Thriftin' at a Retial Cost

The other day, in between classes, I decided to stop on by a neighborhood Goodwill. Hadn't been there in a while; figured it was decent way to kill time, and maybe snatch up a treasure or two. So I walk into store, do a quick walkarond, decide to make a beeline for the purses (#1 purchase in my book - you can never have too many!). The selection wasn't anything to rave about until I saw this....

Friends, feast your eyes on this faux croc, pvc-constructed, Target brand work bag. Mind you Target produces quality items, I've certianly never had a problem. In fact this very same bag sells in store for an affordable $34.98. So, what's it doing in a thrift store for a mere $9 less? The bag is not new, but I'd give it an 8.5/10 - as in the oringinal owner didn't carry this tote very long. That still doesn't justify the price. Remember the bag now sits in a thrift store. This no-name bag, honestly, shouldn't exeed the $10-12 range.  

Sadly, this is becoming an all too familar sight, but thriftstores have been (much like everyone else) rising the cost of merchandise over the past few years. And for those who haven't been paying attention, no the changes haven't been gradual (well, not to me). When I first started thrifting (Mom would take me, I hated it) short sleeve shirts were $2.50, sleeveless ran for $1.99 and long sleeve never topped $4.00. Now, at every Goodwill I visit, shirts, regardless of sleeve length, run for $4.49 or more. Needless to say, thrifting nowadays can easily get out of hand if you don't have a set budget. It's not uncommon for me to drop $50-60 per trip (compared to $25-40 for the same amount of merchandise a few years back). Sure I find amazing deals, but those trips add up. Quick.

Now, I find myself exercising much more scrutiny when selecting which pieces even make it in my basket. Anything that's not absolutely special or a wardrobe staple, at one point would at least see the light of a dressing room; now not so much. Addtionally, I rely on coupons and store specials/discounts like never before! The Savalation Army in my neck of the woods has a great ongoing discount of 25% every Wednesday, regardless of what you get. Again, that adds up. Still, anything that doesn't wow me just doesn't go home with me anymore. 

How are you dealing with the rising costs of thrifting? How do you get around it? Got any tricks up your sleeve? 

Fashion: No Rake Needed

Striped Blue Cardigan - Thrifted - $8 | Old Navy White Dress - $11 | American Eagle Brown Boots - Plato's Closet - $20
Coach Willis Cross-body Bad - Thrifted - $22

Mmkay, it's been Fall for a hot minute now, but the beauty that is fall is just now starting to show itself. So, like any other perfectly sane person, I decided to have a full on photo-shoot (with my Dad as the begrudged photographer) in the middle of a picture perfect, yet random, neighborhood. I played with leaves, kicked them onto the street, and even did a few twirls. Sure there were kids who looked at me funny, probably a good number of disapproving parents (including my Dad). It's okay though - I still my pictures, and my twirl. 

Mind you, Dad and I were on our way home from the store. I begged him to stop. He said no. I begged him to stop. He said no. I told him my blog depended on it and that it was the MOST important thing in my life. He pulls over. Aaah, the perils of Fatherhood. 

Additionally, I spent a combined 6 hours in the kitchen today. Whipped up some fan-tab-u-lous dishes, and dutifully ate the majority of each and every one. Recipes and photos can be found my Food page. By all means, stop by, provide feedback, give credit to the uh-mazing inspirations from whence the food comes, and of course enjoy!

Now onto the outfit: Please note, I literally got dressed in 5 minutes, and this ensemble aided in me running errands, a quick trip to the thrift store, making a mess in the kitchen and even the hassle of having to clean everything up afterwards. Sounds like a winner to me babe!