Letter From The Editor
Hello Thrifters!
Welcome to the premiere issue of TheThriftShopper.Com's online magazine, The National Thrifter. As you'll see in this first issue of the magazine, The National Thrifter is written by thrifters and for thrifters just like you. Our goal at The National Thrifter is to create a community magazine where thrift shoppers can share stories, gather information, and have fun reading about each other. We want to hear what you have to say, so write to us!
Our cover story this month features six teens who have a passion for fashion, the Savers/Value Village ReDesign team. Check out the hot looks they've created with thrift store bargains! We also have articles on thrifting in Denver, Colorado, and Urbanna, Virginia, information on how to thrift used stereo speakers, a thrifter's look back on some thrifting mistakes, plus our monthly columns like Thrifter of the Month, Curious Cookie, Zodiac Thrifter, and much more!
I hope you enjoy our premiere issue, and I look forward to reading more submissions from all of you thrift shoppers out there for our next issue! Until then . . .
Happy Thrifting!
Cookie
editor@thethriftshopper.com
This issue of The National Thrifter is dedicated to our families and friends and especially to those who we wish were still with us today.
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INTRODUCING THE SAVERS/VALUE VILLAGE REDESIGNERS
Six Thrift-Savvy Teens Get the Opportunity of a Lifetime
What do you get when you bring six of the most style-savvy, thrift-lovin' teens from across the US and Canada together in Seattle for a week of shopping, restyling, and modeling? The Savers/Value Village ReDesigner Fashion Board!
At Savers (also called Value Village in the Pacific NW and Canada), we knew there were tons of teens that love expressing their own style by shopping thrift. With back-to-school season upon us, we wanted to give a select group of these teens a means to spread the word about secondhand, an opportunity to be 'ambassadors of individuality' as opposed to big-box clones, and a 'launching pad' to help kickstart the careers of these capable fashionistas-and one exceptionally talented fashionisto.
An application was created on our website at savers.com with questions on trends and thrift shopping habits, and we spread the word through MySpace, our stores, our e-newsletter, and Craigslist. In a very short period of time, we received hundreds of extremely impressive applications-we were blown away! It was difficult to narrow the applicants down, but we did; in all, 15 semi-finalists were called for phone interviews. In the end, we'd put together a superstar team of six extraordinary teens to create our ReDesigner board, and they are:
Harminee, 16 (California hipster-with-edge)
Spunky, punky So-Cal blonde with classic fashion taste fused with a touch of rock and roll. Harminee is a third-generation thrift shopper, with an impeccable eye for style that never misses.
Where we see her 10 years from now: celebrity stylist behind everyone who makes the Best Dressed list
Gabby, 19 (Texas cowgirl)
Fashionista who rarely leaves the house without her cowboy boots and a smile. Gabby brings Big Apple experience to the group, having interned at Dolce & Gabbana, and finds fashion and shopping inspiration from music - her iPod is permanently attached.
Where we see her 10 years from now: a high-powered fashion publicist or popular style correspondent on E!
Eleanor, 15 (Toronto's youngest trendsetter)
A glamour girl with style beyond her years who brings fresh perspective and spark to everything she does. Eleanor has been sketching designs since she was young-in just third grade she knew a career in fashion was in her future.
Where we see her 10 years from now: running a chain of boutiques that carry her own hip line of clothing, located in every fashion capital in the world (and dancing at every chance she gets)
Molly, 16 (Portland's sweetheart)
Radiating classic all-American style with a twist to make it her own, Molly always has something sweet to say. Hailing from the Northwest, Molly has a huge spirit and classic good looks that make her a natural style magnet.
Where we see her 10 years from now: a savvy trend analyst helping to shape every season's next "must-have" fashions
Kenneth, 18 (Vegas' designer prodigy-genius, soon hitting the Big Apple)
Amazingly talented designer headed to Parsons School of Design in New York to take the style world by storm. Kenneth rocks a sewing machine like nobody's business and is equally talented at creating both men's and women's fashions.and he's incredibly nice to boot!
Where we see him 10 years from now: taking calls from A-list celebrities begging him to design their Oscar frocks
Justine, 16 (Toronto's funky fashion maven)
Sports a completely unique sense of style inspired by her passion for art and music. Justine is an out-of-the-box style thinker who puts together creative, crazy outfits that come off looking like a million bucks.
Where we see her 10 years from now: the most sought-after producer for artistically-cool catwalk shows at Fashion Weeks around the world
Our ReDesigners spent a fantastic week in Seattle, shopping Value Village stores, reconstructing outfits for back-to-school (very Project Runway), and modeling in their creations. We'll be sending their photos around to the media, using them in-store, on our website, and much more, so keep an eye out. Meanwhile, check out some of the looks they created below.
