Never thought this old Depression Baby would see the younger generation of shoppers seeking out yard sales.

Gucci bags and Ralph Lauren designer sheets were once daily fare for these new bargain hunters. So if you are one of those who walks about with a cell phone light blinking in your ear and more than five credit cards in your purse, listen up. Take it from this seasoned bargain shopper. You can get it cheaper outside the mall—in fact right in the thrift shops and yard sales of West Seattle.

For many years I have practiced what I learned in early life. Never Buy Retail.

There is no shame in reusing what others have decided to sell for a modest price. Don’t you just love to browse amongst the books and belongings of your near neighbors?

My daughter is an inveterate yard sale junkie. We together can find special birthday presents and Christmas gifts on any given weekend when yards become shopping paradises. Just look at this software for managing a checking account! What a find.

And this special plush Easter basket shaped like a bunny lying on its back or bunny ears to clip on a granddaughter’s head.

Vases are always a great value, especially ones that can decorate the fireplace hearth even if you don’t have any flowers in bloom. I always look for end of roll wallpaper to line shelves in the kitchen or a rug to cover the spots on the carpet in front of the fireplace.

One time I even found a wild patterned two piece outfit that I wouldn’t be caught dead in. However, wearing one piece at a time with a mild complementary shade makes two outfits for the price of one.

There is even yardage leftover from the seller’s sewing days which can become a muu-muu or even a sun dress for summer wear. If you still have a video player there are hours of movies available to you without renting or buying.

The deck outside my dining room now holds a round end table, which set me back only $3. And the book lying on it was once a best seller before being marked down to 25 cents.

But beware of those old scrapbooks with plastic covered sticky pages. Your precious photos or news articles won’t ever come off if you decide it is time to redo your collection. Also steer clear of old cooking pots that have been burned on too often or barefoot sandals that may harbor someone else’s fungus.

Personally, I look for hats. Twenty five hats in my closet can always move over for one more. I am still looking for a great blue cloche or a green sun hat for a garden party.

But remember to take compliments on your thrift shop wardrobe without blurting out, “This old thing? It only cost me $2.” Be proud of your chic new look and think of the money you are saving while you walk elegantly in your sleek ivory pants suit with the braided jacket and your yard sale hat topped by a gorgeous orange flower.

It may not be a garment bought at an upscale store but is a look that suits you magnificently. Go for it.

Georgie Bright Kunkel is a freelance writer who can be reached at gnkunkel@comcast.net or 206-935-8663.