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The other day I had some free time, so I took a leisurely few hours and took the opportunity to peruse my local Goodwill store. One of the biggest thrills of a “thriftanista” is to find unused items at a fraction of their cost. That day, I was lucky enough to get this thrill a few times over!

I could not believe the amount of absolutely new, not used items I found outside of the clothing department! The local stores and businesses in the area are clearly very dedicated to Goodwill, giving their unused and out of season items.

I happened upon several boxes of unopened fancy invitation paper, running 6.99 for 150 invitations and envelopes. There were a few different kinds to choose from (see one picture below). What a steal for such a fancy item, and something you can use for any kind of event! I also found pretty and unused, very fancy gift bags. I personally love gift bags for their re-usable, no wrapping involved virtue.

I then came across probably 20-30 unused pairs of hose and tights which were a donation from Target. If I needed new hose, this is where I’d shop! There were plenty of sizes and types (see picture with tights in clear tubs). How impressive!

Like all thrifters, one always has to check out the clothes, and this day, I saw employees rolling out a rack of unused clothing donated from Target. There were several spring dresses and tops, all bearing the original price tags. I even found over 20 pair of unused flip flops, which are by far one of the most versatile shoes you can have.

If you are ready for new clothes (literally), check out your local Goodwill, you may get more than you bargained for!

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I had so much fun finding outfits to go with one of the cutest, most vibrant purse I’ve seen in a long time. The Bandolino white shoes go with anything without looking like nurse shoes, and the purse adds spice to any outfit, having great bright colors. An additional benefit - the purse comes with a little wallet, so you don’t need to purchase one to match.

Outfit #1: Metrowear

Perfect outfit for a spring day in Downtown Denver! Fun Scarves, in elon colors: Merona Jacket, (size Medium), and a Lauren Skirt (Medium), and Bandolino Shoes (size eight)

Outfit #2: Cruisewear

This happens to be an outfit I wanted to wear right out of Goodwill.

Old Navy (Medium) shorts are all the rage now! They come in bright colors, are shorter in length, can look dressed up (as seen with this white jacket and silk button down long sleeve). The purse is a perfect clash with the shirt. The colors are delicious and really can make you stand out!

Clothes will be put out for sale on Saturday, so if you want to get in and purchase it prior to that date or have us hold them, please contact aprilsdesign@gmail.com . Items are being held at the Denver Goodwill off of Broadway and Archer.

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It has been ages since I have made a regrettable purchase at the thrift store. I’m extremely discriminating and anything that is considered a maybe, becomes a no. But, the other day day I had a personal experience I definitely had to share because it went so wrong!

It was no different than any other shopping experience at Goodwill, and I was excited to find and purchase 4 items. Granted, it was a day that I actually had a goal to find a jacket, but came up empty handed in that area. Instead I walked out with a business/travel dress, a purse, a sweater, and a summer dress. I tried on the items after I got home and started to remove the price tags and check out the brands. The words OOPS formed in my head. The summer dress was made for someone with two-thirds of the ribcage I have (Guess brand). The business dress AND the sweater were both maternity clothing. How in the world could I have gone from one extreme to another? I can’t even zip the summer dress up, because either the dress would have to give or my ribcage. This was not a battle I wanted to fight. The maternity clothes, I tried on and they seemed to fit fine, and I always check the tags to see what brand it is, but not this time. I’m not sure where my head was this day!

It turns out that maternity clothing is fashionable enough for even the best eye can be confused. And if you happen to have a tiny little ribcage, there is the cutest Guess beaded summer dress at the Golden Goodwill, and if you are newly pregnant, those will also be available.

Lessons I learned?

You can be a long term thrifter and still make poor decisions.

Read the tags to see the brand of whatever item you are purchasing.

Try on your clothes, because even if they look to be your size, you never know!

It is not bad to have buyer’s remorse every once in a while. It keeps you sharp and discriminative.

I am positive other people make wrong purchases, which is why there are second hand stores to donate them to!

Stay tuned for the article on returns at thrift stores…..

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This economy has really changed the culture of living, especially in here in Colorado. Originally, the thrifting movement started with more bohemian/hippie cultures and vintage lovers. It has evolved into a green movement, an addiction, and a way of living. It is now considered green to thrift, because it is a way of recycling, keeping items out of landfills…a way to save money and the earth.

When I go shopping at stores that are not second-hand, garage sales, swapping, et cetera, I peruse the new items and question myself as to whether I can find the item in a thrift store before I make a purchasing decision. There are certain items I personally want to purchase brand new to fit my own comfort zone. Unless the item is deeply discounted or is a food/liquid item, it only makes my purchase list if it is truly needed and unattainable at a thrift store, on eBay or via trade.

