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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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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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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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We’ve all been through it, we get older, we gain or lose weight, and suddenly things aren’t exactly where they used to be.  It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, gotten pregnant, gained or lost weight, it’s inevitable, things just change!  This can become a conundrum if you are constantly going through these changes, as kids do, or pregnant women.  People in this stage are dealing with huge changes, but even people who are in-between sizes have this same issue. In fact, I myself have been “in the middle of a size” for a long time.  This has been frustrating especially in the jean realm.  It seems like no pant really fits me right.  And I’ve just dealt with that until this year.  I am tired of being “in-between” and I’ve thrifted for all clothing types except jeans, really. 

I don’t know what brilliant light went off in my head, but why not go to a department store and find a jean that fits and then start perusing thrift stores for a pair of my own fitted jean.  I finally did it!  I found a few different pairs that actually fit me well and then started my discount shopping with the intent of finding my TRUE RELIGION.  Ok, for anyone who doesn’t know True Religion jeans, these duds can go for about $160.00 a pop new. I personally cannot justify that much of a spend on pants when that can feed me for at least a week.  When there are struggling people right here in our back yard.  Once I found what worked, my search started in earnest.  I visited several thrift stores, (some have more denim than others), and finally landed myself the most comfortable pair of jeans I think I’ve ever owned.  Even more so because I can breathe easy knowing it was $20.00…..If you can’t read that, I’ll spell it:  TWENTY DOLLARS!  This is one of the best finds I think I’ve ever found in my thrifting days.

By the way, Goodwill has .99 cent jean days…in case you can’t read that, it is NINETY- NINE CENTS!

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I realize not everyone carries the same attitude towards thrift store shopping as myself, but it has gained great popularity in the Denver area. In fact, I recently heard that Goodwill has had it’s first wedding gown sale in TN! But as far as states are concerned, in the thrift stores I’ve been in all around the USA (San Francisco, Santa Fe, Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Connecticut), Colorado is one of the best places to shop. People seem to be more conscious of the fact that you can get high quality items at a discounted price.

I’ve also found certain specific stores in the state of Colorado are great, which has a lot to do with who is donating and how well it’s being advertised and marketed that there is a donation site where you can bring your unwanted items. Donations are a the only way many of these stores make their money and contribute to society. Not only are these donations helpful, but it keeps trash out of the landfills. It is a green, recyclable approach that is only going to grow as our world and its resources get smaller.

I truly enjoy the hunt, finding the perfect thing at a considerably fabulous price to me. I know what I am willing to spend, and like a person watching the stocks, you pay attention to much but maybe only take a little (unless it’s just too good of a price).

I can’t remember a time where I wasn’t visiting thrift stores as a hobby. Over the years, I’ve become more picky because I know my perfect find for what I need will arrive, and I will keep looking for it until it appears before my eyes. That becomes more of a thrill, an enjoyment when you actually find what you want. People do this in every type of hobby. Is thrifting a hobby of finding an item at a price below what you would pay for it new? I think so, and you can make it almost any type of item, not just clothes, so your hobby can be endless….and inexpensive.

Plus, your donations can be a write off!

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