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I was reading Life on Churchill today and her great finds at a local thrift store. (She has a beautiful sense of style and is re-doing her mid-century modern home). I love to save money as well and look for bargains. I thought I’d share a few of my tricks to find gems in a packed store. I don’t spend a lot of time. If I do, I end up talking myself into things I won’t use or don’t need.
Clothes Thrifting Hints:
- Have a list of things you’re looking for. Head for that department.
- Plan your attack. Have a set plan in place with certain stores.
- Walk down the aisle and look for quality fabrics (no pilling, no fading, nice on-trend color)
- Take a look at the style. (is it something you’d wear?)
- Take a look at the size. (Is it your size now?)
- Take a look at the brand & price. (I don’t bother with off brands at a thrift - chances are it’s good if the fabric is good.)
- Look for any stains or missing buttons.
- Try it on.
- Check out their return policy.
- When you get home try on the piece with your other clothing to make sure it looks good with your outfits.
| a few thrifty finds for my home |
A few other things I look for are mid-century modern pieces to match my decor. Beautiful glassware that I can take to my local candle shop where she fills them with wax for me. Pyrex bowls and bakeware. Bias tape for my sewing collection. Kids games & vintage books.
Hints for Thrifting with kids:
- Bring hand sanitizer/wipes.
- Make sure that food, diapers and naps are taken care of.
- Encourage them to think of others when shopping.
- I have my 3 year old look for her cousin’s birthday present. It takes away the “I want…” whining and sometimes works out that we find something for them.
- When I don’t think it’s a good purchase for us but my daughter whines I just remind her that we have nice things and someone else may need that.
- Let them buy something for 25cents - hit the toy section half way through. Then move to the complete opposite side of the store with their quarter items and finish up. If they don’t behave I bring it back.
What do you look for when you thrift? Do you have any tips?
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I'm Virginia & so glad you're here! You'll find me writing about my not-so-perfect journey with my faith, family, life and home. Stick around, comment and join the conversations.
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this is great! thanks for the compliment
I like to bring baby wipes too, for wiping off furniture to figure out what is dirty vs cracked.
That’s a great idea Julia! Wiping off the dirt!
those are great tips! thanks for posting
i always try to make sure i have a list and enough time…i hate feeling rushed.
i tell you i hardly ever go shopping anymore. with homeschooling and always having the three kids with me, i just steer clear all together. i have purchased some fabric and patterns lately online, so i’m not totally abstaining!
bummer about our chat the other day. you call me next time. maybe we can chat when it’s midnight my time and 3 am your time. then, hopefully, everyone will be sleeping!
I would love to go thrifting with you! Too bad you don’t live closer. I think it’s one of my favorite things to do. Not as much with my kids, but I still manage it, just not for as long as I’d like.
Great tips, and I love your finds! I love that you point out remembering others when we thrift. Whether we’re saving money or not, it’s always good to keep in mind how we can bless.