It's pretty simple...I'm thrifty and my husband is not...never has been. So when he recently asked me if I could "Get him some shirts for work at the thrift store", I acted calm but inside I was jumping up and down and screaming "I win! I win!" (and it only took 20 years). I've gone to half-off day at my thrift store for a couple of months now and my husband is dressed better than ever in all of the brands that I would never buy retail. He was especially happy that most of the shirts were pressed with they dry-cleaning tags still on...but I don't iron. This led to him buying a crazy-expensive steam press thing so he could iron all of his new shirts. So much for thrifty.
Do you thrift for practical stuff like shirts, soccer shorts, or shoes? I really don't but I'm learning...I've even started picking up shirts for my son for high school (you know, to go with the $129 Birkenstocks). I don't usually go to garage sales because I can't really make it with our weekend schedules but I'd like to. I recently found out about a garage sale tracker that looks promising. I might check it out to see if any good sales are near the soccer games.
I don't go looking for practical things on purpose, but when I find them, great! I always make a point of showing those practical things to my husband ;)
Posted by: Lisa | July 16, 2009 at 09:24 AM
Yes - I shop for soccer shorts and shoes for my 5 year old boy - but clothes...forget it! I think all 5 year old boys blow out the knees of their pants! My 3 year old girl however, is fully decked out in thrift store finds! I wouldn't be able to shop for my husband, and sadly I just don't have time to go through the women's clothes for myself. I keep telling myself "another couple of years, and I'll have more time - ha!....".
Posted by: Jennifer Conway | July 16, 2009 at 11:00 AM
I just started thrifting clothes recently. Actually, my kids are small and most of their clothes are (very nice) hand me downs. I typically only buy them underwear and socks, new of course--never thrifted!
For myself, I have found amazing deals, many items new with tags, really wonderful brands. My wardrobe is much more stylish and varied than it was when I only bought retail.
I will thrift shoes if they have clearly not been worn much if at all. The inside has to be without noticeable signs of wear and the tread needs to look new. Since my criteria for shoes is pretty strict, I haven't found many at the thrift store. But I'm holding out! :)
Posted by: Charity Grace | July 16, 2009 at 01:51 PM
No, but after reading your story, I'm tempted to start looking!
mary
Posted by: mary | July 16, 2009 at 08:53 PM
My daughter often needs "special-occasion" outfits for piano recitals, choir, etc....I got tired of spending retail price for such outfits that she only wears a few times, so the thrift store has been a good practical solution.
Posted by: Ann | July 17, 2009 at 05:35 PM
Glad to hear you've won your husband over! I've been picking up shirts for my husband for awhile now. I was told the dry cleaners donate items that are not picked up and that's how all those expensive, nicely pressed shirts show up for a mere $3.50 at my local thrift. When it's half off day, I really stock up. My husband's work is dirty and he frequently gets glue and wood stain on his clothes so I don't feel so bad about throwing them away when they become hopeless.
I've also been lucky enough to find really high end jeans for my teenaged daughter. True Religion, 7 for All Mankind, Rock & Republic, etc., which is amazing since we live in farm country. I guess the trucks come in from Charlotte. I've also found Manolo Blahnik shoes, but they were ugly (!) and not my size.
You just never know what might turn up - it just takes alot of time to search and a little luck.
Posted by: Jayme L. | July 17, 2009 at 07:23 PM
I love thrift shopping...always have done since my college days. Just this morning I went to a big charity sale and picked up some 'designer' bargains for a snip of the price. Always a great source for old fabrics and linens too :)
Susannah x
Posted by: Susannah (Malphi) | July 18, 2009 at 11:24 AM
it took me a long time to win my husband over on the thrifted clothes for him.....but I bought a load home once (all with dry cleaning tags still on them) and all name brands...(dress/work shirts) like Nordstrom and Ralph Lauren. He has TONS of them now and doesn't have to rotate them so often!
Posted by: Robin | July 19, 2009 at 07:51 AM
Loved your posts. Hilarious about your husband. NPR featured a woman who hated when her mother took her to thrift stores when she was a child, but now she shops them as an adult. And now she is approaching contractors and decorating home models with thrift store finds and doing it tastefully and beautifully. I think it is great. I just found some great finds in the trash!
Fun to visit you.
Hugs ~
Alexandra
Posted by: Alexandra | July 19, 2009 at 08:01 AM
i love going to flea markets...my hubby not so much! i dont mind, i go early grab a coffee and enjoy my time alone looking...its fun!
love your little cup - great retro pattern
Posted by: anastasia | July 20, 2009 at 10:06 PM