TOP 10 THINGS I LOOK FOR AT THRIFT STORES

For me, it’s not so much about the savings as much as the thrill of the find.  However, thrifting is not for everyone. You have to love the game. You have to be persistent and willing to dig for what you want. I love finding unique pieces that have have a past. 

Why you should shop at thrift stores.

• You’ll save money. Unless you become a hoarder, you will spend less on clothing, household item, furniture, etc.
• You’ll dress better. You will be able to afford better fitting, better quality clothing when you buy gently used clothing.
• You’re helping to keep usable goods out of landfills.
• It’s Fun!

The #1 reason I shop at thrift stores

I hate malls. My first job was in a men’s clothing store in the mall. I folded clothing for hours at a time. I wrestled with hangers and dealt with nasty customers day after day. Now. as soon as I walk into a mall all the awful mall moments come rushing back. If I can’t find something in a thrift store, I usually will buy it online or a local independent store.

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My Top 10!

1. Children’s Clothing

My kid’s go through pants weekly. I can’t justify paying full price for clothing that is going to get wrecked, stained or lost. I would rather save my money now, when the kids have no idea about brand names.

2. Vintage Kitchen Items

I am a sucker for vintage kitchen items. I love finding unique pieces that I can work into my kitchen decor. Also these items tend to be a quick flip on my local buy and sell.

• Unique tins or cookie jars
• Cute dishes and pretty glasses.
• Aprons
• Vintage Tupperware/Hallmark Cookie cutters
• Teacups and saucers
• Funky niknaks

3. Vintage Cookbooks

I love finding old cookbooks that have handwritten notes in them. If someone took the time to make notes on a recipe it must be good right?

4. Jeans

I am looking for the perfect broken-in pair of jeans. I have been looking for years but yet to find the perfect pair. Never buy jeans new. There are so many high end jeans for a faction of the price. Recently I got a pair of Citizens of Humanity jeans (Aprox $200) for ($7.99). They were a little long, so I got them hemmed for ($10). Still an amazing deal.

5. Dresses / Formal Wear

What I don’t understand why men can wear the same suit for years to many different family events. But woman are expected to have a new dress for every event. I call bull shit. Yet, I am always on the look out for new dresses. They are usually more than 70% of retail and in fairly good condition.

Every Gal Should Have:

6. Vintage Cards/Stationary

Vintage stationery is gorgeous! The quality is so much better than the crap that’s out now. You can frame cards for easy home decor.

7. Funky Mugs

Coffee is a must in my house. I love finding fun and funky mugs. When I get bored of them, I donate the mugs back.

8. Maternity Clothing

If you are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, then you need to be looking at the maternity rack. These cloths are only worn for a couple of months at a time and are usually in amazing condition. Even if you are not pregnant, some of the tops are gorgeous. Unless someone looks at the tag, they could never tell it was a maternity top.

9. Trendy Clothing I Want to Try Out

I have never be one to jump on the trendy clothing bandwagon. But if there is a certain style I want to try out. Like a jumper. I will look for items at the thrift store first to try out the style before I commit to buying retail.

10. Easy Stuff to Flip

I am not saying that you need to go into the flipping business. But if you see a product that you know is underpriced. And that is always requested on your local buy and sell, then pick it up and flip it. You aren’t going to be able to quit your day job. But you can make some extra coffee money.

Brands I look out for at thrift stores

Housewares

Clothing

Toys / Kids Books

Don’t enter a thrift store with out checking out this amazing tips and tricks from some my blogger friends

Check Save Money For Back To School Clothes With Thrift Shopping before buying back to school clothing.

Did you know that larger sizes are more in demand than smaller sizes? Check How to Go Thrift Store Shopping and Not Feel Guilty for more fun facts.

Did you know you can shop thrift stores online? More great tips check out Best tips for Thrift Store Shopping  And My Best Thrift Store Tips

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