Men's Style: High & Low Pictorial

MASTER THRIFTERS

Michael Vollbracht is not the only thrifter extraordinare with CL connections. Account exec Anthony Carbone is a bargain-hunting fiend, too. Here are a few tips from the masters. —DW

VOLLBRACHT

The rule: “Nothing over $15 and try to go on Seniors’ Day.”

Favorite thrifting spots: St Vincent de Paul, St. Petersburg; Suncoast Hospice, on Belcher near Nursery Rd.; Kimberly House and Salvation Army, Largo

The best Salvation Army thrift: “The one off Bay to Bay on MacDill.”

(see below).

Why he thrifts: “I really cannot stand to go in and buy new clothes. The fun of it is to get something you know is worth $250 and you get it for $2.50.”

Tactic: “Take someone with you who knows what good fabrics are; go down the line and touch and feel. And of course, [look at] the labels. If it’s a Ralph Lauren or a Gap you know the quality is good.”

The fit: “I never try on anything. I just don’t want to take my clothes off anywhere. Put the waist of the pant around your neck; if they fit around the neck they’ll fit the waist. And if they don’t fit, you only wasted $2.50.”

Extra tip: “Go anywhere the gays give their clothes away.”

CARBONE

He has a system: “I don’t veer from my regimen: every Wednesday at 9 [because it’s half-price then] at the Salvation Army on MacDill off Bay to Bay. It’s like a standing date. If I have a shopping addiction, this is the one drink I have a week.”

What he buys: “Oxfords — Brooks Brothers or Polo. Suits. I bought a Hugo Boss jacket there. My tailor is right on the way to work; I just go by Rafaela’s and drop off whatever I’ve bought.”

Hygiene: “I get it cleaned before I wear it, even if it has a drycleaning tag on it.”

Best deal: A Ralph Lauren Purple Label suit for $29 that he got for half price at $15.

Why he thrifts: “I like the hunt.”