Excellent Reasons for Shopping at Thrift Stores

Many of us donate items regularly to thrift shops. We do it because we want to support the associated cause, help others that may be struggling to stretch a limited income, or we just want a charitable deduction for our tax return.

A recent article in a Sedona, AZ newspaper pointed out that many tourists that return annually frequent the local thrift shops. In addition to the usual reasons for thrift shopping, many looked for items that weren’t available back home. They found items in Sedona that they couldn’t get at home and they found them at a discount, to boot.

Thrift, resale, second-hand, consignment shop, or whatever you call it, here are 10 reasons we should all shop at thrift stores.

1. To Support Charitable Causes

Many thrift shops are operated by charitable or non-profit organizations. Local churches, hospitals, and private schools often have resale shops to support their causes.

We know that donating items to these organizations will help support them. We can support them even more by shopping there, too.

True, not all resale shops are associated with a non-profit; some are actually for-profit businesses, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t use them. Many for-profit thrift stores do share some profits with local charities, and even if they don’t, they do prevent usable from going directly to the landfill.

2. To Save Money

People with limited financial resources often use thrift stores and re-sale shops to stretch their budgets. Isn’t frugal living a good idea for everyone? Why should anyone pay more for something than they have to just because they can? Instead of paying full price or even a sale price for a new item, you might get the same or similar item at a resale shop at a steep discount.

If you cut coupons, hunt for deals, buy in bulk, or have other frugal habits, doesn’t it make sense that you would also look for bargains at a charity shop? Money not spent—regardless of where you don’t spend it—is money you can save for other goals or use for other expenses.

3. To Reduce Waste and Help Save the Environment

According to definitions by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, salesclerks at thrift shops have “Green Jobs.” That’s right: These are environmentally friendly jobs since these stores collect and recycle items that would otherwise be waste.

When people donate items which others purchase, they are keeping these items out of a landfill. Everyone involved is helping the environment. The items purchased can be reused or new uses can be found for them.

My son’s girlfriend will take old ties and create fashionable purses with them. Those old Father’s Day gifts get recycled into something beautiful and useful.

4. You’ll Find Gently Used or Never Used Bargains

The items my wife and I donate are gently used and still have plenty of life in them. We donate them because we don’t have a use for them anymore. Some people donate items that are essentially new, occasionally still with tags on them.

The are countless stories of people buying high-end clothing or accessories at a resale shop at a fraction of the cost of buying new. You can get the status item without the status price.

My wife found a used Janome sewing machine for $15 in a second hand store. $20 for a new bobbin and a minor repair and she had a sewing machine that would have cost several hundred dollars new. Unlike the new sewing machine I bought her when we were first married, she actually uses this one.

5. To Buy Items You May Not Use Much

Have you ever needed an item for a special occasion or a job but didn’t want to purchase it new? If you’re having a party and need a punch bowl or a few large platters, or if you’re looking for a special tool or small appliance, check out the local resale shop. Yes, you could try to borrow it from your neighbor, but he is still mad because you didn’t return his drill for three weeks the last time you borrowed it. You could try renting the item, but someone has to have it for rent, and renting isn’t always cheap.

At your local thrift shop in Panama City Beach, FL, you may be able to pick up that item at a fraction of the cost of purchasing new or renting. When you are done with it, you can lend it to your neighbor or donate it back to the resale shop.

6. One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Treasure

People like to browse at thrift stores, flea markets, garage sales, and auctions for hidden treasures. A crystal vase, a valuable painting, an expensive watch, or some other hidden gem could be hiding among all of the everyday items in the store. What the donor may not have recognized may be your chance to score a real treasure.

We have a friend that collects Fiesta dinnerware. It is expensive to buy at Macy’s and could be very costly to get a set of 6 or 8 place settings. By regularly picking up a piece or two at auction, a couple more at a flea market or resale shop, she has cobbled together a large set at a fraction of the cost.

7. If You Forget Something on Vacation

Ever go on vacation and forget to bring something? Maybe you got there and realized the weather was warmer or colder than you expected? Perhaps you even planned on just picking up an item at your destination rather than lugging it from home? Admit it, we’ve all done it.

Often, we’ll just run to the first store—any store—and purchase something we don’t like, something that’s an ugly color, doesn’t really fit, or worse yet, isn’t on sale. Why not check out a thrift store for that light jacket or sweater you didn’t bring? Need a dress or a sport coat for an unplanned dinner out? Check a resale store before you pick up a new item.

8. To Find Unusual Items You May Not Find Near Home

Items that may not be common in your hometown could be common and inexpensive where you are vacationing. Maybe you live in a warm climate but would like to pick up a nice sweater or long sleeve shirt: Check out a resale shop the next time you travel in the north. Items common in the desert southwest are not easy to find in New England. You’ll find a larger selection of used skis in Colorado or Vermont than you will in Florida or Texas.