To see more of our ReDesigners, visit myspace.com/redesigners, and visit savers.com to sign up for our free e-newsletter containing cool subscriber-only contests and sale day info, or to find a store near you.
Fashionably yours,
Gina Cohen -
redesigners@savers.com
PR & Communications Specialist
Savers/Value Village |
A HOME SPEAKER THRIFTING GUIDE
by Michael Gold a.k.a. Good Buddy
It's not difficult or expensive to outfit your home stereo with an excellent set of thrifted speakers. You just need to know how to determine which speakers are worth buying. Start out by shopping for good brand names like Altec, Advent, JBL, Infinity, or Pioneer.
Check the physical appearance of the speakers and make sure that the speaker cabinet corners are in good shape and free from holes, burn marks, candle wax drippings, or other types of cosmetic damage. You'll have to decide what you can fix, hide, or live with when it comes to physical imperfections on your speakers. Avoid speakers that have been severely marred because fixing or hiding major damage can be impossible and might not be worth the trouble. If the cloth or foam covering on the front of the speaker is damaged, you can easily replace it with new speaker grill cloth, which you can buy at a speaker repair shop.
The problems you're most likely to encounter with used speakers will involve the surrounds, the woofers, and the voice coil dust covers. Problems with these components can usually be remedied at a speaker repair shop, and it could be worth it to replace all of the components in a really good set of speakers. The price of getting speakers repaired is very dependent on how much work needs to be done. You can expect to pay between $25.00 to $40.00 just to refurbish a surround.
In order to inspect the inner workings of the speaker for damage, you'll need to remove the speaker cover, which is usually held in place with Velcro. If the cover doesn't come off easily, don't force it because some speaker covers are not manufactured to be removed. |
Once the cover is off, you will see the woofer, the mid range, and the tweeter. Some speakers may have more components, and others will only have a mid woofer and a tweeter. The surround is the piece of foam that surrounds the woofer and the other components. If you see either cracks or whole pieces of missing foam on the surround, that means the surround has deteriorated and degraded over time and needs to be replaced.
The voice coil dust cover is in the center of each woofer, mid range, and tweeter. Voice coil dust covers that have been pushed in may affect speaker performance. If the voice coil dust cover is missing, it can be replaced, but keep in mind that dust has already had a chance to enter the speaker since the cover has been off. Be sure to look for holes, tears, and water damage in the woofer cone. Any holes in the speaker at all are not good news. Holes can cause vibration.
Whenever possible, test the speakers you're thinking of buying. You'll probably run across many sets of speakers in thrift stores that aren't connected to a stereo, so testing them for sound won't always be an option. However, if you know how to hook up speakers and the thrift store has a stereo available, take advantage of the opportunity to check out how the speakers sound. Don't be afraid to point out flaws at the register and ask for a discount. If you have to, take the speaker cover off and show them that deteriorating surround that you'll have to replace in order for the speakers to work correctly.
You can save money by removing damaged components yourself instead of paying the repair shop to do it. Most speaker components are just held in place with Phillips head screws. Never cut wires when removing components. You should be able to just unplug the wires. If the wires cannot be unplugged, that means that the connections might be |
soldered and you'll need to take the speaker to a repair shop.
Over the past six years, I have thrifted four outstanding sets of speakers for under $20.00 and passed up many more because I simply didn't need more speakers. I even made a $60.00 profit on a set of speakers I bought for $15.00 and sold to a neighbor for $75.00. The speakers were in perfect condition, needed no repair, and he was happy to pay $75.00 for an excellent set of speakers that he didn't have to shop for.
An educated and careful thrift shopper will be able to find at least one great set of speakers for under $20.00. If you decide you're willing to pay more, make sure the speakers are worth it. Don't buy a really bad set of speakers and try to fix everything wrong with them. Trust me, you will come across better ones eventually in another thrift store.
Below is an example of a woofer speaker surround that's all rotted away.
