Earth Day

About a month ago, when it was cold (not that different here today...), and snowing (thankfully not doing this today),

I took my baby thrifting at the local Salvation Army. We stopped off for Starbucks first. Wanna get a 14 year old’s attention? Mention a stop off at Starbucks and they’re in.

Now I’ve loved thrifting since high school. I shopped at the Goodwill. I bought a men’s jacket and wore it proudly. I loved the pawn shop in town too. Garage sales-check. Estate sales-even better. Antique stores-couldn’t get enough. So naturally I had to pass on the thrill of the hunt to my girls! With our Starbucks handy and humming “I’m gonna pop some tags,” (that’s the clean version folks) we took our minds off the snow and went on a treasure hunt.

We started in the jeans section and pulled all the ones that fit her teeny tiny little frame. Methodically we proceeded to each section and loaded up our cart-I mean LOADED it.

she found a “leather” jacket she LOVED. And she got a million compliments on it…

and I found a jacket that was weird…but I felt like it was “weird cool” instead of “weird weird”  Was I right? hmmm…I’m more willing to take a risk when its only $5.

We looked at shoes, but no luck –not our size.

(Find shoes you like? Turn em over and look at the soles and the heels. I’ve bought shoes here that have never been worn.) These were too worn on the heels-

We came home with a big bag o’ goodies (we did spend more than $20-we spent $40-because hello, the green tags were half off baby!) See the seriously long lines on Saturdays!

A few things…

when you go thrifting, smell your potential purchases. Sounds weird, I know but I bought the most adorable pink hand bag from the 60’s at an antique store, but got it home, opened it up and it reeked of cigarettes. Bummer.

Always try the stuff on. I mean it seems like why bother because you’re only spending a couple of bucks, but its better to see them on. We gravitate to things that are a little quirky, but these were a bit too quirky for my girl. They really looked different  on the hanger.

Next if you are buying sweaters look at the wear around the collar and under the arms. If it has a lot of piling it might not be your best bet.

Always check the tags (before you pop em) to see what the garment is made of. We found cashmere in excellent condition.

Look for the unexpected-the fun & funky. I found this really cool “old man” sweater. I love it!

And my girl got a men’s jacket. She rolled the sleeves up and wore it with her doc martens and a cute skirt. I’m telling you she looked like a million bucks. (For only a couple of bucks!)

Most importantly -HAVE FUN! Buying used, vintage, or old takes a little more time & patience but its well worth it-helps the planet AND the pocket book.

Have you been thrifting lately?