Tip of the Day: Decorating Ideas

This is not a decorator's blog, but I wanted to post these pics my mom took of things she's made out of dirt-cheap materials.  Merry Christmas!

Tip of the Day: Try a different size.

Have you ever done this?  When shopping at thrift stores or Target's clearance sections, I am much more willing to try different sizes.  I guess it's because I'll be paying 75% less than I normally would, and if it's a close fit, I'll give it a go.

I've worn every size from:

Children's 12, 14, 16
Women's 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Medium, etc.

You'd be surprised.  I am not a big person, but I'm not a teeny tiny one, either, so I was surprised when I found I could wear some children's shirts (they're marked XL in the kid's section).  Same thing applies to kid's shoes.  Often, they'll be cuter and cheaper than the women's shoes, and sizes range up to an 8!

I also found that a lot of medium shirts fit just fine.  I like to accessorize with belts and sweaters anyway, so something a little bigger can actually look quite cute!  So try a different size.  You may surprise yourself!

Tip of the Day: Don't Forget Macy's

You read the title right--Macy's.  The department store.  The one with new stuff in it.

I ventured into the Black Friday world for the first time in my life this weekend, and this is what I found:

$2-$5 DVDs from Walmart
$5 Long-sleeved shirts from Old Navy
$2 Panties (ooh-la-la) from Target
$2.50 Barbies (princess ones) and Polly's (again, princess) from Macy's

Many of these items are Christmas gifts, so I didn't mind shopping a little, but what surprised me was that I saved the most at Macy's, of all places.  The Barbies and Polly's were brand spankin' new!  Walmart was a nightmare, and I will never go there again on Black Friday, and Old Navy was just fun (Target is always a good staple, though their sales weren't that great this time).

So don't forget Macy's, folks.  Thrifting snobbery works both ways:).

Check out my cousin's find.

My cousin, Rochelle, bought this at a thrift store and coated it with spray paint to make a very cute laundry hamper.  You just never know what you can create . . .

Tip of the Day: Towels re-visited

I never ended up buying towels at the thrift store, mostly because I re-discovered one of the secret gems of thrifting:  the dollar store.  Bad taste, you say?  Nothing of quality there?  Not so.  Here are a list of things I found today:

Towels (small, not fancy, but for our budget, they work great as guest towels in a pinch)
"Silver"ware (yeah, definitely not real silver, but again, good for Thanksgiving when there are a lot of people)
Gift bags--enormous gift bags (and lots and lots of wrapping paper accessories)
Nail polish
Place mats
Hot pad
Hangers
Stocking Stuffers (tons and tons of those)

And more . . .

So the tip is once again to humble yourself and take a peek.  You'd be surprised . . .

Tip of the Day: Towels, anyone?

There are a few things I simply will not buy at thrift stores, no matter what.  Underwear and swimwear are definitely on that list.  But what about linens?

It gets tricky there.  I'm hesitant when it comes to bedwear (oh, you bet I just made that word up).  You never know . . .  and we'll leave it at that.  But a good, bleached towel just doesn't make me cringe.  To each his own, right?  So I'm off this week to find some towels.  I'll report when I return!

Tip of the Day: Thrift on Vacation

So you're in Florida.  You have the ocean before you, the sky is blue, and the food is delicious.  It's a vacation you've dreamed of, and you plan to enjoy it.

Well, here's a tip: don't forget to thrift.  No, seriously.

What better opportunity for a boost in your thrifting world than to try a new location with new shops and new people?  I'm not saying you should ignore the ocean, but don't discount the fun of thrift shops near the beach.  Turn that good vacation into an excellent one and thrift, baby, thrift!

Tip of the Day: New Stuff Hunt

Thrift stores get reject stuff from Target (and other stores).  I've purchased new clothing at the thrift store from the following brands/stores:

Target
Gap
Circo
Carter's
Keds

Sure, some of the things came from people who were crazy enough to get rid of brand-new merchandise, but other items were simply donated by stores.  That's where we come in.

If you're not too specific about what you're looking for, you can shop at half-prices for new things at most thrift stores!  Don't believe me?  Go out and look.  It's the New Stuff Hunt.

Tip of the Day: Tell 'em

That's right.  When someone asks where you got it, tell 'em you thrift shop.  It may feel strange, at first, since clothing brands are set up for us to brag about their location, but you get good at it.  Trust me, wearing a pair of sofft shoes and banana slacks for $10 total feels so much better than doing it for $140.

And people get inspired.  I can't tell you how many people ask for good shopping locations, now.  The shame is gone, and the shopping is ON!

So tell 'em.  They'll thank you for it.

