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.
5.27.2011
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.
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.
5.26.2011
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.
5.24.2011
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.
5.23.2011
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!
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!
5.21.2011
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.
5.20.2011
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.
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.
5.19.2011
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."
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