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   

The Gossip - "Heavy Cross" LIVE bei ZDF"Wetten, dass..?" [HQ]

 I can't get enough of this song from the J'Adore commercial.

For the official go here.  Beth Ditto is amazing.  Had to share.

Thriftin ain't easy

I love the part where you thrift, where every aisle has lots of surprises...but then you have to carry it in the house, sort it, log it, wash it, fix it, photograph it, measure it, list it, tag it, and then fingers crossed ship it.  This is what I have been working through this week.  And NONE of that other stuff has been done.  My trunk is full of more stuff, including a couple suitcases!

 there were a few more bags here...but I had already sifted through it.

I found some lovely things.   I did a major shop update about a month ago here.  My favorites would have to be the dresses.  I am a t-shirt and sweats kind of girl but this past year I have fallen in love with how easy it is to throw on a dress.

I have been working on the style of my blog for awhile and hadn't found any thing that I really love.  I downloaded the Strawberry Shortcake blog template from Pugly Pixel and used Amy Morby's rad downloads to dress it up.  I have a new header coming soon that Jess that IRockSoWhat is designing.  I'm pretty stoked about it!  

Looking forward to some extra time off over the holidays.  I stayed home this morning and cleaned my filthy house.  My lovely daughter just looked at me typing this and proceeded to spit her candy cane out on the clean floor and said "I don't wike dis"....now she is eating another one.   Not sure why I bother!

Peace out!  She is heading for my purse.  Stinker.

Get it together!

This time of year I kind of let myself go.  I get unorganized, I eat more, I slack off, I go to bed earlier, I hit snooze more.  I think it's because we all get so busy this time of year.  Knowing that the New Year is around the corner it excites me to get back on track.  I also get really excited at the thought of a new planner.  It's the little things.  Mine just arrived in the mail with a couple extra goodies.  

I found everything at The Hach after intense searching for the just the right planner.  It's funny how happy a new planner makes me.  It's going to be a great 2012!

Tomorrow Planner

Gold Wasabi Tape

Vintage Year

Help a sister out!

Remember the post I did on the DIY grown up friendship?  There is a contest going on for great frugal DIY Christmas gifts over at the Money Saving Queen and the prize is an $1100 diamond!  The winner is determined by the post who has the most comments.  She is featuring one post daily until Christmas and my post is there today!

It's not really a vote per say...but a comment.  That's it,  and this lamp (referencing Steve Martin from The Jerk), and that's all I need.  No, really, this is a chance for me to win a DIAMOND!

So go visit the 25 Days of Frugal Christmas Gifts and leave a comment under my frugal gift post.  You can even do it anonymously if you want.   Ok, go now, please, with sugar and green sparkles on top!

Tweet it, facebook it, I will love you forever!  If I win I will show you my beautiful diamond and gift you a great big hug...and make you cookies.