Thrifty Mama: Cheap as Free

OK, so normally I don't like to write posts about "what I wore." One, I am so not that fashionable.Two, usually, as you can see, you will find me in just a pair of jeans, T-shirt, and sweater (because it's always chilly in the SF Bay Area!). Nothing too special. But, the outfit above cost me nearly nothing.

Here's the Cost breakdown of my Outfit: 
T-shirt (Rhapsody)- $0 (a left-over from a garage sale I assisted with a few weekends ago)
Jeans (ARDEN B)- $0 (free from a friend who I often swap and exchange clothing with.)
Belt (Vintage)- $5 (Cross Roads Trading Company)
Sweater (GAP)- $2 (Thrifted)
Shoes (Indigo)-$3 (Thrifted, sorry not pictured. That's what happens when a toddler grabs hold of the tri-pod mid picture taking)
Earrings- (Sterling Silver) $0 (Lifted from my Mom...sorry mom. Do you want these back?)

Why do I strive to not pay for my clothing?  Well, once we became a single income family the first year my son was born (I now work too much...but still hold tight to my thrifting ways) I had literally $0 for personal expense, and living in the SF Bay Area is not cheap. I didn't even pay to get my hair cut (not recommended).

So, I started asking around for certain items I was looking for, which led me to discover the brilliant world of swaps, exchanges, consignment stores, and Buy, Sell, Trade Stores. And, of course, my usual haunts such as Good Will and my worldly mother's closet. There are so many options for finding high quality clothing for nearly no money, and I hope to share my methods with you throughout the fall and winter months as part of my Thrifty Mama series.

Have any of you started using any of the above said methods for outfitting your wardrobes lately? I would love to hear your tips on how you find your clothing.

Here are just a few of the thrift stores and consignment stores int he Bay Area and Nationwide I have found to be great sources of fabulous clothing :

Cross Roads Trading Company (Nationwide)

Buffalo Exchange (Nationwide)

Labels (Walnut Creek & Berkeley)

Leftovers Trhift Shop (Walnut Creek)

Main Street Rags (Walnut Creek)

Out of the Closet (SF Bay & Nation)

Sola Lucy (Oakland & Berkeley)

Garage Sale Success: 5 Secrets To Hosting a Profitable Garage Sale

Source

Hello Readers! I am over at Final Clothes Out today sharing 5 of my top garage sale success tips and tricks. I am currently in the midst of organizing a MAJOR garage sale myself, and I have learned a thing-or-two in the process, which I am excited to share with you. Below are just two of my tips, check out Final Clothes Out to read all 5, and don't forget to enter to win the Garage Sale Starter Kit by leaving a comment both here and at Final Clothes Out(See details Below). Happy Selling!

1. Dates & Times Matter:  In my experience it is best to host your garage sale starting on a Friday to a Saturday, and begin your sale early in the morning around 8 or 9 am. Expect early-birds to arrive at least a half an hour before your sale “begins.” Consider the date for your sale carefully. Typically hosting a sale around the time major employers administer pay checks will ensure more buyers for you.
   
2. Spread the Word: Advertise your sale in as many free locations as you can find. Craigslist is always a good option, as well as your local newspaper. Use your newspaper’s online garage sale feature if they have one. In your ad include the date, time and location of your sale. Help set you sale apart from others by listing anything special you might be selling. I am more apt to attend a sale if it says “baby and toddler clothing,” since that is what I am often looking for... Read the rest at Final Clothes Out
   

Giveaway!

Now a little give away.  Use the comments to tell us one of your garage sale tips or tricks (buying or selling) for a chance to win a garage sale starter kit that contains a package of neon poster board, two Black Sharpie Markers and pack of price tags. A perfect combo to get your garage sale off to a good start! (You may leave a comment on both Final Clothes Out and GoatNotes for double your chances of  winning! Two winners will be chosen). Giveaway closes at midnight on Wednesday, August 17th.

{Intentional Thrifting} Thrifted Finds

$2.99

Went on a little thrifting adventure recently and found some wonderful finds all for under $11! I always give myself  budget a budget when I go out. This time it was between $10-$12. Not bad for hitting $11! 

In addition to staying within my thrifting budget, I am always sure take my thrift list with me! 

(Remeber this post) 

Lately I have been  on the look out for a new pair of shoes, whether for me or my wee one. Just happened to spot these nearly new Keen sneaks for just under $3.00!  I know he's going to love them once his feet get a little bigger.

$4.00

Spotted this top for myself. I haven't bought much in the way of clothing for myself in a while. I am definitely due, but have had way too many other things going on to take the time. This lovely T-shirt was just something that I was looking for and looked perfect for summer. I adore the combination of fabrics and the sewn-on hankie look...kind of gives me some ideas...

Front

Back, aren't the buttons darling!?

$1.99 (each)

Sorting mail and keeping track of bills and such has been a little chaotic for us. I have been looking for a wooden drawer set to help with this organizational issue for a while. Couldn't have found a better set! Considering whether to paint the drawers or not. I kind of like the wood color and they sort of match my decor. Do you have any thoughts?


Have your found any thrifted treasures lately? What are your strategies for thrifting with intention?

Thrift Like A Pro

Hi Everyone! I am so honored to be over at Final Clothes Out today sharing with fellow bargain huntress Paige and her friends how I successfully outfitted my son’s entire nursery with second-hand finds with a budget of $300. I did it through what I like to call intentional thrifting.

Changing Table From Yard Sale: $40

Nightlight From Antique Fair: $10

Crib From Yard Sal: $50.00
Bed Skirt From Thrift STore: $2.00

You can read all about how I did over at Final Clothes Out!