In today's tough economy, you might think that looking fashionable is out of your budget. Not so, according to Project Runway's Kevin Christiana, who suggests you hit thrift stores like Goodwill and the Salvation Army, where stylish outfits can be found without breaking the bank. But you've got to go about it strategically, so Kevin is sharing his thrift store shopping tips:

• Don't go shopping on a Monday because much of the inventory gets wiped out over the weekend. It's better to go on a Thursday.

• Don't pay too much attention to the size on the tag. Because the clothes are second-hand, there may have been shrinkage over the years, or designers may have changed their sizings so your frame of reference could be off.

• For a quick check if jeans will fit you, you should be able to wrap the waist around your neck and the ends should touch. Also, if you can't fit the length of your fist to your elbow inside the waistband, the jeans are too small.

• When you find a gown at a thrift shop, chances are you won't show up at a party and find anyone else wearing the same dress. It is also likely that it was worn only once before it was given to the thrift shop.

• Become friends with the people who work at your favorite thrift shop and let them know what you want, because then when the inventory comes in they'll keep your tastes in mind and give you a heads up.

• Stay away from anything with rips or tears, stained items, and cracked leather, but remember that you can always replace zippers or buttons.

Online only! Kevin heads backstage to offer a few more tips you need to know before you go thrift store shopping.

Related Links

Buffalo Exchange

Kevin Christiana

Rags-a-GoGo