Wasteland

Current fashion trends should not be compromised when thrift shopping. Wasteland, a consignment shop, inspires its shoppers to browse through their racks of clothes, shoes and accessories through display windows that present thrift store fashion. Although the prices might scare some customers, often you can find pieces in great condition 60 percent off retail price. This is the place for people who want designer brands and couture clothing, without the designer price. They even have labeled sections that direct shoppers to particular clothing styles. It carries brands such as Chanel, Seven for Mankind, Diesel and Clarks boots. The trendy store’s floor plan is organized much better than most, making the shopping experience easier. The store also has a special section of new clothes and accessories from different designers for those who prefer unworn pieces. A unique element to this place is the fitting rooms, which most thrift stores lack. Are you broke like a joke, but have a stack of clothes taking up your closet space? Wasteland buys up to 60 pieces of clothing. However, they must be in good condition and in current trends.

12144 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604

(818) 980-8800

(Check out www.thewasteland.com for other locations)

Hours: Mon-Sat 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sun 12 p.m. – 8 p.m., Buying 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. daily

Prices: $8 – $1000

Sun Thrift

Thrift shopping brings risk; you just don’t know what you are going to find. The shopping experience at Sun Thrift is a tedious adventure. Patience and practice comes in to play when browsing through countless articles of clothing, books and publications, electronics, toys and home goods. Crowds fill the enormous store on Tuesday and Saturday mornings when special items are half off. People leave the store with bags of clothes and other items for low prices. For example, some magazines can go as low as 25 cents on discount days. The shopper demographic is wide and young and old alike visit the store. One of the perks about shopping at Sun Thrift is the occasional bartering that takes place. If merchandise is ripped or stained, customers can ask the manager to lower the price. They offer a plethora of brands, both regular, high end and vintage items. The friendly employees offer warm customer service. The color-coordinated aisles are helpful when browsing through clothes. Overall, the best thing about Sun Thrift is the low prices, which are practically a steal.

8800 Foothill Blvd., Sunland, CA 91040

(818) 951-7150

Hours: Mon-Sat 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.,Sun 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Prices: $1 – $150

Goodwill Reseda

The Goodwill on Reseda Boulevard is no secret to the Northridge community. Although people sometimes shy away from second-hand items, the merchandise at this particular Goodwill is always in good shape. The donation-run store receives all kinds of items; used, vintage and new. The pricing runs on color tags, and the color differs day-to-day to get discount prices. Seniors also receive discount pricing. The oddities that arrive at this store will amuse at least one person out there. Many CSUN students go to this store to buy cheap furniture or electronics needed for their room. Shelves are stacked with DVDs ranging from romance to documentary genres. The clothes are fairly good quality, however, it is not the store’s forte. The great things about the store are the carts and hangers full of products that are constantly being pushed out onto the sales floor throughout the day, updating the stock. The best thing about the store is the fact that it’s only a few miles away from campus.

7126 Reseda Blvd., Northridge, CA 91335

(818) 342-8533

Hours: Mon-Sat 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Prices: $2 – $500