Thifty-ness

I really enjoy a good deal. I mean REALLY love the thrill that comes with finding something that is amazing at a slamming good deal. Once or twice a week I hit up a goodwill or another consignment shop. During the spring you can find me at neighborhood rummage sales. Buying used clothing for myself and my rapidly growing children is perfectly fine by me. Don't get me wrong, I have a ritual when buying, I inspect and immediately wash and dry upon buying...but so far I haven't come across anything that would detour me from continuing to thrift.
I really don't understand why people don't thrift shop. I find designer clothing for a fraction of the price and generally it appears that the clothing has never been worn. Target donates brand new items to Good Will on a regular basis, so that brand threshold that is SO popular and trendy is found at a quarter of the listed price most of the time in addition to Mossimo and other favorite Target brands.  My days as a thriftier/junker really go back to my childhood days in Northern Minnesota with my mom and grand and sometimes an Aunt out rummaging. I remember having certain items I was hunting for and holding my coins tightly hoping to find them!  I don't have memories of second hand shopping probably because back then it had a certain stigma, or maybe second hand shopping wasn't available like it is now.
"A bargain ain't a bargain unless it's something you need."
--Sidney Carroll
 It is true, you can goodwill yourself into debt, if you are buying simply because something is a good deal. I really try not to buy things unless it is something Ive been looking for. I have done this and run into a mess of cute, unique item that don't match with anything and that Ive never worn. See image below.

I love the thrill of the hunt. It is so exciting to find that amazing score!  Second hand shopping is totally green! If you like this sort of thing, Buying used goods cuts down on manufacturing demands and keeps more items out of the landfill! Its a feel good feeling to upcycle and recycle. Plenty of my friends and I do the hand me down thing with each others kids, that's so helpful and fun to see each others kids wearing familiar fashions throughout the years.
Many of my friends have started mommy jobs on their instagram accounts of buying and re-selling thrifted goods, I have to say that this is genious! Its not only good for the environment but also will save you a TON of money when you are looking for a specific designer piece and that thriftier friend (Kimber)  happens to have one in her shop for a really great price and free shipping! If you’re an person who hunts for the tag, you’re likely to find many recycled, brand-name clothes available! I have bought a ton of clothing off these insta shops, if you don't follow these shops..you should. You can find insta shops for childrens clothing and  accessories too. If you are reading this and don't know what instagram is, just pretend you didn't read those last few sentences.
Now, thrifting isn't limited to clothing. I buy mass amounts of books. Did you know at Value Village books are 99cents? that is an amazing deal. Goodwill ranged from 99 cents to 2.99. When you have little readers in your family like we do, second hand books are the way to go. Readers Guide is West Salem is also awesome, and will re buy these books and give you trade credit! So you can support small local shops while you are at it.
Furniture/rugs/bed and bath linens: I don't buy them so I cannot discuss.
I cant even remember when I last went to the mall to shop. I really cant. With online shopping, thrift stores, rummage sales and the local facebook clothing swaps (floras closet and be free) I have no idea why anyone would need to be at the local mall spending full price (I realize there are sales here and there) . We are so fortunate to have so many outlets to save money and be thrifty!