My Key to Thrift Shopping Fun

Key to Thrift Shopping

Happy Monday, ladies!! Welcome to my discussion of the key to thrift shopping fun.

Recently, I shared with you a post with 4 Tips to Successful Thrift Shopping.

However, I left out the key to thrift shopping fun…and it really can be so much fun!

KEY TO THRIFT SHOPPING FUN

Key to Thrift Shopping Fun

All of the tips I offered you before are very important to thrift shopping success, but I always have fun.

In thinking over my many, many trips to Goodwill San Antonio locations, I believe the key to thrift shopping fun is to go in looking for unique, special pieces we do not find other places.

I enjoy the fact that I can experiment with color, styles, prints and discover new ways to use items by shopping thrift.  It expands my imagination!

Today I am wearing a Land’s End Coral Shirtdress as a topper; a scarf of warm colors; bracelets; and a fun beaded shopping bag all found at Goodwill San Antonio.

I will use the beaded bag for small grocery items or the pharmacy…over the provided plastic bags!

Key to Thrift Shopping

The minute I walk in….I am on a hunt for special items and especially open to unique, fun ones.

This works for all departments…clothing, home, kids, and accessories.

Key to Thrift Shopping

When I find the unique items that are new or like-new, then they are worthy of consideration.

I often have more in my cart than I am going to purchase, because there are always items I want to think about while I peruse other items in the store.

I also use it as an opportunity to try different sizes and shapes.

Then I return to the shelves what I have decided will not work.

Key to Thrift Shopping

The beaded bag was $4, and worth it to me as a bag I can enjoy…even if just for shopping out and about.

Thrift Shopping feeds my creative, dramatic, artisan side of fashion….and I really like it.

The scarf is one of two I found at my recent trip, and then there were these new KEDS that I am so excited about….I guess someone did not want to return them to the store.  

Though new, I still wiped them down with disinfectant wipes!

Key to Thrift Shopping

 

So, when you go, look for the really unique, special pieces that you might not normally shop for in the higher priced places…

the key to thrift shopping is to keep your imagination and mind open to new possibilities.

Has anyone had thrifting success recently?  For those in the area of San Antonio, please join me having fun at Goodwill San Antonio.

Springtime is in full bloom in San Antonio and it is gorgeous.  I hope where you are the air is feeling fresher and the landscape looking brighter….

KEEP SMILING, ALL

By Pamela Lutrell

Disclaimer:  I am provided gift cards for shopping Goodwill San Antonio and then sharing with you what I discover!

18 Comments

  1. That’s a good point, Pam, looking for things that are really unique. I love the paisley crossbody shown in one of your photos and can see that getting lots of use to brighten up spring and summer outfits! I haven’t been to a thrift store in awhile but with this thought in mind, looking for the truly unique things, I think it might be a fun activity this week. We have a really nice consignment store close by and it’s time to go in and browse. I know she’ll be ready for spring and summer which is uplifting! I like your idea of using the dress as a topper and all of your bright colors.

  2. Hi Karen, I love to think of re-purposing also when looking for those special pieces! Happy Monday!

  3. I really enjoy thrifting too. Your store looks much bigger than ours, but it is still such fun to go on the hunt for unique treasures. You have to add to the cart those items that are a maybe and go to a window to check the actual colours. If you pause to think about it and go back, there may be an empty spot where your anticipated item used to be, and there is not another similare item to replace it. Truely one of a kind shopping. I have found brand new shoes as well as those great clothing pieces with tags still on, but not evey time is a winner. It is the fun of the hunt for sure. Happy thrifting!

  4. I stop by many times and leave without a find. But then there are the days I just think SCORE! Thanks for sharing Diane!

  5. Those shoes were a terrific find for you! Our town is so small (22,000 pop.) that the little hand-me-down shops are filled with bottom of the barrel. 🙄 I have sometimes found items through Goodwill online though, and recently bought a book I was unwilling to pay full price for on Kindle. I had to wait a few days, but snagged the title for $2.99 plus a few dollars shipping versus $16.99. Not a big deal, but now I can further pass it along, which is a bonus. 😊

  6. Of course it is a big deal…you got something you wanted at huge savings! I am so glad GoodwillSanAntonio finally added an online site!

  7. A girl after my own heart! I love to thrift. I think I wear or use something thrifted almost daily. Love the topper, scarf, bracelets and shopping tote that you featured. And brand new Keds! Wow! Everything works for you with these items. Thanks for the inspiration! And shout out to Connie above. Goodwill is a great place for books, and then to re-donate them for others to enjoy.

  8. Those KEDS were definitely a find and that beaded shopping bag, oh my as LOVE it! As to the printed ballet flats, for sure I would snatch those up if were in my size as would work with so many colours. Excellent advice BTW. -Brenda-

  9. Our thrift shops are pretty grim. Often they have no place to try anything on. We do have a good consignment store and I shop (and sell) there sometimes, but their prices, while cheaper, are not thrift store prices. And I sometimes feel it’s a wasted trip, to comb through all of the mediocre stuff to get to a find. It depends on my mood as to whether I find it a treasure hunt vs a frustrating day of little accomplished. I veer in both directions, and if it’s the latter, usually when looking for something specific, I’ve learned to beware. That is the time I bring home that $8 “good enough” scarf that I’m ultimately not happy with, just so the trip wasn’t a “waste of time.”

  10. Look at these fun finds, Pam! Those Keds! Very nice! Our Thrift shops are just not like yours in San Antonio. Sadly.
    I did go to a small Church thrift store awhile back (pre-Covid) and snagged a cute sweater that fit fairly well but, it did have a tiny moth hole I discovered after a wearing. For what I paid it was no huge loss.

  11. My weekend Goodwill haul included both basics and fun pieces. I scored navy Banana Republic, and black J Crew merino wool sweaters. Both pieces will be workhorses for me. I also found an amazingly soft cashmere Talbots cardigan. It’s a bold floral, just for fun piece. A beaded J Crew Tee was a hidden find. (Do check racks outside your size). Total haul, around $30!

  12. My town is under 4000 people and the church thrift store is all there is. I have not been since 2019. Maybe this year but.maybe not with new covid variant on the way. SIGH

  13. My thrifting is pretty much concentrated on kitchen items and serving pieces. I can’t resist a good bowl or tray! My husband, however, has a closet full of beautiful Tommy Bahama silk shirts, none of which he paid over $25 for. Now that’s thrifting at its best!

  14. Which Goodwill stores do you normally frequent? It was a great surprise to see your from my hometown also!

  15. Hi Cindy, so fun to find another local reader! My favorite Goodwill stores are at Bitters & Hwy 281 and 1604 and Bulverde Road. I also love the Goodwill accessory store at 410 & Blanco!

Comments are closed.