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MILE HIGH THRIFTING
Treasure in the Foothills of the Rockies
by Josephine Klemaier a.k.a. Josie Rosy Posie
Growing up under the wings of the two thriftiest women I know, my mom and my grandma, I have inevitably become just as much of a penny pincher and pack rat as they are. After leaving the nest in central Illinois and moving to the Denver area two years ago, I have filled my apartment and closet with everything from thrift stores in Denver and the surrounding cities. After years as a thrifter and with help from thrifting friends, I have learned just what it takes to find those diamonds in the rough. Here are some of the places in Denver that have helped me settle down and fit into this beautiful city in the lap of the Rocky Mountains:
The Arc Thrift Store
1515 S. Broadway
Denver, CO 80210
Tel:(303)777-3703
This is a great start if you're new to Denver because it's on Broadway, which is also lined with tons of antique stores, great restaurants, and feeds you right into "LoDo," or lower downtown Denver. I went to the Arc on a Saturday during their half-off sale and found the couch for my apartment that I had been searching so long for, a steal at $20. This metro-area thrift store shows its local color in the items it sells. I have found everything from classic cowboy boots, which Denver is great for all around, and vintage plaid leisure suits to newer clothing from Anne Taylor and the Limited. I have a feeling that this is a store that thrifters give to because it has so many quirky items. However, be ready to bump elbows with crowds of other thrifters at this popular spot, especially on weekends. And if you have a chance and are there on the right day, delve into the garage across the street where a couple of guys open up on the weekends to sell some of the most amazing antiques I've ever seen. Since they're only there on certain days, they're willing to haggle on items they haven't been able to get rid of. |
Savers Thrift Department Store
7667 W. Jewel Ave.
Lakewood, CO 80232
Tel:(303)763-9343
This is the Savers that is actually right down the street from where I live and across the street from were I bank and buy groceries. Needless to say, I have to limit my visits, but it really is a great place for those 99-cent specials, and I have found some of the most amazing fabric there. They keep it on hangers on the back racks in and amongst the towels and bedsheets. This Savers is great for nickknacks and men's clothes, but I haven't had much luck in the women's, except for the shoes.
Goodwill Industries Thrift Store
1450 S. Wadsworth Blvd.
Lakewood, CO 80232
Tel:(303)987-3678
This Goodwill is near Cherry Creek, a more affluent shopping district in Denver. On my first trip to this store I found some great name-brand buys in mint condition at better-than-liquidation prices. It was evident that a nearby Target and Mervyns sent their overstock here. There was also plenty of high-quality furniture and appliances.
Of course, this only scratches the surface of the thrift stores in Denver, but they have served me very well. I urge you to explore, share, and good luck thrifting!
Here's Josie with Boom Boom
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WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A MIS-THRIFT?
by Valerie Silverthorne
It's all about the snap decision. You're in the thrift store, you see it, you like it, you grab it, you buy it.but what happens when it doesn't fit? Or it clashes? Or your husband hates it? Or it smells like dead animal? Or, worst of all, it's just plain ugly when you get it home? Well, all of those things have happened to me, and I've lived to tell about it.
Of course, nothing tops the time when I hit the local Salvation Army and saw the couch. It was IT with capital letters.50s retro, down-filled, great turned legs, fab gold upholstery in remarkable shape. But it was already sold. Hah! That was my couch. I marched to the front desk, asked about it, and indeed, the buyers had changed their minds. That beauty was mine for a mere $25. Woohoo! A sad financial crisis had "inspired" me to sell our nice Arts & Crafts living room furniture and that room now sat empty, but not for long. I came back the next day with my pickup. The fab couch was even on small wheels so it glided smoothly through the store and onto my truck. I pulled into my long driveway, backed into my front door, and my husband and I proceeded to move it in. |
Well, we try, and try, and try, and finally, it gets in the front door of our 225-year-old Colonial.
And there it stays since it will not, in any possible combination of tilting, pulling, shifting, shoving, and general heaving, fit through the living room door. The legs of this vintage charmer do not come off and it is too huge by, oh, half. So it sits in my entry hall for a month till I convince a pal, who is a handyman, to saw the legs off. I keep reminding my husband it only cost $25. He is increasingly dubious.
But eventually, this beauty does make it, legless, into my living room. The legs are re-attached for a total cost of $60 for my friend's time and materials, and I rent a steam cleaner ($24 for the day) to freshen it up.
And then, finally, I get to sink into its downy softness.aaaahhhh. Is that a cloud of dust I see every time I sit down? Is there a slight couch "aroma"? Well, yes, but let's not focus on that. Let's focus on how fab this couch is.
However, I've purchased a lot of other mistaken merchandise: lamps that didn't work, chairs that were so "Elvis-ed" (think hair products on fabric and you'll get my point) they couldn't be resurrected, art that my |
husband refused to sleep in the house with, assorted stools and ottomans that only the dogs loved and used, and clothing that was oh-so-marvy in the store only to give me double chins and warts when I got home.
So what to do with the mistakes? It's simple: cut your losses and pass them on. Whether you freecycle them, leave them on the curb for someone else, or give them to friends, your thrifted rejects deserve one more chance at life. Hey, you loved them once, even if only briefly. Someone else will, too.
