Monday, September 26, 2011

The Week in Review: Just Feel Like Dancing


Let's Go Thrifting Blog-001
Dancing like an ass. Party of one.


Real Live Lover by LetsGoThrifting
 
Ever have one of those weeks that finds you pleasantly surprised, elated, accomplished and just plain ol’ giddy? I think if it were possible to achieve such a combination of emotions, I have… in just these last seven days. In all honesty, I’m not sure how many of these feelings were evoked by thrifting alone. But I’ll tell ya something: Walking around with this kind of impossible mental lightness does throw out some positive thrift karma. At least this is what I like to think. 

Picture it, if you will. Me. Twirling and shaking hips all over the bedroom, happily plucking the clothes from my closet that are now simply too big to wear. Singing along to that sultry-sweet 60’s sound of one of my favorite garage rock compilation albums, stuffing a garbage bag with all of the clothes and unwanted items to take to Goodwill. 
 
And when that bag was filled… I danced around some more. 

This is just the kind of thing you do in the privacy of your own home and never, ever admit to anyone. Ah hell, except maybe the folks that read your blog. 

I say if you’re gonna feel good about something be it thrifted, earned, borrowed or bought you may as well do it right. 

What has you dancing these days?

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Odds 'n' Ends Thursday: A Thrifty Oktoberfest


I found my own copy for .99 cents at Goodwill. "Zum Wohl!"

Whip out the wiener schnitzel and grab your favorite beer stein from the cupboard. It will soon be the first week of October. Hosting your own Oktoberfest gathering? Don't forget to put a record on, really set up some German ambiance.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

The Thrifted Life: Fashion, Size and What NOT To Buy


FashionWTF
I'm not entirely convinced this look works for her.

There are several reasons to go down the secondhand path when it comes to fashion.
  1. There’s variety, and therefore a chance at finding something unique; something that hasn’t been slung on a hanger in its original retail state for perhaps decades.
  2. The slim possibility of finding designer names. I’ve lucked into Betsey Johnson, Jones New York, Lucky Brand and Calvin Klein.
  3. Thrifting allows for some experimentation with different looks you wouldn’t think to try. 
  4. It’s hella cheap.
And recently I’ve learned the importance of being fashionably thrifty when it comes to the whole dieting interim. If you’re losing weight (or even gaining weight due to pregnancy, medical concerns, too many pastries, etc. etc.) and looking to temporarily expand your wardrobe to accommodate your shifting physique, thrifting is the way to go.

I’m currently hovering at the 40 pound loss, but still holding out to lose more. And for the first time in months I went out today…to the mall…and actually bought some key fashion pieces…new. I caved and bought a pair of dark wash jeans that do some fabulous things for my ass. There. I said it.

Now…I bought them on sale, with an additional coupon. I don’t have buyer’s remorse. But I must admit that while I was happily rewarding myself for the achievement of a smaller pant size, I had just an inkling of doubt. What happens when next month I look in the mirror and these pants are just as baggy as the ones I’ll soon be donating to Goodwill?

In the past, when I had the  opportunity to purchase something smaller and cheaper with the hopes of fitting into to it at a later time I would use clothing as a primary motivator. You know what I’m talking about, ladies. But there was little-to-no follow-through. 

Now that I’m in an epic battle with my wardrobe, facing the rivals of sagging behinds, baggy knee jeans and an overall dissatisfaction, I’m wondering if downsizing in the thrift is a smart choice.

Is it better to buy for right now? Or is it better to reserve something slightly smaller for the future when you spot something cute?

I do know one thing. Just because you can squeeze your body into it, doesn’t mean it fits. Much of the time, size is subjective to the time and place the garment was made…and perhaps more importantly, the body wearing it. I’ve seen some really tragic ensembles on various sized women and can only shake my head in confusion.

Price, size, style. These things are important. But if you’re busting through the seams, can’t breathe for fear of busting a stitch, can’t bend at risk of a projectile button…simply put it down and walk away. Let somebody else thrift it and keep your eyes peeled for a look that works.

What's your secondhand fashion strategy?

Monday, September 19, 2011

The Week in Review: On Tangibility

 
LGT 2nd Announcement-002
Don't you just love the smell of an old book?
 
Secondhand shopping means hunting down treasures of yesteryear, sniffing out bargains and unearthing cultural oddities.  But it also means saving an item from certain death at the local landfill.

And this got me thinking of aesthetics. What visual and physical features must an an item have to appeal to you as a buyer? What deciding factors qualify a must-buy purchase?

