thriftstore brandwhore

I don’t know why, but I’ve been on a makeup kick lately. Therefore, I was especially excited when Kerry informed me of the Too Faced online sale. They have a lot of stuff on sale for very discounted prices (just the way I like it). Make sure you visit by October 25th.

Thank you Kerry!

thriftstore brandwhore

But if you live in Houston and you’re free tonight or tomorrow night, you should go check out GlamShop. It’s an event similar to Shecky’s, complete with goody bags, free drinks, and discount shopping. Unfortunately I’m unable to go, but I hope one you will so I know if it’s worthwhile next time!

For more information, please visit the GlamShop site.

don’t have too much fun without me,

thriftstore brandwhore

This post addresses acquiring things at ridiculously low prices (my specialty), but if you take my advice, you can also generate more cash to acquire even more things at ridiculously low prices.

A couple weeks ago, Maura and I were at Goodwill searching for a new (to me) stereo receiver, when we happened upon a shelf of old books. The books clearly belonged to someone who was really interested in the second Boer War, and included full sets of books about the war, published during or immediately following the war (which took place in 1899-1902 in what is now South Africa – I’ll save you the wikipedia search). I may not be a history expert, but I know that SOMEONE out there has to want these more than your average thrift store shopper. I purchased a couple, and wrote down the rest of the titles to go home and do some research. The research proved that my hunch was right – one of the sets is available on Amazon and ebay for prices ranging from $120 to $900 (that person is a little crazy).  Total thrift store price? $21.

This is not the first time I’ve happened upon something at Goodwill that my intuition told me someone else might want (and be willing to pay for). Aside from the money making part, you can also feel good about making sure special items get to the people who will love them, like some sort of goodwill  fairy godmother.

I’ll let you know how my sales go, as soon as I sell the books…I’ve grown rather attached.

love,

thriftstore brandwhore

I hope everyone took advantage of tax-free weekend! I had actually forgotten about it,  but just happened to be at the Galleria anyway.

I’ve made a few updates to the Events page with new dates for the Warehouse Sale and Shecky’s Girls’ Night Out.

If you’re a jeans snob like me and believe that the Gap was referring to the way their clothes fit when they named their store, you need to visit the Warehouse Sale. Jeans prices still run in the $60-$80 range, but you won’t find a bigger selection anywhere, and that’s still 50% or more off of the retail price.

Shecky’s involves a cover charge if you opt for the goody bag, but you will recoup your investment at least three times over with the stuff they give you. Plus, drinks are included, and they’re good drinks, too. No Franzia for Shecky’s girls.

See you soon!

love,

thrifstore brandwhore

If you’re a coupon fanatic like I am, and you enjoy shopping at Kroger, then this coming Saturday will be an impromptu holiday for you. Saturday, August 15, Kroger will be doubling all coupons up to $1.00. This is a pretty big deal – usually coupons are only doubled up to 50 cents.  If you play it right, you can even get things for free. Here are my tips for optimizing coupon usage:

1.  You will often find that items go on sale right around the time the coupons you have for them are about to expire. I don’t really know the logic behind this; I’m guessing that stores don’t put things on sale if they know people are already going to be purchasing it due to coupons in the beginning, or something. I’m sure there’s a reason.

2.  Read the circulars. I can’t stress enough how useful those are. Grocery circulars should come in your mail on Tuesday and/or Wednesday. Combining coupons with store offers maximizes your savings.

Nothing gives me greater pleasure than that line at the bottom of the receipt that says “you saved (fill in the blank) dollars.” I even keep my receipts with the highest percentages of savings like they’re some sort of shopping trophies. I’m looking forward to adding to my trophy collection this Saturday.

peace and carrots,

thriftstore brandwhore

I haven’t forgotten about you, my friends; I’ve just been out of town. Now I’m back, and I’ve got a good one for you.

For those of you who have not heard of Groupon, please do yourself a favor and join immediately. Groupon has been established in several cities for a while, but is brand new in Houston.

Every day, Groupon will send you an email highlighting the daily deal. The deals include discounts on restaurants, theater tickets, shopping, etc.  If enough people sign up each day, the deal is on, and everyone gets the discount.

