I never seem to have any luck at thrift stores agrace (but I live in Belgium, and I think the selection is different). But lasses like Jean (greenglove) and Hanna are master thrifters! And Sarah (sarbear) just posted about her recent finds too (you probably saw that;-)

I do thrift occasionally. I typically haunt consignment shops and Buffalo Exchange (which I guess is technically consignment?). I always look for dresses, jeans, and accessories. Tops are usually too overwhelming to weed through.
I do look for jackets at BE.
I have found lots of items, but my favorite find was a pair of High Waisted boot cut 7 For All Mankind jeans. They are a tad big now but I still wear them because they are fabulous. :)
I have expensive taste, and consignment and thrift is the best way I can afford that. I go maybe once a month at the most, though. It's too easy for me to fall into the "but it's so cheap!" trap.

I don't have the patience to thrift shop. I don't even have the patience for most department stores. Just too much stuff crammed together. It makes my head spin. I usually shop small shops like Anthropologie and Banana Republic. Even their sale area can become overwhelming, but since I have been keeping an eye on the clothes I like I know what I am looking for. Most of the time before I go shopping I look at websites and go in for specific items. This all changes though if I have no kids and maybe out shopping with girlfriends. I'm up for anything then!

I know that I am missing out on great deals, but when I have shopped like that I find myself buying something just because it is a bargain.

i love thrifting -- i'm a hardcore salvation army/goodwill thrifter, with occasional forays into plato's closet or crossroads :). a couple of posts with thrifted buys:

http://ohhoneyno.wordpress.com.....trip-ever/
http://ohhoneyno.wordpress.com.....the-blues/
http://ohhoneyno.wordpress.com.....n-edition/

it's been a while since i've gone -- time to bug the BF to take me :)

I would love to thrift, but it's hard enough to go to the store with two little kids! So most of my shopping is online these days :)

hanna - Yes I would say you have quite good fortune at the thrift store judging by your pictures! Isn't the best thing the amazing versatility of what you find there? It boggles the mind that people are so generous to give such nice things away but I'm glad they do. In truth, one persons 'trash' really is another persons 'treasure'!

Thanks for sharing your fun pictures!

I find it very hard to thrift for my size, and that’s not through lack of trying – 20 years in fact.

I like to look at the bags and jewelry areas though. I love vintage-y things. But I love hot-off-the press fashion trends more. Once a Fashion Buyer, always a Fashion Buyer.

I *love* thrifting! It makes me sad that we live in an area where the thrifting is no good. I have always bought at least 1/4 of our clothing second hand, and I just can't do it here. Not only are there very few places, but the prices are incredibly high. I actually do better on the clearacne rack at Target or closeout stores like Ross and Susie's Deals than at the Thrift Stores here. I keep trying, though!

I also love thrifting and consignment-store shopping. When my sister was here recently, we found some wonderful things -- here is one example from Goodwill: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....?replies=9

At a more selective consignment shop, we each found 7FAM jeans for $14 a pair.

I agree with Shannon, though -- you have to train yourself not to get something just because the price is amazing. (On the other hand, it's a great way to risk a new look without risking much financially.) :)

I'll occassionaly have a look in the charity shops. Though i did find a fantastic Bench coat on the OXFAM website. They usually retail £80 and up this was second hand and £25 and even though i had to have the back altered to fit at the waist it still cost under £45 x