How to Thrift Part 2

There are a lot of jeans here so you really have to look, I like darker wash so I don't waste my time looking through each pair of 1980's acid wash with the worlds highest waist. Look for "rise" the size of the zipper gives it away. A 8 inch zipper is trouble. Two words: Mom Jeans. Run for your life!

You have to develop your "thrift vision" or you will be lost here.

Since we live in Colorado you can find a ton of ski wear, outdoor gear, warm parkas, and jackets. Many of them have the tags still on them. But you have to think "thrifty" you might find them in the summer, so look "out of season".
What the heck is wrong with this camera.....This is a Banana Republic sweater. But it was an "XS" don't buy it just because it is a good deal.

No one wants to be choked by a sweater all season!

Nope, still blurry, you get the point.

Banana Republic suit size 2. It could have come in with the sweater above that is an XS.

Which leads me to my next point. If you find one thing in your size from Banana Republic for example look for more. Rarely does anyone take the time to donate from your wardrobe one piece at a time. If you see something that you like in your size look for more from that donation. You never know

This says Halloween Costume to me. But someone could come in and say Perfect for Fall! There is something for everyone, and A Lot of things that won't be to your liking. Keep trying. I find amazing things because I enjoy the hunt!

1. People who donate from their wardrobe DON'T do it a piece at a time. If you see one thing that you like keep looking you will probably stumble across many more from the same donation. I have never seen a person drive up and hand over a shirt or a pair of jeans. But I have seen giant stacks of clothing on hangers. (When I see a huge section of men's shirts and suits all with tags or in the same size, I think someone has gotten himself in trouble. (I may or may not know someone who took her husbands entire side of the closet to the G-Dub) His loss your gain. (REALLY good stuff!!) There may have been some golf clubs in that donation as well.

2. Buy out of season, or if you have children buy the next size up.

3. Go with names you trust. Levi's, Gap, Old Navy......(especially for boys).

Banana Republic, White House Black Market, Lucky.....You just have to look.

Good Luck and go today!

Thrifting 101

A beautiful day for thrifting!

Very empty parking lot. Wait what time is it again?

Get there early. You know that I have this crazy time issue so basically I just look at the small hand and then guess. Maybe that is why the parking lot is empty. I wanted to get there early but maybe not this early. Oh well.

50% off day.....

Don't worry I brought coffee...In my favorite cup.

Hey Lady! You don't just pull up and get our of your car and go stand in the front of the line. Do you see us waiting here?

Seriously some people have no G-Dub manners!

Dang it! Coffee on my shirt already?! Good thing I'm at the G-Dub!

(Clearly that lady's fault)

These things work great, keep some in your glove box.

On to shopping....

The Must Have Gladiator Sandal.....I don't care what the stores are telling you, it is not Fall in most parts of the country. We still have a few months of warm weather. Pick them up and then re-donate when the snow starts to fall.

The Fall Clog....a wardrobe MUST this season!

(picked these up for a half-off song!)

OK I live in Colorado, and I grew up in cowboy country so really who could resist these turquoise boots! Not my size but I could sell them on ebay. I need to think about it BUT put it in your cart while you think!!

I sell some things on ebay, but I know that athletic equipment sells well. These golf shoes are Foot Joy and they were in great shape! The magic eraser will get the scuffs on in a blink!

What is this little number? My friend Ellen was looking for a small bar height table, oh and the chair came with it! I put that little thing in the back of my car to be delivered. It was less that $8.00. I'm not joking. Half off day is the way to go!!

Holy Moly! Each one of these side tables were $3.50. I have no where to put them, and I was afraid to put them in the garage. My husband does not like the Sanford and Son look. These were hard to leave behind. With a little white paint they would be great for a little girls room. All for the price of a latte apiece!

YIKES......keep walking......don't turn around!

just keep moving, why would anyone buy this? Everyone knows these things come to life and run down the street at night!

Crazy nightmare inducing horribleness.

Jacuzzi Tub. Nuff said.

Tips:

1. Go early!

2. Don't buy things that you think will fit someday, or it is such a bargain that you can't pass it up. If you are just going to re-donate it in 6 months it isn't a bargain after all.

3. You have to leave your retail shopping ideas behind. Thrift stores have off season merchandise as well as timely merchandise. Buy for next season when you see great pieces.

4. Ask about the return policy. My G-dub has a 10 day return policy. You have to return it to the location from where it was purchased.

5. If you wait it will be gone. If you need to think about something put it in your cart. If you don't someone else will pick it up. You don't need to buy it, but thrift stores are one-of-a-kind places. They don't "re-stock". Once it is gone it is gone. That's what makes it fun!!

Thrifty Back to School Edition!

Let me say that I have the sweetest reader named Ann who emailed me to tell me of a little thrift store that she likes to go to. Not only did she give me the greatest find ever, she included directions and everything!! So we were going on a little "back to school on Monday" trip to Glenwood Springs Colorado, and my sweet, lovable husband said, "Sure, we can stop off there!" (What?!) Score!!!
She read of the ever-elusive Dale of Norway sweaters that I collect, but have been yet to find at my local G-Dub. Don't worry I haven't given up yet.

So, here we are leaving the world's best thrift store. Oh did I mention it is located halfway between Vail and Aspen? Yesssssss! OMG did I hit the mother load. Yes I say that every week.

Not Dale of Norway, but a vintage Meister ski sweater from the 1960's or 1970's I would say. Yeah! I live and ski (well no more following the accident) in Colorado, this is perfect! Weeeee! So that is what I got for myself. I also picked up a Lily Pulitzer blazer, and a Burberry long sleeved polo shirt with the Nova Check collar.
My husband found an Armani Suit but not in his size, dang!

A few Juicy items for my niece. (her favorite brand)

Wait.....here is where it gets GOOOOD!

Um Wait....Does that say Rock and Republic?

Are they tiny like my niece?

Why yes they are!!!!!!! They were $25.00 but I couldn't pass them up!
My son did not appreciate the jumping for joy, he is 14 going on 44.

Nor does he appreciate my love for the Thrifty Shoppe.

But seriously who asked him?

Okay on to our regularly scheduled appointment with the Parker G-Dub. I have cognitive therapy right down the street. I work on my brain then I go reward myself with a little look-see.

Goodwill Juicy-ness..... hoody ($3.99)
Goodwill Juicy Capris ($3.99)

I shoved all of the Juicy Deliciousness into a box for my niece! I had to call and tell her about the jeans because I couldn't wait for her to see them!!!!!

That was a fun vacation. More Pix tomorrow!

Goodwill Haul Sneak Peak

I stopped into the Parker Goodwill and picked up a few things:

1 Juicy Couture Hoodie for my niece $3.99

4 Ralph Lauren Dress Shirts $4.99 each

1 Pair of Ralph Lauren Dress pants for the boys $4.99

1 Pair of Brand New Nikes for me! $12.99 ( a little high for the Dub but they were brand spankin new)

Yea for me!!

Oh and this wooden letter tray that for $1.99 that prompted an entire desk re-do in the kitchen!! Check it out on my other blog http://septemberthemarch.blogspot.com/2010/08/desk-re-do.html

Goodwill Table Re-do

I picked up this little side table from the G-Dub for $12.99
The detail was a little jacked up on one side so....

I took a butter knife and jacked up the other side! Viola!

I took off the handle and started to paint her right up!!
I used spray primer then Heirloom White on top. Then I made a wash with Martha Stewart "Sharkey Gray" blend of paint and water (50-50)

You cant even tell that the embelishments are a little off. Perfect, and yet not, just like I like it.

I think I'll move her into my bedroom, but she's hanging out on the patio for now.