Well today I had to take my car in to get serviced in an area of town that I don’t normally go to, and on the way home, I passed by a Goodwill. My kids were with me, we had time to kill…and they actually love going because they usually get to come home with a new book, movie or toy. So we headed in.
Goodwill shopping requires a lot of digging and patience and quite frankly, a lot of luck. A lot of the stores themselves are kinda dirty and you can leave there feeling a little scummy, which I think turns people off. But don’t let it! Sometimes there’s just nothing there and sometimes you get oh-so-lucky. Today was one of those days. So I thought I’d share because I do think a lot of people turn their noses up to places like Goodwill. Maybe now you won’t.
Here’s what I came home with today:
‘Hollister’ Denim Jacket with faux fur lining and collar.
‘Ci Sono’ red faux leather jacket with faux fur collar.
Estée Lauder faux leather bag with buckle straps. I love big bags! My Nama used to use Estée Lauder products and she would let me have the gift bags they came in. But never did I ever see one this big and nice! This one is perfect as a weekender or just as another big ole mommy bag. I can never have enough big ole mommy bags.
(Thanks to the less than stellar lighting and wide mirrors in the Goodwill dressing room…) ‘NY&Co’ dark denim pin stripe wide leg trouser.
‘New Directions’ cotton sweater (it was a a tad too big for my liking, and looked as though it had been stretched out by the previous owner so when I got home, I washed it in cold water and didn’t stretch or pull at it when I laid it out flat to dry. This seized it up and ‘shrunk’ it to my size.)
Total spent on the above amounts: $30!
Goodwill tips-
•Head inside with your own sanitizing/disinfecting wipes (I keep a tub in my car at all times), especially when you’re with your kids so you can wipe down your cart, at least.
•Dress in something easy to get out of and body hugging- a lot of people just go for the furniture, and I look for that too, but I always check the clothes when I’m there. I recommend dressing in a thin tank or camisol as a bottom layer because a lot of times I will just throw on a shirt in the middle of the store to keep from having to go in the tiny dressing rooms. (They place mirrors throughout the store.) I’ve also been known to do the same with dresses and skirts over my pants.
•Wash EVERYTHING when you come home and before wear. If the item isn’t washable, like a book or furniture piece – use Lysol spray. Wipe down plastic toys or shoes with disinfecting wipes (unless they’re leather or suede). And spray the insides with Lysol. But laces can be machine washed.
•Don’t forget to look at the glassware. I break a wine glass a month so I’ve bought some really nice stemware there before. Same with coffee mugs- if you like the mismatched look, you can often find some really nice, large mugs.
•Kids clothing is a really good buy at Goodwill. Kids grow up so fast and don’t need you to spend a ton of money on them! I’ve found some designer clothes for my kids that are in really good shape. Even if it’s not yet in their size- if you like it, buy it!! Remember- you’re washing EVERYTHING when you get home/before wear so what’s the worry?
•Always check under and behind the checkout counter. They keep the really nice stuff and jewelry there. Just ask to try anything on.
•Jeans are kinda better there. No really! Someone else has already done the hard work and worn them in for you. Now you get to reap the benefits. It can be overwhelming shopping in the jeans section so instead of looking at each inner tag for a size, just flip through them and stop on any that catch your eye because of wash or brand. Then check the size.
•Don’t ignore the bread section. It’s just bread that is either coming up on its due date or was an overflow from the grocery store. If you’re anything like my family, we can go through a loaf of sandwich bread in no time, so the upcoming best-by date doesn’t turn me off one bit.
•Loosen up and don’t judge. People bring their clothes to Goodwill because it doesn’t fit anymore, they don’t need it, they don’t want it…so why not take advantage of that? Would you turn down a bag of awesome things from a friend or neighbor?
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