manual Thrift shop chic Photo by Joshua Kendall How to Shop for Secondhand Clothes By Misty Huber, Jayplaywriter You can find cheap and fashionable clothes at second-hand stores such as Arizona Trading Company, 734 Massachusetts St. Looking back on my adolescent wardrobe, I can scarcely remember a single one of my favorite outfits that didn't come, at least in part, from our local thrift store. My grandma worked there and whenever someone would drop off clothing of particular quality or style, she would call my two cousins, my sister and I to dig through the treasures. Istill shopresale stores in Lawrence for both vintage and newer items. The stores differ on their definitions of vintage, but it's generally clothing from the 1980s and older. If you are looking for the least expensive used clothing, visit thrift shops such as Goodwill, 2200 W31 $^{st}$ St., and the Salvation Army, 1818 Massachusetts St., but be prepared to hunt through the racks. Finding something you like that fits and doesn't have any stains or holes can be tricky. But I find something every time I go in, and besides, searching is half of the fun. Rachel Johnson, Goodwill employee, says she usually picks up tops, pants and jewelry when she shops secondhand. She pays the most attention to clothes' design. "I like clothing that looks interesting and different than what you'd get at Old Navy or the mall," she says. Other resale clothing and consignment stores, such as Sugartown Traders, 918 Massachusetts St., tend to be pricier, but also are more selective in the quality of clothes they take in. And they have more vintage items. Tess Bricker, Kansas City, Kan., senior, says clothing at Arizona Trading Company, 734 Massachusetts St., is judged by condition, style and brand before it's accepted. She says she looks for the same things when she shops resale clothing: looking out for holes, stains and alterations. The store carries 10 to 15 percent vintage clothing and has special racks for vintage dresses and menswear. Right next to Massachusetts Street is a New York-inspired, split-level store called Flush, 17 E. $17^{\mathrm{th}}$ St., but it's easy to miss if you're not looking for it. The store has half secondhand clothing and half new, Derek Hogan, owner, says. He says the store's concept is mixing decades to create funky, unique looks. "We think it's cool to find something new and match it with something classic to create your own style," he says. "Today's designers are using vintage for inspiration, and these are the originals." Marie Mullinix says she used to have a phobia of wearing other people's clothes, but after spending some time shopping on Massachusetts Street, she decided to give it a try. Now she shops secondhand once or twice a month with friends. Her favorite items are vintage shirts and cool jewelry, but she still can't bring herself to buy secondhand shoes. Before you purchase an item, check the stitching and lining, and make sure the zippers work and the buttons are still there. Make sure there aren't any scratches on glasses and jewelry is not chipped. And always try on clothes to make sure they fit and you like them, otherwise you and your purchase could end up back at the store. Shopping Guide Arizona Trading Company 734 Massachusetts St. 749-2377 Lasting Impressions 711 W 23rd St. 749-5122 Flush 17 E.7th St. 843-3663 Goodwill 2200 W 31st St. 331-3908 The Salvation Army 1818 Massachusetts St. 749-4208 Sugartown Traders 918 Massachusetts St. 331-2791 Damagecontrol Tune Buster We all get earworm: when you just can't get that over-played song out of your head. So before you go berserk, comfort yourself with this: there is absolutely no proven way to get rid of it. Don't lose hope, there are methods to cure the madness. In fact, the man who studies earworm, professor James Kellaris from the University of Cincinnati, recommends that you try this: The completion strategy: Trick your brain and listen to your rambunctious ditty from start to finish. Your mind will either end your personal studio session, or let it intensify. It's a gamble. Source: http://www.uc.edu/news/kelaris.htm -Megan Claus minute fix Droopy plants You were doing so well with your house plant that you were considering rewarding your responsible self with a fish. But now your leafy friend is looking downright sad. Your instinct is to water it — and that's probably a good idea — but other factors could be causing your plant's wilting. The plant may not be receiving the right amount of light, or could be in an area that is too hot or cold. If you know the type of plant, you can look up tips for care on Garden Helper, www.thegardenhelper.com. Stephanie Lovett 11.4.04 Jayplay 7