Thrift Shopping, Don’t Knock It

Bargain hunting it not for everyone, especially when it comes to clothing. But there's a certain thrill that comes out of buying fashion on the cheap and one of the best ways to fill out your wardrobe for less is second-hand shopping.

And you have several options in Connecticut

Sure, you never liked it when your aunt handed your mom a bag of over-sized clothing that belonged to your cousin and you got stuck wearing their "Garanimals" all summer long, or even worse, their bathing suits.

But second-hand shopping is different. Mostly because you're buying from a stranger, but also because the mustard stain that your mom let slide on those hand-me-downs doesn't cut it on the sales rack.

In every city and town in Connecticut, there is a thrift store, a consignment shop or an Army and Navy surplus just waiting to be perused. Here's a list of some personal favorites, but trust me, these are just the tip of the iceberg.

The Stockroom, 25 Cottrell St., Mystic -- fantastic name brand finds such as: J.Crew, Anne Klein and even Juicy Couture!
Plato's Closet, Wethersfield and South Windsor -- not only can you buy clothes that fit the current trends, but you can also sell them your gently used clothes.
Joey's Army/Navy Store, 20 Depot St., Watertown -- whether you're looking for military issue fatigues and flack jackets or a pair well-worn of jeans, this is the place.
Clothes Horse, 175 Park Road, West Hartford -- this store has classic, vintage dresses, coats, suits and more.
Cedar Chest, 85 West Main Street, Route 1, Clinton -- yes, it actually smells like a cedar chest and the clothes are in mint condition.
Serendipity Thrift Shop, 200 Boston Post Road, Madison -- you can't go wrong shopping on the shoreline. Expect the merchandise to be very high-end but cheap!

You don't have to limit your search to consignment shops. There are Goodwill Stores and Salvation Army Thrift Stores across the state that not only sell clothing but also household items.