9. To Buy Exercise Equipment

Thrifts, resale shops, and consignment stores are full of items originally bought with the best of intentions. Exercise equipment is a good example. Retail stores know that everyone makes New Year’s resolutions and many of them are related to exercise and weight loss. New exercise equipment goes on sale in December and January to take advantage of these good intentions.

People buy this equipment with the intention of starting the New Year off with an exercise and/or weight reduction program. You know as well as I do, these plans often fall by the wayside. The exercise equipment is left to collect dust or piles of dirty clothes. The odometer on the exercise bike sits frozen in time at 7 miles. Eventually this equipment ends up at a resale or consignment shop. This is your opportunity to pick up good, nearly new equipment at a fraction of the original cost.

10. To Resell Items for Profit

Entrepreneurial shoppers buy used items to resell on internet sites such as eBay. Thrift shops and consignment stores can be great sources for bargain items that can be resold for much more.

Savvy buyers use their smart phones to research the item they are considering purchasing. It’s easy to research the value of any object, whether you are buying it for yourself or for resale. Your smart phone can give you that information instantly and on the spot.

In addition to not overpaying for an item, a little research helps you to calculate value where others can’t see it. With a small repair, a new coat of paint, or a little sprucing up, an otherwise worthless item can be made into something of value that you can resell.

Surplus and Salvage

If you can’t find what you want or what you need at a thrift shop, you can always try a wholesale club such as Sam’s or Costco. But, an even better (i.e. cheaper) option may be a surplus and salvage store. These stores sell essentially “new” merchandise that they obtain from closeouts, bankruptcies, salvage, insurance losses, etc. The inventory of these stores is constantly changing, and if the store is part of a chain, each store in the chain could have different merchandise.

Marden’s is a chain of surplus and salvage stores throughout the state of Maine. My wife and her friends that sew love to browse there for fabric that they can purchase at very low prices. They can spend hours in one store and then head off to another because the selection is completely different.

Bottom Line: Know What You Are Buying

Just because you can get something cheap doesn’t mean you should buy it. You should always know exactly what you are buying and purchase items you are familiar with. If you know about crystal, art, or expensive clothing and accessories, purchase these when you find a great deal. For items you are not as familiar with, use your smart phone to help determine the value.

Be cautious when deciding when and where you meet a stranger if the transaction has to be carried out in person. If you are not comfortable giving our your charge card information or paying cash for the transaction, PayPal may be a great option or both buyer and seller.

If you know what you are buying and it is a great deal, go for it. Don’t delay. My wife saw a large set of sterling silver flatware at a consignment store offered at a great price based on the price of silver. She decided to wait, think about the purchase, and check back at the store later. She went back a few days later and the silverware was gone, sold to a person that recognized the value and didn’t delay.

Edelawit Hussien is one of those people who manages to put together incredible looks every. single. day. When I walk into the office, I see Ede and think, without fail, “Damn. That’s such a good outfit.” The 22-year-old has many titles, among them producer at Milk Makeup, filmmaker, and unofficial DJ of our office birthday parties. For the purposes of this story, however, her most relevant title is thrifting genius. As an admittedly impatient and hapless thrifter, I knew from the second I met Ede that I needed her guidance, and being the generous icon that she is, she was more than willing to share with me and you.

When did you start thrifting?

I started thrifting when I moved to New York to go to NYU. There were so many thrift stores around the campus in the East Village. Tokio 7 was LIT. I haven’t been there in awhile, but I remember them having really good Comme De Garçons and Junya Watanabe. And then there was also the Beacon’s Closet that’s really close to Parsons. There is so much good thrifting in the city, so that was a great area to get my start.

What’s your technique when it comes to thrifting?

I think it’s really difficult to have too much of a plan when thrifting. You can’t really restrain yourself in terms of time — it’s a lesson in patience. I will say, though, that I’m not the type to go to those huge, mega thrift stores and sift through things for, like, hours. I have a certain amount of patience, but not enough for that. I like going to stores that are a little curated and that pay attention to the particular kinds of items that their customers are going to be looking for.

Take me through your favorite vintage spots and finds.

I recently travelled through Europe and I made a point to go to thrift stores in every city that I was visiting. Out of all of the things I did in each city, thrifting was so nice, because you’re getting to know people [from that city].

When I was in Stockholm, I had a few friends take me to this thrift store called Humana. It was a bit curated and definitely targeted towards younger customers. I bought this bright pink puffer jacket by some Italian brand. It’s still under debate whether it’s pink or red, actually, but I was super happy that I bought it. I spent twenty minutes asking my friends whether or not I should get it, but I’m so happy I did.

