$2 romper

Got this romper for $2 at a garage sale. It is perfect for fall.

Thrift goals 2016

The New Year went off with a bang -- a Goodwill bang! Jan 1., and I was shopping at Goodwill bright and early trying to snag some 2016 deals. Now is the best time to thrift. Read here to see why.

But seriously. I've got serious thrift goals this year.

1. Don't overthrift. I gave away a shit ton of stuff in the last week. Things I was going to sell, fix, didn't fight right, didn't like, whatever. And guess what? I still have more to go. This year, I'm only buying items that I really like. Thanks to thrifting, I don't need for much. So I'm going to try extra hard to keep duplicate items out of my closet and avoid clutter whenever possible.

2. Don't add more projects. Seriously. I have bought things that were 2-3 sizes too small or that need repairs at the thrift store.  And guess what? Those items are still waiting for me to fix them. Fixing them won't happen. At least for me, it won't. This year, I'm not buying anything that's broken or not ready to wear. If I don't love it, I'm not buying it. It stays at the thrift store; that's someone else's thrift gift.

3. Yaaasss to designer thrift goals. I'm on the lookout for things I don't have in my closet - name brands like Diane Von Furstenberg, Louis Vuitton, etc. I may not find all of these at Goodwill, but I'm sure going to try, along with online consignment stores. Here's to a better thrift game this year!

4. Documenting. I am going to post more, whether that's here on this blog or on YouTube. I'm all about sharing my thrift finds with Bargainistas.

5. Set a budget. This one is a biggie. I drastically cut down my thrifting since the end of September. But it wasn't unusual for me to go into a Goodwill and buy everything I wanted -- $30-50 at a pop, sometimes once or twice a week. With no budget. No more. When I looked at all the things I bought in 2015 -- and some of them I returned back to charity-- I was being wasteful. No more.

That's it for me. What are your 2016 thrift goals? May your 2016 be filled with thrift wishes.~

Why RIGHT now is the best time of the year to score AMAZING thrift store shopping deals

Do you want to get the best bargains, the best thrift deals and AMAZING selections?

Right now is the best time to thrift the year's best bargains. That's right, Bargainistas! Now, die hard thrifters believe that anytime of the year is the best time to thrift. But I beg to differ: Right before Christmas and through the beginning of the New Year are the best times of the year to go thrift store shopping all year. Why? Folks are getting rid of clutter, cleaning their homes for the new year's, buying new gifts and preparing for their end of the year tax donations.

The BEST thrifting of the year

And that means that bargainistas can benefit by scoring what may be the best thrift deals of the year.

It make sense: Usually, folks want items they don't wear or use gone -- and many cases, to the Goodwill or thrift store they go -- for a clean slate for the New Year.

They've had all year to think about wearing something. And if December rolls around ... Plus, it's something about the end of the year that gives most folks that extra itch or incentive to get rid of things. Never underestimate what a Dec. 31st deadline for a tax donation receipt will do; if you had something you thought about giving up in July, by December, you're extra motivated to get rid of it.

I even got rid of some things and plan to give away more things this week -- some of them were thrifted. I always find amazing deals this time of year, so stay on the lookout for deals in your local thrift stores and consignment shops.

Happy Thrifting!

Would you pay $3,000 for torn clothing?

Listen. No way would I pay $3,000 for some mess that looks like someone wore it on the movie 'Roots' ... 

I CAN'T!

Not quite sure what runaway slave narrative Yeezy is on. But he needs his head checked.

The way my coins set up ... Seriously, I'd smack anyone who even thinks about buying this foolery. WHY?

And WTH is wrong with Kanye? First the $300 plain white T-shirts and now this? I think Kanye is skipping his meds. Kimye, get your boy! There is fashion ... and then there is foolishness.

 I think Bargainistas could easily create this look with a pair of scissors and clothing at Goodwill for about $20? 

What do you think?

Thrift party to help fellow thrifter Sandy Reynolds Moore

Thrift for a good cause! Bargainistas is hosting an online thrift party with proceeds benefitting a GoFundMe for my friend and fellow thrifter Sandy Reynolds Moore.

