myself are responsible for jacking up prices. While some stores have drastically increased prices, there are still plenty of secondhand shops that are affordable and serve the needs of those who can’t pay full price for clothes.

I’ll be interested to see if the thrifting boom comes to an end or where prices top out. All I know is I love to thrift and don’t see myself stopping, ever.