Fri, 07/20/2007 - 6:18pm

I’m not the thrifting kind. Mostly because I don’t have the patience. But a bargain is a bargain and when hosting a friend from out of town who makes thrifting her number one passion, off we went thrifting on Saturday afternoon.

Some things to be aware of when thrifting: First, thrifting isn’t like your regular shopping experience at a department store or boutique. You need to wear specific types of clothes before heading out the door because most thrift stores don’t have dressing rooms and exchanges are not always welcomed. Wear a tank top of a top that’s close to your skin and jeans or pants that you could easily slide a pair of skirts over to gage if it is your size or not. If the weather permits, go ahead and wear those flip-flops too. Secondly, carry cash. Some thrift stores will take credit cards (Salvation Army) but most deal on the cash-and-carry principle. Thirdly, know in advance that thrifting is one of those exercises that can be a hit-or-miss. Some days, clothes will seem to be screaming out your name and you will find the rarest of finds at the most insane prices and your day would have been better for it. And then there are those days when nothing your regular or favorite thrift stores carries even catches your eye.

My friend spent most of her time while in Washington thrifting. I could only handle thrifting in small doses and visited the one store she highly recommended simply due to the store’s great organization. Martha’s Outfitters located on 14th Street N.W in the U street area (between V and W streets). Martha’s Outfitters in part of Martha’s Table, Inc., a nonprofit organization serving the needs of the less fortunate in the DC community. All proceeds from Martha’s Outfitters go directly to support its children and youth services. The store is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9am to 2pm.

You will find everything from pillows to dishes, shoes to business suits, children’s books to hampers at Martha’s Outfitters. Almost everything is in good condition and most things cost one dollar! I managed to snag a brown top for $5 that fits like a glove and was very tempted to buy more things because “hey! it’s only $1”. And that’s the danger of thrifting – buying things you absolutely don’t need and would never use because it is incredibly cheap. It’s a good idea to go with a clear goal of what you want, otherwise you might end up with everything else.

And true to form, Martha’s Outfitters was incredibly organized. The clothes were arranged by type (pants, suits, skirts, etc.), and then by size and then finally by price. You could systematically go through the store and know exactly what to expect. I was especially impressed by the kids area stuffed with toys, books, and everything else a kid could want. I spotted a few things for my kitchen that I will be coming back for (hoping it will still be there when I return) and now know a great place where I can drop of my old clothes.

Theresa is graciously modeling two outfits from our thrifting adventure:

1. The first outfit cost $6. Yep!
2. The second, more office/professional worthy, cost $12 (including the shoes).

About the author
Ese Emerhi is a 28 yr-old who lives in Takoma Park, MD and enjoys exploring different parts of DC.

Photos also contributed by Ese Emerhi

Categories:

• Fashion