Road to the city of emeralds...

"THE ROAD TO THE CITY OF EMERALDS
Is Paved With Yellow Brick"
-- Frank L. Baum

Do your recognize the above quote? It's a line from the book, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz". Even though bright yellow isn't exactly what I consider to be one of my most flattering shades, I can't help but feel cheery when I put it on. This becomes especially important when you live in a state that is full of snow and grey skies during the winter. We've barely seen any sun in weeks and yesterday's temp was 12 degrees. UGH!

No matter the frigid cold, I still braved the temps to step outside for a quick snap of this yellow, black and taupe outfit. It is 100% thrifted and the fabulous vintage Liz Claiborne crossbody purse was a thrifted Christmas gift from my best friend Jenna (the yellow collared shirt also happens to be vintage Liz Claiborne!). I couldn't wait to throw it into the rotation, and I felt like it was the perfect addition to the color scheme I had going!

Golden Nuggets: What I've learned from a lifetime of thrifting

PSSSSSST.....the entire outfit above (from head to toe) was thrifted for about ten dollars.

GOLDEN NUGGETS: What I've learned from a lifetime of thrifting...

Jesus lacquered on to wood slabs…murderous porcelain clowns…three hundred dollar designer hand bags and tons of fabulous dresses….these are amongst the treasures too numerous to recant that I have encountered in a lifetime of thrifting!

I’ve loved it all; from housewares to shoes.  In my twenties, I was notoriously kitschy—ridiculous vintage prints, wacky posters, shirts with howling wolves. (Wait—that sounds like me in my thirties?) Well, it’s true. I’m still drawn to the fascinating entertainment value of goofy paintings and loud prints. I have, however, gotten much smarter about my thrifting as I’ve matured, and today I’d like to share some of those lessons with you!

·     Try it on. Admittedly—I almost NEVER do this with dresses, because I just KNOW when they will/won’t fit me. That said, when it comes to shirts, blazers, pants or shoes, it absolutely makes NO sense not to try it on before buying. Nearly every thrift store I’ve ever been to has a dressing room. Don’t be a wuss. Just do it. Three dollars wasted, even if it is ONLY three dollar wasted, is…well, three dollars wasted.

·       Take time to dig. It’s why I find good stuff. People ask me all the time, “HOW did you find that? UGH! I want to come shopping with you!” “Well,” I tell them, “Come along next Saturday and wear comfortable shoes. Eat a turkey sandwich beforehand and make sure you grab a strong cup of coffee on the way.” J  Perhaps I’m exaggerating a bit, but FREQUENT and THOROUGH perusing is exactly how I find my items.

·        Don’t be afraid of a little grunge. Sometimes I hear my friends say that they don’t care for stores that seem unorganized or dirty (this happens in the thrift world quite often). I get it…I love things to be clean and aesthetically pleasing as well. Yet, I’ve grown to appreciate the smell of a little grungy rummage shop because what I smell when I enter is a DEAL. Pretty=markup on prices. Deal with it!

·         Junk for Jesus. I’m actually not kidding! Regardless of your spiritual beliefs, mission thrifts like St. Vincent De Paul’s, Rescue Mission shops and ministry thrift stores are historically cheaper than corporate or independently owned shops. Also, they are most likely not for profit and their proceeds will go to noble causes like feeding those in need, etc.

·         If it’s broken, leave it behind. If I had a nickel for every broken item or artifact in disrepair I’ve “rescued” over the years…I could have paid for the garbage bags I’ve used clearing them out of my house. Unless it’s an item with patina or character that you love and will immediately find a niche on display at your home…leave it. You’ll never get around to fixing it. Trust me—I know.

·         Talk to people. Talk to cashiers and other folks who are thrifting/hunting to find out where their favorite digging spots are. You will uncover some valuable insight, I promise!

·         Ask about deals and don’t be afraid to negotiate. Learn to dicker and deal. Unless it is a corporation (and even then you can sometimes negotiate), a little haggling can go a long way.  My favorite spots usually have great prices…but when I see imperfections or an opportunity to reduce the price further, I take it! Gather your guts and make a deal…you’ll feel all powerful and smart afterwards!

·         Ask when new items are put out. Many employees will let you know how their inner system works (“We usually put new clothes out on Tuesdays”, etc.)

·         DO be a "brand whore". I won't often pay much for brand new things because, well...I'm cheap. However, I'm no fool. I fully understand the difference between a quality tailored jacket and a mass produced rag.  Do get to know quality brands and look for them. I own Vera Wang, Kate Spade, Coach, Micheal Kors, etc....because I thrifted carefully for those items. And I paid pennies.

