How Thrift Store Shopping is Like Dating

Yes, I said dating...

 Ahhh the wonderful world of dating. It gives you the ability to try on several relationships until you get the right fit. You date the bad boy, the geek, the jock, the intellectual and the artist. You meet someone, date them casually, and then find out Mr. Right is oops... oh so WRONG. Hopefully, you go through many journeys during your adult life until finally there is a right fit. You know... the one and only? The big soul mate or partner that makes your heart swell up at the sight of her or him. The tingly sensation that you  know this is "the one."

This in itself is like the wonderful world of thrifting. Because you are not tied down to overpriced garments, it allows you to experiment. To try things on... whether they are the right fit for you or not. To take that chance and not be married to a sweater that you bought for way to much money, but feel you have to wear because you just took a look at your Mastercard bill and OUCH! This is a chance to be experimental, to try on a look or a style and simply be able to take the risk of trying something new. It is like a liberation of your closet and you are in the forefront like a soldier marching into the wonderful world of experimentation and the unknown.

You are ready to try those styles and trends you see in Vogue or InStyle without a care in the world. You are seeking the right fit with your style and your not afraid to explore the unknown. Be the bohemian, the intellect, the punker or the glamonista. Go ahead liberate yourself from the locks of chain store mass produced  style. I am not saying don't shop those stores as well. But, when you are looking for a new look, or see a really cool style in one of the trendy magazines but are not sure it is the right fit for you. Date it, or try it on with little or no risk. You are more apt to find inventions of style that you never thought you could do before.

And what is even better? That you are not stuck with it, like a bad date, when you are done with it you never really have to see it again. You can part with it. The reason.. hey... it only cost me five dollars. I am soooooo over my old look, on to the new one. Maybe this will be a new look for me that would be the next greatest fit. The best part is there is no relationship guilt with the item at the end. See you later cowlneck sweater... ha ha.... I never spent more that $20 on you and now I am moving on to V-necks and scarves!

No matter what it is in life.... dating, thrifting or trying something new. Give yourself options. Plenty of options. Until you find the right fit. You will finds worlds of happiness with discovering the unknown. Happy Thrifting!

This week on LeThrift.com

 We have several new items for women and children this week. There is a pair of never worn Seven Jeans that are offered for the greatest deal ever! Are you strapped on cash for a new coat? We have a beautiful black insulated jacket from Moda International that can keep you warm all winter long? Got a little skateboard junky? We have a great Independent shirt that is fierce and will help your little bad boy maintain his skater image. Every week we are constantly adding AWESOME products to out site. 

Coming Soon!
Erica Ann accessories! These new gorgeous handcrafted pieces for your hair are something to marvel at. Stay tuned for these one-of-a kind stylish pieces that will surely turn heads and have you squawking for more!

Want to sell your products, have some gently-used designer garments you would like to consign, contact me at ChristineS@lethrift.com.

How the Recession Has Taught Us Some Valuable Lessons

Often, we look at recessions as a time of struggle and loss. In the past two years I have seen depressing and fearful moments, but also surprisingly positive things as a result of this recession. Sure, people are still losing their homes, retirement and jobs. I am one of those in the 10% who lost their job, out of the lack of people who could afford the products I was selling. I am not undermining the fact that our country has dealt with great loss. But, I think this recession has taught a lot of people valuable lessons that hopefully this generation and others can carry away with them throughout life. With appreciating the most important things in life family, friends, health and the opportunity to love.

I have seen families and friends who used to dine out a lot, become healthier and more "green" just by being forced to cook at home and pay more attention to what they eat. They are growing gardens and producing organic vegatables from their yard that a few years ago was lucky enough to keep a few shrubs and a patch a grass alive. I have seen more families and friends having "Blockbuster Nights", "Staycations," and hosting gatherings at their homes all in attempt to save money... but also has resulted in rediscovering or creating relationships on a deeper level and spending more personal time together. In the city I see a trend to visit the great little family BYOB restaurants that can often compete with the more premier restaurants in the city, but offer their cuisine at a fraction of the cost. BYOB? Sure I will bring the wine or beer as long as they keep offering great cuisine.

I think that this recession has made us realize that our family and friends are here for us. If we lose our home, there is a family member who loves us enough to take us in. If we lose our job, there is a friend who can help us find another one. If we have a bad day... then there is our loved ones that we have a shoulder to lean on. It has also taught us to live with less material possessions, but gain far more important things such as nurtured relationships with friends, loved ones and family.

But, as we have become a nation that is thriftier, we are also understanding the importance of each dollar spent. This as a result, has made us more conscious consumers, so that hopefully we do not have to repeat this lesson for a very long time to come.

Either way, it has forced us to realize what is truly the most important in life.

New at LeThrift.com

LeThrift.com is constantly looking for the greatest deals on top name brand and designer items. This week we have so many great new items for sale online. To beat the winter chill, we have a men's wool blend overcoat from Ralph Lauren that has maybe been worn once and is in perfect condition. This overcoat is styled with classic tailoring that any man should have in their wardrobe. Also, we have received new children's items that are a great way to save money, because if you are a mother you already know that what you buy your children will grow out of in less than a year. We also have great new purses and shoes on our accessories page. Check back weekly, because we are always adding new items to our web site! 

www.lethrift.com