Thrift Store musings

I'm not sure what it is about thrift stores, but I have a strange atrraction to them. There's just something about the unique, and cheap things they have--especially the clothes--that makes thrift store shopping so satisfying.

Some favorite shops:
The City Rescue Mission in New Castle. I don't think I ever went there and left empty handed. That was where I got leather pants, tons of sweaters, and my cute. sparkly, light blue dress and jacket. Great stuff! And the prices were great--especially since we always seemed to go on 1/2 off days. Plus, there was that time when we were there at closing time, but didn't realize they were closing, and we had so much stuff, and the employees really just wanted to go and not debate what was 1/2 off and what wasn't, so after ringing up a bunch of stuff, they finally looked at the rest of the stack and gave it all to us for free.

DI in Provo/Orem. Green turtle sandbox. 'Nuf said.

Salvation Army in Rochester. Who would have thought I'd find a leather coat that matched those leather pants perfectly? And yet I did--for only $7. Score! Also, a great place to find Wranglers, cowboy boots, and Western top for a night out at the cowboy tavern.

Wise Owl thrift shop in Rochester. I didn't frequent this store too often, but when I walked to and from the lab, it was on my way. When I saw the lime green suit in the window, I knew I needed it. But that first day it was still too expensive for what I'd decided was an acceptable price. I waited it out and got it a few weeks later 1/2 off. I still have that suit, and I still love it.

The various thrift stores in Iowa City, and that one in Waterloo (pronounced with emphasis on the "loo"). I like these stores mostly for the fun memories of making them part of our excursions when I was visited Boss, and co.

What I don't like about thrift stores is when they try to come off as "upscale", but really all that seems to mean is that they have the same quality stuff with better organization so they charge more money. I laughed when I saw a pair of jeans at one such thrift store on sale for $5. Now, maybe that doesn't sound like all that much, but what was so funny is that I had purchased an identical (same brand, color, size, style) pair at Wal-Mart months earlier for $1. Yep, four quarters, new.

I ike the Goodwill stores around here generally because the prices are quite reasonable. $3.39 per pair of adult jeans. $4.59 for jackets. $2.59 for shirts. $3.39 for shoes. And then there's the bags and coats. I admit, I have absolutely no need for more tote bags or coats, but I can't resist. I love them. Must look. Just. in. case. Unlike other items, totes and coats are "individually priced." On my way home one night this week I stopped at a Goodwill. I found a great suede coat. It fit perfectly. I wanted it. But I couldn't see a price tag on it. I took a moment and decided it was worth $10 to me. Maybe, maybe $15. I asked one lady, she classified it as a jacket and told me $4.59. But the lady at checkout found a price--$30. ! I bid goodbye to that coat. I've had the same thing happen with tote bags at that store. Everything else is so cheap, why do they do that to me when it comes to coats and tote bags? Oh well, I didn't really need that coat.