And you can't let the mistakes slow you down. I've made plenty, but I hit the thrift stores weekly looking for the perfect item. And honestly, the mistakes are part of the fun. A static home and wardrobe are boring. Change is fun. That's where thrift stores come in. Change is out there. You can find it. It's reasonably priced. That's what gets me out of bed in the morning: knowing it's out there, somewhere, waiting for me. Valerie Silverthorne is a mostly stay-at-home mom to one daughter. She manages her own small farm, and she is a serious thrifter and frugalite. Follow her farm adventures at: http://longearsfarm.typepad.com
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THRIFT STORE SAVES TOURISTS FROM TWISTER
by Cookie
A visit to Kansas just wouldn't be complete without experiencing a tornado, as my parents, Mark and Ginny Horlings, found out this past summer. The Horlings traveled to Manhattan, Kansas, from their home in Phoenix, Arizona, to visit the city where Mark grew up and explore the neighboring towns. While browsing in St. John's Rummage House, a thrift store in Lawrence, Kansas, |
Mark and Ginny were alerted that police were on the street warning people about a menacing tornado that was quickly approaching. As they exited the thrift store, the Horlings saw that several pedestrians were racing for their cars and driving in the opposite direction of the oncoming storm.
One of the thrift store employees was standing out in front of the store watching everyone run for cover. Never having been in a tornado before, Ginny asked the employee what they should do. He informed her that most people either drive away or take cover, and he kindly said that Mark and Ginny were welcome to wait out the storm in the safety of the thrift store basement. Since the thrift store employee seemed so nonchalant about the tornado whipping up inside, Mark and Ginny assumed that the storm wasn't that bad. The next morning the Horlings were surprised to hear a radio report that two buildings on the University of Kansas campus had lost their roofs in the tornado. Thanks to the basement in St. John's Rummage House, the Horlings had nothing to worry about as they thrifted while waiting out the twister.
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NEARLY NEW THRIFT STORE REVIEW
by Karen Eidson a.k.a. kokomomo
Urbanna is a tiny town on the Rappahannock River in northeastern Virginia with a population of about 600 people. With that in mind, it is interesting to note that the Nearly New Thrift Shop has a completely volunteer staff. It is a non-profit organization, and the money they take in goes to the Urbanna branch of the Middlesex County Public Library.
Past projects they have funded include the Children's Summer Reading Program, and |
they have helped buy new books for their library branch. They get new donations almost every day that they are open.
Located at 21 Cross Street in the downtown area, Nearly New is a small shop in a jam-packed antique house. They have the usual mix of clothing, used dishes, pots and pans, cassette and eight track tapes, and various small appliances. I saw a ten-speed bicycle priced at $5.00 and an upright vaccuum cleaner priced at $10.00. If you needed a basket, there were plenty from which to choose.
There was no furniture for sale in this little store. I saw a sign posted on the wall indicating, "Due to Health Department Laws in the State of Virginia, we cannot sell sofas, mattresses, or overstuffed items." It then seemed contradictory to find pillows, shoes and used underwear in the same store. On the day I was there recently, there was a half-price |
clearance sale going on.Anything that had a yellow sticker on it was half off the marked price. I bought a steamer basket for my stock pot, which I use to steam crabs, and a pair of plaid shorts. My total bill was $2.50.
Store hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and Nearly New is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Karen Eidson
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I WAS A THRIFT STORE VOLUNTEER
by Michael Gold a.k.a. Good Buddy
Here I am in houswares at Kress Thrift
As I worked on creating the website for TheThriftShopper.Com, I decided that it would be a good idea for me to get some behind-the-scenes experience by putting in a few volunteer hours at a thrift store. There's a little one-day-a-week thrift shop about three blocks from our house, so for the sake of convenience I chose to volunteer there at the Kress Thrift Shop. The thrift store is on Kress Memorial Church property and the buildings are owned by the church, but I wasn't the only volunteer who wasn't a member of that church so I didn't feel out of place. The Kress Thrift Shop opened its doors in 1989 and is completely staffed by volunteers, so they are closed for the months July, August, and September and are open Tuesdays from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. the remaining months of the year.
When Kress is open, volunteers spend time every Tuesday morning setting up tables for the clothing, accessories, and household items that spill out of the small house serving as the thrift store. A shed nearby houses the books, electronics, and linens, and Kress also operates a food bank out of another small house next to the thrift store. Proceeds from the thrift store support the food bank that assists the area's homeless population, and Kress also puts out a box of clothes each week that the homeless can help themselves to. In addition to the community services they provide, Kress also supports The Missing Children's Foundation and the Orlando Junior Academy, a school sponsored by Kress Memorial Church
Because of the late-night schedule I kept while creating the website, I could never make it to Kress at 7:00 a.m. like the rest of the volunteers, but they didn't seem to mind since I did all of the heavy lifting for them. At 40 years of age, I was at least 20 years younger than the other volunteers, and I was happy to lift the heavy stuff until my hernia reared its ugly head in March.