You get an item that is 'new to you' and Sandy and her son, who is a veteran, get assistance they need to find emergency shelter BEFORE the end of this month. Read more about her story on her GoFundMe page. 

Keep checking this site for more items added to benefit Sandy. All sales final. Paypal only. Please pay for items within 24 hours. Items are cross listed on multiple sites. Items will not be held and an item is only yours with approved Paypal payment. Prices include shipping. To reserve an item: SEND A PAYPAL INVOICE WITH PAYMENT AND LISTING THE ITEM YOU WANT TO: MercerMediaGroup@Gmail.com.

Questions? Email Mercermediagroup@gmail.com. 

Pricing from left to right:

Nike Air: $45, Good condition, Size 12 

Ann Taylor Loft flower strapless dress Size 6, like new $20 + Prada wedges size 6-6.5 OK condition. $45

Retro dress (new with tags) $35 + black Ferragamo slides, 7.5 $35

Jennifer Hudson animal print dress, Medium $30, excellent condition + Via Spaga heels, 7.5 Good condition $35

Sole Society coral/ flats, Size 11, $30

Brown vintage leather trench, size M, $50

Bandolino snakeskin print boots, size 7, NEW, $45

Ferragamo loafers, $55, Size 8 narrow, Excellent condition

Merona animal print dress. Size M, $16 Good condition

White House, Black Market black and white print dress, Size 2, $15

Sam Edelman animal print flats, NEW, $35, Size 9.5 M

Vintage electric blue heels, good condition, $25, Size 6.5

Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit graphic print cocktail dress, $35, NEW< Size 10

Ferragamo slides, Black, Size 7.5, $35

Calvin Klein snow boots, new, Size 10, $40

 

Pricing from right to left, below:

Vans, size 8.5, $15, Used condition, shows wear (need light cleaning)

Sperry's, size 8 $20, Used condition, shows wear (need light cleaning)
Jessica Simpson dress, NEW with tags, $25 One shoulder, teal + Jessica Simpson shoes, $15 (Good condition)

ZigiSoho black and platinum heel, size 7, Worn once, $25

Juicy Couture purse, Used, shows signs of wear, $15
Via Spaga heels, red, 7.5, Good condition, $35

 

Shoe game WON!

Shoe game favor ain't fair.

I got these Valentino-inspired shoes from fellow Atlanta thrifter Ashley Gray. The Lord blessed me to wear the same heel size as she does  ... and when I tell you I stalk her shoes on Facebook .... LOL. Check her out on Facebook here.

Every single time I wear these shoes, I get compliments. Like now -- I'm at the doctor's office and everyone from patients to nurses to the doctor is complimenting me on them. Everyone wants to know where I got them ...


Chile, if they knew how much I paid for them .... Actually, I told them (but I don't think they believe me) I only spent $22.

These shoes cost me a dinner out at Longhorn ... The real Valentinos cost thousands! 

No, ma'am!

So you mean to tell me that she woke up that morning, decided to put her arms into a pair of jeans and wore them on her back ... literally?

Chile... Ummm ..... nope. Jesus died on the cross for this foolishness? Lawd, help me. I can't even can. It is Sunday. And I know my Lord did not pay it all on the cross so that she could wear a jacket on her damn back.

A jean jacket costs $6 at Goodwill! I know. I have a closet full of them. I am not here for this foolishness, k? Folks cut jeans and turn them into purses and skirts, fine. I am all for creativity. Do you, boo!

But this is just too much. I cannot! No. Nope. And hell nawl.

Thrifting on National Thrift Shop Day!

Summer haul at Ross -- How to buy florals, flowy pants and crop tops for...

How to shop at thrift stores - graphic tee, ripped jeans and floral heels

$2 dresses at Walmart in Cumming, GA

Awesome deals. Cannot beat $2 for maxi dresses. Mainly plus sized 1-4x.

