Monday, December 1, 2014

Finding a Good Bargain | Thrift Shopping

A few years ago I found myself unemployed and facing foreclosure on my home of seven years.  I have to admit, these past few years have been some of the hardest challenges I’ve ever had to face in my life.  However, when I was making a great salary, I was careless with money.  I got paid on payday and spent, spent, spent.  It was nothing for me to spend hundreds of dollars a month on my habit of excessive retail therapy.  I love fashion and if I saw something I loved, I just bought it.  I didn’t care what it cost nor did I experience one instance of “sticker shock”.  I simply whipped out my Visa and swiped with glee. 




It’s very sobering to reflect on that time in my life.  I mean, I literally bought things that hung in my closet with tags still attached as a new season began.  Shame on me!  My favorite place to visit EVERY single payday was Lane Bryant.  Their pieces gave me life each time I slid a new item over my body.  After losing my job, that came to a quick halt.  I wallowed in self-pity and misery over the fact that I couldn’t swipe my card with $0 on it.  Reality set in and I had to do some major budget cuts.  Guess which was first to go? Yep, my love for retail therapy.



During this turbulent time in my life, I met my best girl friend.  She loved and accepted me with no regard to my miserable, broken spirit.  Never once has she judged me and I thank God for her.  I owe my love of thrifting to her.  I’ll never forget our first trip together to Goodwill and the look I had on my face.  I felt like I was too good to shop there.  Lol, in hindsight, I can’t believe I actually WANTED to pay retail prices instead of looking for gems among mounds of worn, some stained and tattered clothing.  Silly me!!  We walked in, and I was so used to everything being neat and hanging nicely on mannequins that I didn’t know where to begin looking first.  I’m like, "Where’s my section??  You know these hips can't fit everything, sis!"  Lol, my friend pointed me in which direction to go.  I tell you the truth, my very first experience at Goodwill was a major score.  I found tons of new things with tags AND in a size to fit these hips…haaaa!  I’ve been sold ever since.



I apologize for the blurred photos.  I'm working with my 12 year old for photo ops :)


Still trying to get this posing thing down...lol




I said all that to say this…. To my new readers and my loyal followers, never underestimate what you can find in a thrift store.  I actually prefer shopping at thrift stores now rather than walking into the department store and getting 2 items for $100.  I can get like 100 items for that much at Goodwill…just kidding.  But a little money in a thrift store goes a long way.  Thank you Naquita (my bff) for encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone!! I have finally realized the endless treasures I can find while thrifting.





Ralph Lauren Slacks ~ $7.99 (Retail 109.00 *gasp*)  <---- Sticker shock
Blazer (Dressbarn label) ~ $7.00
Animal print tank (Chico's) ~ $4.25
Clutch (It's Fashion) ~ $10.00
Patent flats (Goodwill) ~ $6.50


My face after shooting photos in the wind, cold and rain...ugh!!



Here's a few snap shots of my best friend, Naquita.  She's pretty fashion savvy herself, don't you think?  I love this lady to life!! She has been more than I could ever hope for in a friend.













10 comments:

  1. I know what you mean. I lost my job 3 years ago and even though I have almost always looked for sales I can't shop at The Limited or Express anymore. These days I hit up Platos Closet, Goodwill, old navy and just love it. I am glad you found your new found appreciation for thrifting. Rachel xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I feel you girl! Funny thing is I enjoy the "treasure hunt " at the thrift stores now...lol

      Delete
  2. You got some great bargains, smart shoppingThank you for joining the Trendy Wednesday link up!

    Leanne,
    www.classyyettrendy.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love bargain shopping! It was a pleasure linking up with you. Looking forward to next week :)

      Delete
  3. I know I shop way to carelessly and so guilty of having so many unworn items with tags. I love the idea of thrifting but finding the time is so tough for me.

    Thank you for sharing on TBT Fashion link up and hope you will join up this week.

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Alice! Yes, I'm totally addicted to thrifting! I have to remind myself to get rid of an old item when I buy a new one. But it gets so hard because I love fashion.

      Delete
  4. Wow, what a beautiful friendship you have! So many bloggers find amazing thrift items, it kind of makes you think twice about spending five times that at a regular store. Love the color of your jacket and your hat is too cute with the outfit... also, I always love hints of leopard!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Carrie! I truly value my friendship with this beautiful woman of God. She always supports, pushes, and encourages me in everything I do. Thanks for dropping by :)

      Delete