Frugal Finds from Gabe's
Frugal Finds from August
The most common complaint I hear about thrifting is,
"I shop at the same places that you do, but can't find these bargains you talk about."I used to have this same thought, when I heard about other people's thrifting finds.
I'll tell you my secret for finding deals.
Pre-gaming!
While I eat my lunch, stand in lines at the grocery store, and other activities during my week, I pull up Pinterest and pictures of style icons I enjoy. I review the outfits that stand out to me, until I have a strong sense of the colors and accessories I'm looking for.
Then, as I face the overflowing bins at thrift stores on the weekends or fluorescent-lit clothing racks at discount stores, I'm not overwhelmed by all the choices. I know what I'm looking for, and I can shop with a clear head.
Of course there are always more tips and tricks to finding steals at bargain shops, so I'll share a few more of them below.
Enjoy!
Those Hoops Tho...
Not to mention, that hoops go with practically everything! I definitely consider them to be a staple for my wardrobe.
My old hoops got ruined recently, so I was on the market for a new pair. I've had my eyes on Guess' minimalist gold hoops (Retail price $22) since then. As I refuse to pay more than $10 for earrings, I waited to see if they could be found at a discount store.
Sure enough, when I was Gabe's last week, I saw the Guess hoops for $4.99!
Then, I scanned the lower shelves of the jewelry section (An old frugal trick), and saw that Kiana had THREE gold hoops for $3.99. Checked the quality of the hoops and saw that the Kiana was comparable to the Guess ones.
Score!!!
Keeping Time with the Panda...
Watches are a staple accessory as well, so I can be picky about the coloring of the wristband (You save yourself so much money by choosing one that blends with most of your wardrobe). I hadn't found anything eye-catching yet, until I saw this irresistible panda watch at Gabe's.
Hidden under some scarves, on the clearance rack (I find so many treasures by clearing away the nicknacks on the clearance rack), it was love at first sight.
Who can say no to a Panda face, with a top hat and glasses??
Who can say no to a Panda face, with a top hat and glasses??
The panda wristwatch is normally $51 from Too Cute, but I got mine on clearance for $7!
Pretty in Pink...
Kate Spade knows the power of a feminine touch to an outfit. She adds bows to almost all the shirts and dresses in her Kate Spade line, even her purses. Ever since I saw one of my style icons, Zooey Deschanel, wearing her bow purse; I've been thoroughly obsessed.
As I'm not made of money, I would never pay full price for a Spade creation, I began to search for a look-alike. So glad I found this adorable purse on clearance!
Kate Spade's bow purses usually run for around $136, but this purse was $5.99.
Kate Spade's bow purses usually run for around $136, but this purse was $5.99.
I've worn it twice since I purchased it last week, and gotten a surprising amount of compliments on it. Love how it pops, against an all-black ensemble!
Classing It Up with Vera Wang...
Vera Wang is one of those brand names that can practically sell anything. Her fabrics and textures are always so artistic and fun.
Admittedly, I usually choke when I read her price tags, but I am also the cheapest person I know.
I have a lot of necklines in my closet right now, that need a longer necklace to compliment them. The problem is, with the varying colors, you usually have to end up buying one gold necklace and one silver necklace. I decided that instead, I would look for a mixed metal option that would suit most of my clothes. That's when I located this pearls, silver, and gold combo. Yass!
This Vera Wang necklace (Original price tag still on) is priced at $48, so I felt pretty excited at getting my mixed metals necklace for a whopping $4.99.
Admittedly, I usually choke when I read her price tags, but I am also the cheapest person I know.
I have a lot of necklines in my closet right now, that need a longer necklace to compliment them. The problem is, with the varying colors, you usually have to end up buying one gold necklace and one silver necklace. I decided that instead, I would look for a mixed metal option that would suit most of my clothes. That's when I located this pearls, silver, and gold combo. Yass!
This Vera Wang necklace (Original price tag still on) is priced at $48, so I felt pretty excited at getting my mixed metals necklace for a whopping $4.99.
Food for Thought
Thrifting and bargain hunting takes work. Bargains don't always magically appear for me either. BUT, if I know what I want and I pursue it with diligence, I get results.
You may not have a Gabe's in your area, like me, but this doesn't leave you out of the bargain game.
Go to http://thriftstores.net and find some great deals near you!
*If you find any awesome hauls, I'd love to hear about it. Email me at savykatsavings@gmail.com.