Tip of the Day: Make It

I learned to make those cool little flower bows everyone's been wearing lately.  It's really easy, too.  But I'm not writing about how to make them today--I'm writing about cost.  And it cost me $0 to make this headband (pictured below) for my little girl.  That's right--$0.  I had an old knee high that I hot-glue-gunned together and found some material in my sewing closet.  But you don't even have to have a sewing closet to make this.  You can rip up old jeans, t-shirts, dresses, whatever.

So if you want to try something super chic but cheap, try the rag flower.  The price is definitely right.

Tip of the Day: Never Buy New Halloween Costumes

I mean it.  Don't you do it.  Now, let me tell you why:

I saw a darling little lion costume at Target tonight, the same costume, in fact, that I bought at a second hand store.  Here's the price difference:

Target: $20.00
Second-Hand: $3.50

I saved $16.50 on ONE costume.  And here's the kicker--most kids only wear the same costume once, so when you buy second-hand, you're often buying something that was only used one time.  In other words, the difference is one night of use and $16.50 in your pocket.

So go to the Goodwill, Volunteers of America, Once Upon a Child, or wherever your second hand fancy takes you.

Still Collecting . . .

Look below for pics of:

A laptop my hometown friend found at the thrift store.  I'm not even kidding.

A table and chair set (retro).

Toddler suit for church.

And more, of course . . .

Call for Pics . . . Still

Check out the newest pics below from some of my thrifty friends.  Pretty amazing finds!

Tip of the Day: A Call for Pictures

Time to send me your latest thrift store finds!  I focus on clothes, but if you've found a cool deal on something else, snap a pic and email me at: coleytrejo@gmail.com.  I'll feature you and "publish" you on facebook!  Get shoppin'!

Tip of the Day: Hoard a Little

Have you ever seen that show, "Hoarders"?  Yikes!  Such a freakish show, and I definitely cringe whenever I watch people collecting thousands of pointless objects and then cramming them into their tiny houses.

However.

Sometimes "hoarding" is okay--at least, to a degree.  When I'm thrift shopping, I'll often collect items I can't us immediately because they're such a good deal.  For example, whenever I have a free moment (yeah, not very often), I like to paint.  So I collect small canvas squares for a dollar that would normally cost an arm and a leg and re-paint them.  I have to store them, which a pain, but the cost savings outweighs the inconvenience.  So decide if it's worth it, and do a little hoarding.  Just don't get addicted!

Tip of the Day: Remember Half-off Days

Depending on where you live, the Goodwill and Volunteers of America chains will have half-off the entire store days.  My friend sent me the picture below of her little boy in his $1 outfit.  The shoes were $3.  Pretty amazing.  Make sure to hit your favorite thrift stores on discount days, because the only thing that beats a thrift store is a thrift store sale!

Tip of the Day: Make Some Money

My sister-in-law, Janessa, has a talent for making money out of nothing.  Seriously, the girl has skills.  They (like almost everyone I know) are on a tight budget, and after reviewing their finances, both my brother and Janessa decided they wouldn't be able to purchase any more furniture.  "If you can sell something we already have, go ahead and get what you can," Gabe (my brother) said.

So she did.

Here's how she does it:

She found a couch on craigslist for free (they exist), and it was in pretty good condition.  She turned around and sold it for $50 and purchased a much better couch.  She professionally cleaned it (I think it cost about $35 to do that) and sold it for $100.  She kept at it until she got what she wanted--a nice living room couch.  She does this a lot, too.

I'm good at finding deals, but I'm not so good at making them, so when I heard what Janessa had done, I decided to try for myself, and believe it or not, it really works!  We have an awesome, plush red love chair and a black leather couch because we followed her example. So not only can you find the deal, you can make money in the process!

Tip of the Day: Even if it Doesn't Look Like It . . .

We are avid garage-salers, but I am going to admit a weakness:  Sometimes I blow past good sales.

Brock has to stop me.  I'm so anxious to make the most of my sale day that I will sometimes glance through a yard without much interest.  Last week was no exception.

We drove up, and it looked like a "guy sale"--you know the kind: car parts, tools, etc.  Nothing really good.  I turned to Brock and said, "Doesn't look that great.  Let's just go."  He convinced me to at least check it out, though, and I gave in, sure he would be as disappointed as me.  But I was wrong, and I'm glad I was.  We ended up leaving with 5 dining room chairs for $15, a darling purple pea coat for $3, and various clothing items for $1 each.  Check out the pics, and next time you're tempted to blow past a sale, make sure to pick through it carefully.  It could be a good one, even if it doesn't look like it . . .

Tip of the Day: Build from Scratch

Okay, I'm so, so excited to display my latest project, and I'm pleased to say I built the whole thing from scratch.  Excited?  Want to know what I built?

It's a doll house!!!

When I was 4 years old, my parents salvaged a junked up dollhouse, painted it, and then my mom built all the furniture from popsicle sticks.  They completed it by buying the Sylvania Family Bear set (a hot item at the time), and I probably played with it every single day.

