My mother would have never, ever thought of going clothes shopping or home decor shopping at Goodwill or the Salvation Army stores not far from our house.
 
And my father would have been horrified if she did – feeling it reflected poorly on his ability to provide for his family. 
 
Fast forward: 

My parents are long gone. Inflation is rising.Tariffs are engendering fear of rising prices.People are beginning to question their consumer buying habits. Environmental concerns are starting to be dominant  – overshadowing our desire for more and more consumer goods – goods that used to be plentiful and cheap.And people are beginning to shop more sustainably.

Thrifting is in.
Thrifting is the act of shopping for used, pre-owned goods at discounted prices at thrift stores, vintage shops, flea markets, and garage sales. Not only can we save money, but we often can find unique items – thus “the thrill of the find”.
My deep, dark secret is out: I am a thrifter.
Here are a few key finds for my house in the thrift shops around where I live. 


 
My philosophy is that even if you have a fortune stashed away, why pay more when you don’t have to? 
Take a look at my awesome finds – all under $5 bucks each!

The thrill of thrifting has ruined me forever for shopping exclusively at Eileen Fisher, Anthropologie and Free People.

And here’s more:
Lacey white top – worn to my grandson’s graduation
Blowsy, flowy top – worn to my 60th high school reunion
And a bunch of one-of-a-kind tops worn whenever I need something different




What would my mother think? I’m not sure.
 
Thrifting involves some detective work – a little more energy and attention to details that isn’t as necessary when shopping for brand new apparel. It’s more than just looking for well-made items and recognizable labels.

I carefully inspect for damage, stains, missing buttons, holes, excessive wear and frayed inside seams which could be a sign of infestation. I try on all items because sizing can be variable and inconsistent.I inspect the zippers to make sure they are intact and working. I check for any missing snaps or hooks and bad smells. 

And then the real fun begins: I envision how I can change, modify or re-create the existing article of clothing. (Change-out the buttons, for instance, or just merge with my other wardrobe pieces.) 
 
My mother – a very creative person – would be amazed and energized to discover an alternative way to refurbish your wardrobe, to mix and match and restyle what you already have hanging in your closet. She’d like that thrifting is friendly to your wallet and friendly to the environment – once she got over the shock that is. 
 
The tide is turning. Just a few years ago, the cars parked in front of my favorite local thrift store would not have been described as upscale luxury models.
Now, when I do my weekly visit (on Senior Citizen Discount Day), the parking lot is also dotted with BMW’s, Lexus SUV’s, Range Rovers and Cadillacs. 
 
On a recent Saturday, I ventured into a newly opened resale shop. I was amazed at the size of the store. And I was even more amazed at the sheer number of shoppers – young women predominantly in their 20’s – avidly trying and buying. 
 
Thrift shopping promises a unique adventure – you are never sure just what you will find. 
Thrift shopping is kinder to the environment because it keeps items out of landfills.
Thrift shopping in many cases benefits worthy charities that support community programs through their sales.
 
Try it. You may like it.
In the meantime, Keep Preserving Your Bloom,