Since I love to look through books and organize things, I made the books and videos my section and whipped that area into shape. I even built a bookcase out of some scrap wood that I had on hand to improve the "media" department in the shed. Rwin and Ruth worked in the shed as a team, and Darren, Clarese, and Helen held down the fort in the thrift store. Pat managed the entire operation, including the food bank, and the oldest volunteer was Stanley, a 94-year-old gentleman who didn't look a day over 70.
Before my experience at Kress, I had my own ideas about what would work and what wouldn't in a thrift store and how things |
should be run, but there are egos to consider when you're working with volunteers and it's not always important to have things your way. What's important is getting the job done and supporting the cause you're all working towards, and volunteers have to be flexible and work where they're needed. Like any thrift store junkie, I wanted to be the volunteer who gets to sort through the new donations and see if there's any gold in them thar hills, but doing the laundry and taking out garbage for the thrift store is just as important. It's just not as fun.
Since it was only open one day a week, Kress had a bunch of regular, devoted shoppers who were thrilled to pack their cars full of bargains every Tuesday. However, one of the regular shoppers at Kress had been a source of irritation for a long time. He would lie out of one side of his mouth and preach out of the other. Clutching various electronics, he would approach shoppers and talk nonstop about religion. Then he would lie to the thrift store cashier and tell her that another volunteer had said he could have the electronics for free. Well, his lies finally caught up with him when I decided to investigate. I asked around and found out that no one was giving him anything for free, so I told him point blank he was stealing from the church and the community by taking thrift store merchandise without paying. After trying to wiggle out of it with another lie, he finally gave the merchandise back and left. The Kress volunteers tell me that he hasn't returned to the thrift store since.
I did score some great things while I worked at Kress, and their prices are dirt cheap. I got my wife Cookie a vintage cookie jar she had seen in another thrift store but passed up because it was too expensive. I came home from Kress with the same cookie jar in better condition for only $1.50. Every Tuesday I found at least one thing worth buying at Kress, and I am a careful thrifter, mostly because we don't have enough room in our house or the funds to go hog wild when we thrift.
Volunteering at Kress was interesting, fun, and enlightening, and it felt good to participate in a community activity that benefited others. I had no idea how a small store like Kress operated and it was a worthwhile experience to peek inside the thrift store industry and meet the people behind the operation.
Why not volunteer at a thrift store near you and reap the same benefits? You can use our directory at TheThriftShopper.Com to find thrift stores near your home that need help, and you'll have a chance to swoop down on some of the best thrift store bargains you'll ever find. Here are three of the fine ladies of Kress Thrift: from left to right, Helen, Darren and the store manager Pat.
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THRIFTER OF THE MONTH
Thrifting Helps Keep Me Sane
by Marion D. Cohen, Ph.D. a.k.a. mathwoman
When I met my friend Freda about 40 years ago, we were both living in New York City and she told me about the thrift stores on Third Avenue. She and I soon started thrifting together. We didn't call it thrifting then; we called it thrift shopping. When I moved out of NYC, we continued to meet for thrifting there. Now Freda comes into Philly for our thrift-a-thons, and she stays for days at a time.
I suppose I could say that my best bargain ever was my wedding dress and other wedding decor. The dress... well, I wound up with TWO of them. One to greet the guests in, and one for the ceremony and the rest of the day. The wedding was at home so we decorated with three bridal bear pairs, more than one wedding cake topper, fabulous vintage silk flowers, amazing white tablecloths over everything. Also, over ten years ago when my daughter got married, I outfitted the five male members of our household (including a seven-year-old) in $2.00 tuxedoes. I also found her wedding dress, and she would have worn it, but she found something she liked better, half-price in a "regular" wedding dress store. But get this, I saved the dress and hung it up for decoration at my own wedding two years ago.
I usually thrift for clothes and that's what I tend to get most excited about. I really do care about the way things look, even though that's not as important as abstract things like love and math. Of course, I get books and videos in thrift stores and flea markets, but that's not what I spend hours grazing for.
As for collecting, I don't actually MEAN to collect anything, but I guess I do. Like black skirts; I probably have about twenty... And cool vases and fake flowers (the kind I don't have to water -- I'd kill them...) And, up here in the computer room, I have what I call "the wedding museum".
Yep, after we got back from our honeymoon, I took my favorite wedding decor and brought it up here; it's all on |
two rather large shelves (which are white...). So yeah, it looks like a wedding up here.