Rock African prints for less

African prints are soooooooo in style. I am feeling it. But the pricepoint? Not so much. As much as I want to celebrate that African designs, prints and fashions are heavily influencing fashion right now, my budget refuses. It says 'no ma'am' to an African print dress for $200 or an African print maxi skirt for $100+ -- I don't care how cute they are. 

You see, the way my budget is set up ...

It just can't. Especially for an item that, while I hope is in style forever, may be out of vogue 5 years from now. See, my trendy has to be thrifty. So I'm always on the hunt for less expensive ways to wear trendy fashions for less.

Which brings to my current find. I found this jumpsuit for $11 at K&G Fashions. Hubby was there buying some Father's Day outfits and I snagged this with a 20 percent of coupon (it was $13.99). I already told you how I shop retail in ADDITION to thrift.

So, this was a special find considering that I've seen similar jumpsuits for $100 and up. Now, it's not mud cloth, but for $11 it will certainly do! It's only about $5 more than what I'd pay for it at a thrift store.

I paired it with my favorite blush nude heels from Steve Madden ($30 from TJ Maxx).

And I'm also really feeling jumpsuits right now. They are a great all season outfit that can easily go from day to night -- and they're super hot. Pair it with a cute blazer or a denim jacket in the fall or rock it solo in the summer with cute pair of stilettos to the Gawds, some dangly earrings and a clutch purse and you're all set for da club -- probably for less than the price of a few drinks and a meal. I feel like I got two trends in one -- the African print AND the jumpsuit.

And again, let me repeat - $11. Can't beat it new. 

Why this Bargainista still shops retail

Don't you just love when a thrifted outfit does double duty -- taking you from the 9-to-5 to playtime? I know I do. It's like getting two wears out of the same outfit -- and we already know that Bargainistas didn't pay that much for the outfit to begin with. WINNING!!!

Today's OOTD (Outfit of the day) is no exception, but I did buy the dress last week from Target's BOGO. I do buy retail every so often. Usually at discount or trendy stores like Tarjay, H&M, Ross and TJ Maxx and Marshalls.

Now, I go to retail stores just to see what they have. I find it is a must. And also go to see if I can duplicate what they're selling for new thrift. You see, there is a method to my thrifty.

The fit of this dress was amazing on me (pics don't do it justice). And the color was a bonus. I just love a coral or peach against my skin. So I snagged it. When I find things retail that I fall in love with and KNOW that I will be pressed to find it thrift, I buy, especially when on sale.

Why I always window shop at retail stores 

It can take a few months for things that you see in the stores to actually filter down to thrift (most folks aren't cleaning out their closets now, but will in a few months) stores. Most days, I always wear SOMETHING thrifted. So when I see something I love retail that's a bargain, I'll go ahead and buy it.

This dress was a love. I save enough when I thrift that I can do this. Actually, I returned two items at Target so I walked out the store with this + another dress and I only spent $11 cash out of pocket with the BOGO. Who says you can't do retail? I'd say that was a good deal!

Here's how I wore it to the office:

I paired it with this Forever 21 blazer (Goodwill, $5) and Zara wedges (Goodwill, $6). The blazer made it work appropriate -- or otherwise, I'd look like I was going to a picnic. Those wedges, tho! They are the perfect 'neutral' and will take me from summer to fall. I can wear them with so many things.

And this is why I thrift! Normally, I'm not all that into wedges, but this is def an exception I am willing to make.

And here I added some sandals and a fedora straw hat for a more casual look for a Girls Night Out with my girlfriends. I am feeling the casual look! Sorry, my dog Teddy wanted to take a pic too! He gave his 'woof' of approval! LOL.

Giving Bargainistas what they want

So, I was taught that when you do something wrong, you apologize. And it is you my readers, whom I apologize. 

See, I started this blog last fall. And I really have not been keeping up with it. Now, that doesn't mean that I don't thrift -- I do, way too much. But I just don't write about it so much. And I will change that, but I have to apologize first.

Thrift apology

I'm sorry for not telling you about my fab thrift finds.


