Hello, my reverential readers. I hope you’ve survived the first two weeks of school with not as much overeating, overdrinking, or oversleeping as anticipated. Fear not, the days are becoming longer and the nights not as cold. That isn’t to say the wind and the rain are acceptable, but we can rest assured that it is only temporary — much like money, which brings me to my topic for this week: thrifting. To some of you fashionistas, the word “thrift” is as welcome in your vocabulary as “generic,” “polyblend,” or “Newark International Airport.” However, once you get over the fact that you are a starving college student with only enough income from your parents to cover rent and food, you’ll soon recognize that thrifting can be easily integrated into your shopping repertoire like power walking as a form of exercise or using the adjective “mocha” to describe your hair color. If you’re unaccustomed to such ventures, do not fret. I shall inform you young novices where to go, how to search, and what really is worth the price.

The first thrift store that I suggest isn’t traditionally considered a thrift store. The clothes at the Nordstrom Rack are all new and haven’t been used or worn by anyone else, but with brand new designer jeans for $100 that look just as good as the ones down the street at the actual Nordstrom, it sounds like a thrift store to me. However, heed my words before running to the next express 71/72/73 to downtown: Yes, the Rack on 2nd and Pine may be close and convenient, but the one in Factoria Mall in Bellevue is worth the extra 45 minutes and bus transfer for what it has to offer. The one in Factoria not only has a much larger selection, but the organization standards exceed far beyond that of the one downtown. Those of you who’ve been to the Rack downtown know how horrid it is to see a glorious shoe or shirt with an even more glorious price tag and realize that it’s been misplaced to a different size section — your size section; the inhumanity! The Rack at Factoria Mall is much more organized, and the extra bus ride is necessary for the sake of sanity. Also, when it comes to trying things on at the Rack, try on everything that can fit you, whether or not it looks good on the hanger. If you have enough time, it will benefit you to have as many options as possible in order to receive the riches of the Rack. A warning, though: Do not be discouraged if you don’t find anything that fits, is in your price range, or looks good. Thrifting is a patient person’s activity, and it requires a cool and calm mind; those who lack such qualities should steer clear or bring along a support group or a small brown paper bag.

Another thrift store that I highly recommend is located right in our own backyard and doesn’t require a bus at all (unless you live outside the U-District, of course): Buffalo Exchange. Yes, I know at times they can become a bit pricey for certain items, but I have found some of the best deals ever from that store. In the fall of ’05, I bought a perfectly fitted forest green peacoat for only $20, which I still own and wear to this day. (Also, that coat receives the most compliments from strangers than anything else in my wardrobe — that’s not to say anything of mine has never been complimented upon.) When trying things on, make sure everything fits comfortably and that there are no rips or, um, stains of any kind anywhere. For guys, there is a great selection of street shoes and loafers that are not very expensive, and most of them look brand new.