Shop at your local Thrift Store!

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Some tips when buying second hand are:

*Watch for piling and stretching. 100% cotton sweaters and long sleeve tees lose shape after a while. Not even a good drying will bring these babies back to life.

*Vintage sizes run smaller. Seriously, as much as 2 to 4 sizes smaller than you might wear at the Gap. So if those killer trousers in a 6 won't go over your hips, no need to panic: our grandmothers were Smurf size.

*Wear clothes to the thrift store that can be layered over. If you wear leggings and a tank top you can try the pieces on over top and you won't have to go searching for a dressing room, which might not exist.

*Always check for jewelry. Make sure to ask the clerk to see the selection. It is usually kept in cases by the registers. Brazen baubles, brooches, and bracelets each for $1 are fabulous and stackable .

*Home furnishings at these stores can be unique and splendid (or totally disgusting, so view carefully). At the Santa Monica Goodwill there was a pair of wall-mountable deer antlers that looked straight out of Pottery Barn, page 36.

*Lacy bras in good condition are a great find at a used clothing store. They look like their Urban Outfitter's counterparts, but for $30 bucks less. Also, silky slips are a good find, but panties at thrift stores: just say no...too nasty.