For over half a century I have been shopping at thrift stores to find as many outfits and vintage linens as possible to fit my sad little home and fashion style budget. Along the way I've made discoveries and mistakes. These stores like the Salvation Army, Goodwill and the dingy (should I say "shabby chic) little neighborhood vintage shops have always treated me well. What have I gained from all of this? I've lived and learned about fashion mistakes, but have definitely sharpened a unique style and have broaden my home and fashion ideas. There are just a few items in my home that aren't second hand wonders.

When searching through these usually crammed racks and chock full of stuff shelves you'll learn what the word patience means, but you'll most likely stumble upon maybe somewhat neglected but beautifully made clothing from the 40s, 50s and early 60s. If you are into vintage linens and textiles these shops are usually the spot to find some of the most graphically pleasing, colorful and beautifully hand made linens in the world.

Why shop thrift? You'll be contributing to a local hospital (usually), prices are very good, and you'll find cool stuff, unique or vintage. Why? People get bored easily and don't want their stuff, or someone has passed on and the children just want to clean out the house and get rid of the "junk". That is the sad reality. But thrift shop shoppers like me are the beneficiaries.

What to look for when shopping for clothing:

Unless you are a seamstress or tailor like many in my family learn to walk away from items that have tears, stains, broken zippers, or a funny odor (like cat urine) - this theory applies to furniture as well. Always open the draws and smell - gross I know, but it is better than bringing it home and then finding out after bringing the item into the house that it stinks of something you can't quite place your finger on thankfully.

Learn to walk away. The first time I didn’t walk away was the day I needed a dress in a hurry. There it was hanging in the overstocked rack, squished beyond reason and wrinkled to distraction, but it was beautiful. An elegant navy blue lace taffeta dress from the 50s. Very Grace Kellyish. My hopelessly romantic side imaged the previous owner sitting in a cocktail lounge at a small quiet table, dimly lit by flickering candlelight, smoking a cigarette that was placed in a long cigarette holder  with loads of men waiting on her every breath, and every time she laughed her head rolled back in an ever so coy way. Of course, this cocktail lounge was in Paris.

Reality check: The elegant navy blue lace taffeta dress had stains under the armpits due to a chemical reaction probably from her deodorant, the mid length style was all wrong for my vertically challenged body and the crinoline slip underneath the dress added to me looking like a munchkin from the Wizard of OZ.  Oh, and did I mention it smelled? Not of moth balls either, but more likely from the big old cat named "Flea Ball".

Needless to say, I didn't wear it that night to the function I had to attend, but  did have it cleaned. It hung neglected in my closet for a months. Finally, I decided to make it a science project and enrolled in a beginner’s sewing class. This dress was going to be wearable or at least I would learn how to make pillows. First, I got rid of the lacey crinoline slip. I cut a few inches off the bottom, hemmed it, cut off the sleeves, and used the discarded fabric from the skirt to cover the raw edges of what were now the straps. My first adaptation was successful, but I still never wore it. Today, that taffeta dress takes space in the summer/winter rotation in my closet. I can't seem to get rid of it. Who knows why? Lesson learned - learn to walk away.

When shopping at thrift stores make sure you have a chunk of time to devote and go with a plan- if you want to find vintage linens that day, clothing or furniture, just focus on those items. It is very easy to become distracted, causing you to make an unwanted purchase

Have fun and let your imagination take you away, but stay away from taffeta.