Then, when I was in Berlin, a friend of the friend who I’d stayed with in Stockholm took us to this place called PICKNWEIGHT, which is curated, but as big as one of those massive thrift stores. I think it was in Kreuzberg. That whole neighborhood had a lot of cool thrift stores. I really took a lot of time in there because it was racks on racks on racks. There was a section where you could fill a whole bag, weigh it, and pay. I was looking for a white ‘60s bag and found this amazing one in the three Euro bin. I feel like you could buy a whole wardrobe out of that store and the pricing was super good. Berlin is a very affordable city. The thrifting is well-curated, but not marked up.

We then went to Paris and I went to this thrift store across from the Supreme store in Le Marais and it was A1. They were playing Young Thug and I was like, “Wait, what’s going on?” That thrift store is tiny, and it’s definitely more expensive than the Berlin stores, but the selection was so good. I got a tweed skirt there. It had a matching jacket, but I didn’t get it, which I’m mad about. I might have a friend who’s there right now go back and get it for me — it’s the whole look that matters!

What’s your technique when it comes to thrifting?

I think it’s really difficult to have too much of a plan when thrifting. You can’t really restrain yourself in terms of time — it’s a lesson in patience. I will say, though, that I’m not the type to go to those huge, mega thrift stores and sift through things for, like, hours. I have a certain amount of patience, but not enough for that. I like going to stores that are a little curated and that pay attention to the particular kinds of items that their customers are going to be looking for.

What are your essential thrifting tips?
1.) Don’t rush. If you’re the type of person who’s easily swayed by other people’s opinions, this is something to do by yourself. I personally don’t like going to museums with other people, and thrifting is like that for me, too. If someone tells me that something looks good on me, I’ll buy it and then have buyer’s remorse. So I go by myself and it’s kind of therapeutic for me, to just look through a bunch of stuff and then find my golden ticket.

2.) Don’t go in with a plan or a goal of finding a specific, particular thing. You can’t have this narrow idea of what you want because it just doesn’t work that way. This is why thrifting is a great metaphor for life. You have to work with what you find. If you are looking for something specific, don’t be afraid to go on a website like Etsy or Depop, because they’re actually very good and I’ve found great deals on there before.

3.) Be willing to go to smaller stores. When a thrift store blows up, it’s hard to find the good things. There’s one that I know of that’s super lowkey, but I’ve found the best things and it’s just in a basement in Bushwick. Be willing to check out the small businesses rather than the chain thrift shops.

If you’re someone with an eye for good deals, you can purchase high-quality items at thrift stores in Destin, FL and get the better deals.

Here at thrift stores in Destin, FL we’re all about repurposing gently used clothes. We believe in giving a piece of clothing or furniture new life by selling it to you at a discounted price. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, as they say. Repurposing is easy, and there are many different ways to give your gently used clothing new life! Here are five ways to repurpose your clothes.   

1. Add an embellishment.
   Embellishments are a fun way to repurpose your clothes and have fun. Add a patch, or use dye to create a new look. Buttons, jewels, and thread can also be used to give your clothes a vintage look.
2. Plan a neighborhood swap.
   If you have bags of clothes that your family will no longer wear, consider planning a swap with neighbors or family members. Everyone meets and brings the clothes they no longer want. Then, everyone can grab what they want! Anything left over can be brought to Goodwill!
3. Wear in a new way.
   If you have a dress you don’t think you’ll wear again, perhaps you could turn it into a pool cover-up. Or turn long jeans into jean shorts. Get creative with old clothing and try to turn it into something new. The best part is that if you end up not liking it, you can always bring it to Goodwill.
4. Donate to Goodwill.
   At Goodwill, we receive donations from the community every day, so our shelves are always stocked with tons of unique finds. Did you know that whatever we can’t sell at our stores, we recycle? It’s true. Learn more about how your shopping and donations make a difference in the community.
5. Give to a corporate charity drive.
   If your employer is hosting a clothing drive for charity, this is a great time to clean out your closets and donate clothing. Find out how you can plan a corporate charity drive, here.

Looking at repurposing old kitchen dishes? There are many ways to use dishes, silverware, and glasses around the house and even outside. Check out some of these ideas for inspiration.

DIY Pedestal Stand
Using a plate and a cup with a stem (or candlestick), glue them together and add a fresh coat of paint. The result is a pedestal that can be used for cakes, accessories, jewelry, and decor.

Spoon Wind Chimes
Turn old spoons into a delicate wind chime. Leave the spoons as they are, or turn them into little fish for a coastal vibe.

Painted Decor
If you have a bunch of mismatched plates, a coat of spray paint will help you create a cohesive look. Use them as home decor on coffee tables, shelves, and bathroom vanities.

Holiday Globes
If you’re in the holiday spirit, you can repurpose old stemless wine glasses into holiday globe decor. Use a piece of wood as the base, add a figurine, then place the overturned glass on top.

