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.

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