"Thrift stores are so gross." Wait, what? Chances are if someone says this they have never been in one. Yes, sometimes they smell funky, but once you get past that there is nothing wrong with shopping in one. Thrifting makes trying out new things so much more affordable and easier, and it's at the same time. While I do like splurge on expensive things (more often than I should), a nothing beats a good thrift store find.

1. I am just going to start off with the most obvious by saying you get more bang for your buck.

It's not a secret that thrift stores are cheap. That's why they're called thrift stores! On a college students budget, thrift stores are a God sent!

2. Because thrift stores are so cheap you get to experiment with your style.

It's fun to experiment with colors, patterns and pieces you wouldn't usually buy. A thrift store is the perfect place to do so. You found this black leather snake skin mini skirt (tags still attached and everything!), but you are unsure if you'll ever have the opportunity to wear it. Then you remember you're only going to have to pay $3.50 for it so it really doesn't matter. SO much better than paying thirty dollars for something you're unsure of and that you may never wear.

3. You never know what to expect when you go in there.

Because most thrift stores get their clothes as donations there are no limits and things are always changing. It's not like walking past Aeropostale or American Eagle and seeing the same display in the window all season. You could find everything from underwear (ewh) to formal dresses. Sometimes you can even find brand new clothes with tags still attached. You can also find any brands from Walmart to labels like Michael Kors. You have to make sure you have time to go through all the racks though, whether it's you're size and/or gender or not. You don't want to miss something that has potential!

4. You earn bragging rights when you actually do have an awesome find.

"OMG, cute shoes!"

"Really? Thanks! They were like $8 at the Salvation Army last year."

"No way! I love 'em!"

When I have a great find, I know I want go out and tell everyone I know and you should, too! You put in the work looking for your outfit you should be proud! Also, you got to that article of clothing before somebody else did. That counts for something, right?

5. It's a really fun hobby and even more fun if you bring somebody along.

Taking monthly, or even weekly, trips to a thrift store with a girlfriend can be so much fun. While yes, you are looking for things to buy, you can try on things that you would never buy in a million years and laugh about it. Going through all the racks and having somebody to ask opinions about stuff you aren't sure if you like or not is a huge help if you are indecisive like me. It's fun bringing all your treasures to the register and seeing just how much (or should I say how little) money you spent, especially on half price day at Salvation Army.

As Macklemore would say "I wear your granddads clothes. I look incredible from the thrift store down the road". So the next time you have thirty minutes or so go to your local thrift store. You might be surprised.