Hanging Planter
Old dishes can be turned into a hanging planter. Find small bowls that are deep and sturdy. Drill a hole in the bottom for drainage and on the sides for the hanger.

Coat Hook
Use smaller plates to add a vintage touch to a coat hook. Glue the flat bottom side to the base of each hook.

Mosaic Garden Stones
You’ll need a concrete stepping stone, tile adhesive, sanded grout, and a patterned plate. Break up the plate into smaller pieces. Then adhere to the concrete stone and grout once it’s dry.

Eclectic Tea Set
Assemble your own tea set using thrift store finds. Use smaller plates as saucers, and go on the hunt for vintage teacups.

Many of these DIY crafts can be completed using old dishes you can find at thrift store in Destin, FL. For more details drop comments in the comment section.

Thrift shops in Destin, FL is known for its sizeable selection and unique finds. Our furniture section is known for items that go quick. Now that everyone’s enjoying the summer season and spending more time outdoors, it’s a great time to add some furniture to your outdoor space. If you’ve found some used outdoor furniture, there are many ways that you can repurpose it to give it new life. Here are a few ideas:

Spray Paint a Bright Color

If you find a chair with a shape and style that you like, painting it with spray paint is a great way to freshen it up. We love how this bright green color adds a vibrant pop to this patio decor.

Replace or Add Cushions

New furniture cushions add comfort and style to gently used patio furniture. Consider replacing old cushions with fabric and fill of your choice. You can sew your own cushions or shop around for cushions that fit your sofa and/or chairs.

Mix and Match

You might not find an entire patio dining set that you love at a price you love, but when you shop at Goodwill, you can mix and match. Pair a set of chairs, or all different chairs, with a different table. Mixing wood and aluminum is a great idea!

Use Outdoor Furniture Indoors

If you find a piece of outdoor furniture you love, but don’t have anywhere to put it, consider using it indoors. This isn’t an odd design trick, in fact, it’s currently a trend in interior design. Going for a casual coastal design? Bring in the wicker!

Whether you’re a total fashionista or you avoid the mall at all costs, you probably spend a lot more than you think on clothing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American family spent $1,736 on clothes in 2012. Although kids outgrow their clothing fairly quickly, adults can hang onto theirs for years – as long as it doesn’t wear out.

Since longer-lasting clothing means more money in your pocket, be sure you do all you can to preserve your wardrobe. Of course, it may require changing a few habits. Luckily, you don’t need special products to keep your whites sparkling and your dark garments looking sharp.

Making Clothes Last

1. Start With Quality

While I don’t recommend buying overly expensive brand-name garments, it’s always a good idea to purchase quality clothing. By spending more on quality pieces that never go out of style, you create a solid base wardrobe with longevity in mind. You can then add in cheaper, trendier pieces for a season or two without feeling guilty. Those quality investment pieces last longer thanks to thicker fabrics and better construction.

It’s also a question of quantity versus quality. When purchasing kids’ clothes, you usually want to go for quantity, since the items are only going to fit for a few seasons. However, when purchasing professional clothes for yourself or a pair of jeans to wear daily, it’s better to invest in one quality item than five poorly made pieces that may need to be replaced in a few months.

Decide where to allot your clothing budget. Set some money aside for trendy, fun items, and reserve some cash for pieces that are bound to stand the test of time. Some of the clothes and items I don’t mind investing in include the following:

• Two-piece business suit
• Classic trench or pea coat
• Comfortable, well-made shoes
• Well-fitting jeans
• A few crisp button-up shirts or blouses

When clothes shopping, look for clues that an item is made to last – and remember, price isn’t the only indicator. Instead, try to spot attention to detail, as well as tight seams and buttons. If the material is overly thin, or you see loose threads, buttons, or snags, those are clues that an item may not be very well made.

2. Pay Attention to Laundering

That tag found on the neck or down the side seam of your shirt is not for decoration: It gives you a garment’s laundering instructions, which are designed to ensure that it stays in great shape.

If you know you hate hand-washing and line-drying, avoid buying clothes that require special care. You’d be better off spending your money on sturdier items. In fact, looking at laundering instructions is part of my shopping process. Even if it’s a steal, a piece that requires dry cleaning could cost more in the long run – especially if you choose to ignore care instructions and end up ruining it.

Some other laundering tips can help keep your clothes in great shape. While you should always check the instructions on the tag, these are some general techniques to keep in mind as you hang out in the laundromat or laundry room.

