Friday, September 2, 2011

Hey thrifter, go thrifter, soul thrifter, go sister

I made a comment on another post stating that thrifting was in my soul.  At that very minute I knew I wanted to do a post based on that statement.

I grew up in a very frugal non-wasteful family.  I never thought we were poor.  We owned our own home, had plenty of food and our bills were always paid.
I’m sure in some people’s eyes we were poor.  I have a feeling we were richer than they knew.

My Mom taught me to make a nickel stretch.  My husband says that I can turn a quarter into a dollar in an instant.  That makes me proud.

As I got older, being the girly, girl that I am, I wanted more.  More of everything and believe me I got it.  More heartache came along with all of the “things” I thought I couldn’t live without.
It took a while but I learned my lesson and have been joyfully thrifting ever since.

I don’t thrift because I have to.  I do it because I want to.  I haven’t decided if it’s the thrill of the hunt or the sweet smell of victory when I find that perfect item.
I guess it doesn’t matter the thrill is just always there. 

Retail is a disappointing adventure for me.  The clothing is overpriced and under quality.  I can thrift designer or at least well-made items for a fraction of the cost.  My personality is a little quirky so I also find unusual things that fit me to a T!  And after having all of my shopping fun, I still have money to go on vacation and show off my thrifty finds.
Speaking of vacation, when I do go I research the area looking for thrift/resale stores.  This does drive the Man slightly crazy, but he gets over it.
I will be searching Charleston SC. and Savanna, Ga. starting this weekend.

I have been known to take in clothes, let out clothes make child shorts out of left over shirts. Cover a swing with a newly designed cover hand made and hand painted.
You name it I’ve done it.

Some of my favorite sites lately are about refashioning.  I love their creativity.
Either I’ve just landed in with a very thrifty bunch of bloggers or the trend is catching on.
I think this week alone I enter 4 thrift themed links.  All to show my Maxi dress I bought for 2.50. 

So rock on my little thrifting sisters.  See you and your thrifty finds in bloggy land!

I wrote this post while I was at work....Shhhh don't tell.  It got my thrifting jones a going so off I went to GW.  Since I won't be in town this weekend for their 50% sale I thought I might just miss something.
Now check out these great finds.  All for 4.91 and that includes Cook county Illinois unbelievable tax.

Dobbs hat.  Similar ones on their web site for 75.00.  Can you believe that?


I forgot the brand name on this one.  Already took it inside and to lazy to go get it!  But it was 29.00 on their website and perfect for the boat since it has a little leather strap that goes under my chin.  I seem to have a habit of donating hats to the lake!
Bueno hobo.  Found it at Target for 29.00.  Who the hell would pay 29.00 for a pleather purse?
Not bad for a couple of bucks.  Looked liked it needed a home



10 comments:

  1. i LOVE the title of this post and i love thrifting for all the same reasons, paying less for good quality items, and even paying less for poorer quality items

    growing up in charlotte, nc i've been to both charleston and savannah, i was engaged in charleston and had my bachelorette weekend in savannah.... they are GREAT introductions to our wonderful southern culture... if you go to charleston please eat at Fleet Landing for me!

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  2. I'm sooooo with you!!! Why pay full price, or heck....even SALE price is still outrageous sometimes, when you can get it for a song! I've seen many bloggers often wearing the same item, because it's popular at the moment in the stores. That's the great thing about thrifting...you find unique items! Hugs! ~Serene

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  3. And just think of all the tee shirts out there being made and wasted evrey day....makes you want to thrift!
    And congrats on your mention!

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  4. You are my soulmate Tammy. I thrift because I want to not because I have to. Retail frustrates me too and there are too many poorly made brands that fit the trends for a minute. I like classics that last and thrifting has less options but enables creativity in styling outfits. I love this post Tammy. Great read darling. Dawn suitcase vignettes xo

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  5. Thanks for the heads up about being mentioned in that article. I wouldn't have known otherwise.

    I'm so with you on thrifting, too. I get so bored in retail stores. Where's the challenge? Where's the fun? I have gotten some amazing finds lately. Some I haven't even worn yet. Realized today it's time to slow down. My closet is packed!

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  6. You all make me soooooooooo jeaoulus. Nowhere to go thrifting in Spain, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
    have a wonderful weekend, my dear Tammy

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  7. I am just now starting to thrift, but it is hard to find things in plus sizes. Most of the really great bargains I find are in sizes 8 and 10. There is so little good mdse in retail stores for plus size(18 & up) ladies that I am sure most of them keep the good stuff. Whereas those who are the smaller sizes always have great things to buy retail. I truly admire those of you who thrift and I am giving it a shot, but it is way harder for some of us to find anything at all.

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  8. I forgot to say a couple of things. Thank you so much for letting me know about our mention on Style Goes Strong. Also, love your hats.
    You have been my inspiration for thrifting. You find such amazing things and if not for you, I might not be thrifting as much as I am now. I have to say it is great fun to find a treasure!

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  9. great finds. and i too love to thrift. just went on thursday with my sister and it made me very VERY happy. there's something about buying a bunch of wonderful goodies (sometimes even new ones!) for such great prices! i think it's awesome that you thrift because you want to!!!

    spinning-threads.blogspot.com

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  10. Thank you for sharing so much about your life. I really appreciate knowing more about you. I'd be interested to hear more about what happened when you wanted more because you are a girly-girl. Did you overspend your way to debt and get out of it? I'd be interested to hear more about that part of your journey. I completely agree with your thoughts regarding the retail experience. I much prefer to find an impeccably tailored Evan Piccone in a thrift store for pennies and wear quality for years.

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