I'm sorry for not making videos, showing you my great discounts.

I'm sorry for  not showing you Bargainistas how I thrift -- so that you can be thrifty, too.

This is all going to change.

You'll hear more from me on a regular basis -- and not just an occasional post here and there.  I want you to know exactly what I'm wearing, how I'm wearing it and, more importantly -- how much I'm saving.

I've begun to thrift more in my home, too, so you'll even be seeing that as well.

You ready? Get your thrift life with BargainistasATL! 

Can you guess how much this outfit cost?

It is hotter than hell in Atlanta right now -- 95 degree temperatures. I cannot deal. It's so hot that I can smell thigh meat rubbing together. Whoo, chile! Turn the air up, and Jesus be a fan! 

But guess what I found while looking through pics on my iPad? A KILLER thrift haul at Goodwill from much cooler temps in March. Ba-bay! It was a cold snap that day and I was thrifted to the Gawds, hunty! Why did I not post these pics when I took them in March? So, forgive the leather trench, boots and Michael Kors bag (all thrifted) while you are luxuriating in your bikini and things in June, mkay?

You won't believe how much I paid for this outfit. Summer or not, it's still a killa. Here's a hint: It cost more than $3,750 brand new. But you know I didn't pay anywhere near that price. I paid less than $150! Can you say SCORE!!!! 

And the best thing is, they're all pieces that I will get plenty of wear out of when it turns cold again this fall. And this is why I Goodwill, boys and girls! Lurves it. 

Watch and learn: 

Coat: $60 - eBay (Kenneth Cole leather trench) Retails for $750

Boots: $8 Steve Madden (Goodwill - Johns Creek, GA) Not sure of retail, but let's say $100

Dress: $7 at Ross (Wore as a peplum top, cause the way my body set up ... )

Michael Kors bag: $70 (Goodwill - Alpharetta, GA). Retails for $399.

And finally the piece de resistance:

Necklace: $3.17 Retails for $2,500 (custom made Italian jewelry by Alyssa) Goodwill, Roswell. I almost did a Holy ghost dance and handclap of praise right there in the store when I saw this under the counter at Goodwill. It was right next to the cheap dolla sto' necklaces that look like they came out of somebody's bubble gum ball machine.

I asked the cashier to see it and one feel of the weight of this necklace in my hands and I knew it was legit. I Googled the jewelry designer and sweet Baby Jesus --- no prices were listed, but call for a quote. Hotdamn! After some searching, hubby eventually found the necklace online and the retail price of $2,500.

Trust me, I was ready to open the doors of the the chu'ch and put some money in the Building fund, LOL. 

Now, I would not pay that much for this necklace brand new. But $3! You better believe it!

Why I'm quitting Goodwill

Sometimes, I think the pricing folks at Goodwill are smoking meth. Now let me tell you why. Saw these at the Goodwill store in Norcross, GA, for $275.  And I paused. Am I at a thrift store or a consigment store?

I highly suspect these are fake Loubutins. The first clue? Chinese letters on the box (sorry for the bad pics; the pic struggle is real). That was a big red flag to me. Because aren't they supposed to be made in Paris? 

Too much? 

But I just could not see myself paying this for what could be a fake. GW is a thrift store - not a consignment store. There is a difference ... a big one. I know both are businesses. If these were authentic, I might bite (I'd prefer a more classic pump for my money, not a climb the pole type heel). But that's just me. 

For $275, I'd need independent verification ... some papers, some authentication, something. With a consignment store, I'd at least have some sort of recourse. If they were not real, I could at least get my money back or a store credit (hopefully) at the very least.

Goodwill offers none of this. And I am uncertain if they are authentic.

And you just know the pricing clerk Googled these and then priced them. Meanwhile, I got a $2,500 bracelet for $2.92 cents in February. You see ... the way my budget set up ... I have no problem at all rocking a pair of fake Loubies They are about $100 online. I know what I'm getting.

Hell, might even get two pairs.