Other things I like to do: sing (first soprano; a friend and I get together and sing opera in my livingroom), play piano (classical), see films (both good ones and junky ones), and eat ethnic food in all those great inexpensive restaurants. If I had my way, I'd eat out every day. I'm pretty good at cooking but I'd still rather eat what somebody else cooks.
Also, BTW, I just got a poetry book accepted by a small press (Plain View Press); it's a book of my "math poetry", poetry about the experience of math (whether one is a math'n or not); it'll be called "Crossing the Equal Sign".
Thanks again for thinking of me as your first Thifter of the Month. It truly does make me feel good. I probably can't put it on my CV, but I'd LIKE to!
Thrifter of the Month Marion Cohen
To be Thrifter of the Month, tell us about yourself and your life as a thrifter in 500 words or more and submit your entry with a photo of yourself to Editor Cookie.
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CURIOUS COOKIE
How Did You Get Interested in Thrift Shopping?
I have been going to thrift shops most of my adult life. I just love to see what other people have gotten rid of. It is interesting to me that you see the same items in thrift shops all over the country. I most love to look for fabrics in thrift shops. People who sew almost always have some fabric left over from projects they make, and if they are like me they feel like it is a waste to just throw it away. Since I got into quilting, even if I just find a small piece I can find a use for it. - Karen from Virginia Beach, Virginia
I started thrifting when I was in high school because it was a fun, cheap way of shopping and wasting time with my friends. It was quite the popular pastime among many of the kids we hung out with. - Josie from Denver, Colorado
I grew up next to a fantastic resale shop until I was eight years old and spent a great deal of time there buying baby clothes for my dolls, comic books, and scored a little red "fire engine" pedal car for free because the owner liked me so much. My love for all of this started young. My grandmother and mother used to take me with them to garage sales, and many of my clothes, books, and toys were procured there. My parents had me in high school so we were not financially well off the first few years of my childhood, but I didn't know any better! - Trase from Detroit, Michigan
Thrifting became a necessity for me after my divorce. I was raising two kids alone and the tiniest expense would leave my bank account overdrawn. I was determined not to be on welfare for more than a month, and I needed clothes to go on job interviews. I found a beautiful skirt, blouse, and scarf to wear to an interview at a thrift store near my house. I went to more thrift stores after I got the job and created a whole office wardrobe with my purchases. Now that I'm better off financially, I still like to go to thrift stores and find little treasures. Harriet from Madison, Wisconsin
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I was pretty broke, but it really wasn't about the money. It was more an antidote to graduate-school-induced depression. I was newly single, depressed, had time to kill, not much money, and I just had to move my life into a new place. So I started looking for cute vintage clothes to go out in, cool 50's kitsch and stuff to make my apartment more pleasing to me--to wipe away the grad student-ness of it (shudder), to get cocktail glasses for my parties, etc. And then, of course, I got hooked. I started liking the hunt. A Saturday without thrifting was unthinkable. It was a golden period -- the thrift scores rained down on me. I would think of what I wanted and it would appear. My depression lifted. My apartment got swank. My closet filled with vintage. My social life was a whirl. One does not question the powers of thrift. Cristy from Albuquerque, New Mexico
When I was in the third grade, my mom took me to a huge thrift store and let me pick out my own toys and clothes, which was a great thrill for me. I could finally buy purple and pink striped pants, orange and green plaid shirts, white patent leather shoes, and the like to create my own horrifying ensembles. The toys even seemed more interesting because someone else had already played with them. Cookie from Winter Park, Florida
I started shopping for records at thrift stores when I was in high school in the 80's. I like album cover artwork, so I didn't want to buy cassettes because the cover was so small and you could barely see the design. I figured I could always make cassettes from the albums I bought anyway. I amassed a huge collection of albums over the years, and now I make a living selling records on eBay. Warren from Bridgeport, Connecticut
I have been saving money for over 40 years by shopping the local thrift stores. Even when we first got married in 1965 and were stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, we would use thrift stores to stretch our minimal income. We decorated three different apartments with used merchandise from thrift stores, and no one knew the difference. Why pay $200 for a couch that a charity can refurbish some and sell for $50? They both sit the same. I'll drive the distance to save the money. Big Mike from St. Petersburg, Florida |
My original reason for shopping at thrift stores was . . . Thrift! Growing up young and punk-rock in N.J., my friends and I invented terms for everyone and everything--and we called the kids who spent hundreds of dollars on their "Punk Look" at stores like Two Tone, "Fashion Punks." We of course, laboring under the delusion that ours was a more "authentic" style of punk (as authentic as middle class kids from suburban Jersey could be), got all our clothes at thrift stores. Plus, back then I was working at a produce stand/convenience store, and I wasn't exactly raking in the dough. Later, however, when I moved to Albuquerque and had access to the southwest's overflowing bounty of thrift, it became more of an obsession/competition between friends: who could find the weirdest thing and then actually have the cojones to wear it out in public. Pretty soon it wasn't just clothes I was buying. As I started to take more notice of the items for sale at thrift stores, I became aware of the frequency with which these items reappeared. For example: why are there so many corporate logo mugs and tumblers at every store? Wouldn't it be cool to collect them? Or: Look at all this great Tiki stuff. I remember my grandfather used to have a bunch of that. Wouldn't it be cool to collect it? And so on, and so forth. Nowadays, however, I have to admit that I don't thrift quite so often. Perhaps it's the fact that I have so much stuff already, or perhaps it's the fact that I live in Seattle and don't have the energy to keep up with the hundreds of "vintage store" owners who spend every morning cherry picking the best shops. But like a true addict, it would probably only take a small event (like the discovery of this website, for example) to get me hooked again. And, my band does need a bunch of T-shirts to silk screen our logos on. Hmmmmm. Brad from Seattle, Washington
My ex-girlfriend got me into thrifting. I hate her, but I still love to thrift. I keep hoping I don't run into her at a thrift store. Greg from San Jose, California Curious Cookie's Question for September is: What's the worst thing you've ever thrifted?
