Hello??!!!

Don't you just hate it when this happens -- go to the counter at the Goodwill, see an item you want, and NO one is there. HELLO??!!

Can I get some help, please?

And you are dying to see how much those black boots (the ones on their side) over the counter cost? I waited a good 5 minutes and I was seconds away from walking behind that counter and seeing what size those boots were for myself .. and then someone showed up.

They were too small.

So this happened ...

By Tenisha Mercer
www.BargainistasATL.Blogspot.com

You know how outfits in store displays look great? Well, I was in Forever 21 over the weekend and I was feeling the black and white lapel retro-inspired jacket ($27) just like the one below, styled with a bright pink shirt ($16)  and gold chain ($12) on display. But I wasn't feeling the $60 outfit tag - and that included no bottom.

So you know I had to recreate the look -- thrift store style!

Here's what I paid for my outfit:

• Jacket (Forever 21) $6 at Goodwill
• Top (Express) $5 at Goodwill
• Pants (old) $7, Target Clearance rack
• Shoes (Bloomingdale's) $6 at Goodwill

Not bad for under $25 - less than the price of the brand new jacket! Note: I still *may* go back and get that jacket. I was on Forever21.com and they are having a 20 percent off sale online and in-store with the code F21FRIEND. The jacket is sold out online, but I saw it at the mall.

Saving money on thrift store clothing allows me to purchase the items I really want.