But paying $275 for these not-sure-if-they're real Loubies? I'd quit Goodwill first.(And you know that ain't happening anytime soon).

New Year's Hair Resolutions

I'm usually anti- New Year's Resolutions (we should set goals all year, though I definitely get that the end of the year and the beginning of a new one sually brings reflection and goal setting) but what are your hair resolutions?

What do you plan to do to your hair in 2015? It's got to be different than 'grow your hair.' That's a goal that most of us have, unless we want to keep our hair at a certain length.

Many of us spend lots of time and money on our hair; it's a commitment.

• Do you plan to use different products?
• Deep condition more?
• Find your holy grail of products?
• Get more trims?
• Accept your kinks, curls and coils? 
• Embrace new styles, cut your hair or make bold hair moves? 

What are your hair plans in 2015?

The best time to shop at thrift stores

If there's one time of the year that's the absolute best to shop at thrift stores, it is RIGHT NOW!!

Why? I'll give you a simple reason -- year-end tax donations.

That's right. Now is the time when most folks are cleaning out their closets and donating to local charities and thrift stores. I know I am -- trying to make that Dec. 31 deadline for tax contributions for 2014. 

Which means that if you are a thrifter, get ready to see fab finds from the Thrift GAWDS! You'll see good stuff now through after the first of the year as thrift stores begin to put donated merchandise out on the floor. So don't forgot to stop by a thrift store -- or three -- over the next week or so.

I've even begun to notice more stuff out in my local thrift stores  in Metro Atlanta -- and more folks driving up with donations. Happy thrifting!!! 


 

Thrifting in FLA .... again

Thrifting isn't just something I do; it's a passion.

I get my thrift on even while on vacation in Panama City Beach, Fla. My hubby just shakes his head and drives.

No thrift store is the same and, no matter how dumpy they tend to look from the outside, this Bargainista usually finds something. I was pleased to find two area Goodwills in PCB had quite a few brand new items from Target (Altuzarra) but not my size (welp).

These stores are much smaller than ATL, but there's always SOMETHING. 

Pictures to come soon. 


I've already hit up several thrift stores in Panama City Beach over the last few days. I have checked a few things off my thrift wish list -- an army jacket for, get this, $5 (it was discounted from $10) and a pair of lovely Bandolino snakeskin boots (they are a bit snug and I may sell them, but maybe not).


Salvation Army is on my thrift wish list this Christmas Eve. Can't wait to see what I'll find. 

My thrift store adventures in Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.

By Tenisha Mercer
www.BargainistasATL.Blogspot.com

It's when you go thrift store shopping at stores out of town that you realize just how lucky you are to have so many thrifting options.

Atlanta, where I live, has tons of thrift stores and consignment boutique options - from the tried-and-true 'you never know what you're gonna find' Goodwills and the swankiest of the swank dripping with Louboutins consignment stores, to the, "Do I really want to get out of this car?" stores that make you second guess your decision to thrift there in the first place.

I wasn't sure what I was going to find when I went thrifting in Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. recently.  The experience has made me appreciate thrift stores in Atlanta even more. 

For starters, the entire store was half the size of most Goodwills in Atlanta. No joke. And what was there, wasn't enough to write home about -- though I did find a cute pair of shoes and a dress.

Ft. Walton Beach may have sunshine aplenty and white sand kissed beaches for miles on the Emerald coast, but good thrift stores? No, ma'am, at least not in the tiny community where I vacationed.

Though I suspect that I'd have done better had I gone five miles down the beach to Destin.(Next time).

Inside, I felt like everything was a mashup - no color coordination or anything else at that Goodwill. It was rather dreary. I just knew I wouldn't find much of value here, but I did find a few things. 

What I picked up

Anywho, this is what I got:;

Don't let the wrinkles fool you; this is actually a cute dress from Willi Smith (TJ Maxx) that will be good for the spring.

New pair of Sam & Libby shoes with tags still on 'em.

If you live in a major city, be grateful. Thrift shopping could be a lot worse. I did have a blast in the sun, tho. My shorts are thrifted, below.