Monday, December 03, 2007

Accolades for Thrift Store Shopping

Thanks to my wonderful sisters, I had the chance to rediscover my passion for Thrift Store shopping this weekend. DH was happy as well because the bags I took out of my house to drop off were bigger than the bags I brought into the house J. We all had our reasons for going – reducing our carbon footprint by reusing, looking for that clothing item that cannot be found in stores today, or just looking for a good bargain. I was specifically on the look out for replenishing my supply of turtlenecks and skirts.

I spent $50 total (thanks to tax-free DC day) and this is what I got:
· Camel-colored cotton turtleneck from the GAP
· Oatmeal wool turtleneck sweater from Old Navy
· White Wool turtleneck sweater from Limited
· Tweed wrap skirt from Express
· Wool-cashmere long gray skirt from Old Navy
· Long plaid pencil skirt
· Pair of Banana Republic Khaki Pants
· Pair of Carter’s athletic pants for my son

Back in my high school and college days, I got almost all of my clothing from Thrift Stores. Granted, it was in the days of grunge. But, what I loved about it is being able to find something that is fashionable, but that everyone else isn’t wearing right now. I love the hunt. I love sifting through endless racks of minimally sorted merchandise in order to find that item that is just right for my wardrobe. I love finding a classic vintage item that with a few simple alterations can be brought up-to-date and become a one-of-a-kind unique apparel.

And although I have not done this yet, on my list is to find not-so-great sweaters that are made out of great yarn and recycle the yarn to support my knitting and crochet habit. I found some great instructions online. I especially like the picture on the instructions because for some unknown reason, it has the VHS of “Some Kind of Wonderful” in the photograph, which is one of my favorite movies.

Happy Hunting!

5 comments:

Melissa Greenfield said...

I totally bought sweaters from Salvation Army to use the yarn for knitting cool things. I also had a plan to cut and sew some and then felt it into some purses.

These were my ideas before the baby came. :)

SuperGeekKnowItAll said...

I love the idea of felting them and making them into purses!! I've got to try that one!

Jen Vogelsong said...

You guys are way craftier than me!

Amelia said...

Now that's a reason (felting purses) I could really get into thrift store shopping!

smurp said...

What I love about thrift stores is that the clothes are all sorted by color!!! YES! Why don't more stores do that? If I am looking for a navy blue skirt (and I AM); I don't want to go to seven different designers' departments in the hopes that there's a blue skirt somewhere...I want to go to the "blue skirt" section of the store and hope there's one in my size.