Nifty thrifty: Region\'s abundant resale stores stretch fashion ...

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"There are a lot of bargains out there, but you have to be pickywith where you shop and what you buy at thrift stores since thereare no refunds or returns," Mr. Beemer said.
After driving around the region in search of good thrift stores,here is a list of my favorites. Hours vary at each store, so callbefore visiting.
Thriftique
7400 1/2 Church St.
Swissvale
412-271-0544
Located in Swissvale's business district, this thrift store is likeWal-Mart -- one-stop shopping -- and it's where I found most of thepieces of my new "thrift" outfit. The store carries books, bigfurniture, small decorations, shoes, clothes and accessories.Furniture is arranged by size, with smaller nightstands and chairsin the front and larger armoires and dressers in the back. Shoesand clothes are arranged by color and size. Clothes also arearranged by style, such as children's, juniors, misses, menswearand plus sizes.
Most of the men's and women's shirts are priced less than $5, whilepants and skirts range from $3 to $15. A designer corner issectioned off and displays high-end brands: Michael Kors, LizClaiborne, Anne Klein and Ann Taylor, to name a few. Weddingdresses from David's Bridal also are available. There also is animpressive selection of designer shoes and purses from Nine Westand Aldo.
The prices in designer corner are slightly higher than the rest ofthe store but are still bargains compared to their retail value. Ifyou visit the store's Web site at www.ncjwpgh.org you can print out a coupon for 20 percent off.
Thriftique is run by the National Council of Jewish Women inPittsburgh, and all of its profits support nonsectariancommunity-service projects. One provides free shopping sprees forhomeless or mentally ill clients.
Crimes of Fashion
4628 Forbes Ave.
Oakland
412-682-7010
Shoppers with a taste for floral prints and antique fashions willnot walk away empty-handed, if they can find parking. Located nearthe intersection of Forbes and Craig Street, Crimes of Fashionlives up to its name, with styles ranging from purple elephantprint sarongs to hot pink corduroy pants. The clothes arehaphazardly hung throughout the store, even on the walls andceiling, making it difficult to sort through.
Although its clothes may not be suitable for all age groups, itsaccessories are extensive and chic. It has a variety of both longand short strands of pearls as well as costume jewelry rings andbracelets.
Yesterday's News
1405 E. Carson St.
South Side
412-431-1712
Like the many bars that surround it, Yesterday's News targetsadults. Most of the clothes are either too large or too vintage forteenage fashion, but the store is filled with different styles andtextures. The clothes are neatly organized by style and texture,making it easy to find a black velvet cocktail dress or denimoverall shorts.
Clothes are abundant in this store, but they are certainly not itsspecialty. Yesterday's News features an interesting collection ofhats, from fedoras and berets to bonnets and pillbox hats.
Family Heirlooms
530 Washington Road
Mt. Lebanon
412-531-4750
This is a house-turned-thrift-store and may go by unnoticed by therandom passerby, but it shouldn't be passed up. The quaint store isarranged to look like a cozy home with decorations on the wall andcookware in the kitchen. The dining room features fine china andporcelain tea sets, while the bathroom displays a variety ofcandles and bath salts. Around the corner from the bathroom is abedroom with a small collection of women's clothes from brands suchas Jones New York, Ann Taylor, Liz Claiborne, American Eagle andCalvin Klein.
Unlike many thrift stores that sell mainly clothes and accessories,Family Heirlooms provides an eclectic shopping experience. On thesecond floor, shoppers will find an assortment of furniture as wellas books and children's clothes.
Animal Advocates Thrift Shop
35 Wabash St.
West End
412-928-9837
Although not as quaint as Family Heirlooms, the Animal AdvocatesThrift Shop is also a two-story house. The space is small, andmaneuvering through the piles of toys and clothes is difficult.There are some recognizable brands such as Old Navy and Gap, butthey are scarce.
Selection is small but the prices are low. The thrift store offersshoppers a brown bag bargain: They can purchase a bag for $3 andtake home what fits in the bag.
Wearafter Shop
4752 Liberty Ave.
Bloomfield
412-687-2600
In the heart of Bloomfield, the Wearafter Shop could be mistakenfor a high-end retail shop. The brightly lit store carries alimited selection of brand name clothing such as Lacoste, Polo,Dooney and Burke and Nine West. Although the prices are slightlyhigher than those at an average thrift store, they are bargains forthese big names. During the fall and winter seasons the store alsocarries vintage and gently used furs.
A portion of the shop's profit goes toward the Junior League ofPittsburgh, an organization of women that supports volunteerism andcommunity improvement. The Wearafter Shop also supports the Women'sCenter & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh and provides freeclothing to the program's participants.
The Clothesline
4804 Liberty Ave.
Bloomfield
412-621-2498
A couple of blocks up from the Wearafter shop is another women'sthrift store. While it does have some girls' clothes, TheClothesline sells primarily women's fashion with brands such asMichael Kors, St. John Knits, Banana Republic and L.L. Bean. Unlikemany thrift stores, most of its clothes are new and given to thestore in bulk by generous donors. Recently the store received 32never-worn St. John suits.
All of the store's profits are donated to Magee-Womens Hospital forbreast cancer research.
East End Community Thrift
5723 Penn Ave.
Bloomfield
412-361-6010
This thrift shop almost resembles a Goodwill store. It is spacious,and its inventory consists of an array of clothes as well ashousehold items such as computers. Although it does not refurbishcomputers as Goodwill does, it offers shoppers a small selection ofcomplete systems with a monitor, keyboard and mouse.
The store is run by volunteers and is connected with the seniorcitizens of the National Urban League. Every Tuesday is seniorcitizens day, and all clothing is 50 percent off for people over65.
Good Samaritan Thrift Store
500 Lincoln Highway
North Versailles
412-829-1898
At first glace, the interior is designed like a typical thriftstore. Accessories are in one corner, small furniture in anotherand clothes racks are spread across the center of the room.However, clothes at Good Samaritan Thrift Store are organized in anunusual way. All of the clothes are arranged by size, style andprint. This system allows shoppers to quickly find what they arelooking for as well as search for similar items.
The store's profits go to children's programs such as World Vision,Latin America Childcare and Light of Life.
A Child's Wardrobe and Adults Too
2200 Murray Ave.
Squirrel Hill
412-422-3033
The once all-children's thrift store now features clothes forinfants, toddlers, men, women, plus sizes and maternity. Becausespace is limited, the store often displays its clothes outsideduring business hours. Patience is essential when shopping indoorsbecause the entire store is full of clothes. There are wall shelvesabove the clothes racks with boxes of socks and boxes of $3 shirtsline the walls.
The store is holding its annual summer clearance sale. All clothesand shoes are 30 percent to 60 percent off. The sale ends Friday.