Here’s what you should know before you go:

• Just as you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover, you should never judge a thrift store by it’s neighborhood.  THIS DOES NOT MEAN put yourself at night somewhere dangerous; the thrill of shopping does not equal terrifying yourself.  Rather, that I know some stores in great areas that are just so-so, and a few stores in older parts of town that are fan-freaking-tastic!
• Always try everything on.  Always.  Did I mention always?  That’s because it helps you find any defects in the item quickly, or any tailoring that renders the size on the tag meaningless.

  

• Maybe it’s just me but I’m queasy about my bare feet touching ANY public flooring.  Wear socks or some type of sandal you can easily slip your feet back into when trying on clothes.
• Remember what I said about tailoring above?  Well, check your size and then around it.  Many times items get misplaced into the wrong group or are tailored and fit perfectly.
• Wash EVERYTHING–like the nanosecond you get it home.  I’ve washed leather (not suede) jackets twice now and haven’t had a problem.  If you’re not comfortable washing the item then pad in the cost to a dry cleaner into your purchase price. Many thrift stores contract out cleaning services and actually clean all the items before they go on the shelves but do you really want to chance it?
• Most importantly, if you’re worried about revealing your shopping secret to friends and family that may not understand the thrill of the bargain, just remember this.  When they say, “Oh I LOVE that where did you get it,” it’s not lying to respond, “it’s from (enter original store name).”  Yes, it is from Ann Taylor, J. Crew, or White House Black Market. It doesn’t matter that you didn’t get it there.