So I thought I'd make one for my own daughter.  I know nothing at all about building anything, so I thought my best bet would be to gather scrap wood from wherever.  Didn't work.  No one is throwing out scrap wood these days.  I'm not sure why the Goodwill wasn't my first thought, but I eventually arrived at the idea of using wooden doodads from the thrift store and nailing them, helter skelter, together.

IT WORKED!

I painted, glued, sawed (yes, many trips to the hardware store), glossed, you name it.  It took about a month of nap time hours to finish, but I did it, and I'm displaying the pictures below for you to see.  Listed below are all the items I made and how I did it . . . thrift store style.

Child's Room:

Rocker Horse--toy from Goodwill (10 cents)
Rug--doily from the thrift store
Bed--ripped apart coasters nailed to wooden blocks, all from the thrift store
Toy Bin--empty baby food container glued to popsicle sticks. Toys from an old Monopoly Game
Chalk Board--garage sale--free
Sewing Machine--Goodwill- 10 cents

Parents' Room:

Bed--coaster nailed to wooden pieces found in an old game, painted
Clock--courtesy of Google images, a printer, and a circular wooden piece (wooden circle from craft store, but very cheap)
Picture--Google image, small frame from Goodwill--50 cents
Dressers--Foam blocks glued and painted
Lamp--Candle extinguisher turned upside town, super glued to a random wooden thing found at Goodwill
Area Rug--Doily from Goodwill

Bathroom:

Toilet--Popsicle sticks, milk lid, random wooden pieces found at Volunteers of America (thrift store)
Bathtub--Popsicle sticks, various wooden pieces, baby food container
Toilet Paper holder--random wooden piece found at Goodwill (roll is an old bobbin from my sewing machine)
Vanity--wooden blocks and a small compact mirror (most expensive purchase--$2 at Target)
Mirror--other half of compact bought at Target--I just ripped them apart
Ladder--belonged to an old barn toy I got rid of
Towel--scrap material

Living Room:

Bench--Coaster and blocks glued and painted
Map--Google Images and a small frame, painted and glossed
Clock--same as Parents' room
Shelf--random piece from Goodwill--originally belonged to a weird cat thing.
Books--molded from air dry clay (such a fun find--$4 for a big tub), painted, and mod-podged to real Google Imaged book covers
Table--candle holder glued to circular wooden piece (candle holder 10 cents at Goodwill).

Kitchen:

Fridge--Two baby food containers glued together.  Popsicle sticks to cover, twisty-ties for hinges.
Stove--Popsicle sticks, baby food container, circular wooden pieces
Sink--Baby food container, popsicle sticks, and bendy straw tops for nozzles.
Food/Dishware--molded from air dry clay, painted, glossed (cereal same as books)
Table--Candle holder, circular wooden piece glued together.
Chairs--wooden blocks (my daughter's), glued, painted.
Clock--same as other rooms

Roof/Outer Structure:

Popsicle sticks super glued to wooden pieces found at Goodwill (part of a shelf).
Most of the sides and front were wooden pieces to knick-nacks.  I ripped most of them apart, but the front piece of the house (with the pull out drawers) was all one piece.  I just nailed it to what I'd already built.
The railing was made with two small ladders found in some random toy kit at Goodwill.
The chimney was just lava rocks hot-glue-gunned to the wall and then to a piece of large legos I had.

Anyway, lots of description, but it was so much work and so much fun!  You can literally make anything out of anything if you shop at the thrift store!

Tip of the Day: Shop Ahead

Today, Seattle needed shoes.  So we went to Once Upon a Child, one of my favorite kid-focused thrift stores.  We tried on a few pairs, and then I saw the most adorable pale pink Janie and Jack shoes . . .  in a size too big for her.  I hesitated, because I really don't need anything cluttering my tiny little town home right now, but they were brand new and perfect.  So I bought them.

I don't regret it, either, and I think the tip for today would be to every now and then purchase items that will be used in the future.  Never hurts to be prepared.

Tip of the Day: A Million Uses

Okay, maybe the title was a bit exaggerated.  The tip for today is how to make use of one item of clothing you've purchased.  Two days ago, I was with my sister-in-law at a little garage sale in Missouri.  There were lots of fun kid items, but I didn't want to buy any clothes for my girls because they didn't need anything.

And then I saw the dress.

It was creme, almost floor-length, and embroidered with large flowers, and it was exactly Seattle's size.  It was one of those expensive dresses little girls wear to weddings.  I looked at the tag--$5.  A good price, really, considering she probably paid $60 or more for it.  But I didn't need it.  She saw me lingering and said, "I'll take $2 for that if you want it."  I paused for just a fraction of a second and then gave right in.

