Friday is jeans day at the library, and I wear them whenever I remember that it’s Friday. Last week, I wore a pair that I had just found at the thrift store a few days earlier. They’re great jeans – made from a thin, dark denim that moves well and looks great. They’re from the Gap, and I think I paid $4 for them. They looked brand new, no fading or frayed hems. Anyway, on Friday both of my coworkers at the desk commented on them. One said that they looked like really high-end designer jeans, and the other one mentioned how much she loved them. Both women asked me where I got them. They each had very surprised looks when I mentioned the thrift store across the street. I can remember when I used to be ashamed of my family’s second-hand shopping habits (pretty much all of my teen years). Thank goodness I learned young – alibet secretly – what good deals are to be found when you’re willing to give something a second life. If I bought everything new I’d either be very broke or I’d have very few things.
Grace says
It’s so cool to finally turn that corner from shame to victory when it comes to how we feel about thrifting. I had a thrill this past weekend when my 11 year old daughter said, I’d rather use my money at the thrift store than the mall because I don’t want to pay $20 for a shirt! LOL YAY – she gets it!
juicefairy says
I hear you on this one. I recently bought a pair of quality designer jeans (barely worn) at Plato’s Closet for $15. That was the first time I had shopped there and I walked out with a great buy. –jf
Fabulously Broke says
I love thrift store shopping. Once my jeans die, I’m going back for a new pair and donating my too-large jeans as well.
What I’ve found is that if you’re a size 6 (for example) in regular trousers, buy a size 4 jean because they WILL stretch if they’re cotton (mine became too baggy on me and I ended up never wearing them *sigh*)
Siebrie says
To keep dark clothes dark for longer: before you wear them, soak in white vinegar. This will ‘fix’ the dye.