Hello Thrifty Friends!
Here are some ways to be prepared for the thrifty deals. The number one thing is to know what you want. A lot of people tell me " I just can't find anything at Goodwill. " I realize to walk into any store can be overwhelming. But only if you don't know what you are looking for. So here are some helpful tips.
First, I have a list of things I want on my phone (so I don't have to worry about leaving the list at home). There are several free note apps you can download. This really helps when I am thrifting. I also carry a small measuring tape in my purse. It has really been a time saver. Trying to eye something, while wondering if this will fit is way to much trouble. So I measure to make sure I spend my thrifty dollars on something which will work. If there is a particular measurement I need, I have it listed beside the item I am searching for. I don't know how many times I have found something that I thought would be just right and you guessed it, I had no idea the length or width needed. I add to my list as soon as I think of something or see a cute idea, whether that is on Pinterest, at the flea market, or in a magazine. I like to take pictures as well so I don't forget how it was made or the color combination. These new phones are like having a personal secretary in your purse.
I also have a small expandable coupon folder loaded with paint colors as well as discount coupons from my favorite stores. Again I can't tell you the times I left those 40- 50% coupons at home. Some of the best lessons I have learned have been hard. But the main thing is I have tried to set up a way to help myself be ready. I also clip those coupons out of the paper as soon as I see them. I have waited until later to clip them only to discover the paper was thrown away or used for some project.
It helps to know the styles you like so you can narrow down your search. If you are not sure what you really like or how to style things just look in magazines or on Pinterest. Even if you don't buy all the magazines, you can still thumb through them while waiting in the grocery line. When my husband goes to Home Depot or Lowes, I check out the latest magazines and decorating books. Thank goodness, they don't charge for just looking. Also I have gotten a lot of ideas by touring model homes or even furniture showrooms to see what styles they put together.
These same ideas can apply for clothing. When shopping at Goodwill it is not necessary to look at everything on the rack. Here is one of my secrets. I look for the upper end clothing, Ralph Lauren, Jones, J. Crew, Chicos, etc., not being uppity, but these clothes hold up with the wear. Even if they have been washed many times they still look good. If there is a brand of clothes that fits you to a tee, then that will be one you will be looking for. Some of the brands I mentioned use a lot of stripes, checks, plaids or paisley, so I just go down the aisle narrowing my search to these patterns. If you have a special color that looks good on you, always check that section. Check out those big name brands next time you are shopping, go in one of their stores or get on line to become familiar with what they offer. I can not tell you the expensive name brand clothes I have gotten for $2.99- $6.99. We are talking "new in store cost" $50-$70 or more. Here is the thing, nobody but you will know where you got it. No one will know if you washed it once or 20 times and the best part is you are being thrifty. Now your clothing budget has just expanded. You can take the $50 you would normally pay for one blouse and get several. I am not saying, we should never buy anything new but after thrifty shopping I have a new found respect for my dollars.
I don't always find something every time I go on a thrifty trip. I may go and come home empty handed. The next time I go, it may be over the top. So don't get discouraged. Don't think to yourself this is just a bunch of junk and old clothes. You may be sitting next to someone "dressed to the nines" from her last thrifty adventure.You may even catch yourself asking her,"That is so cute! Where did you get it?"
I hope these ideas will help you on your next thrifty trip. The deals are waiting!
Here are a couple of pictures of a really good thrifty. $4.99 for a brand new dish (still has the manufacturer sticker on it).This would make a great gift. I have seen similar ones for $12-$20 at Home Goods.
Thrifty Shopping Y'all!
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