For example, today’s deal gives you $35.00 worth of food at Ruggles Green for $15.00. You pay $15.00, and they send you a certificate for $35.00. If you’re interested in that one, sign up quickly – the coupon is good until next February, but the offer turns into a figurative pumpkin at midnight.

So, who wants to go to Ruggles with me?

love,

thriftstore brandwhore

I have an especially hard time spending money on jewelry. The potential for loss or damage is far too great – it only took me a few weeks to scratch the face of the one nice watch I’ve owned, bracelets fall off my arms, rings get caught in my guitar strings, etc. Plus, I tend to like bigger, bling-ier jewelry, and the real stuff is far out of my price range. Even if it wasn’t, I think I’d be uncomfortable wearing hundreds of dollars on one tiny appendage. On the other hand, though, cheap stuff purchased from stores like Claire’s and Forever 21 (while fabulous) can leave those green marks on your fingers, or cause reactions in those of us who are hypoallergenic.

Which is why it’s necessary to find jewelry that costs the same as a box of cracker jacks without looking like the free prize contained within. This is why I love Amrita Singh’s jewelry. She has quite a variety of styles, from simple earrings and wooden bangles for you minimalists, to the crazy, rainbow-colored stuff that I love. At full price, her stuff is not THAT affordable, but just click on “shop by price” to find some crazy deals. She makes shoes and handbags as well as jewelry.

Now go forth and purchase accessories, my friends.

love,

thriftstore brandwhore

Hey Houston friends! I just wanted to give you a heads-up:

Edin, one of my favorite boutiques in Houston, is having a blow-out sale this weekend, beginning this Friday (July 3rd). It’s located at 2605 Dunlavy, near the corner of Westheimer and directly across from Brasil.

Also, the Warehouse Sale will be back at the Galleria from July 3-6. I am currently wearing my jeans from the last Warehouse Sale. The prices aren’t the best ever, but if you’re into designer jeans and have a hard time finding them cheap, this is the hugest selection in one place I’ve ever seen.

love,

thriftstore brandwhore

Do you secretly love filling out those facebook and email surveys, even though you know nobody reads them, and the only benefit is that you got out of ten minutes of TPS reports? What if you could fill out surveys for someone who would not only care, but give you money or gift cards, too?

There are countless websites featuring surveys, polls, and focus groups for consumers, but it takes a little research to determine which ones are legitimate and worthwhile. Two of my favorites are the classic Harris Poll, which I’ve been a member of for years, and one I recently joined, e-rewards. Both allow you to accumulate points for filling out surveys on every topic from cars to cell phones to tv shows. It takes a while to accumulate enough points to earn anything worthwhile, but then again – it’s free. Plus, if you’re like me, you enjoy filling out surveys anyway. I mean, someone is asking me lots of questions about me – who cares if it’s just a computer screen? I feel loved.

love,

thriftstore brandwhore

p.s. by the way – anyone who has ever sent me a facebook or email survey – I actually read every line of those things. I can’t help it.

I know that the awesomeness of T J Maxx is no secret, but it’s worth talking about, anyway. In the Ross/Marshall’s/TJ Maxx discount trifecta, the Maxx is definitely my favorite. They have great deals all the time, but I have some advice to MAXXimize your experience (forgive me, I couldn’t resist).

First of all, those stores located in more affluent areas tend to have nicer brands. A store in the center of Chicago is generally going to have higher quality merchandise than one in a suburb. This goes for all similar stores, including Marshall’s and DSW. These central stores also tend to have a designer section, which some of the other stores lack.

Secondly, remember that the Maxx carries more than just clothes. I’ve gotten some great kitchenware there, and it’s a great go-to place if you need a nice but affordable gift (read: office birthday party, second cousin’s third baby shower… or the unappreciative relative who isn’t going to like whatever you get her so there’s no point in spending a lot of money, but you still have to get her something nice because it’s Christmas…or maybe I’m the only one with that problem).

There is always a clearance section, but it’s worth watching for special clearance sales, as well. That’s how I got an $800 Moschino sweater for $25. Victory!

enjoy,

thriftstore brandwhore