Recently, I went shopping with a friend who is accustomed to purchasing only new items. I saw how differently we thought. Like her, I used to purchase without thinking, and many times regretted my purchase. Now, I’m much more selective because I have become accustomed to paying a certain amount for an item and when I see prices at triple/quadruple what you are familiar with spending, it’s much easier to turn away and save my dollars for a better time.

Here are two of my best tips about thrifting:

You will almost always find what you want. Without worry, I have consistently found what I was looking for at a thrift store. It may take a while, but it is well worth it. The satisfaction of finding the perfect item at a discounted price is thrilling!

Two: Make sure you keep a hold of your own clothes while trying on other clothes or shopping at a thrift store. I have on several occasions left a jacket or sweater at a store, forgetting I had worn it into the store. It’s not a huge loss because of how little I usually spend, but I just lost my favorite black jacket at some store…either leave any extraneous items in your car or pay close attention to where they are! (Anyone find a beautiful canvas black jacket at Goodwill by chance?)

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I find it sometimes extremely frustrating to find a bathing suit that I feel comfortable enough to wear in public, and I know I’m not alone! Not to mention, brand new suits can get expensive! Last year, I learned that several Goodwill locations get unused swimsuits that haven’t sold in places like Target. While picking swimsuit pieces for the trend of is the week, I found a number that were brand new, complete with tags!. Swimsuits like Victoria’s Secret, Gottex, and Speedo are a steal at $1.99!

Below are this week’s picks – some truly great finds. And the trend (you’ll see it more and more on Costa Rican beaches) is to mix and match. This allows for you to create more than one look for a suit which helps when you are traveling! I personally like to mix tops with one bottom, and it makes for a more fun creative self-made suit!

At these prices, you can certainly fill your swimsuit collection easily. Don’t forget to take a look at my article on how to “clean” these items to make sure they are like new.

1. 1.  Gottex, sice 12, full piece gold and light brown print $3.99

2. Blue two piece, top is Xhilaration size medium top, floral print. $1.99. Speedo blue bottom, $1.99, size M.

3. This is a fabulous find! Blue and white print two piece Ralph Lauren bikini with yellow belt. Unused, $3.99. (or $1.99 each, separately)

4.  Mix-n-Match: Victoria’s’ Secret top and bottom, bright red-orange, $1.99 each (top and bottom), and could mix it with Ana Top (for more coverage) at $1.99. Great for travel!

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If you are not a practiced thrifter, but have an interest in getting started or just want to know more about how thrifters go about the art of second-hand shopping, I’m going to help you get started! I have experience from years of shopping at second hand stores, and here are a few of the tips I’ve learned over the years.

1. After the New Year: This is s a great time to go, as people turn in gifts they can’t use, take the new year as time to de-clutter, and give to make sure they get their tax deductions for the year.

2. Find at least 2-3 thrift stores in a similar area. Look for sales, as you can often find one with 50% off sale.

3. Set a budget, and allow at least 2 hours to shop. Keep a few things in mind that you want to look for.

4. Look closely at every item you might want to purchase for holes, stains and odd smells. Check carefully for damage.

5. Bring something to donate, as it helps keep the cycle of giving and thrifting going!

6. Go often, and bring a friend. Also, make sure you will use what you purchase. If you think you might return it, you might as well not purchase it. Some places don’t take returns.

7. Keep a list of thrift stores that you’ve gone to, and note the locations where you had good experiences. Find stores located in urban or high-end areas. You can often expect to see more high-end items.

8. Be willing to leave empty handed.

9. Know what things may have originally cost.

10. Have a good dry cleaner and tailor in case you get something worth having cleaned and/or tailored.

11. Thrift during the week. On the weekends, stores get picked over, so during the week you will have fewer people present and more choices.

12. If there is a half-off sale, it is good to go early, when the store opens. Otherwise, it can get crowded, and it makes it harder to shop and the checkout lines can get quite long.

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A few weeks ago, I found a metal belt from Goodwill. It actually was an afterthought, found by my mother, however it turned out to be one of the most creative and useful jewelry finds I’ve bought!

One fun trend for 2010 has been metal jewelry. Items such long necklaces and earrings, fancy belts, or anything with a lot of flow and movement are popular. Metal is versatile, and can go with almost anything. This particular “belt” will travel well on trips because of its many uses.

I’ve included some pictures below of the different ways a belt can be used. I use it as a necklace more than a belt or boot cuff. It could even be used as a bracelet, or very long necklace. The thing that I appreciate the most is that the belt can be used with many different colors. Finding metal earrings to complete the ensemble was a cinch because of the many different colored chains in the belt.

