Some of my friends may or may not have seen me wear a blue cheetah print cardigan. When I go out wearing this cardigan, I usually get a couple of compliments. “Where did you get it?” is a question that usually follows to which I reply, “Oh, I forgot, but thanks!” I remember telling on myself one time, but it was late in the night after I had a couple Cape Cods.
That sweater is one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe and I got it at Goodwill for $3.99. It’s not even a brand name. It came from Wal-Mart, probably some time in the late 90′s, and has “LOIS EVANS” scribbled in Sharpie on the tag.
With that said, I am going to suspend my rule of “I forgot” to tell you about the finds I just made at my local Goodwill.
2 pair of jeans: BCBG and Banana Republic
Calvin Klein cardigan
Nine West kitten heels
black jersey skirt, and a cool vintage cardigan
YES really. Now with that said, I have shopped at that location for almost 3 years and haven’t come out that lucky EVER. I have picked up a good pair of jeans, my favorite cardigan, and several pairs of work pants, but they were all in separate trips.
My reasoning is that my second-hand Karma was finally coming back into my favor. I had just dropped off two very large bags of clothes, shoes, bedding, and toys from my daughter’s room. A few weeks ago I cleaned out my closet and brought 3 trash bags full of very nice items. I usually go around once a season and make a big drop off. When I do, I head over to the store side and look around.
I can’t remember the last time I had a good find there, actually. It’s not like I live in a ritzy place with every other person giving their old designer jeans to the Goodwill. Most people here consider anything but Wal-Mart a designer brand. It’s also difficult to find pieces in good condition, but that’s common for any second-hand store.
So while I am thinking about it, let me share my RULES OF GOODWILL:
1. It ain’t a deal if you don’t need it-
I still struggle with this, even as recently as the trip I made before this one. I purchased 2 pairs of shorts in like new condition, one Express and one American Eagle. I didn’t try them on, I just bought them because I just couldn’t let them slip away at $1.50 a piece. Well, I can’t zip up the American Eagle ones and my ass(literally) fell out of the Express shorts. Have an open mind but look through what you’ve picked up and ask “When am I going to wear this?” If your answer was “rarely” or “never”, put it back.
2. Try it on-
It’s hard enough trying to fit new clothes when each store seems to have a different sizing chart for their demographic. When purchasing second-hand, pieces can be stretched or shrunk depending on their previous owner. Also pieces look can look different on than on a hanger. Don’t rely on a mental image of yourself in that top- save yourself some trouble and just try them on!
3. Be willing to dig-
A lot of people don’t shop second-hand because they just don’t know how to look. Sizes are not organized and sometimes kids clothes are thrown in plus sizes and today I saw women’s tops in men’s and vice versa. If you don’t find something on “your rack”, keep looking.
4. Some things are better new-
I know people buy undergarments, dishes, and glass ware from Goodwill but that just creeps me out. Those things don’t look good no matter how they end up being presented. Just go to the Dollar Store and get them new.
5. Be picky–
If you buy certain brands, you can still find them at the Goodwill. I have several pairs of Express pants in my exact size I bought 2 years ago and still wear to work. You can wear the brands you love and pay a heck of a lot less!
6. Inspect, Inspect, Inspect–
Let’s keep it real. We get rid of things and give donate them for a reason. Now your reason may not be the same as everyone else’s, but do keep that in mind while you’re shopping. Carefully inspect for stains, tears and discoloration when you try it on. If you can’t think of why someone would want to get rid of it after that- it’s yours, honey!
7. Know the discounts-
Every Goodwill is different and has different discounts. Back home, on Mondays and Tuesdays certain color tags are only $0.50! Here we’re not that lucky, but each week a different color tag is half off. Also each day a different section of the store is half off(today was children’s pants, skirts, and shorts). Even if you can’t find items with the sale tags, a military discount takes off a dollar or two.
8. Be patient–
Sometimes there are really good items, sometimes there aren’t. It’s not a good idea to go a couple of times a week or even weekly. If there’s nothing worth getting today, there’s always next time. Like I said, donate and maybe Goodwill Karma will unfold unto you.