I’ve never been one to buy off the mannequin. “Coordinates” and “separates” aren’t my style. And from a shopping perspective, they’re just no fun. Call me fickle, but part of the thrill has always been the chase – scanning the racks, digging through clearance piles and discovering that overlooked gem.

That’s why I adore thrift, consignment and resale shops. You never know what you’re going to find, and the fact that it’s a fraction of retail cost makes the victory even sweeter. Trust me on this one: last week, I found a pair of dreamy 7 for all Mankind jeans at Timeless Fashion in downtown Bangor for $15. I barely made it out the door before I started calling my friends to brag.

As a seasoned thrift shopper, I know when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em, when to walk away and when to run (um, moth-eaten “vintage” cashmere for $35? No way). You can, too, if you follow my handy tips for successful secondhand shopping.

For starters, always go when you have enough time to really scour the place. I shop by textile, a time-saving skill I acquired over the years, which means I can scan a rack of clothing and spot a quality piece just by looking at the fabric. Look closely at an item for rips, tears, stains, pills and moth holes. Check the zipper, armpits and all seams. If you have a good tailor, you may be able to have damaged items repaired.

When I spot a designer item or something a little higher-end, I look at the price tag. Like I said, just because something’s cashmere (or from Gap or Aeropostale – or if it’s new) doesn’t automatically make it worth more. I only buy items I like, and I only pay the bare minimum for them. If a store offers a discount card (Goodwill and Salvation Army both do), I buy it. It’s worth the price of admission. And I never dicker unless an item is in rough shape.

I’ve assembled a clip-out list of my favorite Maine resale shops, which is small enough to tuck into your purse. I’d love to hear about your favorite shops, as well – and your best thrift-store finds. I’ll publish them in a future column.

Good luck and happy, thrifty shopping!

ShopGirl would love to hear from you! Send questions, comments or suggestions by e-mail to kandresen@bangor

dailynews.net, by U.S. mail to Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329, or by fax to 941-9476. Tune in to ShopGirl at 5 p.m. Fridays on WLBZ-2.

Favorite Maine Resale Shops

Bangor

Goodwill

Stillwater Avenue, 947-7984

What to look for: Great pants (and lots of them), new sweaters, and the occasional designer item.

Salvation Army

Broadway, 945-5523

What to look for: New items from favorite specialty stores such as the Gap, great furniture selection

The Attic

Center Street, 945-5523

What to look for: High-end items for the home, nice clothing. Proceeds benefit All Saints Catholic School.

Ofelia’s Community Thrift Store

Outer Union Street, 947-9526

What to look for: Anything and everything. I bought two great scarves for a dollar, and the couple in front of me bought a microwave. Plus, everyone in there is cheery. Proceeds benefit various local charities.

Timeless Fashion

Harlow Street, 942-1717

What to look for: Great designer and name-brand clothing in excellent condition. Recent finds include jeans by 7 for all Mankind and Lucky, and a discontinued Angela Adams bag.

American Retro

Main Street, 941-9535

What to look for: Well-priced, stylish clothing from popular stores such as Gap, Old Navy and Aeropostale.

Orono

Orono Thrift Shop

Birch Street (open Wednesday and Saturday only)

What to look for: Fabulous vintage, retro T-shirts and beautiful coats at an excellent price. Plus, the volunteers who run the shop are friendly and helpful. Proceeds benefit Orono Health Association

Ellsworth

Nice Twice

Route 1A, 667-3102

What to look for: Great bags for under $5, a good selection of jewelry and a substantial collection of men’s clothing.

2nd to None

Main Street, 667-1129

What to look for: Fashionable jeans, sweaters and higher-end brands such as Lilly Pulitzer. Clothing with pink tags benefits the local humane society.

Sacred Hoop

High Street, 667-9175

What to look for: The vintage coats are amazing. Nice bags, clothing in all sizes. Proceeds benefit Maine Coast Heritage Trust and other local charities.

Jalysa’s Closet

Water Street, 667-7191

What to look for: Everything. The vintage room is a treasure trove, but the jewelry case is also lots of fun.

Surry

The Village Boutique

Route 172 (Saturdays only through spring)

What to look for: Women’s and children’s clothing in excellent condition and at a fair price.

Brewer

Goodwill

Wilson Street, 989-1511

What to look for: This is my favorite Goodwill location. Beautiful new housewares, fabulous coats and a great selection of higher-end labels (I adore the merino wool wrap sweater from Benetton that I bought there for $6)

Unique Boutique

Wilson Street, 989-1900

What to look for: Special-occasion gowns in excellent condition, cute clothing for juniors, misses and plus-size.

Camden

Frugal Suzy’s

Route 1, (Elm Street) 236-6889

What to look for: Like-new career wear, classic handbags by Coach and Dooney, lovely shoes.

Searsport

Robertson Haberdashery

Route 1 (East Main Street), 548-6509

What to look for: An eclectic selection of contemporary and vintage garb, plus a variety of antiques and primitives. Good prices and a sale room.

Belfast

The Eclectic Closet

Main Street, 338-0451

What to look for: Mod vintage, funky home accessories and unique secondhand clothing with a hip vibe.

Caribou

Second Hand Rose

Herschel Street, 498-2007

What to look for: Beautiful linens, 1950s style skirts and coats – you’ll leave looking like Jackie O.

Presque Isle

Salvation Army

State Street, 764-1816

What to look for: Name-brand items in like-new condition, cool retro men’s clothing. I once found an old-school Dooney & Bourke bag there for $1.99.