I Scored Once More at the Thrift Store

I guess I'm in a rhyming mood today...

Is there anything in the world like the high you get from scoring super expensive stuff for pennies on the dollar?

Not everyone is a thrift shopper, sadly. But wouldn't we all be happier if we were? My momma will readily agree. We discuss this often when we're out thrifting together--how some people are disgusted at the thought, others have never done it but are not opposed necessarily, some have thought it was for them and discovered they didn't have what it takes, and then the final category where I fall, those who LOVE it and are in danger of becoming addicted.

Thrifting takes WORK. It's not like going shopping at the mall, where you might find a cute top and then be bummed to realize they don't have your size left on the rack. No, thrifting involves rolling up those sleeves and digging through racks and racks of clothing.

I learned at my mom's knee. In fact, for my golden 11th birthday, I asked that she take me thrift store shopping and my present was that she bought everything I saw that I wanted. What a glorious birthday!

When I go thrifting, I know it's at least a couple of hours per store. You never know what will be found on any given day, but you're sure to find something you like. But you must WORK for it first!

The tactics I was taught are simple--look through EVERYTHING! This does not mean a half-assed paw through a couple of racks. This means planting yourself in front of a rack and combing through the clothing, one hanger at a time.

It doesn't require spending a large amount of review time on every item, but in order to find those $120 pants priced at $5.99 and currently on sale for 50% off, you may have to look at 100 other icky pairs of pants first.

But getting that $120 pair of summer-weight wool Banana Republic pants for $3.00? What a rush!

Although I like to think I'm hardcore, my mom has a thrifter's heart through and through. We shopped together on Monday because our local Arc was having a half-off sale on all clothing items. As I was slapping through the dress pants section hoping to score another pair of Express pants, the light grey wool pants caught her eye.

The test of course is finding out whether they will fit or not. I eyeballed them, took them off the rack, held them up over my hips and did the test. I put them back because it did not seem like it was meant to be. Mom gave me the hairy eyeball and told me I should try them on.

"These would be the find of the day if they fit!" I can't disagree, but...I look at the cart chock-full of clothing for me to try on and think about the long line for the dressing room and my budget for the trip. I say no thanks and try to ignore the determined look in my mother's eye that signals she thinks I'm being silly and may try to convince me of it.

Then I find them...the pair of Express pants I need to feel like the trip was a success (since the last several times I've been out thrifting I've found a pair). They are one size smaller than I've been wearing lately, but I MUST make these pants mine. I grab the other pair because as Momma said, if I'm gonna try the Express ones, I'd better try these on as well if I know what's good for me!

Needless to say, after trying on multiple items and winnowing the pile into keeps and discards, both the Express pants and the BR pants made the final cut.

I've heard it said that many women shop for the rush and I completely get that. The bummer being, of course, the monetary payment that must be made to receive that rush, and the accompanying guilt if you just bought stuff you couldn't afford.

That's why thrifting is better--I was walking on air the rest of the day, knowing that I had scored three pairs of nice dress pants that probably totaled almost $300 when brand new, along with two cute tops and two pairs of jeans, all for less than $25.

Now THAT's a guilty rush I can live with!

It's just too bad that the Big B must put up with my enthusiasm when I get home. When you get such great deals you must share the joy with another, even if that person doesn't share your passion for fashion.

"Look at what I got sweetie!"

He shakes his head and refuses to look, even though I'm holding up the pants and shaking them to get his attention.

"LOOK! How great are these? Only $2.50! Look at ME!"

His head slowly turns from the TV and he hits the pause button on his controller. "Why do I need to look at them?"

"Because, that's part of the deal when you go shopping--you come home and show off your spoils!"

"Isn't that why you go shopping with your mom?" he asks, all innocence. I can only shake my head.

"She was there when I found them! You're the one who has to Oooh and Aaaah when I get home." He dutifully looks at each purchase, nods his head and agrees with me that my finds are awesomely cute and I'm a great bargain hunter.

I laugh and add, "Dry cleaning the pants I bought is going to cost more than what I paid for them in the first place!"

He shakes his head. Poor boy, he just doesn't get it! Doesn't he realize I'm saving us money?!?