I personally LOVE thrifting (Or "thriftstore trolling" as our sisters & brothers in the UK would say- love it!). I actually limit myself severely now, once every few months unless I'm looking for a specific item(s) so I'm not tempted to spend money on impulse buys. ;-) I am always on the search for smaller, local thrift stores rather than chain ones, for cheaper prices, although they are all mostly much less cost than buying an item new, so check them all out & get a feel for your own preferences & locations. Beware thrift "boutiques"! They are still usually cheaper than new retail, etc., but often have outrageous jacked-up prices catering to the college hipster crowd. Look in smaller towns too. Think *creatively* about how you could use the items. Thrifting is fun! Block out the ugly stuff & just scan for the items you're looking for, relax no stress. Don't be afraid to try it on even though you've never tried the look before! Break fashion rules. I am always looking for ethnic & Bohemian (or potentially part of a Boho look when put with other stuff) items, which generally abound in places like these. If it looks adorable on you, just go with it!! This is 2013, ANYTHING can "GO". What looks good on YOU? Oh, & I cannot stress the importance of collecting all kinds of sundresses. (Grin.) They are freakin' adorable, they add so much to any wardrobe. You can even wear them with boots & tights, or jeans & a cardigan (year-round) when it gets cooler! I do alllllll the time & constantly get complements on my sundresses. :) (I also perniciously collect woolen sweaters for the whole family, YUMYUMYUM slightly obsessed about anything pure wool...) Also if you love the fabric of something, but not the item, decide if you can go crafty with it & create something beautiful & new out of it! :) (Example: old felted sweater into a posh hat, handbag or tote bag!)Many thrift stores either support or are run by charities, & even if they aren't, you're supporting small business & shopping local. Recycle that look, mix it up with what you love, & wear it like a million bucks! ;-)
Furthermore, don't even get me started on household items. ;) A very dear friend of mine is an absolute Pro thriftshopper. She found me a gorgeous bread machine in working order for $5, a perfect food dehydrator for $10, a glider & ottoman when I had my third baby & was looking for one, & so much more, right when I was searching for it.... :)
One of my favourite finds of all time, non-clothing related, is my little vintage icecream maker, from the 80's. Still in the box with manual, hand-powered, works PERFECTLY! It was $5. "Opa!!!!!!" We made amazing raw milk vanilla icecream the next day.....for almost free! What a hit with the kiddos! ;-)
Are you ready? Here are some lesser-known tips to aid your search for a greener, craftier, thriftier solution to whatever your personal & household material needs are! Enjoy!! Xo
Warmly, Christine Elizabeth
http://fleamarket.about.com/od/insidershoppingtips/a/thriftstoreshoppingtips.htm
http://budgetstyle.about.com/od/greenstyle/tp/ThriftShoppingTips.htm
http://www.complex.com/style/2012/12/macklemore-thrift-store-secrets
http://houserevivals.blogspot.com/2012/03/thrift-store-shopping-secrets.html
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