• Wash Dark Clothing Inside-Out. Dark-wash jeans, black blouses, and other darker material can become faded in the wash, particularly as it rubs up against other garments. Always launder your washer-safe dark clothes inside-out to ensure they hold their color.
• Invest in a Clothesline or Drying Rack. If you don’t have a place to line-dry your clothes, they usually end up in the dryer – a death knell for line-dry-only garments. A clothesline only costs a few dollars and it can also help you save on energy costs. If you don’t have the yard or the climate to dry clothes outside, a drying rack for your laundry room is only about $20.
• Wash Metal Separately. Buttons and zippers often find their way into the wash, but can become seriously hot in the dryer, which can lead to scorching and melting on your other clothes. Wash clothing with metal components separately and never with delicate clothes, such as silks or knits.
• Go Color-Safe. Is there anything more frustrating than ruining clothes with bleach? While it helps make your whites whiter, it can also stain colored clothes and damage delicate fibers. Swap your regular bleach for a color-safe alternative, which is also gentler on fabric.
• Wash Your Clothes Less. The washing process is famously tough on clothes. Agitating, tumbling, and coming in contact with other garments can leave garments faded, stretched, pilling, and damaged. Unless your outerwear is visibly dirty, you probably don’t need to wash it after each wearing. See if you can extend washing to every other wear, or even three wears, before you toss your garments in the laundry.
• Get to Know Your Settings. While each make and model of washers and dryers is different, they all have something in common: They come with instruction manuals. Read up on your model so you know when to use “wrinkle release” as opposed to “delicate.” Delicate settings traditionally work well for lingerie, but they’re also effective for clothes that you want to preserve and treat gently. The delicate cycle uses less agitation, so there’s less wear and tear. This setting is perfect for lightly soiled stuff that requires a little extra care, or for items that specify the “delicate” setting on the tag.

3. Practice Good Hygiene

It may sound simple, but practicing good hygiene – such as showering daily, wearing deodorant, and using proper undergarments – can help keep your clothes cleaner and in better condition. Don’t forget that sweat also causes stains. By insisting that your family members treat their clothing with cleanliness and care, you should get some extra uses out of each piece.

It also pays to make sure you wear the right clothes for the right events. If you know things are going to get messy at a birthday party, don’t send your daughter wearing an expensive lace dress. Or, if you’re going out to a bar where people smoke, opt for your cheaper wardrobe items.

4. Learn Basic Repairs

Learning to complete basic repairs on your clothing – such as replacing a loose thread or a missing button – can make them last longer and save you a ton of money. Even if you’re perfectly careful with your garments, fallen hems and buttons that pop off can take shirts and pants out of commission. You can always bring your clothes to a tailor for a fee, but why spend the money if you can do the repair on your own?

A simple sewing kit – which you can find at many big box retailers – costs just a few dollars and contains scissors, a variety of needle sizes, and thread. Even if you’ve never sewed before, online videos can teach you everything you need to know, from buttonhole stitching to repairing a zipper. If you can tie a knot in the end of the thread and weave the needle in and out of the fabric, that’s enough to get started.

5. Iron With Care

When you iron, you’re using heat to loosen fabric fibers and press them flat. Unfortunately, there’s also a good chance you can end up burning or yellowing the fabric if you’re not doing it properly. Using too much heat on delicate fabrics can completely ruin them, so make sure you always use the right heat level for the type of fabric you’re ironing.

Many irons have different levels for various fabrics on the heat dial, but here’s a general guide:

• Linen: 445° F
• Cotton: 400° F
• Viscose/Rayon: 375° F
• Wool: 300° F
• Acrylic: 275° F
• Polyester: 300° F
• Silk: 300° F
• Acetate: 290° F
• Lycra: 275° F
• Nylon: 275° F

Another option is to invest in a steamer for about $25 to $50. It uses moisture and heat to release wrinkles while clothes are on the hanger, and it can be a lifesaver for the perpetually time-crunched. Because you don’t have to continually reposition your clothes like you do when ironing, steaming can save a lot of time. I love steamers for items that need to be deodorized and straightened, but don’t require clean creases.

6. Rotate Your Clothes

The idea of “last in, first out” doesn’t only apply to produce, but to clothes as well. We all have a favorite pair of jeans that are snatched out of the dryer as soon as they’re clean, but rotating your clothes means less wear and tear.

One way that I track my garments is by rotating them in my closet. After laundry day, the clean stuff goes to the back, while the items still in the closet are moved forward where they’re easier to see and grab. Eventually, my favorite items rotate from the back to the front of the closet, where they can be seen and worn again.

This can be especially helpful for kids’ clothes. Children are traditionally pretty hard on their gear, so rotating it can mean fewer holes in their jeans and less fading on their shirts. Unless, of course, your little one has a “favorite shirt” – in which case, you might just be out of luck.

