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.