Click here to answer and submit your photo
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CHARITY SPOTLIGHT
Winter Park Memorial Hospital Auxiliary
The White Elephant Thrift Shop started as a once-a-year White Elephant sale in downtown Winter Park, Florida. The sale was held by the Winter Park Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, which was originally organized in 1952 in order to assist in raising the funds needed to build a local community hospital. Thanks to the auxiliary's help, the doors to Winter Park Memorial Hospital officially opened three years later on February 8, 1955. Due in no small measure to the continuous financial and volunteer support from the auxiliary organization, Winter Park Memorial Hospital celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2005.
Today the WPMH Auxiliary continues that outstanding commitment to service. All proceeds from the WPMH Auxiliary White Elephant Thrift Shop are used to enhance patient care and services at Winter Park Memorial Hospital. The Auxiliary's most recent endeavor was a $100,000 remodeling project for the new Mother/Baby Department, and this year's commitment will be to the hospital's newly renovated Emergency Department. In addition, the Auxiliary supports students and employees pursuing and/or enhancing healthcare-related careers through their scholarship program. |
In 2003, volunteers at Winter Park Memorial Hospital, also known as auxilians, provided 62,409 hours of service to the hospital. Although early records of yearly volunteer service hours were not kept, it is estimated that throughout their 50-year history, auxilians have provided over 2 million hours of service to Winter Park Memorial Hospital and to the Winter Park community.
In conjunction with the auxiliary's charitable fundraising projects, volunteers maintain and staff the "Something Special" gift shop at Winter Park Memorial Hospital and the "White Elephant Thrift Shop" located in the Aloma Shopping Center in Winter Park, Florida. Their thrift shop is generously supported by community donations, and all proceeds of both the gift and thrift shops support a variety of auxiliary-sponsored projects, programs, and services provided by Winter Park Memorial Hospital.
In addition to traditional thrift store merchandise, the White Elephant Thrift Store features estate items donated from various estate sales throughout the Winter Park area. A second White Elephant Thrift Store location was recently added to accommodate furniture sales, and the store also offers furniture consignment services.
Check out The Auxiliary White Elephant Thrift Store's website.
