Do you shop at thrift stores?

from Shiny Style

The New York Times published an article this weekend on the increasing popularity of thrift stores. We're no strangers to second-hand purchases, but know that many fashionista eschew the practice. Keep reading for the Times' explanation of the trend and to throw in your two cents.

As the economy gets worse and worse, we've continually been told that designer womenswear prices are getting higher and higher and show no sign of hitting a ceiling. People keep paying whatever designers charge for everything from cashmere sweaters to handbags.

So it's interesting that the thrift store industry is growing at a rate of 5% per year at the same time. Perhaps women are turning to thrift stores for savings on some wardrobe items, which allows them to channel that savings toward more expensive designer items.

Plus let's not forget in the wake of Earth day that buying clothing from thrift and consignment stores is a way of recycling without sacrficing style. It also eases the guilt if you're not directly supporting companies that employ sweatshop labor, your money is going towards Good Will or a mom-and-pop-type retailer.

So what do you say, do you shop in thrift and consignment stores? Is there a difference between the two? Would you shop in one but not the other? Tell us in the comments below.