THRIFTING.
I HEART THRIFTING.
I can honestly say that most of what I own has come from a second-hand store. I could go on and on about the benefits to yourself, the environment & our community in choosing second-hand over big box companies, but lets get your excuses out of the way first.
When someone asks where I got a purse, pair of shoes, or that awesome vintage pin, they’re often frustrated to find out I got it at a thrift store. (Translation - they can’t run out and buy one too.) Then comes all the reasons why they don’t shop thrift:
1. I don’t have the patience to look through all that stuff. (Essentially – I don’t mind wearing what everyone else is.) If convenience trumps individuality, supporting the local economy, self expression and frugality, then yeah, maybe thrifting isn’t for you.
2. I went to this thrift store once and it was gross & dirty. I didn’t find anything. Never really went back. It’s not your grandma’s thrift store anymore. There are some that I would actually say are nicer and more organized than some non-thrift stores (Ross, don’t get me started on WalMart…). Read our reviews, pick organized stores, follow our advice & you’ll be happy you tried it.
3. I wouldn’t know where to start. This is where you need a blog with tips on thrifting. Where to find one…
4. I don’t know anyone else that would go with me. Try it out on your own first then! Once you see how fun it can be, it’s your job to recruit. :)
=) i love word press. i want to know where all the thrift stores are in sac? hehe i think i could find some cool stuff there =)
July 30, 2009 at 1:52 PM
Sorry sweetie, I hope you still love me:} I did not know that you would not be at your mom’s for such a short time. I was finishing watching a movie and came over after but you were already gone…Your site is awsome and I am so proud of you! I would love to go thrifting with you, just let me know where you are available because I am most of the time during the week days until a bout 2:30 that is when hubby comes home….love Linda
August 30, 2009 at 9:23 PM
I have always been an avid thrifter…..it’s so nice to see someone else who is just as passionate! Loved seeing you and your hubby on Good Day Sacramento, you are such a cutie patootie!!
December 8, 2009 at 10:31 AM
Yeah….I got the girls hooked on thrift stores….Love Thrift Town(F.O.) and Eco Thrift (Greenback). Scared to take them to many places and they find lots of things and I spend too much…yes at a thrift store….not on one things but on sooo many things they want……Love the site…so proud of you!
February 1, 2010 at 10:48 PM
I am thrift store addicted as well. I love the unique finds, the great prices and the positive social impact. You ought to include some more info on thrifting for furniture and house hold items. I have been redorating my apartment in Midtown and have been relentlessly scouring antique stores, thrift stores, flea markets, craigslist, etc. Urban Thrift, next to Freestyle is one of my favorite resources.
February 15, 2010 at 3:59 PM
Cate,
Hooray for fellow thrifters! I have a deep jealousy for those who have the privilege to live in Midtown & are creatively minded. I work in midtown, but it’s no substitute for riding a bike to any & all wonderful midtown spots. One of my goals for 2010 is to have my house reflect more of my artistic / creative side. I will keep your suggestion in mind.
In that vein, I will soon be the full-time blogger for Thrift Town, and will probably have a lot more household tips, etc for all the readers there. Exciting stuff!
February 15, 2010 at 4:16 PM
Thanks for your great list. I am a half-off-day-crazy thrift shopper. My four girls and I fool them all with our thrift fashion at a major bargain! Goodwill’s up-selling and price creep is one of my bitter pet peeves right now. Really? In this economy?
I would love a mini-write-up for each location. I have found that each one seems to have a ‘specialty.’
Can I add that the twice-yearly Just Between Friends sale (baby/kids) is going on right now? An overwhelming cave of thrift.
March 11, 2010 at 5:01 PM
I’m a huge fan of having a second hand home. I can say in all honesty every piece of furniture in my home ( with the exception of our mattress’) has come pre-loved. Pieces from thrift stores, estate sales, garage sales, or a treasured loved one. My home can not be duplicated at a local mall or showroom and I consider that a wonderful treat. My walls are covered in my children’s art, vintage magazine ads, or awesome needle points by fabulous people named Faye Elizabeth Moneymaker circa 1921 (I love when pieces are signed)My bathroom could double as Mad Men set and I enjoy my bubble baths more because of it. I adore your positive attitude Kari. Happy is contagious,it’s fabulous that you’re spreading it as such a grand scale. Happy Thrifting! ♥
June 25, 2010 at 11:55 PM