7. Practice Good Storage Habits

Whether you have a walk-in closet or a couple of shelves, the way you store your clothes can make them last for years or, alternatively, leave them looking misshapen and damaged in just a few months. Here’s how to store your clothes to make sure they last as long as possible:

• Fold Heavy Sweaters on a Shelf. While you might think that hanging is best for your expensive sweaters, heavier garments such as wool sweaters can actually stretch out when you hang them in your closet. Your best bet is to stack them folded on a shelf so they keep their shape – and save that precious hanger space.
• Button Buttons and Zip Zippers. I can’t count the number of times a wayward zipper on one garment has snagged or scratched the fabric on another while hanging in my closet. Sharp zipper teeth, studs, and even buttons can catch on clothes and result in damage, so make sure they’re fastened when you hang them in your closet.
• Invest in Better Hangers. Sure, you can score wire hangers from your dry cleaner for free, but they’re not made for long-term storage. Wire and plastic hangers can stretch out the shoulders of your garments, which means they won’t lay nicely on your body. Consider investing in better hangers with wood or plush arms, which help garments keep their shape.
• Give Clothes Some Breathing Room. Even if you’re short on space, resist the urge to pack your closet full of clothes. Squishing a ton of items next to each other can result in wrinkling and fading as the fabrics are constantly mashed together. If you’re having to squish hangers and garments just to squeeze in another shirt, it may be time to look into other storage solutions. For example, a standalone armoire can help reduce some of the pressure on a bulging closet.
• Think Cool and Dry. Excess moisture and heat can encourage mold growth – even on clothes. The mantra for your closet should be “cool and dry.” Never store clothes in a humid bathroom or moist basement closet.

8. Dye Faded Clothes

I have a pair of black skinny jeans that fit like a glove. Of course, after near-constant wash and wear, those black jeans are beginning to look gray and worn-out.

While looking for laundry soap at my local grocery store, I came across some easy-to-use clothing dye for just a few dollars. Simply add it to your sink or a bucket, add water, and follow the package directions for getting the best color. It usually takes 20 to 30 minutes of stirring to ensure even coloring. After the garment has been colored, rinse it with cool water and hang to dry.

Typically, garment dyes work best on solid colors, and can help to bring faded or stained clothes back to their former glory. A box of dye costs around $6 and contains two treatments. Just make sure that you wash your newly dyed item with like colors the first time you run it – the dye can come off on other items.

9. Dress After Your Hair and Makeup

Women’s clothing often takes more of a beating when compared to men’s. Why? Because women use cosmetics that can stain and fade garments. By doing your hair and makeup before you get dressed, you can avoid those pitfalls. Buy a robe to wear while you go through your daily routine to prevent things like lipstick and bronzer from getting on your garments.

Unfortunately, hair dye and hairspray can seriously damage clothes. Hairspray is a main culprit for fading, so resist the urge for a final spray before you head out the door. Also, if you dye your hair at home, make sure to wear old shirts while you’re doing it. Hair dyes are generally permanent and can easily ruin a favorite shirt. You can also wrap a thin towel around your shoulders to protect your clothes from your various cosmetics products if you don’t want to mess up your hair by putting on a shirt after it’s done.

Don’t forget about deodorant and antiperspirant. When you apply, make sure it’s completely dry before putting on a shirt. The aluminum contained in many antiperspirants can turn clothes yellow and cause brittleness.

10. Adjust Your Dryer

If you were to name the appliance in your home most damaging to clothes, it would definitely be the dryer. The heat can scorch clothes and cause shrinking, fading, and even pilling. However, it’s hard to argue with the convenience it offers – you use the appliance because it saves you time.

If you want the best of both worlds, check your dryer settings – many allow you to configure temperature, timing, and dryness. You can try lowering the overall temperature and keeping the same dry time, taking clothes out while they’re still damp. Or, if you don’t have temperature settings, you could just set the timer for 15 minutes fewer than normal, then transfer your clothes to dry on a laundry rack. Taking clothes out of the dryer before they’re done also minimizes shrinking in many fabrics such as denim – so your jeans might actually fit better.

Final Word

Unfortunately, not all clothing items are meant to last forever. They’re bound to wear out, fade, and change shape after repeated use. Still, by being a little more careful in the way you clean, handle, and store your clothes, you can get months and even years of extra wear out of each piece. When you multiply those results by the number of members in your family, it adds up to big savings.

Thrift shopping at thrift shop in Panama City Beach, FL can be so much fun. It takes a little bit of time, patience and practice. In the end, it is rewarding and you can really find the best things. Take the time to really find yourself when you are thrift shopping. Happy shopping!

Just one look in my closet and you’ll think I spend all my money on clothing.

It’s not that it’s stuffed full of clothes. In fact, the opposite is true; I have fewer clothes than most people. But the clothes I do have are high-quality, mostly designer pieces.

I didn’t always used to be this way. Like many people, I’d see a cool shirt at Target, or a $5 flannel at Wal-Mart and I’d pick it up for something new to wear. I’d even try clothes swapping parties to save the most money. But most of the time, after a dozen washes, the seams would be frayed or a hole would be forming in my clothes.