·        Bring your pictures, check your Pinterest boards, mark your wish lists. Perusing secondhand with no goals is fun and a great way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon! However, if you are serious about building a great collection of any kind (particularly a wardrobe) go thrifting with GOALS in mind. Example: “I’m looking for a black blazer, short skirt with print, and a pair of nude heels”.  My thrift shopping experience got much smarter when I limited most of my purchases to “wish list” items. Otherwise, I found that I was notorious for coming home with repeat items that I ALREADY HAD IN MY CLOSET. Oh—you’re nodding your head now, right? Mmmhmmm.

Hope you've found these thrifting tips helpful! Don’t forget that if you live in the West Michigan area and you’d like a personal shopping trip and consultation, I’m giving one away with a makeoverand other prizes as a precursor to the awesome Thrift Trick Fashion Show and Clothes Drive in Muskegon, Michigan on December 8th, 2012!

Thrift Review: Toys Are Used of Grand Haven, Michigan

5 out of 5 Thrift Chicks!

Toys Are Used: Grand Haven, MI

 1320 Kooiman Avenue
      Grand Haven, MI 49417
616.842.5200 

http://toysareusedgrandhaven.com

I had almost forgotten about this hidden little gem (after not visiting for almost five years) until this afternoon, as I pondered over how I would spend my lunch break. 

As I cruised down the nearest cross street, the sign struck me and I remembered that I wanted to look for extra Legos for my son to build with. He's recently become entirely obsessed with Lego kits of all kinds, and if you weren't already aware, the price of one small box of Legos these days is darn near the cost of a small grocery trip--and I'm too cheap for that!

I turned onto Kooiman Avenue and approached the darling little building that was the original "draw" for me years ago. The shape is so vintage and fab--very similiar to an Airstream. A semi-circle of aluminum sheeting with yellow trim and a pram parked outside most days, the building itself is so fun! 

And then...you open the door. ;) How could I not pull out my iPhone, and decide to share it with you all today? I started to snap away as I ventured inside...

The toys are so incredibly plentiful and closely stacked that literally every inch...wait, MILLIMETER...is covered with pile after pile of board games, dolls, science kits, dinosaurs, horse collections, and anything else you could imagine.

One could almost become claustrophobic...if one wasn't a small child ready to pee themselves with delight. ;)

As I slowly walked around, taking it all in, I heard a small voice say, "Hello!". Peeking in at the teeny register area towards the front of the building, I didn't see anyone, so I just kept exploring, right around the corner to more walls packed to the gills with secondhand childhood treasures, until I almost died of a heart attack. Can you see why from the picture below?

At this point, I assumed Toys are Used was selling some freakishly humanoid life size Barbie doll! 

But only for moment.  

Meet Pamela, the energetic and LONG TIME owner of Toys Are Used (23 years now!). She just happened to be curled up in a pile of stuffed animals when I came to visit, happily eating her lunch. 

I thought this was quite hilarious (after I recovered from the shriek I let out) and fitting that someone who loves toys so much would choose to recline amongst all of her treasures.

And plenty of treasures there are!

Toys are Used is both a consignment and resale shop, and yes--the prices are a little higher than the average, bottom of the line thrift store (and I do love my cheap prices). However, you can find great deals at Toys Are Used and HERE is why the value is great: the toys are cared about here. Not only are they truly appreciated and celebrated (clearly communicated through their loving display and careful stocking) but they are also well accounted for, clean, and taken care of. Pamela claims to know every piece from all of her board games--and I believe her. 

She welcomes parents arriving with their children to play, test and peruse for hours, and willingly offers suggestions of toys that children might like, having "just the thing" in a box or on top of a high shelf. To me, that kind of enthusiasm and energy is worth a bit of a premium.

I'd say for any parent, teacher or toy collector, Toys are Used is a must see. In fact, before I had my son and I was teaching preschool, I'd often stop here because I knew I'd be able to find just what I was looking for, and in decent shape. So come and check it out, from Monday through Saturday in Grand Haven!

Just watch out for the well camouflaged Miss Pamela. ;)

Thrift Review: Lakeshore Rescue Mission Thrift, Grand Haven, MI

Lakeshore Rescue Mission Thrift

(616) 604-0267

1015 S Beacon Blvd

Grand Haven, MI 49417

Map it!

Today I'm reviewing Lakeshore Rescue Mission Thrift in Grand Haven, MI! I gave this store a rating of 4/5. Honestly, the only reason why I gave this store only 4/5 is because they have quite a small collection of clothes and shoes, and I feel that those items are somewhat overpriced. However, the wonderful thing about any Mission Thrift store is that you KNOW the proceeds are going to some wonderful purposes. The local Rescue Missions in both Grand Haven/Holland (Holland branch website here) and Muskegon are amazing places with amazing people supporting our community's needs.

