One Day, Two Novice Thrifters, $98 Worth of Treasures

We sought out fashionable finds at five thrift stores. Here are our top picks.

We sought out fashionable finds at five thrift stores. Here are our top picks.

10:30 a.m. Look Again Resale Shop900 King St., Alexandria,703-683-2558

Holly: The first floor of this small shop houses dishes, appliances, books and a quirky but highly affordable record collection; in fact, it was my discovery last summer of the soundtrack to Claude Lelouch's 1966 Oscar winner "Un Homme et Une Femme" that led me back to this store. But there's much more here: You can find a set of china (if you're not picky about patterns) or delight in such oddball finds as drapery fabrics, miniature wooden clogs and a gigantic gilt frame. And, yes, I'll probably never make fondue in my $4 pot, but I couldn't resist the cheery yellow finish.

Michelle: The orphaned housewares, dilapidated electronics and racks of musty clothes didn't assuage any of the doubts I had about thrift-store shopping. But perhaps I hadn't found my groove, because Holly quickly pulled one of our best clothing finds from an overstuffed rack: a navy accordion-pleated long dress with an intricate bottom. Maxi length, Grecian shape and lace. So au courant! By the time we checked out, I was feeling a bit more optimistic.

Our finds: Enamel fondue pot, $4; vintage gown, $10; record, $1

Total: $15

11:30 a.m. Joseph's Coat Thrift Store3022 Annandale Rd., Falls Church, 703-538-6289

Holly: A colleague confided that she'd found a Cynthia Steffe top here for $10, so I had high hopes. Maybe my fingers would alight on some $15 Theory cashmere! Or perhaps a Marc Jacobs castoff? Imagine my surprise when I spotted racks of clothing organized by color, a system that might sound helpful but is really just overwhelming. A few of the store's perks? A section devoted to plus-size clothing and an abundance of holiday decorations. No more overpriced ornaments for me!

Michelle: Organization is definitely Joseph's Coat's bag, because not only were the clothes color-grouped (for better or for worse), but its ample shoe selection was sorted by size. We scored with trendy fringed boots. Then, almost by chance, we spotted quirky, retro-inspired appetizer plates hiding among tarnished candlesticks and old kitchen appliances. Sold!

Our finds: Fringed cowboy boots, $16; four appetizer plates, $4.50 each

Total: $34.

2 p.m. Unique Bazaar12211 Veirs Mill Rd., Silver Spring, 301-962-0600

Michelle: This store is enormous. It's split into two halves: The thrift side is row after intimidating row of typical thrift-store hodgepodge: housewares; women's, men's and children's clothing; accessories; jewelry; board games. The bazaar side is, well, bizarre. It's a smorgasbord of more than 50 independent vendors. You can get your hair cut, buy a cellphone (or a goldfish!) and snag a quinceañera dress, all in one stop. Our take: Stick to the thrift side. My fave finds were a few rugged Coach bags in thick, saddle-hue leather. I suddenly imagined slinging one effortlessly over a girly, ruffled dress -- so Kate Moss.

Holly: I was impressed that a selection of this magnitude could be so meticulously sorted. Clothes are organized by garment type, then by size. The jewelry resides untangled in glass cases, with pieces ranging from antique pendants (such as a locket that once held solid perfume) to funky, exotic chokers. I perked up at the array of boys' sport coats, which can easily be styled into the season's must-have cropped blazer by choosing a snug-fitting one and scrunching the sleeves. High-end takes on this trend are ringing up at as high as $500; I get to try the look for less than $10.

Our finds: small Coach messenger bag, $19.99; boys' blazer, $6.99; Avon antique-finish locket, $5.99