Part of the reason this weekend was such a thrifting success is because I spent it with my thrifting-partner-in-crime, Jenny. She is one of the very few people I know that is ready and willing to get down and dirty to dig up ‘great finds’. Not many people can handle the craze that is Goodwill As-Is, but Jenny can!
Speaking of Goodwill As-Is, we went twice, Friday and Saturday. Friday we dropped in on our way back into the city. We parked at a paid meter so our time was very limited. Also, we were unprepared. We put another quarter in the meter to find a place to wash our hands. We failed. The last 5 minutes of our meter time was spent washing our hands with a bottle of water and hand soap I bought the day before at Target (it was in the trunk). This scene was pretty hilarious, not one I will soon forget.
Most people my age will go out on a Friday night in San Fran, party and have a good time. Jenny and I relaxed inside. Our plan, which we accomplished, was to leave my apartment around 7:00am on Saturday morning, eat breakfast and walk to Goodwill As-Is. You may think we are nuts already, but it will seal the deal when I tell you we spent a good 2 ½ hours there.
I took photos this time!
Both days we found great stuff, but Saturday was ridiculous. We both had a basket overflowing, but in the end we only bought a few items. The key is to grab ANYTHING that seems appealing and decide whether it is worth purchasing later. Beware of buying just because the price is right. Bring a friend that will put things in perspective and help you to determine what to throw back.
I saw retro/vintage stuff, but also a LOT of Jcrew, H&M, Banana Republic, Forever 21, Gap, etc. Lots of great stuff. Condition of course varied. There was a lot of shii… crap in there too, but that’s where the digging comes in.
Just like Goodwill Outlets, shoppers are competitive. Some dude had his cart covered with a sheet so no one could see what he found. We were there when new bins rolled out and people lined up to wait. Some girl tried to start grabbing before all the bins were out and a crazy-veteran-lady-shopper called her out, "HEY WE ARE WAITING"! It is important to be observant and figure out the “rules”.
Here are the prices. For those with a range, price is determined by the cashier.
On Saturday when we checked out we were charged less than we thought on some items. Love that!
They have some pretty awesome stuff for the home too. I didn't buy anything, but a nice woman who was shopping next to us found two beautiful throw pillows (in plastic bags still) that were originally marked $78. She also bought a lamp I was eyeing for $1!
We were told that new bins are rolled out approximately every two hours on Saturdays. We were tempted to wait for the next round, but by that time we were exhausted and decided lunch and gelato sounded more appealing.
Anyway, I can't wait to show you what I bought. There are some items in particular that I'm especially excited about. Stay tuned!
Oh yeah, we also went to Thrift Town on Friday during their 50% off all clothing sale. By that time I was so burnt out I barely looked and didn't buy anything. I did however take a photo (below).
Ok, I'm out. Stop back (hopefully tomorrow) when I post one of my great wrinkled dollar finds.
P.S. I swear, I'm not a hoarder. Whatever amount I bring in, that same amount gets donated. It is imperative to maintain closet balance.
