One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Truer words have never been spoken. For fashion enthusiasts who know the value of a dollar, or for those in search of clothes with a little more character than today’s mass produced department store fill, vintage and second hand stores are a godsend.

Vintage shopping is one of my favorite pastimes. When abroad with hours to kill on a lazy Sunday afternoon, browsing vintage stores and the rush of uncovering the perfect find provides the ultimate sense of accomplishment only a true shopper would understand.

Over the years I have scored fabulous finds during my vintage shopping escapades from vintage Versace belts in Rome, Italy to perfectly broken-in Armani riding boots in New York City. But, where to go in Nassau for a uniquely aged piece at a great price?

Aside from the occasional great yard sale where you may be able to find a good piece on a lucky day, there are very few locations on the island to purchase quality second hand clothing and shoes. However, there are quite a few places where you can score fabulous old, quirky accessories. One of them is the Consignment store on Nassau Street where I stumbled across a great earring and necklace set at a great price.

I am still mastering the art of haggling (something I always get a little embarrassed to do) but I was able to purchase a hand strung, fresh water pearl necklace with a large butterfly shaped stained glass charm with matching earrings originally for $20! From the intricate stained glass charm the retail value of the set is far greater.

We cannot all afford designer clothing fresh off the racks, but your wardrobe can only take so much mass produced “made in china” junk before you yearn for a handmade, quality piece that won’t fall apart after two wears. If your budget is tight, then second handing it is the way to go.

Below is a short list of stores that carry second hand, vintage or vintage inspired clothing and accessories. Most of the stores on this list carry very limited clothing, however you can find great vintage costume jewelry, hats, scarves, bags and other accessories.

A. Baker & Sons, Bay Street

Balmon Antiques, Bay Street

Bamboo-Bamboo, Lyford Cay Shopping Centre

Odessa Gardens, Centerville

Thrifty Way, East Street

The Consignment Shop, Nassau Street

The Salvation Army, Mackey Street

If you’ve scoured our local thrift and second hand stores to no avail, but you’ve been eying some great pieces your girlfriend has buried in her closet, then gather some of your girlfriends for a ‘swishing’ party. A huge trend in major cities around the world, swishing is a cost-effective and green alternative to traditional shopping. Women gather and they each bring a quality piece of clothing or accessory to swap with their friends at no cost.

We all have items in our wardrobe that have been gently or barely worn and still in great condition that we have simply lost interest in. Swishing provides the opportunity to freshen up your wardrobe with new pieces you love while ridding it of pieces you are no longer fond of.

There is even a website http://www.swishing.org/ which will provide resources to help you plan your own swishing party.

According to the website, following these simple guidelines below will help you organize a successful swishing party.

Running a Swishing party is simple, just follow the Rules of the Rail:

1) Everyone must bring at least one item of quality clothing.
2) You will have half an hour to browse before the swish opens.
3) No item may be claimed before the swish opens.
4) As soon as the swish is declared open, everyone may take what they want.

Even when your wallet is a little tight, there are fun ways to freshen up your wardrobe and get beautiful pieces you will treasure for years for little or no cash.