Thrift Score

Even before discovering this delightful book, I developed into a thrift-shopping fanatic. My discovery of this book came from my desire to expand on my thrift-shopping philosophy. Naturally, I used libraries and the INTERNET to get more info about this phenomenon. I came across this book. Before I read it, I told others about my thrifting thirst. I was accused of being "obsessed" with thrift stores. I have been told that thrifting is only for the poor and downtrodden. I continued doing it. Then I read this book. I became excited that "I" am not the only one who thrift shops as a way of life. That made me feel good. Much of what she discussed in the book, I had discovered before reading the book. However, she did mention things that I had not thought about. This broadened my mind. I also enjoy the history lessons explaining some of what one might encounter in the stores. There are times when I would recommend checking a book out of the library. However, for those who are inveterate thrifters, or those who have an interest in it, this is a book that should be "bought". This represent an encyclopedia, the "BIBLE"of the thrift philosophy. This book shows that people who are not rich, can appear to be by buying thrift. I wish that I could someday meet Al Hoff.

When I picked the book up, I thought it was going to be a guide of the "tips and tricks" sort. There is enough of that to make the book useful, but what really fed me (other than being able to show my husband that there are legions of others like me out there . . .) was the smart and funny analysis of the Who and Why of thrifting, the sociology and cultural anthropology, if you will allow me to describe something so "lowbrow" as thrifting in such intellectual terms.Al Hoff's review of different periods of available stuff made me want to go out and BUY! For small change, of course.

I initially bought this book for my wife and started paging through it to take a look. I ended up reading the whole thing. This book has it all, from the philosophy of why people thrift to where to look in the store for those hidden bargains. I hate to admit it, but I think I have been converted into a thrifter. I highly recommend getting this book, but don't wait until you find it in a thrift.

I tried to write a sensible, professional-sounding review, but I just couldn't. Al Hoff is brilliant not just because she can write, but because she can bring across the thrill of the hunt to her readers. I've been thrifting on and off since I was six years old, and Al Hoff knows exactly what it's like to walk into a thrift and wonder what's going to be there this afternoon. Is this the day I finally find the perfect fifties-print summer shirt? Do they have any books with cool covers? After a certain point it slowly takes over your life, until I find myself saying that it doesn't matter whether that cute guy in my Dante class is Catholic like me- but if he thrifts, it could be love. On a slightly saner note, I've been a dedicated thrifter for years. This leads naturally to a certain amount of knowledge about things like clothing quality, sizes, and loads of random stuff in general, but Al Hoff's wealth of knowledge leaves mine in the dust. She clearly knows what's going on, and it's just as clear that she loves thrifting. If you're looking to find designer clothes for cheap, live within a budget, or dig up collectibles (if you're dedicated enough, and if you know what to look for and how to look for it, you might find some stuff worth money. But you probably won't), then go elsewhere. But if you've ever felt that little shiver down your spine at the sight of the perfect score, get this book. Al Hoff knows exactly what that's like.

Second hand shopping has been second nature to me for as long as I can remember--my mother raised me on thrifting. So while I knew I would enjoy Al Hoff's book, I didn't think I'd learn much I didn't already know. Boy, was I wrong! For example, Al Hoff gives a detailed description of what various clothing fabrics are made of and how to care for them, and even the history behind why certain fabrics were used. (I'm no longer wondering, "Orlon? What the hell is Orlon?") She also tells how to clean up just about anything from sticker gunk to permanent marker so that you can make your old stuff new again. She has really researched her subject with the methodology and thoroughness of a scientist. I especially love this book's wry humor and creativity. The writing is both informative and entertaining. And she goes the extra mile by including such highlights as "Beyond Thrifting"--profiles of impressive people who have turned thrifting from a simple pastime into a mission. Al Hoff also provides a list of movies that have thrifting themes in them. (A bonus for me, as seeing movies is my other favorite pastime...and once again, she lists a few that even I have never heard of.) I haven't read Al Hoff's zine yet, but after reading this book, I am now inspired to order all of the back issues!