I love this store because a. they sell things very cheap and b. all the proceeds go to the local non-profit Lydia Place! I took a trip there this weekend to drop off a pile of things that I have have been collecting all summer and to take some pictures for you folks.
Here are some tips for fruitful thrift shopping:
1. Have a plan. Make a list of the items you are looking for. Maybe you are always on the hunt for buttons, but you dream of finding a vintage suitcase. Having a list can mean that you don't miss out on something you need for a project and that you don't bring home a great plaid thermos only to find that you already have ten!
2. Check often. I'm not able to check as often as I did this summer because I moved further away, but having a local thrift shop that you can pop into every once in a while is beneficial. This way you become familiar with the stock, can snag great things when the come in and also know you can pass up that cat figurine because if it's meant to be maybe it will still be there next week.
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| I love picking up a pretty spoon for $.50 |
3. Use your imagination. Could that giant dress become a flouncy skirt? Would the illustrations in that book make cute birthday cards? Keep an open mind but also remember your plan. Be realistic about what projects you have going and how many you can take on. It's nice to have back up projects for rainy days when you don't want to leave the house to buy supplies but it's not nice to have a garage full of lampshades because you were just sure you could do something with them!
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| No thrift store is complete without a collection of romance novels! |
4. Have time. Unless you are making a beeline for dishes because you need a 8 inch blue ceramic plate, make sure you have enough time to browse through everything. You never know what might be hiding behind that pile of stuffed clowns. Being rushed isn't conducive to using your imagination.
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| Sheets and pillowcases are an excellent source of fabric for craft projects. |
5. Go with a buddy. With the last tip in mind, make sure you go shopping with the right person. I've taken people thrift shopping before who didn't realize what that means ("Yes I do need to look through little boys t-shirts" I can't be rushed!). Also a friend can help it go faster, especially if you are looking for something specific. If you know each other's lists, you can look for both your items at once. If you are looking for clothing, going with someone of a different size and style can be helpful, since there is only one of each item, a tug of war over that perfect pair of vintage heels could ensue!
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| Are these shirts, or fabric waiting to be made into something new? |
6. Wear easy-off layers. You don't want to have to unlace knee high boots every time you want to try on something. Wear clothes that are easy to take off and could be paired with different items. It will be hard to tell if that shirt goes well with jeans if you are wearing a neon pink skirt. Sometimes stores won't have dressing rooms, so being able to pull things over what you are wearing is a good skill to have.
7. Bring cash. Many small thrift stores don't take cards or have a charge for small amounts. Using cash can keep you on a budget as well.
1) pink shirt $4 2) glass cup $.25 3) stainless steel shaker $1
Happy hunting!
5 comments:
Great tips about thrift shopping! I think I've been using most of these without realising it, and it's great to see them allo written down together.
Thanks for the tips! I have walked past this store many times, but now I'll have to stop in!
Thank you for the tips! I have a friend who has an eagle eye in thrift stores and can always find the coolest stuff, while I just get overwhelmed. Have you been to the Labels on Northwest? It's consignment, so not as "thrifty" as thrift stores, but they have some great things at great prices.
Brenda- They can be overwhelming, which is why I like sticking to one place and getting to know it really well. I know of Labels but I've never been there, heard great things though. I have unfortunately gotten to the point of thriftyness that I consider even Goodwill and Value Village to be too pricey! That might seem silly, but most of the time I am buying things to be made into other things so as low cost as possible is a must.
Justadrizzle- You should check it out! It doesn't look like much from the outside but it goes pretty far back. There is another thrift store down State St a few blocks (within walking distance) called For the Love of Hospice, which has good books and board games.
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