Thrifty Shopping

Purchased all of it for under $15!!

I am going to change up the tempo a bit. Instead of venting on some intense subject, I am going to discuss my love for shopping. Trust me this is not your typical shopping either. Since when am I typical?

Shoe shopping, clothes shopping, jewelry shopping, it all sounds so wonderful. I truly enjoy the experience. One aspect I enjoy most is my ability to do this on a budget and without ever entering a mall. Yes, I can proudly say I have not been into a mall in almost a year. The last time I was in a mall was to play with my daughter at the indoor playground. I have occasionally walked around the mall. I believe the last time I purchased an item from a mall, could possibly be about 2-3 years ago. This is quite the feat for a shopaholic.

At one point in time I used to love shopping and hanging out at the mall, but over the years I have become more and more disgusted with the whole process. A gigantic building filled with the same clothing which is offered at numerous prices depending on the brand, but all made in China. The crowds of people, disorganization and high prices are also not appealing. At the end of the day everyone who is shopping in a mall eventually gets rid of the items they purchase. This is where I come in. I am there to recycle their clothing by purchasing it at the local thrift stores.

Thrifty Goods Under $5

While I enjoy the aspect of recycling clothing, being it is green and all. My favorite part of thrifty shopping is the element of surprise. Take the other day for example. My husband (the wonderful man he is) threw me a challenge, took the kids to the park and let me shop thrift stores on Broadway Street (Seattle). My challenge was to not purchase any item over $10, quite the challenge in the city. Wow thrifty shopping at its thriftiest. This was great though. I passed up numerous items and fell in love with four bags of clothes and shoes which I may never have given a chance. They were those hidden beauties. Some items even looked hideous on the hanger, but they looked great on. It was quite the surprise.

Shirts $5, Shorts $.99, Shoes $4, Vest made in Bangladesh…priceless = )

I am laughing on the inside as I write. One would think my life revolves around shopping. What is ironic is I actually believe it might. Unfortunately not the fun kind of shopping though, unless someone thinks grocery shopping is fun. While I do not spend every day clothes shopping, I have made thrifty shopping my new hobby. I can’t get enough. Value Village, Goodwill, Redlight, Buffalo Exchange, Salvation Army, consignment shops, you name it I will find it and shop. I love $3 shoes, tees and dresses. Do not even get me started on the pin-up dresses I have procured. The best part about thrifty shopping is when everyone wants to know where you got your clothes. I even had one girl say my jeans looked really expensive. She followed up by asking me where I got them, and I was excited to announce Value Village on $0.99 Mondays. High maintenance and cheap, I am quite the catch.

Every item here was $0.99!! <3 it!!!

I thought I would share my rules. Yes, I have shopping guidelines.

The Ten Thrifty Commandments:

1.       Do not spend more than $6 on an item, although when I am looking for something specific (like hot pink pin-up heels or corsets) I am willing to spend a bit more.

2.       Remain open minded. Grab crazy items like boas, big heart shaped sunglasses, sun hats, and petticoats.    Sometimes these items might actually work.

3.       Be prepared to search through every item in your size and one size larger.

4.       Always barter if you love something but it’s more than you want to spend.

5.       T-shirt cutting is mandatory, it makes the possibilities endless.

6.       Try on everything!

7.       Leave the kids at home, unless you are shopping for them.

8.       Always fill your cart to the brim if not overflowing.

9.       Shoes and accessories are a necessity.

10.   Have fun.

$.99 shirts, $3 yellow flats, $5 jean skirt, and $4 colorful flats