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As college students, most of us cannot afford $40 shirts and $100 jeans.

Many students have resorted to taking up the lost art of shopping at thrift stores. Many cringe at the thought of wearing someone's old clothing or of even setting foot inside a thrift store. But for those brave enough to make the trek to the store, a plethora of vintage items, clothing and art treasures are at their fingertips.

"My favorite items have probably been my records and my onesies, also known as rompers. A lot of people know me as 'the girl that wears those onesies.' I guess it's a trademark," Alaina Gutierrez, sophomore and graphic design major, said.

Gabrielle Lemieux, junior and graphic design major, and Jenny Lee, senior and graphic design major, are both fans of thrift shopping.

"I definitely enjoy the adventure of never knowing what you're going to find!" Lemieux said.

"I am more of an antique shopping kind of gal. My favorite place to go that really isn't expensive is in Pomona. It's called Antique Row," Lee said.

There are many treasures to be found in various thrift, vintage, and antique stores around the Inland Empire.

So, on to the real question: how can one be a successful thrift store shopper? Here are just a few tips:

1. Be prepared: Most thrift, vintage and antique stores will only take cash or check. Try to be a step ahead so that you won't have to give up on your treasures. And, as a bonus, having cash will give you a tangible budget so that you don't spend too much money on your
outing.

2. Do your research: If you are going shopping for clothes, then find the best places for clothing items. If for furniture, find the best places for furniture. Keep in mind your purpose and what you are looking for so that you don't get sidetracked by other things.

3. Look for bargains: Look for deals at your local thrift store. The Salvation Army on Magnolia Avenue has 50% off Fridays every other week. Also, know the worth of the item you are going to purchase. If a shirt has stains or is torn, it is probably not worth $5. Assess and scrutinize items before your purchase.

4. Try to barter: Some thrift stores have policies on their prices, but it never hurts to ask if you can get something a little cheaper. The worst that an employee can tell you is no. But what if he or she says yes? Never leave the store with "what if" in your head.

5. Make it an outing: Get a bunch of friends to go off campus for a day to scour the city's thrift shops. Use the bus, it's free for students of California Baptist University, grab lunch at a local eatery and spend the day looking for small trinkets and vintage finds.

6. Be creative: Mix and match eras. Look for a chunky belt to pair with a sweet sundress or records to hang up on your dorm or apartment walls.

7. Be eco-friendly: Re- purposing furniture, clothing, accessories and more is very healthy for the environment. If you are a fan of the green movement, shopping at your local thrift stores is a great way to enhance your love for the environment!

Some of the local thrift stores are the Salvation Army, Goodwill, Mission Galleria- Antiques, Gifts and Collectibles and a few smaller stores located around the Mission Inn. If you are willing to drive, there are also a lot of stores located in the Pomona, Fullerton, Pasadena and Costa Mesa area. These include Crossroads Trading Company, Buffalo Exchange and Aardvarks.

Remember, someone's trash is another man's treasure. Are you ready to find some new treasures?