So back to the tip for the day.  I took the dress home and thought, "Where will she wear this?"  It was too fancy for church, and I wouldn't let her wear it around the house.  And then I thought of Christmas!  And Easter.  And her uncle's missionary home-coming.  And weddings.  And then I realized if I cared for it well enough, all my daughters could wear it (it's that nice).  And after it had been through the ringer, I could use it as a dress-up.

I walked away from the sale, happily clutching my little dress.

So put your finds to use and stretch that $2 dress into a million (or 4 or 5) uses.

Tip of the Day: Get Inspired

My little sisters and cousin sent me a bunch of pictures of themselves showcasing their thrift store outfits.  After looking through them, I realized I could branch out my style a little.  If I do say so myself, those girls are smokin' hot!  The tip for today is to get inspired by other people.  You can create fashion savvy outfits looking through magazines, going to stores, or just people watching.  I got my newest tips from my teenage sisters!

Tip of the Day: Costumes

You'd better believe thrift stores have the best costumes, even if they weren't donated with that intention.  I've never bought a new Halloween costume because thrift stores have it all: 70's retro, 20's hats, jewelry, shoes, and awesome 80's dresses.  And when October does roll around, the stores are packed with department store rejects.  

So never pay full price for a costume, and if you want that authentic flair, find your costume at the thrift store!

Tip of the Day: Sales

You'd think thrift shopping would be enough, right?  The prices are dirt cheap.  You get amazing outfits for under $4.  But it can get even better . . .

I'm talking about sales--thrift store sales, that is.  Most thrift lines have them.  Volunteers of America have a half off day the last Tuesday of every month.  Ohio Thrift has half off day the last Wednesday of every month.  Goodwill has half-off tag days (where specific colored tags get you the deal).

I just went to a bag sale at a local line called Trader Tots.  You buy a brown paper bag for $10 and stuff it with as much clothing as you can, and let me tell you, it was a mad, crazy free-for-all!  It was fun, though.  Women were digging furiously through the bins outside, but everyone was looking out for each other.  I often heard, "Who's looking for a girl size 2T?"  And someone would grab the offered article. I found some toddler Uggs for Seattle for winter, a snow suit, and about 20 different pieces of clothing for both girls, including shoes.  It was an amazing sale and worth the crazy mess of people.

The tip is to hunt for sales, even among thrift stores.  You'll feel more like a billionaire than ever before.

Tip of the Day: A Girl and Her Shoes

One of the best parts of thrifting is you feel like a millionaire.

Think about it: you walk into any section of the store and throw anything in your basket, knowing full well you don't need to think twice about the price.  At all.

So I've been increasing my shoe stock.  Before my thrifting days, I kept a modest 6 or 7 pair (and that's including running shoes, boots for winter, and sandals).  But thrifting allows me to try on everything, and I confess I splurged on those bright blue heels I would normally never get because, hey, I can now!

So go wild--get the red or yellow or orange shoes you can only wear with one thing.  You can afford it.

Tip of the Day: Bring it all Together

The Belt: I had been looking for a black belt I could cinch around several shirts (not all at once), but these universal, stretchy belts are very hard to find.  When I stumbled on this beauty (see pics below), I was so excited, I almost didn't buy anything else (never fear--I came to my senses).

Black Top: So the belt came months after the black ruffled top.  The poor shirt--it had been sitting in my closet for well over 30 days, never getting any use.  It was one of those quick grabs where I thought, "Yeah, it's too big and needs a belt, but it's cute enough."  It was worth the wait.

The earrings:  Ah, the earrings.  I use these babies for lots of things--my ears (um, of course), my heels (yup--just clip 'em right on top), and my shirt (as a brooch).

The White Capris:  go with nearly every single top I own and have surprisingly stayed clean.  Maybe wearing long shirts helps protect them.

All together, you have one fun little outfit. The point is, not everything you buy will immediately be put to use.  As you gather, though, you'll be able to couple things you never knew could look good all at once.  So bring it all together!

Tip of the Day: Negotiate

Oh, yes, you can.  If something is cracked, broken, torn, whatever, don't pay the thrift store price--ask for a discount!  Chances are, they'll knock off a dollar or two, and if you're willing to fix it, you've made a good deal.

Pictured below is a dress that was too big and then I took it in.  Most things are fixable.

Tip of the Day: Half Price Day

So, what could be better than thrift store prices?  How about half-price thrift price?  You got it--many thrift lines will have "half off" days once a month, and you'd better believe there are some smokin' hot deals.  Only yesterday for example, I found two different two-piece suits that were normally $13 each.  Got both for the price of one (I'll post pics--they're so awesome).

In Ohio, it's Volunteers of America every last Tuesday of the month, and Ohio Thrift every last Wednesday (though Ohio Thrift only offers certain types of merchandise as part of the deal).  Who knew you could bargain hunt at a bargain store?

