Brandi Hutchinson | Contributing Writer

Imagine going on an unplanned scavenger hunt and purchasing some of your favorite vintage antiques.

Imagine exploring diverse styles, unique gifts and great spending habits all while avoiding a busy mall.

That’s the thrifting experience in a nutshell.

Thrifting is a trend that many overlook due to societal standards. It’s an uplifting experience because most of thrift stores are charity-based, so you’re benefiting while being benefited.

Here are some tips and tricks to expand your knowledge on the benefits of thrift shopping.

Wardrobe Change

Over time, your style will evolve because thrifting offers so many unique assortments. The majority of the time, when you buy something from a thrift store, you’re most likely the only person to have that specific piece of clothing.

It’s a win-win situation, and who would turn that down? Modern trends that you struggle to find in your everyday stores are found in thrift stores.

So, you’ll never find yourself in that awkward predicament where someone is wearing the same thing as you.

Designer for Only $5

Vintage fashion has been a fad for years now, and it doesn’t look like it’s going out of style anytime soon.

Everyone knows that when it comes to vintage and antique items, they aren’t cheap. You’ll see people flaunting their closets full of vintage name-brand designers on social media sites and wonder how they hit the jackpot.

Well, the cat’s out the bag, ladies and gents; thrifting is the answer. Good quality apparel valued at least $50-$100, you’ll find for sale at $5 or less.

Adventure Time 

Thrifting may seem stressful when you’re looking for something specific; but that’s the key–never go into the store looking for a certain thing. Always stay open-minded, as if you’re going on a treasure hunt. Discovering an antique article of clothing is like finding a pot of gold. “Thrifting is kind of like going to your grandparents’ house and going through their stuff,” said sophomore Jordyn Brown, a broadcast journalism major from Long Island. “It’s like finding those old baseball cards or that pair of jeans that you really wanted but could never find in stores.”

Thrifting vs. Mall Shopping

The tranquility of shopping at thrift stores is very similar to the relaxation you feel while shopping online. Shopping at malls is always harder because you’re faced with a competitive crowd and outrageous prices. Frankly, you’re more likely to leave the mall empty-handed than you are the thrift store. It’s safe to say that leaving the thrift store with bulks of clothes and a healthy bank account is the most ideal way to shop.

Brandi Hutchinson | Contributing Writer

Although “self-love” may seem self-explanatory, it can be demonstrated in
a variety of ways.
Step 1: Put yourself first.
Step 2: Love yourself unconditionally, no matter who is watching.
Step 3: Free yourself of societal standards and create your own instead.
“Self-love is honestly indescribable,” said Hampton University second-year
journalism major Zoe Griffin. “It's being your own shoulder to cry on and
consoling yourself. It's about making sure that you get enough sleep and that
you’ve journaled enough for the week. It's about having the absolute best interest
in yourself, unapologetically.”
Self-love becomes a challenge when people allow society’s perspective on
beauty define their own beauty. It’s a concept that is often brushed under the rug
and constantly overlooked. A huge decline in intimate relationships is often due
to companions not having a better understanding of themselves. With that being
said, it is impossible to love someone correctly without loving yourself first. The
term “self-love” is more than just feeling beautiful on the outside; it’s a process of
growth on physical, mental and spiritual levels.
Begin by evaluating yourself. Take time to separate the positive and
negative energy you keep around. In due time, the energy you exude will be
reciprocated back into you. With evaluation comes more independence. A huge
weight is lifted off your shoulders once you start relying on yourself, rather than
others. Each day, take a moment to tell yourself: “I am human, and humans are
not perfect.”  What another person defines beauty to be doesn’t justify your inner
soul within.
Aria Henry, a second-year strategic communications major from Long
Island, N.Y., defined inner beauty as: “A love that comes from within and [is] shed
throughout your life.” Henry added, “Your true self is the one that not everyone gets to see because it’s filled with so many insecurities, but once you start to love that part of
yourself, it is a light that you cannot even begin to dim.”
Never let a day go by where you don’t encourage yourself to be the best
that you can be. Avoid negative phrases like “I’m scared” or “I can’t,” and replace
them with “I can” and “I will.” Sooner or later, you’ll see yourself taking a lot more chances. Stop comparing yourself to everyone else and start exploring your
spirituality. This will allow you to learn more about yourself.Try opening up your mind to new thoughts, feelings and passions.
“When I got to Hampton, I [met] new people that [were] different than
me,” said Jordyn Brown, a second-year journalism major from Long Island, N.Y. “I
think that everyone, at least once in their lifetime, has to expand their horizons
because staying in one spot prevents you from growing.”
Build up your strength to let fears go, because they will only make you miss
out on your blessings.
Finally, spoil yourself. Add a prayer to your daily routine and reach out to
God even when you feel like life is good. View each day as one filled with new
opportunities and blessings. Fall so deeply in love with your solitude that you’ll
become proud to be authentically you.