This cheap, “disposable” clothing just didn’t last, and into the donate pile it would go.

Why Cheap Clothing Isn’t Really Cheap…

I know how tempting it is to buy cheap clothing. Clothing retailers like H&M and Target have mastered the art of offering low-quality but still reasonably cool clothes. And whether we’re in a recession or not, it’s hard to resist a $20 trench coat.

But think about this for a moment: How much quality can you really get with a $10 dress at H&M? How long is that $15 sweater from Target really going to last you?

I can tell you from experience that the answer is “not long.” And, I’m sure you’ve probably experienced the same thing yourself.

My point here is that cheap clothing isn’t really that cheap at all. You might be getting a bargain at first, but it’s not going to last over the long haul.

Why Buy Quality Clothing?

High-quality clothing is made with care, which means it’s going to last. I strongly believe that I save money by spending a bit more on clothing for several reasons:

1. You don’t buy on impulse.

When you focus on buying quality, and quality only, you’re unlikely to buy something on impulse because it’s cheap and looks cool.

This means that the clothes in your closet really mean something to you. They’re chosen with thought and consideration, and they’re chosen because they really say something about you in a meaningful way.

I have far fewer clothes than I did this time last year. But the ones I do have are really special to me. I’ll likely still have them years from now.

2. Your clothes last longer.

Quality clothing lasts longer. Unlike Wal-Mart clothing which usually falls apart after a dozen washes or so, high-quality clothing can stand up to some serious wear. You’re getting more out of your investment when you spend more up front.

How to Save Money and What to Look For When Buying Quality Clothing

If you want to transition your own wardrobe from “disposable” fashion to high-quality pieces, don’t underestimate the power of buying pre-worn clothing. It’s a great way to get designer clothes on a budget that still have plenty of “wear” left in them. Try following these tips:

1. Know What You Want

My own wardrobe transition started with one piece of clothing: a James Perse shirt. This Los Angeles designer makes simple but high quality clothing. I stumbled onto one of his pieces at my local Salvation Army ($3.99!) and promptly fell in love with his clothes. My search for discounted James Perse clothing led me to other designers I really love as well.

I’ve since found two other James Perse tops at the Salvation Army. Both, of course, were second-hand clothes, and have now been heavily worn by me. They still look brand new.

My point here is that it helps to find a few designers or lines that really speak to you and your budget. Once you find a designer or line of clothing that really fits well and looks great on you, then scour eBay and your local thrift stores looking for them.

2. Go Slowly

This is a process that takes time, so it’s best not to rush it. Be prepared to come up empty-handed time and time again.

If you can enjoy the process, you’ll find yourself having quite a bit of fun. After all, it’s super easy to hit the mall and fill up a bag full of Abercrombie and Gap. But where’s the fun in that? Scouring consignment shops and thrift stores is like looking for treasure. And when you score second hand designer clothes for a few bucks, you’re going to feel like a million.

Now, this isn’t to say that all my quality clothing has been bought second-hand. It hasn’t. In fact, the sweater I’m wearing as I write this is a piece I paid full price for (well, actually, it was on sale). But most of what I buy is pre-worn. Again, eBay is a great place to find good deals once you’ve found a designer you like.

3. Know Quality

You’re eventually going to come across a piece you love, but have no idea who made it. It’s happened to me plenty of times.

It helps to learn how to recognize a quality piece of clothing when you see it.

Start by looking at the seams. Are they sewn properly? Grip the fabric on both sides of the seam and pull gently. If the thread holding the seams together pulls apart slightly, it’s not sewn properly.

Look at other details. Is there top-stitching? Are there four buttons on the cuff rather than three? Is there any bead work? Is there a 2-inch hem for pants? Are the buttons or fasteners sewn on securely?

All these tiny, subtle details point to a high-quality garment over a cheap one.

4. Go for a Test Run

I know it’s hard to learn how to recognize quality at first. You can shorten your learning curve by heading to a high-quality boutique or retailer, like Saks or Macy’s. Go find high-quality designer clothes and look closely at the details mentioned in step 3. Try on the clothing and see how it feels.

You’ll likely notice an immediate difference. These clothes are simply better made, and you can feel it.

Last Word…

I’d love to hear back from you on this. What do you think? Is spending more on clothing, but buying less, something you do? Or do you feel that buying cheaper clothing more often is a better bargain?

If you’re looking to know more about finding the right home design for you to decorate as you please, at an affordable price, visit thrift store in Panama City Beach, FL today.

Make Sure The Price Is Right!

Occasionally, I sell items at flea markets near my home. Usually, when I start gathering things I no longer want, I go and try to sell them at one of the local flea markets. Being a casual seller, I often sell different items. Along the way, through talking with other sellers, and in reading articles on the internet, I’ve learned a few things.

