Take these thrifty tips with you

Sharyne Wolfe, Nassau Community College fashion professor and author of "The Fashionista's Shopping Guide to the Galaxy of Discount New York Fashion" (Create Space, $14.99), offers these tips for shopping thrift stores:

1. Look for natural fibers, such as wool, linen, silk, cotton. If it's made from a quality fabric, it's usually a better garment.

2. Try it on. Designers size differently. One company's size 8 is another company's size 4.

3. Make sure it fits. It's not a deal if you must spend $25 to $50 in alterations.

4. Check for imperfections, like stains and rips. Assess whether the item can be fixed and the cost to clean it before you buy.

5. Don't get discouraged if you leave empty-handed on your first or even second trip. It takes persistence.