Saving Money by Shopping Thrift Stores

I used to be a thrift store snob. It wasn't that I didn't think those kind of stores had a value to others, just that I didn't need to spend my time shopping there.  In more recent years, I have changed my ways.  I have found that you can find some amazing deals at a thrift store.  Not only is it a great place to shop for crafting/decor, but you can even find some great clothing items at an unbeatable price.  

Today while checking out a consignment store for an Examiner.com article I am writing, we also made a quick stop at the Salvation Army store across the street.   They were having a white tag special.   All white tags on items throughout the store were 50% off.  If you bought 5 white tag clothing items, you got all 5 for a total of $5!  Only $1 each, no matter what was on the tag! This sale was definitely worth checking out. 

Look at what I found, an actual  pair of Ralph Lauren jeans! The white tag was marked $9.99, but with today's sale they were only $1!  After a quick look online, I found  they normally start at $89.50 a pair. Wow!  I think these might be the only pair Ralph Lauren jeans I am going to own. 

I also found this cute top. It looks cuter on a hanger, but I didn't feel like running upstairs to get one for the photo. 

It also happens to be from Banana Republic. I couldn't find it online since they have their spring/summer  line on their website, but the majority of their tops are in the $30-$50 range. The white tag was marked $5.99

The regular price of our 5 white tags was $29.95, but today we got them all for only $5. (another pair of jeans and 2 pairs of shorts rounded out the 5)   My daughter also picked up a white turtleneck for $2.99

I found a couple of Wilton pans for .99 each, and a Nestle Tollhouse gingerbread pan for $2.99 in the kitchen area. I plan on using the .99 green container for an upcoming post. 

Total spent at the Salvation Army, $14. 79

At the consignment shop I found two books that interested me enough to pick up. A Day in the Life of the American Woman book has a suggested price on the book flap for $35. I found it in the clearance room for 80% off the sticker price of $6.00. Final price was only $1.20. It looks like a very interesting read, and would make a nice Mother's Day gift.  I also found the Real Food, Real Easy book for $4.00.   The current Amazon price is $16.63.   My total only came to $5.20, but they only took debit/credit cards if the total is over $10.  Since I did not have cash on me, I allowed my daughter to also  get a pair of $7 leggings that she wanted.  

 Total spent at the consignments store $13.14. 

So for $27.93 we got 2 pairs of jeans (1 of them designer) 2 pairs of shorts, 2 tops, a  pair of leggings, 3 specialty baking pans, 2 books and a metal container.   If you don't normally shop at thrift stores, they might be worth a visit.