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Thursday, December 29, 2011

Thrifting 101

If you didn't already know...I thrift often.  Very often.  With the New Year around the corner I thought it was the perfect time to start a new series.  Thrifting 101.  I'm going to share the ins and outs and some secrets to finding the gems in what can seem like a pile of junk!  In the process I am going to try to get over my phobia of outfit posts.

Lesson 1.  Find your spot!
I think one key to finding the good stuff is to find your spot.  Go often and when you find a good spot, stick with it.  The people get to know you and are willing to work with you on merchandise that may need fixed.  Don't be scared to ask for a discount for merchandise that has stains (most can be removed), missing buttons, evens tears and rips.  Some stores don't intend on putting out merchandise that is damaged so when it's overlooked and gets to the sales floor they would rather sell it for a fraction of the price than trash it (and yes most thrift stores do compact unsellable merchandise).  They usually discount it 50% it not more, but don't get mad if they say no.  It is thrift after all!  

One of my favorite stores won't let you buy merchandise that doesn't have tags.  Period.  They send it to the back to be re-priced and re-stocked.  I have developed a rapore with most of the girls there now, and a couple managers.  Finally, these relationships are paying off, and they get me prices while I wait.  Always be nice, and come back often.  A friendly face who visits often matters to any business!

Now on to some of my favorite pieces from this past fall. 


Some of my favorite black pieces.  While I love color, my own wardrode favorites tend to be black, gray, and navy.



I used Pugly Pixel's awesome photo templates for this post.  Go check her out.  She has some easy to follow tutorials on youtube.  

Don't forget to check out the I like to party link.  Some gracious ladies hosting some fabulous parties!

Happy thrifting, 
xoxo, Amy   

12 comments:

  1. That rice bag is great. You are all so right about finding a place and sticking with it. Not onlyy have a developed a great place to shop, but some wonderful friends along the way. Thanks for stopping by to visit me!

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  2. Beautiful thrifted stuff you have here. Thanks for sharing and wishing you a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

    Thrifted

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  3. Love it! There are so many helpful tips to share when it comes to thrifting :) And finding your store is a great one especially if they stock mostly furniture or mostly clothing and accessories.

    Also I would love to do a guest post and I think I have the perfect one in mind, but I'll get back to you when I have it all figured and written out.

    p.s: Love your new banner!

    xo Amber P.

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  4. What a fun feature! I can't believe that one store sends it back if it doesn't have a price. I visit the local Goodwills so much that I brought a friend with me one time and one of the workers was like "oh hey arielle, we have some ugly couch from the 70s back here you might like if you wanna look" and I got to go back into the stock room to check it out and customers were looking at me like "why does she get to go back there?" lol. My friend thought I was a VIP but I just told her that I'm nice and I always talk to the workers so they eventually grew to knew me.

    Can't wait to see more Thrifting 101's :)

    -Arielle
    www.humblepievintage.com

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  5. Great collection thrifted finds! One of my favorite thrift stores does the same thing when something is not priced. Makes me crazy! Thank you for being part of TTF and I hope you and your family have a very blessed 2012!

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  6. Those owls are great! Might I steal them from you? =P

    <3 Jackie @ Let's Go Thrifting!
    http://LetsGoThrifting.blogspot.com

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  7. I love thrifting, good finds! Thanks for sharing! I am your newest follower and I think your blog is cute. I would appreciate it if you came to my blog and followed me too! http://milliemorganmedia.blogspot.com

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  8. Love that blue and white dress! and yes, it definitely pays to be polite and patient too, I find.

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  9. holy crap that clock is sweet! love your thrifting 101 thing goin on.

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  10. The leather jacket was a good find! I enjoy the color schemes in each collage.

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  11. My goodness I wish I found stuff this amazing! I love the vintage blanket.

    -Jerica

    adiamondmindblog.blogspot.com

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