Tip of the Day: Learn a Skill

I cut my toddler's hair last week.  No, I don't know what I'm doing.  Yes, I really thought I'd give it a go after reading an old hair cutting book I got a the thrift store.  No, I don't think that's abusive.  Yes, she will be just fine after a few practice runs.  Why are you asking all these questions?

Seriously, though, I found that there are so many funky things at thrift stores, not the least of which are "how-to" books.  Aside from cutting hair (I cut Brock's, too), I'm learning to build a doll-house (current project), turn an old window panel into a picture frame, and fix my plumbing (okay, well, not really.  Brock is learning that one, and yes, he did get that book from the thrift store.  It's his "bathroom book."  Very appropriate).

Summer time is project time, and believe it or not, the thrift store meets all (well, probably some) of your how-to needs.

Tip of the Day: Make a Map

So we've been into garage sales lately.  Every Saturday, we'll get up, search out local garage sales on craigslist, and then make a route using Google maps.  We usually knock out 8-10 sales in 3 hours.  Here's a list of some things we found yesterday:

Banana Republic Slacks--2 pair, $1 each
Brown Coat/Vest (sleeves unzip)-$3
Bike Trailer--$25 (so excited about that one)
Jewelry (necklaces and earrings--seriously cute)-25 cents each
Pink Steve Madden Boots --$1
Girls' Tops--50 cents each
Pink Sonoma Sweater--$2
Eddie Bauer Leather Satchel-$5

The list really goes on.  It's been our most fun family Saturday activity yet.  So off you go--time to hit the big sales . . .

Tip of the Day: Target Works, Too

I love thrift stores, and for me, it's the adventure of the whole thing.  You never know if you'll find a worn out T that's nasty and stained or an Anthropologie shirt in perfect condition.  So I'll never quit shopping at discount stores.

However, I have to put in a plug for Target (my other favorite store).  They have pretty cute stuff for pretty decent prices, but their clearance racks are what draw me in.  I posted a pic below of my 6 month old little girl in a shirt I bought for $1.  That's the same price as the Goodwill, and let's face it, if it's between new and not new, I'll take new.

So go to your favorite store, and head right for clearance.  You'd be surprised.

Tip of the Day: Try the "Ugly Dress"

I went to the Goodwill yesterday with my husband and two daughters.  My daughters made it difficult, of course, and while I was looking at dresses, my two-year-old kept hiding behind the clothes and telling me (loudly) to "find her."  It kept her somewhat occupied, so of course, I let her, but I knew I only had 3-4 minutes of happy-child time so I grabbed blindly at anything my size and remotely from the same decade.

I shuffled my daughter into the dressing room with my 3 dresses (I was pretty doubtful about all of them) and did the Clark Kent/Superman switch (even he would have been impressed by my lightening quickness).  Somehow, I managed to pick 3 oldies but goodies.  They were awesome!  Perfect fits (except one, and it was worth it to me to buy, since I could easily take it in).  The lesson today, then, is to try even the "ugly" item.  I never would have thought the baby-blue, kinda longish dress would have fit so perfectly.

Tip of the Day: Thrifting Can be Elegant

I remember going to the thrift store with my mom and feeling a little embarrassed.  I mean, you are shopping through other people's hand-me-downs, stuff they cast off because they had something better.  I always felt it was a place for "poor people" (which, I'm not sure why I thought I was wealthy . . . ).

I'm glad I've seen the Light, so to speak.  I love finding treasures and then coupling them with other treasures to create a truly elegant ensemble.  I don't think you have to look like you're wearing hand-me-downs.  So find some classy stuff and start showing it off!

Tip of the Day: Look for New Openings

My friend Amy invited me to go to a new Goodwill store that just opened in the Dublin area.  I hadn't even heard about it, and that was a mistake.  One advantage to technology these days is you don't have to wait to see the sign on the store before you know it's in business.  Check online.

That's my goal for the next trip--check for new stores and new openings.  Not only will the stores seem nicer since they'll have been freshly painted, but they'll have lots of newly donated items--first pickings, if you will.  So hunt online to target your thrifting experience.

Tip of the Day: Check Behind the Counter

I posted a picture below of some Sofft brand heels I bought at the Goodwill for $8 (normally run $50-$110), and I found them in a place I rarely look: behind the counter.  I've never really paid attention to that section of the Goodwill store because most items there are "pricey" (meaning more than $4).  However, if those items are sitting behind the counter or on shelves behind the register, it's because they're usually a really durable brand or a cool antique, and it's worth at least checking out.  I know I'm going to from now on--my heels have been great!

Tip of the Day: Business Attire

So, I stay home with my two daughters.  I love it.  I also rarely (okay, never) have to wear business clothes.

