Fashion

[joannecha]

I love going to consignment stores or Goodwill to look for things I'm not sure that I'll like on me. Case in point--today I ended up with a pair or floral print ankle pants. They looked really good on me in the dressing room (they are a beige background w/navy & pink/coral flowers. I washed them when I got home & am wearing them to lunch later today w/my ladies church group going to lunch w/a coral top & sandals. I also got a pair of light denim & white striped bermuda shorts that will look darling once I can find the right colored top to go with them (maybe red?). Once in a while, I find I was in the right place at the right time.

[gardensla]

I adore thrift stores! We have a Goodwill "Buy the Pound" store nearby which is the ultimate thrift store experience. Every hour or so, they wheel large, long shallow bins out on the floor containing a mix of stuff (clothing, bedding, towels, etc) or bins with just books or just houseware. Everyone dives in--it's kind of mad but people are polite.

I was there last week and bought a duvet cover and two shams from Pottery Barn, a pile of clothing (an Eileen Fisher jacket, DKNY sweater, Vera Wang velvet leggings, a Calypso skirt), two large decorative pillows with fat down inserts for the couch, and 4 hardcover book on interior design and the total was under $15.00 for all of it. Took it home, wash it and it's like new. There's a regular Goodwill store attached and I bought a few things there too.

I'd say I thrift about once a month. I probably drop off as many bags of stuff as I buy in year, but I enjoy the thrill of the hunt. Yard sales aren't as much fun anymore, but thrifting? Always good!

[AngelPuppy1]

I have found in the past many great things!  Lately though our GW store doesn't have much besides junk.  I don't know if they just aren't getting very much that is nice any more, or if they are getting so popular that all of the good stuff is gone by the time I get there!  

Aside from this place, there really aren't many places around such as this.  

About 1/2 hour from me there are a couple of places but they charge so much that you might as well go to a regular store and buy things!!!  

Nothing is so much fun though as going to place like this and finding items from really great stores that still have the tags on.  When I have on occasion done this, I am beyond thrilled!  It's like I struck gold or something!  

[Sweetbay magnolia]

There was the best conisgnment store ever about a mile from my house, right in the town square, which unfortunately just closed due to lease issues.  My home is furnished with a large proportion of furniture and artwork that I bought there.  I loved the "finds" - and that it feels unique.  Things you can't find elsewhere.  I would often go there just to say hello to the shopkeepers and mingle with the crowds that came there (it was a tiny place so you bumped into people frequently).  And if you saw something you wanted, you had to grab it, because things went fast.  And then you'd jockey for position at the counter, to pay.  It was fun.

Hopefully, it will re-open in a new location, but it will take some time.  That corner in town used to be abuzz with activity, and people would go to a local bistro across the street.  The vibe was good - hope it gains traction again.

[willomenia]

Love thrift stores! It's a good way to try things, such as denim & co.. Have bought many designer things from my local thrift store, alot still with tags on. The secret is shop carefully, and visit often. Sometimes you find nothing, and others its a gold mine, not just clothes, but other items as well.  My latest find was an ecclissi watch all tarnished for 3.99! Bought it, came home and polished, looks brand new! Got to love it!

[PamfromCT]

What red-blooded woman doesn't like thrift store shopping? Count me in. I have gotten some nice clothing (Talbots jacket with tag still on, some cashmere sweaters, the cutest vintage Dooney purse, etc.). While I buy a lot for my grandaughter and grandson, there is one resale shop just for children, very fussy about quality, that I cruise and "make out like a bandit." No one in our family is a snob!!

[okaywitheasypay]

One certainly can find bargains, of course sometimes you have to kiss a frog before you find a prince. It can be time consuming. I had a dream find the other day at a Value World (Amvets) . I walked in and about the second item I saw was a Chicos red 'jean jacket' with some innovations fitted back /ending in a v , a beautiful red kind of corded material, had pockets ( a must for me) and it was $3.++ (!) I thought  --it probably would be too small--went to thier dusty little mirror and tried it on --fit like it was tailor made!! I can't wait till fall to wear it. The shopping gods were with me and I found a pale yellow Eddie Baur one also .

Remember to ask for the stores 'geezer' discount days. In our area it is a third off at Goodwill, and Tuesdays the same at DAV's.Some if over 55 years old--ask.

I find these stores a good place to observe the sizing of QVC brands like IM/SG/ & D&Co. Of course they may have been washed wrong or something --but still useful in gauging sizing sometimes.

[StylishLady]

When this topic comes up, I am reminded of a favorite black leather skirt suit I bought at a thrift shop. Heven't had much luck like that since, but E-Bay, which is kind of like an on line thrift shop has provided some nice buys. I just bought this purple leather jacket for a $3 bid. It arrived yesterday and it is in very good condition for a "pre-owned" item. I will be wearing it sometime this fall/winter. Good luck in your own searches. 

[Lipstickdiva]

I wish we had good thrift stores around us but we don't.  Ours are a bust and the consignment stores around here are downright dreadful.

[colliegirls]

Love consignment stores!  It is unbelievable what great finds they have for good prices.  I prefer the furniture consignment stores, got hooked when looking for pieces for our oldest child's first college apartment.