Thrifting Part 2: Where to Shop, Cost, and Patience

Here's my daughter "modeling" a garage sale Carter's t-shirt that is one of her favorites...or it was until she got popsicle on it last Friday. ;)

It's been longer than a week, but I've been thinking this post over since I wrote the first installment of this thrifting series. For part 2, I want to cover where I shop, how much I typically spend on items, and being patient while thrifting.

My main source of thrift store shopping is Goodwill. We do have some smaller resale and consignment shops around here that are pretty good, but the consignment stores are quite a bit more expensive than Goodwill. We used to have a Salvation Army thrift store, but I believe that closed a few years ago. I have gotten the bulk of my thrifted wardrobe items from 3 different Goodwill stores within 20 minutes of my home. I definitely have a "favorite" Goodwill that is about 10 minutes from my house - it is smaller, but they get really nice items and it is a manageable store for me to browse with my daughter with me.

Our Goodwill stores are organized by gender and type of clothing. I know I have heard of people say that their Goodwill stores are organized by color as well, but I have not found that to be the case at ours. I typically look at shirts, tanks, dresses, pants, jeans, and depending on the season, sweaters, jackets, and shorts/capris. There is usually a much larger selection of tops than pants. Prices range from $2.29 for tanks to $5.29 for dresses. Sometimes the stores have sales or coupons, which I will talk about in a later post.

I am usually willing to spend $4.50 for pants, some tops, jeans, and jackets, as well as $5.50 or so for dresses. When I think about how many times I have been able to find pants I like in a retail store for $4.50 or a dress for $5.50, that usually convinces me to spend that amount at Goodwill. Also, I like brand name clothes (Ann Taylor Loft, Gap, Banana Republic, etc.) and these prices seem pretty reasonable to me for these brands. For tops, I have to really like something and feel that it is well made for the price of $4.50. I don't normally purchase t-shirts at Goodwill because I usually can find them on the clearance racks new for $2-5 in Target or Kohl's.

Garage sales are another option for this time of year. Last weekend, I picked up a Limited ruffle blouse and an Ann Taylor Loft top for $0.50 each. Prices at garage sales can be really awesome if you have the time to look.

I will tell you that when I started out thrifting, I would either buy things I didn't love because the price seemed right or got really discouraged if I didn't find something every time. In fact, I am planning a shopping and thrifting break for the next week or two because I have been getting really discouraged that I haven't been finding what I am looking for. Honestly, I don't really "need" anything, so my husband wisely counseled me to take a little break.

Thrifting does take patience. Some weeks there appears to be nothing I want, and other times I find a beautiful dress or a pair of jeans that are just what I am looking for.

Where are your favorite places to thrift? What are the prices like in your area? How much are you willing to pay for thrifted items? Also, does your store sell thrifted Target stock? Or another store? I'd love to hear, so leave me a comment!