Books about thrifting

[Tammy]

Of course I can't remember the name of it now, but I read a rather amusing book written by a thrift-a-holic once.  So can anyone recommend any good thrift books that are either humorous or informative about shops, items or prices? 

I looked at a few books at the library last week called Garage Sale prices or something like that but then again, I wonder if finding the best price wouldn't just be looking at Ebay to see what things are going for.   

[Cookie]

The book you're thinking of is probably Thrift Score by Al Hoff.  I can't think of any other thrift-related books, but if you find one let me know because I'd like to interview some authors and do some book reviews in the magazine.

[Magpie18]

I recommend:  Secondhand Chic:  Finding Fabulous Fashion at Consignment, Vintage, and Thrift Shops by Christa Weil

It is primarily for ladies and is limited to clothing, shoes & accessories (but not much on jewelry). 

The book is an easy read.  The emphasis is on flattering, stylish but not fadish choices.  There are alot of tips on making good choices with used clothing...how to judge quality material, construction & condition.  There are lists of brands sorted from couture to mass merchandiser so you can recognize better labels.  However, one of the lessons of the book is not to judge clothing solely by label -- there is a real good discussion on diffusion lines.

[kitschicat]

I second Magpie's recommendation of Secondhand Chic, I have it too and it's a nice read.

[Tammy]

I think the one I read was written by a woman and it was an older paperback.  Told humerous stories about garage sales, thrift stores and included a little bit of proper etiquette. 

[Other People s Junk]

Alligators, Old Mink & New Money by Alison and Melissa Houtte is an interesting read about vintage clothes, purses, jewelry and the like.  They share tips and some stories about their great finds.  Their website is:

http://www.hooticouture.com/

[Mattie]

Al Hoff's Thrift Score is a classic.  It's considered the "thrifter's bible" on another thrift forum I belong to.  (Al is a member of that forum, too.)

Another good one is American Junk by Mary Randolph Carter.

[Good Buddy]

(Al is a member of that forum, too.)

Ask her highness to join us here, we'd be honored.
Cookie and I have her book and have each read it numerous times..

[Mattie]

Ask her highness to join us here, we'd be honored.
Cookie and I have her book and have each read it numerous times..

Invitation has been sent. 

[Cookie]

Thanks for the book recommendations.  I will get on the horn and see who's available to interview.  Would Al Hoff be willing to do an interview with us?  I'd love to do an article on her.

[pop_ pirate]

here is a novel about a thrift store girls life, "The Realm of Second-hand Souls"

http://www.amazon.com/Realm-Secondhand-Souls-Sandra-Shea/dp/039583810X/ref=si3_rdr_bb_product/105-4080023-4988435

 another novel set in a thrifter's life is called "Secondhand"

http://www.amazon.com/Second-Hand-Michael-Zadoorian/dp/0385335709/ref=si3_rdr_bb_product/105-4080023-4988435

now i read these about 2 years ago and do not recall which storyline belongs to which ... but i do know i loved them both....

it is cool that a thrifter's passion could be the setting for so much love and magic...

pop pirate heading to the library again...

[SecondhandSophisticate]

I am TOTALLY impressed with your pics, pop_pirate. I am usually not a fiction reader, (currently reading Ram Dass), so I am delighted to find such great recommendations that sound somewhat off-beat and speak to (a few of) my  passions (thrifting, reading, and natural oddities occuring in the every day world) Merci!

Seso-- who is Off to the online library to see what she can find....

[SecondhandSophisticate]

pop_pirate, I just finished _Second Hand_. What a great read!  I thoroughly enjoyed it and could relate to the thrifting experiences.  The only thing that freaked me out was the part about the heroine's job (don't want to give it away) It got very descriptive at one point and I couldn't read that part because it is so real (don't ask me how I know )

I also have a DR cat and several others who were unloved and unwanted. Well, they are all both loved and wanted now.

I am reading the other book you recommended now: _The Realm of Secondhand Souls_ ; just started it. Thank you so much for the information!

SeSo

[pop_ pirate]

i love this community, seso, how we share our resources, opintions and insights...glad you enjoyed the book...and so fast!...pop pirate feeling warm fuzzies...

[SecondhandSophisticate]

{{{{Blush}}}} You're welcome, pop_pirate!  I suffer from incurable warm fuzzies

Keep those recommendations comin'!

xo,
SeSo