1. Don't buy anything that doesn't fit. I often try to rationalize ill-fitting clothes with "Oh if I just lose 5 pounds or try to shrink it," but if it doesn't fit now, the odds of it fitting later or being worn at all are slim. Just because it was originally expensive doesn't mean it's worth the few dollars you'd spend on it.
2. Don't buy anything with stains. Often thrift stores or those who donate run it through the wash before giving it away, so if something is still there, it's probably not going away.
3. Don't be seduced by labels! This is a big one. I like to ask myself, "If it didn't have this label, would I still wear it?" If you even have to think about this one, don't buy it.
J.Crew Finds...
J.Crew aubergine cable-knit v-neck sweater, $4
J.Crew light blue cotton v-neck sweater, $5
J.Crew black cotton v-neck sweater, $5
I am in love with this sweater! It was a size bigger than I usually wear, but it was almost brand-new and very comfortable. I've worn it lounging around the house with leggings, out and about with khakis and tassel loafers, and even to bed. Simply cannot get enough of it.
J.Crew Liberty of London shirt, $5
It's a bit tight in the shoulders, but given that this is originally a $150 shirt, I couldn't pass it up... even though I violated one of my basic rules of thrifting.
J.Crew black Jackie cardigan, $5
J.Crew navy Clare cardigan, $5
Although these look like the exact same cardigan, based on the labels, I think the black one is from the regular J.Crew store ("Jackie") and the navy one is from the factory store ("Clare").
Ralph Lauren Finds...
Ralph Lauren purple long-sleeve polo, $5
I find a lot of RL at thrift stores, but they're often the skinny fit polos, which fit me terribly (I'm more of a classic fit gal). They are always too wide and too short in the torso. I found this long-sleeve polo a size up from what I usually wear, and though it's still a bit shorter than I would prefer, it's very roomy and cozy for a polo. I think it will make a great weekend shirt in the fall.
Ralph Lauren navy v-neck t-shirt, $3
... And a Few More Finds
Lacoste black polo, $3
Adidas ClimaCool golf shirt, $4 Don't ask me why, but I've been fixated on golfing lately. Unfortunately, it's been too cold and rainy in Wisconsin to golf. I bought this shirt as a (hopefully) good weather charm. 
Navy surcingle belt, $1
The belt is too big, but I plan to use Oxford Cloth Button-Down's tutorial on shortening a surcingle belt. Update to follow!
Awesome pick-ups! I hope that your belt turns out well. Way to stick to your rules!
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