Once upon a time...

I must say as a mom of a teenager growing into a young adult, it has become impossible to see eye to eye when shopping for clothes. I say tomato, she says toma-toe; I say no, she says why. I'm looking at her like, "You can't be serious!". Once upon a time, I remember I would go to the store, alone that is, choose what I thought was cute and knew she would love. I would get home and my thoughts were confirmed not only was she happy but, I could see in her eyes, "something for me" while running off to her room to try her stuff on.

I wasn't going to let this teenager get the best of me, I had a solution. I thought I would put my foot down, disregard her opinion and buy what I thought looked good; Ha, she showed me. The things I bought sat in the closet with tags on them, never worn and she would repeat the things that she coveted the most. Who showed who?

This is one of those life lessons where I had to yield to the growth process. I had to let her have an opinion and let her express herself, especially if it's not hurting her or anybody else. We believe we know what's best but, the reality is we have to listen to them, respect their opinion and let them be themselves. Needless to say, I'm still working on that.(pray for me)

Nonetheless, I managed to find the silver lining. I introduced Ms. "I don't like that" to the thrift store and let her look at all the great things available to her while showing her what I liked (still trying to have my way). At that moment it hit me, I'd rather spend $4 for a shirt then $24 for a shirt she's never going to wear. If you have to let go, the thrift store is a great place to start. 

An Evening to Remember...

You have an event to attend and the first thing that comes to your mind, "Oh goodness, what am I going to wear?". The dreaded thought that enters everyone's mind when faced with the call of a work event, social/ formal gathering, holiday party or wedding; what to wear.

Thrift stores and consignment stores are great for these types of items because you don't have to spend an arm and a leg to look like a million bucks. Here's the kicker, yes, you will find great evening attire but, maybe not at the time you are looking or in need. So, when you're out browsing or just out about doing your weekend shopping, pop in some of the stores and see what they have. Now is a great time as those types of items are on sale and probably pennies on the dollar. This way, when you get the call you already have something and maybe you're just looking for accessories or shoes to complement your look.

An evening worth remembering is one, where you didn't have to break the bank....

Below are some of my evening thrift store finds:

Do you check out thrift stores or consignment stores for evening wear? If not, I hope this post challenges you to.  

To Patronize or Not Patronize...

I must say as a consumer and budding entrepreneur, I find it disheartening to discover the continued lack of customer service that is exhibited in certain retail stores, eating establishments and places that provide services and products. While the consumer has a plethora of choices, you would think any and all customers are seen and treated as valuable.  I'll ask myself while standing in line at these establishments, "Does the manager know about this?", "Should I say something?" and "Am I going to continue to patronize this business?" I am always ready and willing to call the manager and let them know about my experience whether, good or bad. Despite how good or in demand your product/service is, you can only survive on poor customer service for so long. We all have our bad days but, there's a time and place for everything.

Image source retrieved from http://sparkyleegeek.wordpress.com

 

How do you handle poor customer service?
Do you continue to patronize or do you find some where else to go?

Is There a Method to the Madness???

Thrift Stores can be overwhelming all by themselves but, once you get accustomed and have a lay of the land, that feeling of overwhelm disappears. Nonetheless, with the decrease comes a lack of discipline.You have to reason and tell yourself just because it's a dollar or two, "do I really need another black shirt?" or "don't I have something similar?" and lastly, "is this what I came in here for?"

 

Here's my method to the madness:

1. I only buy what's on sale. Meaning the color of the week, dollar day or a percentage off. Unless, it's something uniquely different that I've been looking for, only then will I consider it. Otherwise, I don't even consider the item if it's not on sale.
2. I know what I'm looking for and have made a mental note. But, most of us forget things quickly so make a list of what you're in search of, similar to a grocery list but, more precise. For example, black slacks to match White Blazer.  This will prove handy when your trying to figure out, do I need this, what was I looking for, etc. Lists keep you focused and on task. 
3. Give yourself a budget. It may sound childish but, when you see things for a dollar or two, you will find yourself buying everything and doing that often could have you on an episode of Hoarders. 

These are a few tips I use, do you have some rules that you follow?

What are Thrift and Boast Meet-ups...

DONATING, SHOPPING, SCAVENGER HUNTS, MEETING THRIFTERS... Welcome to THRIFT AND BOAST MONTHLY MEET-UPS. It's a monthly meet-up at a local thrift store to encourage tangible donations for organizations that are helping in our communities all while shopping and making new friends. It's a great way to give back, help our community and get good bargains in the process.

Join us on Saturday, July 26 at 10am at the Goodwill on 8018 W. Broad Street, Richmond, Va. Clean out your closet, bring your unwanted items, learn some interesting tid bits about the Goodwill, get some pointers on thrift shopping and take some new things home with you.

I am cleaning out my closet as I type to make room for the new and get rid of the old. Also, this is a great exercise to know what you have. How many times have you gone in your closet and found something with the tag still on it? I know you're too embarrassed to say. 

RSVP here if you plan to come out and join the party.We look forward to seeing everyone!

Red, White and oh so Blue!!!!

This 4th of July was spent thrifting and checking out the good deals at CHKD thrift store and Goodwill on Midlothian. These places never disappoint and if you have a good eye, you will find some great things. While shopping on this holiday, I chose this royal blue spaghetti strap dress from Charming Charlie that I bought during the winter time for $10 and a red and white striped belt that I got from Goodwill for $2. I got some great things as I was shopping for a client. Note the draped hem of this dress in the front that gives it a unique look aside from the "basicness" of this dress.

What did you all do on the fourth? and most importantly, what did you wear?