As a child, my dad and I would go garage saling in search for the best deals. I would come home with all sorts of things – cds, books, games, toys, jewelry – but there is one thing I wouldn’t go near: clothes. I loved buying everything else secondhand in good condition at outrageously low prices, but no matter how much my dad tried to persuade me to look at the clothes, I wouldn’t budge. Boy, am I kicking myself now! Now that I am buying 100% of my clothes I realize how expensive they are. I wish I could go back because buying secondhand clothing would have saved my parents a good amount of money (sorry Mom and Dad!).
Even after I started hitting up stores like Goodwill and Savers for decor items during the past year or so, I still would steer clear of the clothing. Over time, however, I started to realize that making money isn’t easy and although I like clothes, they are too expensive to buy brand new at full price or even sale prices. I asked myself if the clothes I was buying were really worth full price when I could buy equally nice clothes (or nicer) secondhand for a small fraction of what I would pay in stores. What really changed my mind about secondhand clothes shopping was when I started to read Jen’s Frugal Fashionista posts. I began seeing that there are tons of great options for buying secondhand but that it requires work, yet work that will be a major payoff if done right.
Over my spring break, I went thrift shopping and found that the local Savers is a jackpot for clothing. I went through every single rack in my size and tried on hundreds of things before narrowing it down. I bought majority of my summer clothes and some other clothing for about as much money as two pairs of full price jeans cost that I used to buy (and I’m not talking designer jeans here, people – think JcPenny or Aeropostale or maybe even cheaper full price jeans). I went two different days, and on the second day brought in a bag of clothes to donate and received 40% off my purchase! As if they don’t offer great deals already!
I want to show you four outfits I put together using mostly thrifted items.
1) This is a typical outfit I would wear on a spring or summer day.
- Cardigan: $5.99
- Gray tank (which also has gray beading on the straps): $2.99
- Jean shorts: 40% off of $5.99 = $3.60
2) I am trying to make myself wear more skirts and dresses. When I saw this skirt I knew I had to have it even though it was a few sizes too big. You can’t really tell that it is rolled up three times at the top in the picture, but I plan on not only taking it in but shortening it to the length shown because originally it hit below my knees which is not flattering on a petite person.
- Shirt: 40% off of $4.99 = $3.00
- Skirt: 40% off of $4.99 = $3.00
- Brown Pointed Heels: $5.99
3) This gray dress was one of my most “expensive” items, but I couldn’t turn it away. I don’t plan to get much use out of it now, but it will be perfect for once I start teaching and am in the more professional world. It fits my petite body perfectly – what a score! The cardigan was not thrifted but came from Target for $20 (still not bad).
- Dress: 40% off of $12.99 = $7.80
4) I fell in love with this dress the second I put it on. It seems vintage, although it’s not, and is exactly the kind of dress I would love to wear every day. I added an inexpensive belt from Walmart. - Dress: $4.99
The best thing about thrift shopping is that you can buy so much more with your money or you can purchase just a couple necessary things and have a ton more money left over. I am definitely addicted now, but I plan on only feeding this new addiction when I actually need clothes, otherwise it becomes pointless and I will end up spending the same amount of money as before.
And I hope this post doesn’t lead anyone to think that there’s only secondhand clothing for young, small adults because there are great options for all ages and sizes – you just have to dig. I had to, too, trust me!
So, are you a fellow frugal fashionista or do you value buying brand new clothes at full price? I’ve been in both boats and am curious to hear where you all stand.
My daughter is such a frugal fashionista! I take her thrift shopping and we always have a great time! She is only 12yrs but she comes up with the most amazing cute outfits.
I just love reading your blog!
Wow. Okay, I admit it – I am TOALLY impressed with those outfits! Soo cute! I’ve always sort of had the same feeling about second hand clothing as you – I would never really go near it. But I might just have to change my tone and actually give it a shot the next time I go thrifting – I just can’t get over how cute those outfits are! Wow. :)
Aren’t you a cutey patootey in your new summer duds. I think you did really well. I’ve bought a few items of clothing at the thrift store but, like you in your early days, I mostly stick to dishes and tablecloths. I’ll have to give clothes a closer look. You are a good inspiration.
Your finds are great! I love the dress with the red cardigan the most! I’m a total thrift store shopper. I find it hard going back to buying brand new clothes (unless I find them dirt cheap!)
I haven’t really gotten into thrifting for clothes (yet) but I only buy new clothes that are on sale. So I guess I’m somewhere in between :) You found some great pieces there, Sarah! Good job!
I love the last blue dress. Let your hair loose and make soft curls at the ends, you will look straight out of a fairy tale.
Wow I am impressed with the good deals you found! I’ve gone to Savers in our area a few times and have never found anything good. It’s too bad because I think I am pretty frugal when it comes to clothes.