I’ve always been a shopper. I love everything about getting new clothes, bags, shoes, home furnishings, you name it, I love shopping for it. With a habit like that, and an unpaid internship, I had to get creative with my money. There was no way I could stop my compulsive need to shop (that would be insane), but there was also no way I could financially support my hobby while in school.

In steps the shopping thrill I should’ve started years before; thrifting. My parents loved going to Goodwill once a month or so to look for unique stuff. I tagged along one day and was in awe of all the great finds hidden in the racks and racks of clothing (name brand stuff for $2 - $6 are you kidding me?). For a while, I was almost ashamed to admit my clothing came from a second-hand store. There can be negative connotations associated with used clothes and I was susceptible to those judgments.

(I can assure you they wash all their clothing. If you're that grossed out by second hand clothes, then by all means keep spending $100 for two shirts and a headband.)

Eventually, I embraced the fact my clothes, bags and accessories were unique and different from anything else sold in the mall or other major retailers. That’s what initially pulled me in; the fact what I was buying would be uncommon to what every other girl was wearing. That’s not saying everything in thrift stores isn’t in style, though. Because trends come and go, if I wanted the off-the-shoulder top or neon shorts or a crop top or whatever was “in,” I could find numerous alternatives that were a fraction of the price.

Lucky for me, thrifting has recently become a trend in itself. The vintage look is hugely popular among girls my age, and now that we are all older and on our own, we just cant justify spending $80 on a shirt that we’ll probably only wear twice. With thrifting, if you pay $3 for a top and only wear it once (donate it back), you’ve gotten your moneys worth. Plus, when you go to donate your old clothes, you can justify a quick stop-in to browse a few racks – you’re giving back, remember?

Thrift stores like Goodwill not only support my addiction, but they also do wonderful things for the community. Goodwill provides employment and training for youths, seniors, those with criminal backgrounds, and people with disabilities. According to their website, the thrift store chain helped more than 26.4 million people train for careers in numerous industries. I think its pretty great to have a retailer in the metro who takes the time to train and encourage those who may be overlooked for other opportunities.

Now when I have inklings to get new clothes or try a new style, the first stop I make is to a thrift store or two. The fact the store I am shopping at is taking my money and putting it towards programs that make the community better as whole makes me feel less guilty about stopping in a few times a month (or a few times a week; retail therapy, you know?)

For locations and hours of the Omaha Metro Goodwills, visit www.goodwill.org

Love,

-A