Tag: shopping

Designer labels are here!

March 25, 2010

Name Brands at Goodwill Designer labels are all the rage today in fashion. Designer label prices are not. They cost so much for a name, but Goodwill has them all. And at discount prices.

There was a recent article from the NY Times showing that many designer labels are showing up at many Goodwill stores across the country. Shoppers are coming out to Goodwill now because it is shedding the image of carrying only old clothes. It’s now perceived as a high-end second-hand shop. What could be better than that?

Well… you asked, and now I’ll tell you. What’s better than discount brand names? Knowing that money raised from sales funds people with disabilities find and keep jobs.

Interested in the article from the NY Times? Check it out: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/11/fashion/11goodwill.html?_r=2

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Classic Games Come Back

March 17, 2010

Jacks and Marbles from Goodwill Remember all those games that we used to play when while we were growing up? I remember being outside all day with my pals playing everything from kick the can to jacks to 4-square. I miss those days. Let’s make a goal this spring to get our children outside again. It is time for these classic games to make a comeback. The classics come back all the time. Look at throwback jerseys in professional sports to classic music being popular on the concert scene. Classic games can comeback too.

I have collected many of these games from my childhood. I found jacks, marbles and jump ropes to name a few. You know where I found these: my local Goodwill. Just check it out for yourself and see if you can find these classic items to introduce to a new generation and get them back outside this spring.

At the very least it’s worth getting them a bike or a scooter. It may take some searching but they can be found. My two children are going to see what it’s like to spend more time outside and less time in front of the TV and video games. These classic games can help. Hunting for them at Goodwill was fun for me. Seeing the children’s enjoyment to experience these classic games was even better.

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This Spring means Scarves and Cardigans

March 11, 2010

Can you believe it?! Spring is almost here! This is my favorite season of the year. Why, you ask? Because, I can finally start letting my feet breathe by trading out the boots for sandals. Because, I don’t have to wear a sweater and coat on top of my stylish shirt. Because even though I love hats, I am ready to let my hair flow freely. It’s time to go and update my closet for the new season.

Every year we see fashion change. I wanted to clue you in to some of the new fashion for this season. First are capris or hemmed pants. You can even hem your own pants.

Next try some scarves that are lightweight fabrics, which are all the rage this spring. It is the chic way to accessorize. It will also be a nice change from the thick scarves of winter.

Check out scarves and cardigans at Goodwill!

And last, to help with the transition of seasons, cardigans may be your best friends. These sweaters are not only fashionable but helpful as the weather starts to warm up. You can even try to knit one yourself!

For more fashionable spring ideas you can check out this helpful website:

http://diyfashion.about.com/od/diyfashion101/tp/2010_Spring_Fashion.htm

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Decorate your home with local thrift store finds

March 5, 2010

No one ever said redecorating your home had to be hard. You know what YOU like. Make your home the way that you want it to be. Check out these pictures. Rooms just like these can be fashioned with items from your local Goodwill.

It is so simple. Just go in with an idea in mind and see what you can find. You may be surprised at all the decorating options that are available at thrift stores. Here are some easy tips that you can follow.

  • Have some measurements of your walls, windows, doors, etc. that you can go in with to make sure the items you find will fit your vision of your room properly.
  • Have a design layout in mind and you will be a shopper on a mission. Your room will not know what hit it.
  • Make sure you inspect all the items you find at the store just to make sure they are in the acceptable condition that you and your room deserve. All in all, have fun and enjoy the excitement of adding some flare to your décor!

Remember, stay trendy.

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The Happy Hunter

February 26, 2010

If you are like me, then you love rare and collectible items. It is my passion in life to collect and own, for my enjoyment, all kinds of things from classic comic books to fascinating looking clocks to vintage figurines. I have spent many years all over the world searching for these rare, valuable, and sometimes weirdly cool artifacts. In all my travels I learned that all the items that I have ever wanted to find are right here at my local Goodwill stores.

I just walk in to my local store, take a look around, and let my imagination run free as the hunt begins for collectibles and treasure. I live by the mantra that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.

In upcoming posts, I would like to share stories of some of my great finds and point you in the right direction to start your own treasure-collecting journey. To help you, be sure to check out www.shopgoodwill.com for online sales of interesting and collectible items. Think of it as eBay for extraordinary shoppers and collectors. Until then, happy hunting.

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Green is the new chic

February 23, 2010

Woman Being a Green Goodwill Shopper A great way to reduce your carbon footprint is going green with your shopping habits. Instead of always buying new merchandise, try shopping at your local thrift store. I’ve found name-brand sweaters, suits, dresses and pants from Goodwill, all with the tags on. You can, too!

Check out this article by Karla Zens from The Huffington Post. She goes in depth about how green shopping not only benefits the environment, but you too! Be green, be chic.

Release your inner creativity

February 17, 2010

Who doesn’t want to save money? It is crucial to be able save in today’s economy. One thing that everyone would love to be able to save money on is furniture. Thrift stores like your local Goodwill are unknown goldmines for great furniture. From end tables to coffee tables, couches to rockers, great bargains can be found everywhere. 

Sometimes you have to check back a couple of times. Ask your friends to keep their eyes open if they see a great piece of furniture. Patience is a virtue with furniture shopping at a thrift store. It is well worth it, however. 

Here’s where it gets really fun for those who want to release their inner creativity. Let’s say you find a piece of furniture but it looks a little bland or worn, what do you do? Decorate it. Paint it. Put some design into. Have a blast putting your own spin into you new, creative furniture. Become a feng shui master in your home. Bargain furniture is waiting for you. All you have to do is look. Remember, a great bargain is just around the corner. 

Dresser Makeover from Design Sponge
Dresser Makeover from Design Sponge

Finding your Fashion Treasure

February 16, 2010

We live in an ever-changing world. Cars run on corn. News is received on your cell phone. Fast food restaurants offer healthy choices. Just like these trends, fashion is always changing. When current fashion trends leave us, the clothes get discarded and passed on. But what happens when fashion trends come back?

This is where thrift stores come in to play. Fashion can always be found at your local Goodwill, you just have to know how to look.

Find your jeans at Goodwill Tip 1– Designer products can be found. People will get rid of anything for many reasons… Too big, too small, don’t wear, the list goes on. Just because someone else doesn’t want it, doesn’t mean that it can’t become your treasure.

Tip 2– When buying jeans, make sure you check the size. One easy trick for doing this is you should be able to wrap the waist of the jeans around your neck and the ends should touch. While this may look silly, it will save you time from trying to slide into jeans that are too tight. Plus, it makes you that much wiser to know fun facts like this.

Check back later for more tips on how to stay in fashion while shopping at your local thrift stores. Until then, stay thrifty.

Are you a Goodwill Newbie?

February 9, 2010

Goodwill Shopper If you’re a Goodwill newbie, have no fear! I’ve found some information that helps break down a successful thrift store trip and make it fun! Take a look at this great wikiHow, How to Shop at Thrift Stores.

Some shoppers new to the thrift store world are overwhelmed with all the merchandise available, and most of it one-of-a-kind. They wander in and back out without finding anything or they buy too much because of the great bargains. This wikiHow helps you plan your trip so that you come home with what you need.

There’s also a step-by-step video which was short, but helpful. I couldn’t believe the statistic at the end… a man bought a piece of art for $5 and was then offered 9 million dollars for it!! It just goes to show, you never know what treasure you’ll find at Goodwill and other thrift stores.