I was at the Goodwill (by myself . . . oh, it was glorious), and I walked past the dress pants.  I thought, "Yeah, moving right along . . ."  But I stopped.  Because, dang, those pants were cute.  I grabbed a few pairs and thought, "Why not?"  And am I glad I did, because they fit so well!  Who knew that dress pants were made to flatter you--to smooth curves and flatten stomachs?  I mean, they're like the universal pant!  So I bought a pair, and who knows if I'll have an important meeting to wear them to.  Maybe that doesn't matter.  I hope if anything these tips help us all remember that dressing up is mostly for ourselves--it feels good!

As for those pants, maybe I'll just slip them on to have pretend tea with my two-year-old.

Tip of the Day: Go Alone

I enjoy shopping with friends, I don't enjoy shopping with my children, and I love shopping alone.

Why alone?

I think it's the efficiency.  When you're with friends, the experience is sometimes more fun, but you can't look through nearly the amount of items you could shopping by yourself.  My husband has been studying late the last few nights, so I put the girls to bed, gave him a quick kiss, and out the door I went for some alone time with the Goodwill.  Oh, how I loved it.

So, shop with friends when you can, of course, but when you get a night alone, turn your phone off and go to town!

Tip of the Day: I Stand Corrected

I posted once that I don't shop at Volunteers of America for myself because they don't categorize items according to size (yeah, what a pain, right?).  It's still true, and it's still a pain, but I found that it wasn't the horrible experience I imagined to find things I could wear.  In fact, I had a great experience Saturday night where I bought Sofft pumps for $8 (these run from $50-$110+ new), Express slacks, and an array of cute tops for $3 each or less.  Seriously a great night at the thrift store.

So the lesson is to eat your words if necessary.  It's possible to shop at stores that categorize by color rather than size--it just takes a little work.

Tip of the Day: Showcase Your Finds

Amy, one of my good friends and fellow thrifters, wore an entire outfit bought at goodwill to a girls' night out.  She looked so smashing, I had to take her picture (see below) and show it on my blog.  The tip today is to showcase your finds.  Amy didn't just wear a shirt she bought at the goodwill--she wore an entire outfit.  This doesn't always work, of course, but wearing everything from head to toe from the thrift store is its own kind of special.  Try it just once.  You'll be hooked.

Tip of the Day: Try Something Different

I hauled about 15 shirts into the dressing room last night.  I would have brought in more, but people waiting to use the dressing room were already giving me daggers.  After trying on two or three shirts, I realized I didn't own anything like what I was trying on . . . and I liked it!  I was totally branching out, and I didn't even mean to.  Some of the shirts were bright blue, others orangish, and the styles were completely varied.  I don't normally buy blue because I never thought it was "my" color, but I was surprised when all the deep blue and almost aqua colors actually looked good!  So the advice today is to try styles and colors you don't normally wear.

Hey, if you come to hate it, you can always blow it off as a $3 mistake!

Tip of the Day: Get Artsy

My feature picture today is of my friend, Anna, because she put together a great outfit she bought entirely from the thrift store.  Let's be honest, anyone can shop at the thrift store, but it does take a little work to make the result look good.  So when I saw Anna, I realized shopping at a store where nothing is matched up takes some artistic skill!  And it is so learn-able.  I'll be shopping with another friend tonight, so look for my next post . . .

Tip of the Day: Go with a Friend

This doesn't happen often for me, since having kids seriously cripples my shopping trips, but when I get a chance, I go with friends.  Shopping together only generates more ideas.  I went with my sister just before she got married, and since she was looking for specific items, I was her dressing-room helper.  I hunted her size and threw shirt after shirt over the door while she tried everything on quickly.  She was so excited with her finds, and it made my thrifting eye that much sharper.  So take a night, go with spouse or friend, and enjoy it without kids.

Tip of the Day: Brag

Ha!  So since I do this every day on the blog, you know how I feel about bragging:  I love it!  I especially love it when someone says, "I love your dress--did you get it at Banana?"  (someone asked me this once).  I smile and say, "No, actually, I got it at Goodwill."  Their expressions are varied after that answer, but usually they're impressed.

My mom taught me how to brag correctly--never offer an explanation about where you bought your clothes until someone says they love it.  She did this when she made dinner, too.  Us kids--"Mom, this is so good!"  My mom--"Glad you like it!  I used this morning's left-over oatmeal in it."  She knew we couldn't blanche if we'd already complimented it.  Good times.

Tip of the Day: Wear What You're Looking For

My sister is looking for some business clothes.  She told me she sometimes has a hard time looking for things because she can't tell if it'll look good with what she already owns.  So I told her to wear what she's looking for.

For Example:  She wants a blazer to wear with dress slacks she owns.  I told her to wear the slacks, heels and all, to the thrift store so that when she tries on the jackets, she won't have to guess about color, sizing, etc.  She'll have on the whole outfit.  It works with jeans and t-shirts, too.  You never know if the hemline of a shirt is too high or low compared to your pants unless you have them both together.

