Do you find, as I do, that after years of discovering treasures at thrift stores, you cannot bring yourself to pay retail? If so, check out the free ebook mentioned below.
Driving home from our favorite thrift store, a Radiohead song came on the radio. I told my oldest son they were one of the greatest alternative rock bands, ever.
“Mom, what’s a maternity rock band?”
Oldest and I burst into laughter.
I envision tattooed hipster women with hair dyed purple, guitars propped on top of their huge pregnant bellies. They should be called Labor Pains. Or The Placentas!
Apparently “alternative” and “maternity” sound alike when you’re cranking the radio
Photo by chrissie kremer on Unsplash
Thrift Stores Have Ruined Me
Today, I ventured into Target.
I do this about 3 times a year, to pick up socks, undies, printer paper, and other items that I can’t (or won’t) buy secondhand. I start a list on my phone and go when it’s long enough to justify the hassle.
The oldest needed a new pair of sneakers. There are often like-new shoes for the younger kids and myself secondhand, but Caleb’s feet are man-size, and I’ve discovered that there isn’t nearly as much good stuff for men in the used clothing market. Is it because men only throw stuff away once it’s threadbare?I chose Target because I had coupons for $3 off Liz Lange maternity tops. I used them to buy two shirts on clearance. Total price: $2 for two maternity tops. Pretty stoked!
Despite feeling happy when I found that deal, I was unsettled by the crappy quality of much of the merchandise.
Yet the prices were bloated, rather like my pregnant feet. I would pick things up, get sticker shock and put the item back.
Why in the world would I pay $20 for a pair of cheap vinyl sandals that will make my feet stink and fall apart after a few weeks, when I’m currently wearing Blowfish Malibu flats that were $45 new but cost me $2?
Exactly.
The last time I went to half price day at my favorite secondhand shop, I got 3 cute name brand maternity tops for around $2 each, several pairs of nice maternity slacks and jeans for $3 each. No way am I paying $19.99 for a tee shirt that will fall apart after a few washes.
And it’s not just clothing. I also find cute home decor, kitchen items and captivating books to devour.
Speaking of ruin, our lust for brand-new also has an environmental impact. I get a warm feeling when I buy used and keep good stuff out of the landfill.
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Well you know how I feel about this. I hate shopping so I revel in goodwill and other thrift stores. My best deal was a brand new pair of Naturalizers for $2.99. Yessiree! 🙂
Labor Pains and The Placentas made me laugh out aloud!
I have to admit that I don’t shop at thrift stores or yard sales. I have a thing with used goods – Not sure what it is, but I always prefer brand new. Not very sustainable and minimal of me 🙁 but it’s the truth. The upside is that I don’t buy much anyway.
I’ll tell you what has ruined me – Online shopping! Oh dear. I can’t pay retail in brick and mortar stores anymore.
I’m ruined! Even when I have money to spend, I’m constantly thinking like I am $2 away from $0 so I overthink my purchases and most things I buy must be at least 70% off (included clothes, shoes, makeup, toiletree, household items etc.). This isn’t necessarily a good thing because sometimes I don’t get what I need for a loooong time and I’ll buy something that is 70% off that I don’t REALLY need instead of getting the full priced (even if cheap) thing. *sigh*
When my daughter was small & I was a divorced mommy; I couldn’t afford fancy dresses, or even fabric to sew them. I was frequently in the thrift shop buying a $2.00 ladies dress, taking it apart & sewing a dress for her occasion. They were her “special dresses”. It came back to me full circle once she was on her own— one day she came to visit with a pattern, fabric & a zipper, she asked me to make her a “special dress” for a Holiday party at her work! She’s 43 now, and still doesn’t know just how tight money was back then!
I haven’t bought new clothing (except undies) for my husband, grand kids or myself in many years! Learn labels & inspect before purchasing, you can’t go wrong!
so true! Thanks for the comment
I recently was sick and changed sizes quickly. I wasn’t sure I would stay at that size so started buying a new wardrobe at thrift stores and garage sales. Still like what I buy that way so haven’t changed my ways even though I did stay the same size. Buy on senior day so get a break at thrift stores.
@Alice – That’s very smart!
The “Buy Nothing” Facebook groups would be great for this too. I love those!