And when it comes to thrifting records, CDs, tapes, books, DVDs, videos and media that could otherwise be downloaded, how does tangibility affect your decision? Do you only own the item if you can physically prove your rights to possession tangibly?

Not so long ago, I half-considered buying a Nook for quick and easy downloads of all my leisurely reads. But I just can’t reconcile my love for books, actual books. The texture of the paper, the smell of a vintage read, the scintillating cover of a good pulp. I guess I’m for the tangible.


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Welcome to the virtual exhibition.

But that doesn't mean I hold contempt for the available technology. After all, where would I be without this blog? I welcome the exploration of techy aids to creative aspirations.

Right now, for instance, I'm in love with virtually cataloging my collections of thrifted finds with The My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software. It’s nice to organize photos and other spiffy ideas with a little help from the technology. And I plan to experiment with digital scrapbooking even more in the future.

With any luck, I’ll find some sweet secondhand fashion to model, photograph and later scrapbook in this upcoming thrift-week. Oh the possibilities!

If you’re looking to balance your beloved tangible thrifted finds with your love for technology, enter  The Let's Go Thrifting! My Memories Suite Giveaway It’s much more than digital scrapbooking. It’s a way to preserve and share the past, even if it’s just a pile of dusty ol' vintage books.

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What's your take on the tangibility factor?

Friday, September 16, 2011

Odds 'n' Ends Thursday: It's the Time of The Season


You know what season I'm talking 'bout. It's that lovely time of year when the wind blows crisp and clean, and the leaves change color. It's perfect for layering all of your cute thrifted fashion pieces and cozying up to a hot cup of coffee for a horror movie marathon. God, I love this time of year.

And I love, love, love going through my closet and subsequently making a new fashion thrift wish list for the changing temperatures. This season I am dying to find a poncho that doesn't make me look like a sack of potatoes...or some sort of a cat lady. I would also like some saddle shoes, colorful tights (which are not likely to be thrifted, but hopefully bought on discount), a few fashionable tunics to layer over leggings and anything else that'll blend together for a comfortable look that works with the cooler weather.

And this is exactly the reason that the "Odds 'n' Ends Thursday" post will actually be published in the wee Friday morning hours. I spent a considerable amount of time today hunting the Salvation Army and the clearance racks of a few of my favorite stores for looks I love. I did find a lovely black and white print dress which I plan to layer over leggings and top with a cute cardigan. And I got some cute costume jewelry from Forever 21...including a... wait for it... robot necklace. Pictures will follow shortly.



Back to the "Odds 'n' Ends Thursday" topic...I find it a bit odd that no one has officially entered the Let's Go Thrifting! My Memories Suite Giveaway. I'd really like someone creative and thrifty to win this software. Did you miss the initial announcement? No worries.

There are six ways to gain entries:
  1. Visit the My Memories website and pick out your favorite Digital Scrapbooking Kit.  (1 Entry)
  2. Become a fan of My Memories on Facebook.  (1 Entry)
  3. Follow the My Memories Blog through Google Friend Connect. (1 Entry)
  4. Tweet @LetsGoThrifting and @MyMemoriesSuite about your passion for scrapbooking. (1 Entry)
  5. Post about the My Memories Suite Giveaway on your blog. ( 1 Entry)
  6. Follow Let's Go Thrifting! through Google Friend Connect. (1 Entry)

Just follow these instructions and then comment on the original post letting me know which entries you've completed. Please use separate comments for each one so I can make sure all of your entries are counted toward the giveaway. Also be sure that your comments have your name and email so I can let you know if you're the lucky winner.

Be sure to read my rave review of the product and the official announcement of the My Memories Suite Giveaway for more details.

Best of luck, thrifters!
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What thrifted fall fashions are you looking for?

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

The Thrifted Life: Shenanigans


If the price is right and the gettin’ is good, get yourself to the thrift for some cheap, no frills shenanigans. If not for something functional, like clothes or furniture, go for something fun.

You know where I find the best bargains on nonsensical items? The toy section. Of course this also means I must brave the land of unsupervised, uncontrollable sugar-high children. But if it means finding something entertaining for practically nothing, I’ll squish through the crowds of screaming kiddies.

Scary Face 1

Especially if it means finding something that allows me to make this face. Oh just imagine walking into my kitchen and seeing something like this hanging on the fridge. That’ll make ya think twice about midnight snacking.

