Here's the deal...You email me with questions or ask for suggestions and I answer...with more info than you probably ever wanted.  ;)  What? I like to research! 

It's called 'Yo Laura' and just put 'Yo Laura' in the subject line so I know it's okay to read on the show.  lauradiaz@xl1067.com is my email.

Last week, I helped Marisol with a summer hair look.  This week, I'm hoping to help Diane with tips on how to thrift store shop to look chic, not cheap. 

Here's the email:

Yo Laura,

haha. loved the segment on hair today.  Now that I know you will respond to this email I have a question.  How do I figure out what to buy at thrift stores? I feel like everything is stinky and grimy there but when I see girls wearing cute stuff and I ask where they got it  they say it's vintage or from a thrift store

last time I went to Dechoes I spent two hours and a hundred bucks and havent worn a thing!

Is there a secret? I saw on Instagram you go thrifting sometimes.

Diane

ps. Love the show

Sooo. The quick answer is YES! There is a "better way" to tackle thrifting.  Though, you have to know it's never going to be as simple and convenient as full price retail stores. 

I read several different lists and compiled the best tips to share with you:

1) Mentally Prepare.  Get ready to dig! You have to be mentally prepared to sift through lots of junk to find just one great piece.  Think of it as a treasure hunt and have fun with it. 

2) Go hands-free.
"Thrift-store shopping demands good use of your hands! So, don't bring along a purse that requires you to lug it around. Wear a cross-body that has pockets with enough room for your cash/credit cards and hand wipes."

3) Wear flats.
"If you really want to scour a thrift or vintage shop like a pro, you need to wear shoes that are not only comfortable but easy enough to slip off to try on shoes."

4) Inspect a piece inside and out.  Look for stains, rips, tears or missing buttons.

5) Go for color and pattern.  Go crazy looking for patterns and colors you won't find in regular stores. Unique is the operative word here.  You want people to say, OMG where did you get that.

6) Look Out For QUALITY!  Listen, if you're vintage shopping, at least buy designer brands.  Look out for Louis Vitton, Burberry, Prada, Fendi, Gucci etc.  Imagine getting a $1,000 shirt for $50!  It can only happen at a thrift store.  And you can be sure it will last you forever!

7) If you love it, BUY it!  But ONLY if you LOVE it! You can spend hours at a thrift store and if you leave with one piece you love, it's a success!  You'll never find that piece again and you'll never see anyone else in it.  Plus, if it's more than 20 years old, it's vintage! 

***If it's designer, it's worth getting it if you love it even though it might need to be altered in some way. 

***Don't buy your staples like black pants at a thrift store...Mix modern, new pieces like pants or skirts with vintage pieces like a wild patterned blouse under a new, modern black blazer.