KRISTA CURRY: FANTASTIC DEALS >>>

Though it's geared toward workingwomen, Junior League of Tacoma’s thrift store, Second Closet, has a variety of merchandise for both men and women (I have to add, I bought a fantastically slutty dress there last summer. It's not all for the workingwoman!)

Steven Grant, who manages the store for the nonprofit group Junior League of Tacoma, declared that, "Everything is priced to go right out the door." He's not exaggerating. A BP (the Nordstrom junior clothing line) green cardigan, size medium, is $6. An adorable brown embroidered blazer, Autograph brand, is $9 in a size 8. A pair of size 6 pinstripe pants, The Limited brand, is $7, and Ann Taylor stretch khakis, also size 6, are $9.50. There are some great dresses including brands such as Tommy Bahama and Ann Taylor.

The men's collection is significantly smaller, but a couple of nice items included a Great Northwest sweater, size medium, for $4 and a pair of Crater Ridge heavy-duty lined snow boots for $7, size 11. Bring it on, Winter Blast '09! (I'm a pessimist.)

Don't miss browsing through the dollar rack, though. While, indeed, many items were priced at $1 for a reason, some were exciting finds. A ribbed Gap turtleneck and American Eagle turtleneck, both size mediums, were in there, as was a Victoria's Secret sweatshirt from their Pink clothing collection, a size small. The sweatshirt even had the $44.50 tag still on it.

Second Closet seems to be oft overlooked, which is a shame. A lot of their items are really fantastic. And the rest? Well, they're only a dollar.

[Second Closet, 1003 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.383.9269]

LINK: Weekly Volcano’s Bargain Guide is Feb. 5. Details here.