Thrift pros and scores

San Diego is known for its great weather, beaches, and craft beer. I think we need to add another item to that list — thrift stores. From the row of resale shops in Hillcrest on 5th (Buffalo Exchange, Flashbacks, Lost and Found) and Chula Vista’s thrift shops on Broadway, to vintage boutiques like Frock You!, Bad Madge and Co., and La Loupe, our city is brimming with bargains.

I found a couple of well-dressed San Diegans wearing some great thrift store items.

First up, Jessica Krump, with her two-toned hair, looked ever-so-feminine in an amazing blue and white, full skirt dress while browsing the racks at La Loupe in Normal Heights. The make-up artist has an extensive collection of vintage dresses.

In North Park, Shenandoah Hammond wore head-to-toe thrift shop scores. Working at Thrift Trader gives her an unfair advantage.

“My style changes every day. Working here gives me a great opportunity to dress differently.”

The beautiful headpiece Hammond wore was the only non-thrifted item she had on.

"My girlfriend bought it for me last Valentines day. I love it. It’s from India.”

Coincidentally, I took a photo of Hammond two years ago during her goth phase. She has gone through a bit of a transformation since that time.

“My style has changed a lot,” said Hammond, “Back then I was more about comfort.”

Lastly, I found Shana Buenaventura in Hillcrest. The 27-year-old hostess looked flawless in her pastel vintage dress and thin olive green belt. She paired her look with picture-perfect red lips and subtle curls.

Buenaventura has a closet full of vintage pieces.

“My favorite items of clothing belonged to my grandmother. I have tons of her stuff from the Philippines.”

Buenventura’s favorite thrift store score is a doorknocker purse she found at the United Cerebral Palsy Thrift Store in Chula Vista.