These faces were created with the magic of magnets! And with over 50 pieces, just think of the possibilities. The only downside is, the policy of 2nd Ave Thrift is to write the price impossibly large on the front and center of whatever you’re buying.

Magnetic Kit Front

Still, it’s pretty kooky so I dig it. Plus, during half-off Customer Appreciation Day this ‘Magnetic Fun’ was 85 cents. I also found a few other strange wonders on this particular visit. But I have plans for those that I'm not quite ready to reveal... Hehehe


What thrifty shenanigans have you gotten into?
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Don't Forget To Enter The My Memories Giveaway!

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Special Sunday Announcement: The My Memories Suite Giveaway!

    

LGT Memories Collection-001

Let’s Go Thrifting! is proud to announce its first sponsored giveaway. MyMemories.com the premier website provider of digital scrapbooking needs has offered its services…absolutely free for we privileged people of Let’s Go Thrifting!

I had the opportunity to download the My Memories Suite v2.0 software and take it for a test run. I was extremely impressed with the variety of features. Users can choose from designer templates themed for specific events and holidays, or create their own customized design. Beings that I try to hail myself as some kind of creative genius, I opted for the latter. Notice the tilt of the photos above, the sepia tone to that photo of my favorite camera and that little speech bubble I gave that asskickin' grandma? Those are all my personal touches in creating my own custom design.

While I enjoy the good ol’ fashioned cutting and pasting of the standard scrapbook, I’m all about convenience. And what’s more convenient than digitally creating something you can share with friends and family? Both Mac and PC compatible, My Memories Suite is rated #1 by Amazon and for good reason.

After downloading the My Memories Suite, I was pleasantly surprised with a clean interface that makes creating albums quite simple. Picking from the lovely digital inventory of paper backgrounds and photo layouts was tough, as there was a lot to choose from. You can even add neat little embellishments like ribbons, buttons and other assorted flare.

And you know what having a digital scrapbook means? You can add special features not available to the standard scrapbook, like video and multimedia. This is something I will definitely be having some fun with in the near future.

And of course you can add text, word art, various sized and spaced photos and everything else you need to create your perfect scrapbook album. You can even use the My Memories Suite to create your own templates for greeting cards, calendars, personalized photo albums, posters, tee shirt designs and more.

Once the My Memories Suite is downloaded and installed, you can even add additional paper backgrounds to your inventory. These digital paper packs come in a variety of designs and colors and are available to download right to your Suite, all priced to move and some even free!

MyMemories.com also has a whole team of designers crafting new and beautiful themed kits for download. These combo pack kits come with the background paper, design embellishments, monogram frames and more, all in perfectly complimentary high-resolution images. And if you're looking for some creative inspiration, or tips on how to best utilize all of the design features, the My Memories Blog is a valuable resource.


Heard enough awesome things about the My Memories Suite and want to win a copy of your own?

With a little bit of clicking around the web and commenting on here, you can have 6 entries to the giveaway.  
  1. Visit the My Memories website and pick out your favorite Digital Scrapbooking Kit.  (1 Entry)
  2. Become a fan of My Memories on Facebook.  (1 Entry)
  3. Follow the My Memories Blog through Google Friend Connect. (1 Entry)
  4. Tweet @LetsGoThrifting and @MyMemoriesSuite about your passion for scrapbooking. (1 Entry)
  5. Post about the My Memories Suite Giveaway on your blog. ( 1 Entry)
  6. Follow Let's Go Thrifting! through Google Friend Connect. (1 Entry)
Please follows these steps and leave separate comments on this post for each entry, with links to your blog re-post, favorite digital scrapbooking kit pick, etc, etc. This way I can guarantee all of your individual comments count toward extra entries when it's time to draw the winner. Also, if you do not have your contact information on your Google profile, I need a way to contact you if you're the winner. So please leave your name and email on the comment entries as well.

I am really excited to give one lucky reader a code for a free copy of the My Memories Suite software, so please send in your entries and tell all of your crafty friends too!

The Let's Go Thrifting! My Memories Suite Giveaway will end Saturday October 1st and the winner will be announced and contacted Sunday October 2nd.

Good luck to all of my crafty thrifters out there!

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Odds 'n' Ends Thursday: This Just In.


Extra, Extra. Read all about it.

Sometimes it's a slow news day when thrifting.  Nothing strange spotted and nothing awesome acquired. This was one of those days. I was hoping to prove the dreary weather wrong with an abundance of thrifted oddities. But the shelves of the thrifts were just as dreary. Two Goodwill stops and a trip to 2nd Ave proved a futile effort. And I was really hoping to score some fall fashion pieces too.