They have a nice, clean store and a lovely collection of Christmas items--including trees and any other decoration you could possibly hope for!

This store carries moderately priced new furniture and also used furniture as well. The table shown above was a dark wood with four matching chairs and priced at $125, new, which was very reasonable! They day I arrived, furniture was on sale--at %20 off I believe! The newer furniture is always very nice!

You can't really see the detail in this interesting rubbing because the pictures were taken with my ipod while out and about...but I like the Mission Thrift because I can usually find interesting art there. I bought a Marushka canvas (without the frame) for $1 here! The day I arrived to review the store, there was a 1/2 sale on artwork, wallhangings, green tag clothing and also long gowns. Good stuff--I love sales!

There was a great selection of purses and jewelry at this store. Another plus is a very clean selection of toys. When my son was a baby, I was very particular about toys I thrifted, and this was one of the locations I loved the most, because staff really takes care to put out toys that are clean and in great condition. Thank you for that, Mission Thrift. Most thrift stores do not like dealing with toys, and I can imagine why!

Overall, I think this is a nice little store and I scored some awesome items while I was there: a cute vintage suitcase to fit my laptop for $3, an original Otagiri owl mug for $2, and some other neat finds that you can check out here: $17.50 (not all items pictured are from Lakeshore Rescue Mission thrift, though).

Let me tell you one more thing I love about this store: the staff. Everytime I go to this store, the same woman is working. I wish I could tell you her name but I'd bet a million dollars if you go, you'll see her. She is the sweetest thing. Not only does she take the utmost care in wrapping and packing up items, calculating discounts and considering each item, but as she packed up my vintage suitcase she noticed a zipper didn't work and discounted it further. Music to a thrifty gal's ears.

Check them out!
__________________________

QUICK OVERVIEW:

-Ample parking

-Clean and well lit

-Not the best place to clothes shop due to lack of surplus/selection

-Nice purses, jewelry and housewares

-Reasonable prices on furniture used and new

-Nice and clean toy selection

-Very friendly and helpful staff

-Great purpose for proceeds

Thrift Review: Goodwill on Robbin's Rd, Grand Haven MI

THRIFT REVIEW:

GOODWILL

1112 Robbins Rd Grand Haven MI 49417

(616) 844-2229

Map this location

Thrift Trick rating:

I give Grand Haven Goodwill 4 out of 5!

I've been going to this store for years but first impressions upon walking in are that the store is clean and well organized. Unlike some other thrift stores, they do not have "tag sales"--everything is priced as marked with barcode. Sometimes the stickers are annoying and hard to remove from housewares. Also, like many other places, shoes are marked with silver on the sole to indicate price (try pencil eraser to take care of this).

However, everything is very well organized in this store and there is a large selection! I've always had very good luck with electronics and gadgets here. It's a great place to get a nice DVD player or kitchen gadget that works well. Knickknacks, mugs, housewares and things of the like all are well priced.

Also, the awesome thing about Goodwill is that they get leftover brand new clearance items from Target, so the houseware brands and clothing/shoes like "Merona" are plentiful here and brand new with tags. The downfall: sometimes they are marked up from their previously crazy clearance price: for example, a brand new pair of shoes that were previously $2 at Target but didn't sell are now marked up at Goodwill for $4 or $5, etc. The plus? You didn't MAKE it to that clearance rack in time, and now it's at Goodwill, hanging around until someone buys it!

This store is an awesome place to buy shoes and clothes. Everything is clean, and in great shape. Bags and belts are also nice. Kids clothes, accessories, toys, videos and books are all priced decently and usually in quite good shape!

Furniture and bigger items are also here and usually marked fairly reasonably, though in my opinion the large pieces I've seen (such as couches, etc.) have been a little overpriced. I have picked up coffee tables and end tables for a steal here.

Paintings and pictures are usually at great prices...yes--I've scored Marushkas here for next to nothing. Also this bitchin glitter unicorn piece you see in the frame was only $3! I almost bought it...but the frame was a little out of shape. If you like odd pieces...that would have been great for you. Haha!
Overall, the highlight of this store is a great clothing selection that is clean and in great shape.

I honestly would give this store 5 out of 5, but sometimes I think things are overpriced (and their jewelry prices aren't as good as the Goodwill store in Muskegon, MI--though the clothes and shoes are better). I did catch a great deal on jewelry when I was there Wednesday to review though! Check out these darling screw on vintage rhinestone earrings! Love the orange ferns. These were in my outfit featured yesterday!

Good place to go. Check it out!

________________________

QUICKIE HIGHLIGHTS:

--Decent prices, occasionally overpriced

--Well lit, organized, good parking

--Friendly customer service

--Great selection

--Lots of items

--Nice location