I will admit that I fought it for a long time. Especially when it came to clothes. Too much stuff to sort through to dig for the treasure (aka something that doesn’t scream outdated). Guys have it so much easier – especially guys who wear dockers and polo shorts every day (ahem, my husband).
I think it was a no-kids trip to CA where I finally found my groove. Now when I’m looking at clothes I find I can usually skim my hands along the shoulders until I find something interesting (color, fabric, etc), pull it out and look at it. 9 times out of 10 I’ve at least happened on something good. Doesn’t mean I buy it of course.
If there’s something I’m suddenly interested in having I will toss a “Hey, can you be on the lookout for a _________?” to my husband. Within a week he’s usually found it. This works for small kitchen appliances (anyone want a bread maker? every thrift store has like 20), tools, household items etc. Perfect example – the sewing machine. (Although I have to caveat that with the fact that one sewing machine was broken. The second one needed a power cord which we happened to find last night for $2….at a thrift store.)
Well a brand new Goodwill store opened Friday and of course Mark was there for the grand opening. He said it was packed but they had really nice stuff.
So Saturday we went out on date night and rather than stand in line for 45 minutes to get decent seats for Batman we decided to hit the new store.
We both work hard to limit our buying to things we “need” (in the non-essential way) or would be a really “nice to have” at a great price.
Like swim towels, we only had 4 which was not cutting it anymore. New they’re $20. Last night I picked up one for $4 and one for $5.
My big find was a beautiful purse. I did a happy dance, promise!
I love having big purse/bags that will hold my laptop for when I’m headed to the coffee shop to write, etc. I hate carrying a computer bag and a separate purse. They also double as my “personal item” when I fly with computer, iPad, wallet, snack or two etc and they’re nice enough to continue using while I’m at my location.
Well darn it if they don’t get a little heavy on the shoulder, you know. But if I use a traditional backpack then I’m packing a separate purse in my luggage.
It jumped out at me from the pile of purses. The backpack straps are what caught my attention first. I was pretty sure it was tall enough that I could slip my laptop in on its end. It’s lined with a really nice suede with a divider, pockets, pen holders, etc. The straps convert to a regular bag and I’m 99.9% sure it’s never been used.
Thrift store price $14.99
Retail price (because you know I had to look) $95.99
It takes some practice, but getting in the thrift store habit is a great way to save money on your budget…if you shop with a purpose and budgeted amount.
Oh, and to cap off our shopping trip Mark found a steam cleaner from Italy for $20. I sells on ebay for $150. So basically our date night MADE us money 🙂
More Thrift Store Posts
- Date night finds (I use this purse a LOT.)
- Frugal Fashionista
- Chair Love