In other news, Let's Go Thrifting! has been featured in an exclusive interview with DeDe of Vintage and Flea. So if you're looking for a heartfelt story, a mysterious encounter, a few how-to thrift tips or just wondering how we got started, check out "Seven Questions We Ask Sites We Heart: Let's Go Thrifting"


Do you have any thrift news?




Tuesday, September 6, 2011

The Thrifted Life: Frugal Philly Has Arrived!


Well, dear thrifters, I am pleased to announce that the new 'Frugal Philly' section of my local Macaroni Kid newsletter has officially launched. At this time we are planning for at least two thrift-related posts per month. And for the first article in the series I decided to sketch a portrait of 'Why We Thrift,' and with socioeconomic ties and theories of rebellion this is a personal manifesto of sorts. Want a little snippet of quotes?

"They may choose the thrift store as a means to deny corporate control over their paychecks. They ignore the impulse to spend a predetermined amount money on what is advertised and instead spend a fraction of the cost on what is available at the thrift store. Maybe they won’t find what they’re looking for right away, but when they find the sought after item, there is a satisfaction that it was purchased on their terms."
You can read "Why We Thrift: The Cause, The Cost & The Cultural Resistance" from the 'Frugal Philly' section of Macaroni Kid right here.

Use this code for an instant $10 savings!

And since I am feeling especially frugal this rainy Tuesday afternoon, I would to share with all of you a special discount being offered by the folks of  My Memories. Especially for the friends and fans of Let's Go Thrifting! My Memories is offering an incredible $10 discount off the #1 rated digital scrapbooking software, My Memories Suite version 2.0

Perfect for crafters looking for a tech-savvy solution to the cutting and pasting, this digital scrapbook allows for organized creativity that you can share with your friends and loved ones forever.

To take advantage of this special offer visit the My Memories store and type in the special promotion code: STMMMS24809 at the checkout page. Feel free to share this special savings code with your friends and family so we can all be creative and frugal together, courtesy of Let's Go Thrifting!



What does being frugal mean to you? 

Sunday, September 4, 2011

The Week in Review: Exciting Things on the Horizon



Well thrifters, this week has been rather pleasant for Let's Go Thrifting! As some of you may know, Thursday marked the official launch of The Trading Post, something which I hope will spark interest for some thrifty bartering.

And speaking of thrifty, it seems that my seemingly trivial expertise of secondhand shopping extends beyond the contents of this blog. I was recently offered yet another venue to explore the issue of thrifting from the kind folks of Macaroni Kid, a national print and online family-friendly newsletter. I have been asked to participate in a newly revamped 'Frugal Philly' section for the local Macaroni Kid edition, telling Philadelphians how and where to find the best stuff for cheap. My first article, a manifesto of sorts, is soon to be published (in two versions: one localized and one for a national readership). It pays to be an expert thrifter!



For the first time,  one of the items from the Let's Go Thrifting Etsy Shop has been featured in a treasury, a collection called The Green Colors of Nature.



I was also recently contacted by a representative from My Memories, a lovely site featuring products and software for digital scrapbooking. And I am pleased to announce that once I review the many features of the My Memories Suite digital scrapbooking software, I will also be giving one of you lucky readers a free copy! More information and the official rules of the giveaway will be posted during next week's editorial schedule. Look for more enticing offers from the folks of MyMemories.com in the near future.

And stay tuned for even more excitement  on the horizon here at Let's Go Thrifting!


Thursday, September 1, 2011

Odds 'n' Ends Thursday: The Trading Post Has Launched!


Run! Don't walk...on over to The Trading Post.

You've been reading about it for months and now the time has come. The Trading Post has offiically gone public. So stop by the new Trading Post tab and take a look at the rules of the Let's Go Thrifting! bartering system.

Please keep in mind that this is a new venture for me and we may have some technical problems in the early stages. Though I'm hoping that Blogger doesn't do me wrong by jumbling up my posts, like it has in the past. But I digress.

Do you have items up for grabs? Are you looking for anything new-to-you? Stop on by!

One reader even suggested I expand the idea to include trade offers posted via the Let's Go Thrifting! Facebook fan page. While I like the idea of utilizing Facebook for future thrifting projects, I think I'll let initial test run take place solely on the blog. Don't want to take on too much at once...

Questions, comments, concerns?
You know where to reach me.

Otherwise...Happy Trading!