Decided to start a "brag-thread" about a happy topic: thrift store finds! 

When you're going thru sizes at a velocity that would make your credit cards melt (or be sent to collection), stores like Goodwill & Salvation Army can keep some clothes on your shrinking butt and are a good resource for those in size-flux. What's even better is Freecycling or getting hand-me-downs but that's for another thread. 

So where have you found some good deals? Include your city/state as others can check out the same place!





My recent finds: at a Goodwill in Gaithersburg, MD - J.Crew blue peacoat for $7, J.Crew cashmere cardigan for $5. at a thrift store in Rockville, MD - Lord & Taylor cashmere sweater set for $4. And BEST OF ALL - - at a Goodwill in Ft. Myers, FL a pair of Rock & Republic jeans for $4.99 (FYI they retail for $200!!!!!!)

I got a really nice pair of jeans (size 16) that I've already grown out of, but I loved them and they cost $2.00 at Goodwill on McDade Blvd. in Clifton Heights, PA. Other than that, I don't spend much more than $10 on an item of clothing at TJ Max and the like. Also, we have a clothes swap, twice a year, at our support group meetings. Other than that, I'm trying to buy stuff that will last for a while, even when I drop weight, like leggings and sweaters that will shrink when you put them in the dryer!!!

I've been at goal for over 2 years now, but I still do most of my shopping at Goodwill or ebay. After I find a type of clothing I like, especially jeans, I keep a watch on similar items on ebay that are ending soon. So many things are not bid on at all so it's easy to get good deals. I usually get my Express jeans on ebay for $7 max, including shipping (new they cost around $80).

Laura

I started Consignment/Thrift store shopping before I had surgery, but since my surgery I would say that I probably get 90 percent of my clothing at thrift and consignment stores. I only buy what I absolutely love and generally high-end designer items. I would hazard to say that no one would guess that I shop primarily at thrift stores because I only purchase current, first quality items. My only problem now is actually similar to the one I had when I was big... finding things in my size. Now, I'm so small that it's hard to find things that fit. I used to have trouble finding things that fit because I was too big. That's okay, at least now, I generally 'like' what I can find much better. 

I have a large support group in the Raleigh NC area and host 'Shop Til You Drop' events a few times a year. We always have fun finding new treasures. 

** I think one of my best buys was the gown I got for my son's wedding last year. I bought a brand new designer gown that had never been worn for $17.00. That was a princely sum for me because I normally won't spend more than $3 to $5 on anything from a thrift or consignment store, but it was a $400 plus designer gown that was new with tags on it. You can see photos of me in it on my blog. It's the silvery blue grey gown and jacket that I wore to our son's wedding.

** I absolutely love a new pair of leather and swede boots I got for $4 at the local Goodwill. I don't know if it is the boots themselves or the fact I can wear boots now!

** I found a fabulous lime green leather coat for $4 at a local consignment store. I had one that I had when I was big and hated it when I couldn't wear it anymore. The good news is that I was able to pass it on to a good friend, but I really missed it. Now, I get the best of both worlds... a size 4 lime green leather jacket. 

** I found a beautiful red wool fitted jacket for $3 at a local thrift and it has lovely detailing and cinches at the waist. I just love it... and love it more when I know I just spent a few dollars on it. 

** I found a wonderful turquoise leather skirt and jacket set for $5 that is just phenomenal. It's so very unusual and makes me feel fabulous when I wear it.

There are soooo many treasures I've found over the past few years that there are just too many to mention. That said, if you have the opportunity to scout out the thrift and consignment stores in your area, give it a try. You may be very surprised by what you find. I find that checking out the thrift stores that are near expensive neighborhoods tend to have better quality items. I also know that I can get skunked one time and find a treasure chest the next time, so it pays to mine the stores like a 49er. 

By the way, there's no need to wait until you get slimmer to start shopping at consignment and thrift stores. You can call ahead to find out what sizes the stores carry, but I know that when I schedule my 'Shop Til You Drop' events, all of the stores we frequent have a full range of sizes. You may also want to check to see if the shop you are going to segregates the sizes or just sorts by color. Sometimes, it's much easier to find things if they have things sorted out by size. You can also find out if they have specials. Many thrifts and consignments have specials or will discount items as they 'age out' and it pays to ask. 

Oh! and my husband also shops thrift and consignment with me, so fellas there are stores that carry quality men's clothing in a range of sizes too, so be sure to check them out.

Have fun!

It's always been a dream of mine to be able to find good deals at thrift stores. I haven't been able to shop at regular stores for years so when I'm finally down to like a 26/28 I will be so excited! I think I'm going to start taping up goals all over the house.

Just this past Monday I found a full length Lands' End coat with tags for $5.38 at Goodwill. I was thrilled!

I pretty much do all my shopping at thrift stores.  My closet is stuffed right now with things I hardly wear because I get in a rut and wear my favorites all the time but my favorite for all time is a pair of Ugg boots that I wear everywhere (I have them on now).  I practically wear them to bed.  They were $7.50 at the William Temple House in Portland, Oregon.

I'm in Germantown, is that the goodwill on 355?  and where is the thrift store in rockville
Thanks a bunch

P.S. -- found a few tops at Value Village in White Oak

 Yep, the Goodwill on 355. They're sometime****or-miss. I think it may have been Value Village that I got the Lord & Taylor set! I think I may need to make an expedition to some ritzier areas like Potomac to scout out their thrift shops & consignment stores.....

 I shop at a local store called Gabriel Brothers. They are like an overstock place. yesterday they had bras for 1.50 and they were cute sexy ones. I got myself a few. And they have nice jeans for 5 bucks. I also got a few shirts for a couple buck s each...I am loving shopping these days a bit to much lol