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ZODIAC THRIFTER August Horoscope |
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Leo
Pay attention to money details this month, Leo. Get organized, have a schedule you can adhere to, and comb through the books meticulously. There's the possibility of a joint business venture, and you'll need to have your ducks in a row. You might need to wear safety gear at some point in August, Leo, so make sure to protect yourself if the situation warrants it, even though others may snicker behind your back because you look silly. Just ignore them. Your health and safety are more important than looking cool |
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Virgo
It's finally time to turn that hobby into a commercial venture, especially if you've already tried before with only partial success. The time is ripe to make it happen, so give it another go. This could even be a hobby you've developed over the summer and might include the talents of children. Don't disappear if you've made a pledge to volunteer. Pitch in and do the physical labor required of you. Search our thrift store directory for a place to put in some volunteer hours. |
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Libra
Get your home beautified for back-to-school guests. Avoid the crowds at the mall by thrifting a few things to brighten up your house. You'll feel proud of where you are this month with a surge of confidence around the third week of August. The challenges and obstacles are there, as always, but you know you have the ability to persevere. Consider a career in domestic assistance. Helping others who are unable to get around is a great way for you to make money. |
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Scorpio
You're going to feel caught in the middle until the third week of August, Scorpio. Postpone major decisions until then. You'll have to put romance on the back burner and solve your family and security problems first. Limit distractions and interruptions as much as possible so you can find clear solutions and make sound decisions. The imbalance in your life might be reflected by dizziness or an inner ear disturbance. To relieve symptoms, play tennis, go dancing, or participate in another evenly matched, one-on-one activity. |
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Sagittarius
Sagittarius is destined for serious trouble with confrontation in the first week of August. It will be a miracle if you can resolve or negotiate anything. Take a breather and relax while you can, Saggitarius. You're in for some transportation difficulties that might be caused by a power outtage. Maybe it's time to finally spring for that backup generator, and don't forget to stock up on extra batteries. |
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Capricorn
Things have changed with old romances. Why not return to the scene and sniff around? You'll know by the third week of August if anything is going to pan out. A smart clothing purchase mid month will have you looking sharp and give you the confidence to act like you're in charge. Others will react to your commanding presence, so take advantage of the situation while you can because it won't last. Use this opportunity to ask for a salary or commission increase. If you're in a dead-end job, this is a good time to look for a new one or start a side business. |
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Aquarius
You'll be on an emotional rollercoaster this month, Aquarius, so hold on and keep your mouth shut. Resist the temptation to transfer your self-criticism to others. You'll feel much more confident in the last two or three days of August. In the third week of August, you'll have a joyful experience through helping others in your volunteer efforts. Return to your favorite thrift store and ask them what you can do to help, or find a new thrift store to volunteer at in our directory. |
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Pisces
Revamp your look with unique cosmetics and an attention-getting hairstyle. Plan a day of thrifting using our directory and put together some original outfits. If weather permits, wear some tropical clothing. Admirers will notice. You'll want to keep your eyes on the road this month. Drive slowly and stay off the cell phone. Your sweetie will understand if you're late. In the fourth week of August, visit people who are confined to their homes or volunteer at an animal shelter. Your kindness will melt hearts. |
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Aries
August is a bad month for Aries to get into debt. Attend to personal financial matters and revise your budget. Stick to thrift stores and stay away from the mall. Balance your checkbook and get your accounts in order. Don't let things slide with your creditors. A small payment is better than nothing. At the end of the month you will come up short unless you resist the temptation to gamble. Pick a thrift store in our directory and shop to your heart's content without breaking the bank. A cozy night at home with a board game sets the scene for romance. |
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Taurus
Be careful this month, Taurus. The consequences of a slip and fall will be serious and require a long recovery period. It's time to revive creative, romantic, and sensual delights. When you travel this month to charm old lovers in faraway places, you might end up reviving a romance and changing your scenery for good. Use our directory to find all the thrift stores near your new love shack. |
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Gemini
Talk about money with your honey and return to your previous ways of handling finances together. In your career, you have all the ideas, tools, and social skills you need to cater to your rivals, so use these gifts to profit from conflict. Your income potential is sky high when you market for others. Stay away from smoky places, and keep yourself calm to avoid the shouting matches that are likely this month. |
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Cancer
If you're wondering why you're having stomach problems, it's because you need to get some exercise, Cancer. Go on a walk, do some sit-ups, or lift weights at home. Your intestinal tract will thank you later. Try to limit your white bread intake and stick to whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. Learn from the spending habits of close friends or partners. You'll be able to find out how they live so comfortably.
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THRIFT KITTEN TIPS
Measure Twice, Thrift Once
Measure all of the windows in your house and tuck a list of these measurements into your wallet so you won't waste money buying fabric, curtains, or blinds that don't fit your windows. Keep a measuring tape in your car and have it available when you're thrifting. It's easy to hope that the kitchen table you fell in love with will fit in your house, but it's smarter to measure it and be sure. Submit your great thrift tips to Thrift Kitten.
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THRIFTED RECIPE Salisbury Steak
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1 can (10 ½ ounces) condensed onion soup
1 ½ pounds ground beef
½ cup fine dry bread crumbs
1 egg, slightly beaten
¼ teaspoon salt
dash pepper
¼ cup ketchup
1 teaspoon Worcestershire
½ teaspoon prepared mustard
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon flour |
Mix together thoroughly beef, bread crumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and 1/3 cup of the soup. Shape into 6 oval patties. In skillet, brown patties (use shortening if necessary); pour off fat. Add remaining soup, ketchup, Worcestershire, and mustard. Gradually blend water into flour until smooth. Stir into soup mixture. Cover and cook on low heat 20 minutes or until done. Stir occasionally. Makes 6 servings. Serve with mashed potatoes for a down-home delicious dinner.
Submit A Thrifted Recipe Here |
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