Being Frugal is in! Imagine that. I thought I would never say that. However, being a seasoned thrifter I cringe when I have to pay full price for anything expensive. Even if I have the money to pay for it or not.
I like being frugal or thrifting, (whatever phrase makes you feel better about yourself). I used to experience waves of embarrassment, whenever we had to take a trip to the local thrift store or Goodwill.
I didn’t want anyone to know that I bought my clothes or other things second-hand. I was downright embarrassed!!! I thought people would judge me and think that I was so poor that I had to shop in a thrift store. Some of my very own family members, gave me that look, you know the one like…
“Oh, you shop at a Thrift Store?” kind of look.
That is until I embraced it!. Yes, honey I embraced the thrift. I am a frugal fashionista. I will not pay full price for new or second-hand, gently used, slightly worn clothing or shoes. Well, shoes maybe, I am kind of funny about wearing shoes someone else has worn before, unless they are super cute or good quality shoes. Although I have found lots of pairs of brand new shoes with the tags still in tact.
I receive compliments all the time from people and those same family members, like…
“Oh, where did you get that outfit?”
I say from my favorite stores. They can’t believe it. I buy cute stuff you wouldn’t think I bought it from the thrift store. I have clothes from Macy’s, Target, Old Navy, Jones New York, Nordstrom, just to name a few. I recently purchased clothes from a Macy’s One Day Sale, Clearance of course and I saved $350 or more. All of the clothes I bought were 80% off that day. Yes, I scored on that one!
However, because I am a SAHM trying to shop for 3 growing children on a budget was very difficult at times. Thrifting became my solution. I have found really good deals, especially on children’s clothing and shoes, sports equipment, snow gear, toys, bikes, electronics, fitness and athletic attire, home accessories, furniture and so much more.
So here are a few secrets I want to pass along to you. I’ve learned these tips from my frequent trips to the Thrift Store…
5 Secrets to Thrifting
- Go in with a purpose – Have specific items in mind that you want to purchase (Clothing, electronics, toys, shoes, etc.), Be sure to test the electronic items before purchasing
- Look for quality clothing – free from holes, marks and tears or defects
- Never over pay for a second-hand item – Electronics and furniture are sometimes priced higher than the regular stores (May be Negotiable)
- Shop the clothing and shoe sales – Usually Buy 1 Get 1/2 off, Shop 50 – 70% off days and special sales or discount days
- Most Goodwill Stores have Target Clearance rounders with deeply discounted brand new clothes, sleep/swimwear, athletic attire and seasonal items ranging from children to adults
Below are a few pictures of some items that I have found during several of my thrifting hauls. So have fun, experience Thrifting for yourself. Go with a goal in mind and know exactly how much you are willing to spend.
Thrifty Haul:Buy One Get One Free
Thrifting is so much fun and I actually look forward to my next haul. I get so excited about how much money I have saved. Sometimes we look up the actual prices of the item and we are just amazed at the huge discount we received for the same item we purchased as compared to the real dollar amount.
Hopefully these secrets/tips have been useful to you. Do you have any tips or suggestions that you would like to share? Let me know, until next time. Take Care!
Blessings,
The Tickled Diva
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