Tip of the Day: Wash It

Okay, okay.  I know, this sort of goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway:  Wash everything after purchase.  You don't know who owned what before you buy a certain item, and though it may seem harmless, it's not worth not washing.  And, hey, I find it motivates me to do the laundry more often!

Tip of the Day: Shout Out to My Mother-in-Law

So, for all my thrifting, I do have to give a shout out to my mother-in-law, who has an incredible talent for finding deals at the "regular" stores.  I've been to all kinds of stores, including Anthropologie and Banana Republic (both stores with really, really, really cute stuff) with her, and she's walked out with $10 shirts.  So I'm just going to say that even "normal" stores have some great deals if you look hard enough (Macy's clearance section is one of my favorites--and the teen clothes are usually cheaper than the "mom" stuff--often the same sizes, too).

Tip of the Day: Give it a Good Glance-Over

Unlike a regular department store, thrift stores don't check for quality most of the time.  I bought a purse without giving it a thorough check, and just after buying it, I saw it was stained on one corner.  Most thrift stores will not let you return anything, and this store made no exception.  So search it through carefully!

On that same note, don't be daunted by tears on seams.  They are easily mended by hand or machine!

Tip of the Day: No, seriously. Look through everything.

I know I already posted a tip that said to look through everything, but this deserves a second glance.  I bought a shirt the other day that I would have missed had I not literally moved through each hanger.  It sounds tedious, but honestly, you get pretty good at quickly sizing up the item in a glance.  The shirt I bought is a Gap, polo button-up.  Brand new.

Really, look through it all.  It's worth it.

Tip of the Day: Think outside the . . .

Yesterday, I bought a pair of old clip-on earrings from Ohio Thrift.  They were beautiful, but clip-ons give me a headache when I wear them, so, taking the advice of a woman I used to go to church with, I clipped them onto my heels.  Voila!  A great way to spice up your old, black pumps!  You can also clip them onto belts, headbands, and even shirts!

The advice, then, is that all items have a thousand uses.  Think outside the . . .  ear?

Tip of the Day: It's okay to leave empty-handed

I packed up my girls, cereal in baggies, sippy cups, shoes on, out the door, buckled in--twice, unbuckled--twice, pulled out the stroller, distracted 2-year-old, hunted through clothes, tried on everything, distracted 2-year-old again, and walked out the door.  Empty-handed.

I know, you'd think I would lunge for something--anything--to take home after taking all that time to get there, but there's no point in buying stuff you don't need, even if it's dirt cheap.  So I guess this entry goes with the previous one:  Don't buy anything you don't absolutely love.  And don't feel like you have to buy something just because it's there.

Tip of the Day: Try the Wealthier Areas

Okay, this may sound funny, but there are Goodwill stores loaded with awesome stuff simply because "loaded" people dump their goods there.  Get a feel for the area and visit the stores you think would have the best merchandise.

Yesterday, I visited a store and had to put back 10 different shirts--not because I didn't like them, but because they were all so awesome, and I couldn't afford to get them all.  Someday, I hope to "splurge" at the Goodwill and buy as much as I want.

And PS, I would much rather have a gift card to the Goodwill than any other clothing store.  Seriously.

Tip of the Day: Apply the Universal Shopping Rule

If it doesn't make you jump up and down with excitement in the store, don't take it home.

I've wasted many, many dollars on items I sorta liked in the store and then hated when I got home.  One of my arguments in the store was, "Well, it's only $4.  I might as well buy it."

That's a mistake.  Don't buy anything unless you really love it, no matter what it costs!  A dollar, if only a dollar, is still lost.

Tip of the Day: Look. Through. Everything.

Okay, I know what a pain it is to have to literally move through each piece of clothing at a thrift store.  But that's kind of what it takes.  I can't even tell you how many times I've found a gem wedged in between some frightening Muumuu (no offense to Muumuus) and a bad pair of 90's pants.  You really have to just dig in there if you want the goods.

I found three adorable button up collared shirts for my girls for 99 cents each.  But it took 15 minutes of hard work in just the little girls' section to find them.  So, yeah, it might be a little inconvenient, but it's worth it not to spend 10-15x the cost at a retail store.

Tip of the Day: Stop in even when you don't need anything.

I stopped by a new thrift store today: Not because I needed anything in particular, but because it was new and because I happened to be in the area.  So that's the tip for today--even when you don't need anything, stop in.  I know it flies in the face of economy, right?  But when thrifting, that's kind of what you have to do.  I found a great, retro 50's dress for myself today and some cute, button ups for my girls.  Did we desperately need them?  No.  But the girls were running low on summer shirts, and an $8 dress that fits perfectly is always worth grabbing.