1. Trying to sell large ticket items can be tough.

I recently sold a stereo system at a flea market. It wasn’t very high end, but it was still high enough in price, that it took awhile and many “lookers” before I sold it. When selling big ticket items, you run into several problems. One is that most people in general don’t carry much cash, and most sellers at flea markets and garage sales don’t take credit cards, so, oftentimes people who are interested will tell you that they don’t have the money on them, so they don’t buy the item. Then, especially if it is a very large item in size, shoppers aren’t prepared to handle the item at the moment. And, many people are there to look for low priced items, usually under $10 or the equivalent, especially in a bad economy. Selling higher priced items can be done, but it is tough to do, so try to sell items where you’re willing to let go for $10 or less.

2. Don’t Hold An Item!

Never do this! The first time I sold items at a flea market, someone came up to the table and said they wanted this particular item I was selling, but that they’d come back later to buy it, asking that I hold it for them. So, I agreed, and turned down two other offers to buy the item. Well, the person never came back! Lesson learned: Never, I repeat, Never! Never Hold an item, especially if the potential customer hasn’t bought it!

Since then, I’ve had many would be buyers of my items claim to have interest and saying they’d come back. Only one did! It’s my belief that, within 10 seconds of saying they’ll come back, a “looker” will completely forget all about the item! So, I never hold items and I even let people know if they say they’ll come back, that I cannot hold an item. Also, even if they do pay you and say they’ll pick up the item later, tell them they have to take it now. This way, if they don’t show up, you won’t feel like you have to find them to give them their item. They bought it, it’s now their responsibility, so don’t hold it for them, because then you’ll feel responsible.

3. Accept the fact that you will have to sell your items at much less than what you paid for them.

You may feel that the small wooden chest or great radio that you’re selling is like new and worth the money you paid for them. But to a shopper, these are still used items! After all, if you are buying a used car, that was even just two years old, to save money, no matter how good that car looked, you would probably still not be willing to pay what you would if the car were brand new! You shouldn’t expect other shoppers to think differently, nor to have or understand the sentiment that you may have regarding your items.

4. Note the condition of your item and compare prices for items.

Know the condition of your items. If an item is like new, you can charge a higher price. Likewise if it is complete, as in a set, or items like stereo systems, which include speakers or other components. Then, if possible, do research, especially on higher priced or big ticket items. Ebay, Amazon, and Craigslist are good places to see what items are selling for. Also see if other sellers at the flea market are selling a similar item and note their price.

5. Try to sell complete items if possible.

Related to 4. above, try to sell complete items. This means that, in the example of the stereo system, that you have all the components, and the user’s manual, too. The user’s manual is very important when you’re selling electronic items, particularly if the item is not very user friendly! Also, incomplete tea sets, card collections, or sound systems will not sell as well.

6. Be prepared to haggle and negotiate!

Sometimes shoppers will simply pay the price that you have marked for an item. But oftentimes, they will suggest a lower price. It’s often best not to be too rigid, but beware of dropping your price too low or too fast. For instance, I had my stereo priced as “$70 OBO”. “OBO” stands for “Or best offer” This is good to price this way for items that may be hard to sell, as it invites potential buyers to make reasonable offers instead of turning them away out of hand because the price is too high.

Seeing that the stereo was hard to sell, I would tell prospective buyers that I’d consider $60, or even $50, which was the lowest I’d go. Well, finally, a couple showed much interest, then said they’d think about it after I told them $50. I’d arrived at this figure after doing research in which a pawn shop only offered me $30.

The couple came back and asked if I would accept $45. I thought about it, seeing that no one else had come back to buy the stereo, even at $50 and with one of my very low priced items tossed in at no extra charge, and the couple’s offer was only $5 below my minimum. So I took their offer and sold them the stereo for $45.

So, don’t be rigid in your pricing but do consider what your minimum is, what your research says, and what the potential buyer is offering. This will help you get a decent deal.

7. BE HONEST!

Be Honest! If the radio you’re selling is missing a small antenna so it’s reception depends even more on how it’s placed, tell the buyer before he or she buys it! If a game is missing a piece, or that power drill quits every so often, tell before receiving payment! This is just the honorable way to do things, period! Even if you’re a casual seller and think a customer won’t be seeing you again, they could still tell others about being given a raw deal. Down the road, when you’re selling at the flea market again, someone may recognize you and quietly warn others to stay away. Then you’ll wonder why you sold so little. You just never know. So be honest. Honesty is really the best policy!

I don’t know everything about selling at flea markets and garage sales, and I do learn more each time. But I do hope that these tips will help you sell more next time.

If you’re someone with an eye for good deals, you can purchase high-quality items at thrift store in Panama City Beach, FL and get the better deals.