Used Name Brand Clothing

I thought I would share tonight’s Savers shopping experience with y’all. I’d first like to say that although I LOVE Savers/Goodwill/The Salvation Army, I am not as big a fan of Plato Closet and Buffalo Exchange type stores. See those kinds of stores ONLY take new name brand clothing, which usually means Gap and Old Navy and Holister clothing from last season. That stuff is STILL on the clearance racks for $1.99, I really don’t need to pay $6 for it at your store. Not to mention I’m not 16 anymore and I’m really not looking for used Abercrombie and Fitch or Forever 21. That stuff is poor quality to begin with, and after some 16-year-old wore it and washed it 50 times, it’s probably one thread away from falling apart. No thanks. I also feel like people who DO give a shit about name brand clothing rarely want to buy it used, teenagers can spot last seasons clothes faster than they can spot an out of date cell phone…anyone got a RAZR?

So I take a pass on any store that passes judgement based on a label. Id much rather spend an hour digging through the racks of tacky 90’s apparel to find real quality clothing, that is MY style, for a good price. And you know what, if you have the patience you CAN find really great clothes! Here is what tonight’s trip brought me (please ignore the lack of bra and the Lummi Island Hair):

 

AMERICAN EAGLE - $15.00

 

These were actually already in the dressing room when I went in (I love when that happens) upon further inspection they are new-ish mens American Eagle Jeans. The length however is a 30, which at 5′ 7″ makes them hit just at the ankles…eww…but cuffed up once they are super cute summer SHPANTS! Love em! They have that casual boyfriend fit. now the price was slightly over my budget, but I had gift certificates AND when you donate stuff (we brought 2 boxes) they give you a 20% off coupon, so they were much cheaper!

 

Ann Taylor - $4.99

 

Loving the casual sailor chic look! And this shirt looked almost brand new and super soft! With its 3/4 length sleeves this outfit is going to be a summer staple.

 

J. Crew - $5.99

This was a mens Medium sweater (yes mens sweaters can be super cute!). I really like the color and fit, but the neck was a bit high for me, so I passed. But J. Crew for $6, such a steal!

 

 

H&M - $7.99

 

Very similar to the first one only it has long sleeves so I passed. Also I’m pretty sure this was probably $8 to begin with, Savers just marks it up because they know we don’t have a H&M so people are desperate. You’re not fooling me Savers!

 

Eddie Bauer - $6.99

 

Again cute and casual, wasnt in love with the price, also felt a bit worn. I passed.

 

Lands End - $8.99

 

I actually really liked this sweater, but Mr. Gaunt didn’t like the pattern. Usually I don’t care what he thinks (sorry hun) but I agreed I usually steer clear of a striped-ribbed (like on the sleeves) it just screams ILL FITTING to me.

 

Express - $3.99

 

If this had been one size bigger I would have bought it. I use to love express back in 2002, although I havent been in one in years! I liked the color and neck line of this shirt, and the price!

Gap - $5.00

This sweater is totally my style. Light weight, cute neck, rustic casual…SOLD! The Gap always comes through for me. And I have an almost identical on that I stole from my mom this summer (sorry mom) in black. I love the grey!

 

Meister (huh?) - $3.99

 

Mr. Gaunt spotted some hipster boy carrying this sweater around the store, and the second he put it down Mr. Gaunt snatched it up. God love him! It might not be the cutest, but it’s totally my style! I’m in love! SOLD!

So there you have it. My total came to $39.00, then 20% off. The sales girl got all flustered and gave me back $11 which I’m no mathematician, but I’m pretty sure $11 is NOT 20% of $40…oh well. Then on the way out of the store as I was getting in my car I looked down and found a $25 Visa Gift card! We called the number on the back and sure enough it was good! So exciting! So really I got all of the clothing for free. Go me!

To wrap things up I hope you enjoyed my little used fashion show, there is plenty more where that came from! How do you feel about used clothing and used NAME BRAND clothing?

Its Finally Getting Chilly!

So of course I went to Savers (Value Village) and got some sweet sweaters! I love fall! This Fall we happen to be super busy and we just never made it to the Pumpkin Farm…sad day. We also have yet to decided on costumes. Oh well, can’t be perfect every year, or most years…lol! We only have 10 days until our craft fair. Business cards have been ordered, doors have been painted, order forms are being written, paintings are getting wrapped in tissue for travel! Exciting stuff!

 

Mr. Gaunt and his mom at a wedding. New (to him) $5 sweater!

 

 

 

Why I Shop Used!

First off, I’m not one to tell other what to do with their money, but my lord anyone who isn’t shopping at used clothing stores is throwing money out the window! I know it’s not for everyone, some people find it gross, dirty, messy, and just plain annoying to have to dig through piles of acid washed jeans and crop tops. However if you can get past all of that and just focus on the hunt, it is so worth it!

Personally I’m a shopper! Especially clothing! However it’s not uncommon that I buy something and only wear it once, or never. That’s why I don’t waste my money on good clothes, there’s no guarantee I will actually even wear it. The last “nice” thing I bought was a pair of boots for $95, I bought them 2.5 years ago and have worn them TWICE! They are now sitting in a Garage sale bag waiting to be sold for $10. Prior to that I have also purchased a $65 Sweater/duster at the Gap that I wore less than 5 times, a $105 dress that I wore once, and a plethora of fancy underwear that have all gone unworn completely.

For me, shopping at Goodwill, or Savers, or The Salvation Army is not only fun and somewhat therapeutic, buts it’s so practical! I have ZERO guilt if I buy a $3 shirt, wear it once and donate it back. It’s almost like renting clothing. sometimes I find Amazing things that I keep for YEARS! I have a red and blue striped t-shirt that I am wearing in my 6th grade yearbook photo, it’s the softest most memory filled shirt I own, and I bought in 1995 at Value Village for I’m sure less than $2. I also have a number of dresses and sweaters that I would have paid 3 or 4 time what I did because of how much I love them!

Anyways, like I said it’s not for everyone, but for me (besides the occasional trip to Target or the Outlet mall) it’s the only way to go! Last week I went to Savers twice to look for some sweaters and some casual tops, here’s what I found (nothing cost more than $5!):

Used Clothing is F.U.N!

Weekend Round Up

The weekend is over…sad…but I had a good time! I spent Friday with Pro in Fort Collins and then yesterday I went to a little birthday gathering for Jill and got to see my lovely Kells Bells. Today I went to the Farmers market with Mr. Gaunt (and got a TON of peppers that one farmer gave to us for free) as well as a lot of other produce and pumpkins and gourds! Yay fall! Then I spent the afternoon grocery shopping with Kelli and got some sweet grandma sweaters as Savers, as well as a pit stop at Merle’s for drinks and appetizers!

Sweet Tea Vodka Arnold Palmer

Fried Green Tomatoes

Yam Chips and Guac

Tonight Mr. Gaunt and I made fresh green beans (sauted in olive oil and garlic) as well as Whole Wheat Panko Tilapia and salad (with peppers of course!):