Tip of the Day: Garage Sales

Don't underestimate garage sales!  One trick I've learned is to go on Craigslist and hunt for all sales within a 10 mile radius.  Then I just google map them all into a route and hit the road.  I made it to 5 sales in 1 hour last weekend.  Garage sales are hit and miss, of course, but if you're not too specific about what you're looking for, you can find some great stuff.

Tip of the Day: The Who's Who of Thrift Stores

This isn't so much a tip as a list of specific places I shop.  Though they're local, the general rule applies to most of these chains.

1. Volunteers of America on 3620 Indianola Ave. (also 5640 West Broad):

Generally good for toys and kids' clothes.  You do have to hunt a bit, but there's a much wider selection here than most thrift chains (of course, Once Upon a Child is different . . . we'll get to that).  My friend, Marcie swears by the one on Indianola for toys.  Clothing is not categorized by size, and for that reason, I don't shop for my own clothes here.

2. Goodwill on 2799 North High (ish):

More of a dumping grounds for college kids, which is why I like to shop for my clothes here.  They're usually a touch more fashionable and less worn.  Not the best for kids clothes or toys.  The book selection is fair (I've bought quite a few classics here).

3. Goodwill on 2794 Morse Rd.:

Love this one for clothes for myself.  It's pretty new, too, so it feels nice inside.  Some Target cast offs that are new here, too.  Not the best for bedding or kids.  Great women's selection.

4. Ohio Thrift on 5714 Emporium Sq. Columbus (near Worthington):

My favorite for purses, belts, and shoes.  Ohio Thrift in general are very well run facilities.  Huge selection of toys and kids clothes, too.  This is kind of like the Wal-mart of thrift stores, since it has so much stuff.  There's even a separate warehouse for just furniture.  It's a little more pricey than other chains, but the selection is so much bigger, it's worth it sometimes.  They have selected sections for "nice brands" as well, priced a little higher, of course, but you can get fancy brands if that's what you're after.  Most Ohio Thrift branches are fantastic.  I also go to the one on 4340 West Broad, which is excellent as well.  I love the animal cookies they sell at the checkout--can't find them anywhere else:).

5. Once Upon a Child on 5777 Karic Square Dr. Dublin (off Riversideish) and 7454 Sawmill Rd. (just at the corner of Hard Rd. and Sawmill):

Most moms know about this place, and if you don't, it's so magical, it's almost hard to describe:).  But I will--
It's rows and rows and rows of pure kid stuff.  Beds, car seats, toys (lots of those), CLOTHES, shoes, you name it.  They even have kid rugs sometimes.  They're fantastic, and I always get Seattle's shoes here (her purple biker boots she wears at church came from here).  These are my two favorite locations.  Both are fantastic.

6. Plato's Closet on 2011 Henderson Rd.:

I know everyone knows about Plato's, but there may be someone out there who doesn't.  I love it.  Right next to it is another shop called the Clothes Mentor sporting more "motherly" (but still stylish) clothes, since Plato's is geared more toward teens and young adults.  I love both stores (Clothes Mentor has a lot of maternity stuff, too).  I go to Plato's when I need something very specific (ie: I needed a black and white dress for my sister's wedding).  They're probably twice as pricey as the thrift store, but twice as cheap as a regular department store.  It's great for jewelry, shoes, and purses, too.  I love their jeans selection and dresses.  Really, everything is great here.

I frequent a few other thrift stores, too.  There are a ton of Goodwill stores on Morse Rd., and some are really, really good for furniture (Goodwill is usually best for furniture).  If you have more questions, just post a comment!  Happy hunting!

Tip of the Day: Vary Your Store Attendance

Vary your thrift store selection by going to different stores.  I have a favorite for shoes and purses and another for kids' toys.  They usually all have one thing that stands out, so make sure to shop around to avoid the "There's nothing here," rut.  Oh, it's there, baby.

Tip of the Day: Buying Jewelry

When buying jewelry, especially earrings, there are two things I always do:

1. Keep an open mind.  Even seemingly ugly, old fashioned earrings can look brilliant with the right outfit.
2. Sanitize them immediately before wearing them.  I use hand sanitizer after washing with soap and water and even top it off with a sani-wipe.

Tip of the Day: Load Up in Dressing Rooms

When shopping at thrift stores, don't just take in one or two items to try on in the dressing room.  Get a good armful of at least ten items.  It's harder to find something that fits when you shop at thrift stores, and you'll get really frustrated if you don't work with a lot of clothes at once.

Welcome!

I'm so excited to begin this thrifting adventure!  Each month, I'll post a video series of thrift store excursions, including but not limited to topics like: Prom Night, That Little Black Dress, The Perfect Sandal, Earring How-Tos, and Shopping for Tots.  I'll also include a "Man Section"for all you thrifty guys out there (using Brock as my model, of course:).  Stay tuned for our first "Thrift Seeker Episode."