Now
Take a look through your closet and assess your needs. Figure out your
size. While you're at it, bag all the stuff you haven't worn in a year,
stuff that doesn't fit. Be brutal. Donate to a thrift store.
Before you go
Wear comfortable clothing w/o snaps and buttons for easy removal. Wear
underwear w/o holes. Eat something and grab a bottle of water. Pee.
Leave kids at home. Leave purse at home or locked in trunk of car.
Bring credit card.
You're there
Parking is easy. You should leave your coat, scarf, etc in car--you'll
need your hands free.
There are men's, women's and children's clothing categorized by type
(pantsuits, casual, overcoats, etc) plus shoes and accessories. Figure
out what you need the most and start looking.
Looking
Don't pull out every item. Better to let your eyes or fingertips scan
the fabric and pull out the most appealing colors and textures. If it
looks good, inspect quickly for stains and holes. Only get items in good
condition or capable of an easy repair. One of the great things about
Designer Days is that these are the creme-de-la-creme of the thriftstore
clothes so they are generally in great condition.
Trying on
Take your haul into the communal curtained room with horrible mirrors.
If you can, stand near someone your own size so you can inspect her
rejects. I've gotten some great stuff this way! Put all of your stuff on
a chair, and go for it. It is considered perfectly good manners to ask a
complete stranger how something looks. People from all over the city
have been coming to Designer Days for years and like me, look forward to
it. There are racks on casters for you to hang your own rejects. You can
buddy up with a friend or ask a guard in the dressing area to keep an
eye on your stuff while you go out and look for more great items.
Good luck!
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