Thrifting Tips and Summer Finds

As we roll into fall, I'm feeling pretty good about the great thrift store purchases I've made this summer. Granted, thrifting isn't that thrifty if you do it as often as I do, but I made some great finds, which I can't help but share. My favorite thrift store is St. Vincent de Paul; I usually find it to be a bit less picked over and even cheaper than Goodwill. Savers is also great. But really, you can't go wrong with any second hand shop. While some vintage or consignment stores might get kind of pricey, nearly all of these shops are supporting recycling and some kind of philanthropic organization.

1. Before you get started, decide what you’re willing to clean. Can you throw it in the dishwasher or washer? Can you easily wipe it down? If it’s clothing, is it dry clean only? All things to consider. I’ll buy just about anything second hand if I know I can easily and satisfactorily clean it, but I’ll generally stop at pillows or cushions; these are items that are difficult to clean, and you don’t know exactly what might be inside.

2. Check out the households section. I always find great things here. In addition to some Pyrex bowls, which have become indispensable in my new place (in fact, I baked the English Muffin Bread in the largest one), I also came across these cute kitchen canisters ($1.50 for each of the small, $2 for the large). It's also easy to walk away with a basket or two, like the one pictured. By the way, don't forget to check out the dishes. You can find whole dining sets of all styles for just a few bucks.  I also love this cute teapot ($2) and vase (.50) that I found at St. Vincent de Paul.

3. Don't forget about the furniture! It's easy to drop a ton of money on new furniture at just about any store, but often, the furniture in second hand stores is in near-perfect condition, or at least some character. Granted, this sewing table, which I picked up at Savers for $5, is not in perfect condition at all, but I'm looking forward to sprucing it up by covering the drawers with wallpaper or fabric

4. Keep an eye on sales. Thrift stores often have half-off sales on items with special-colored tags. The Savers near my home just had a 50% of everything in the store sale for Labor Day.

5. This is probably my favorite tip. Thrift stores are the perfect place to find craft supplies. My favorite St. Vincent de Paul has drawers of fabric and yarn, crates of craft books, and every kind of notion I need. I always pick up some .25 zippers and elastic, ribbon, and more. Those are the items that'll cost 3.99 or so at a craft or fabric store, and up the price of what would otherwise be an inexpensive project.

6. Let's not forget about fashion finds! No matter what your style is, and whether you're concerned with brand names or vintage looks, you can usually find a good deal. As a younger shopper, I find that the best place to shop for second hand clothes is St. Vinnie's. Their hours (10-4 on weekdays, yuck), cater mostly to retired shoppers and is less likely to be picked over, whereas Goodwill is usually packed with younger people.  I was really excited about this cute blue dress ($3), and while I don't usually pay attention to brand names, I couldn't pass up a Fossil bag for $2. I also find shorts and skirts, and one of my friends likes to tease me because I can't pass up a cardigan.

 

7. Finally, don't pass up something just because it's a little too big. You can often make adjustments to a garment, or reuse a unique fabric for something new. Upcycling ideas, like my Too-Big Skirt to Cute Strapless dress, are all over the internet. Check them out!