I found myself at a thrift store about a week ago, one that I haven’t visited in a long time. I really didn’t need anything, but since I was on that side of town, I decided to check it out. In the past, any good must be purchased, but now I apply my new shopping skills before buying anything. Here’s a little bit of what that looks like.
- Browse first, pick up later. I shop without picking up anything. I look for things I like, then once I’m done, I go back and get the things I remember. If it didn’t stick in my head, it’s not worth buying.
- Do I need this? This question doesn’t mean I can’t have it if I don’t need it. What it does mean is looking at the big picture. Why do I want it? How long will I use it? Will I even use it more than once of twice? What item will I get rid of to get this with my one for one model?
- Can I repurpose something I have, borrow or trade for this? Basically I’m asking, “Is there a better way?” Let’s take a tool for example. Do I have something that will do the same job? Could I borrow or rent this item? I look at all other options.
I did something a little different on this shopping trip. I took photos of everything I would have put in the cart or considered buying right away. Here’s the photos.
Things I didn’t buy.
This extremely well build patio coffee table would have come home with me. I don’t need, I would barely have space for it, but it was a screaming deal at $29.99. I still want it just looking at the photo of it. I love the modern style, and the way this was built, it could serve as a storm shelter.
Awesome cap, too tight for my head.
Cute sweater, but looks like crap on me. Not my color either. I love gray, buy I look terrible in it.
Awful photo of this shirt. It was cute, but it would be worn once and sit in my closet. This is a great example of a ‘novelty’ t-shirt. I would wear it, make my statement and there it would sit, waiting for my closet to be cleaned out. When I looked at this thinking I have to get rid of a piece of clothing I already have, it didn’t look so attractive.
When this Lucky Brand sweatshirt was new in the store for $109, I liked it. Now I like the price, but I’m not sure why I ever wanted a sweatshirt that looks like my grandma’s old sofa.
Cute, but not the right style.
This one I struggled with. It’s Daytrip, a Buckle brand that makes quality clothing that fits me well. I really like the style of this shirt, and I picked it up off the rack twice. I put it back after thinking about it. It’s not the length I like, although close. I love that it’s colorful, but the colors look like an 80′s flashback. The final decision was based on the fabric. It’s too heavy and I like light fabrics. I decided this wouldn’t be comfortable, therefore I would not wear it more than once.
I’ve always wanted a table saw. I love power tools. I have access to a table saw and I could also rent one, so why would I want one taking up space in my garage, knowing it might be used once or twice a year?
Things I did buy.
The red Gap t-shirt hoodie. This style is perfect, comfortable and a good length. Nice light, fitted fabric is great for layering and good for all seasons. I don’t have many red clothes, so this was a good addition.
The knit hat didn’t work out, it made me look Amish. I loved the scarf and bought it to replace my pink fuzzy one that sheds all over the place.
Forever 21 t-shirt in a super soft fabric. I don’t have many summer t-shirts that aren’t the basic, standard style.
I left, set back about $9.00 after making these purchases. Had I bought everything I liked and thought about getting because it was a good deal, I would have collected a lot of stuff and spent close to $200.00. I didn’t really need the things I bought, but I did take the time to make some good decisions. If nothing else, they get donated back to the thrift store and the $9 still goes to charity.