For such an inexpensive purchase, it has already more than fulfilled its value at $4.00. After I’m finished with it, I will repurpose it by tearing it apart and making other jewelry out of it for gifts, or upcycle it by adding it to a bag, making a purse accessory.

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Today, I want to talk about how to clean items such as swimsuits and shoes I have found fabulous shoes and swimsuits at thrift stores, but had at one time was very hesitant at purchasing them. Even though I know stores like Goodwill do a great job of cleaning any incoming merchandise, it’s still nice to get that freshly cleaned feeling when you’re putting on new clothes! I found a good solution on how to make sure these gently used items are cleaned properly and to my personal standards. The three main ingredients are vinegar, water and sunshine. All very inexpensive components!

Instructions for cleaning a swimsuit:

1. Fill either a sink or a bucket with an equal amount of white distilled vinegar and clean cool water (tap water is OK).

2. Soak the swimsuit in the vinegar and water for one hour.

3. Remove the suit from the liquid.

4. Rinse and squeeze excess water out of the swimsuit after you’ve rinsed.

5. Let dry and dry off in the sun, as the sun bakes and inoculates any existing bacteria.

The vinegar will keep the color of the swimsuit fresh and bright.

For the shoes;

1. With an equal amount of the vinegar and water, take a rag and clean the shoes (I’ve also used 409, or leather cleaner, depending on the shoe.)

2. Let bake in the sun for 2-3 hours, making sure the shoes are nice and clean for you to wear.

Before I make the purchase of the shoes or swimsuit, I’ll do a thorough inspection and make sure they be in like-new or in great condition, so they won’t need serious cleaning. It is not worth it to have to put elbow grease into a pair of over-worn shoes, and as for swimsuits in less than new condition, I’ll wait and keep my eye out for a better option in the future. Usually Goodwill is good about taking items that are in good condition, but of course it pays to keep a close eye on any purchase you make, even if it is only $1.99!

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I know, I know, I’m a thrifting maven…an addict, obsessive almost. If I don’t get to my thrift store on a very regular basis, I start to suffer withdrawals. I also realize there are many people who share the same passion, and of course there are people who don’t. That’s fine, more for me!

So here’s an idea for an inexpensive and fun thing to do this Saturday with your girlfriends, children, family, etc. (since the forecast is calling for rain), Go shopping!

Set a goal and see what the regular price of an item you’ve been wanting is, and then go search for it at the thrift store. (goodwill link on the thriftstore words). Go early to find the most new goodies!. Find your item, or something similar, and purchase. Then, go have lunch with the money you saved!

You can turn this into a scavenger hunt for your kids and have them go search for things. It’s a fun, inexpensive wayto occupy them!

You could even take your grandmother and look at the old china and books. I know my grandmother has so much fun doing this and it’s perfect for older people since they are often on a limited income.

Did you know items are fully rotated through Goodwill every four weeks? And they often come in and out much faster than that, so it is good idea to come often.

How could you not love thrifting?

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I personally love baring my feet.  Problem is that I suffer from cold feet, so I have to wait till the weather is pretty darn set on being warm before exposing my toes. 

I am so excited for my personal finds for the spring and summer!  I have to say, last year I had serious flip flop issues, not being able to find a good pair, and honestly, I can’t convince myself to spend over $20 for a pair of foam/rubber shoes with a few straps on them.  That is a thrifters mindset, there is a limit what we will pay for new items.  If we can’t find it, we will either search for it elsewhere or wait for the sale.

But these particular finds were at the Goodwill located on Leetsdale in Denver.  This particular day the shoe selection was so good I actually had to put pairs back because it was getting expensive (for a thrifter).  Even though they are $5.00 a pop for shoes, you buy a bunch of pairs and it adds up! 

Anyway, I’m just so excited as I found a pair of black Kenneth Cole Reaction (made especially for J.Jill) black flipflops.  We all know the price of new Kenneth Cole shoes.  Even on sale it’s more than $5.  Sketchers rubber backed, walking flip flops are obnoxious and super comfy.  These make for fabulous kicking around, going to the pool or getting coffee on a Sunday morning type of shoes.  Mushy, they hug your feet so it feels like you are walking on pillows.  And if you are a shoe shopper, you know Sketchers is always costly, even when you feel the material spend doesn’t qualify for it. 

Lastly, and most exciting, the pair of Bjorndal walking flipflops I got are perfect for any kind of travel.  They are versatile enough to wear with almost anything, and for sure will be going to Greece with me this fall!  This brand is like a step down from Birkenstock (which those shoes hurt my feet and they are not attractive for the most part and are too expensive). Going anywhere from $30-$80 new, I could walk for hours in these shoes.  Very nice on the feet.

In all, I am very excited for my next trip to see what’s on the shoe rack at Goodwill!

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