“My Sister’s Closet”- Recycled Designer Apparel

Having a bad day? Maybe a “recycled” Kate Spade bag or perhaps a pair of “new to you” Jimmy Choo heels might hit the spot? Tonite after work I stopped by My Sister’s Closet in the Costa Verde Shopping Center in San Diego’s UTC neighborhood. The windows were alive with colorful Spring looks and the designer handbags were amazing as always. I had to remind myself several times to “keep the credit card in the wallet.” (you have no idea how difficult this was!)

The shoes were divine– everything from Jimmy Choo to western boots to pink designer rain boots. Some pricey designer shoes and some of the $12.95 variety (pictured below). However, I was hugely disappointed tonite when I skimmed thru the skirts section because 2 skirts I had all scoped out were gone! Obviously, this goes to prove my new golden rule of thrift shopping– when you see it & you like it, you BUY it immediately. (the cute stuff goes fast!) So much for that other rule– that thing about keeping my credit card in my wallet…. Rules are (sometimes) meant to be broken….

I didn’t end up buying anything tonite. It was just a quick whirlwind of retail therapy being a looky-loo in the store. I did take a few photos of some “finds” in My Sister’s Closet. Probably the best thing I found tonite was the black heels $12.95. Too bad they were a Size 81/2 hiding in the Size 7 section. Being the typical female shoe shopper, I did try on the shoes even though they were the wrong size in the hopes they might fit (big surprise- they didn’t fit). Oh well– perhaps a Size 7 Jimmy Choo is in my future? Cheers– and happy shopping.

My Sister’s Closet

8610 Genesee Avenue #200

San Diego CA 92122

Phone: (858) 455-0045

Web: www.mysisterscloset.com

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Flashbacks Recycled Fashions – Hillcrest

Flashbacks is diverse and extremely reasonable with their prices.  They have a fantastic selection of pre-owned and “NEW” retro clothing. There seriously is something for everyone. Fun place to shop, helpful staff and prices were right on the money. A lot of unique & funky stuff. They have everything! Belts, sunglasses, wigs, tutus, clothes, shoes, & jewelry. (It’s fun to just kinda look around in there.) I’ve been here 2 times in the last 6 months and it was a total blast!  No, I didn’t buy a tutu. But did find several jackets and some funky bracelets.

Just so you know they offer cash for clothes too. Buy, Sell, Trade. Bring in some of your “old” things and trade in for something fresh at Flashbacks. From what I understand they are very fair with their exchanges/trades.

Flashbacks Recycled Fashions

3849 5th Avenue

San Diego, CA 92103

Phone: (619) 291-4200

Flashbacks is an eclectic mix of old and new. Some old, and some brand new stuff— tights, 80’s wear, platform shoes and everything in excellent condition, and the best news of all it doesn’t smell yucky! I know it’s the “second time around” but it’s important to me to smell yummy. Bravo on some fabulous recycled fashions. Here’s a few photos:

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Bluestocking Books – San Diego – open 7 days!

Welcome to Bluestocking Books! For 44 years the 3817 5th Avenue address in San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood has been home to independent bookseller Bluestocking Books. Open seven days a week, they stock used as well as new titles. I also found “bookish” gifts, stationery and magazines. Customers may trade used books for store credit towards a discount at the register. And– they are willing to Special Order also.

“What you don’t know would make a great book” –Sidney Smith

Bluestocking Books

3817 5th Avenue

San Diego, CA 92103

Phone: (619) 296-1424

www.bluestockingbooks.com

This store was a total delight and a real treat. In a way, it was like stepping back in time. Everything from the fully stocked shelves floor to ceiling to the wooden chairs strategically placed. The contentment of reading has been around for centuries and seems to be alive and well in the modern world too courtesy of local Bluestocking Books. However, the fact remains we cannot simply love our friendly little shops and bookstores, we must also purchase things in them. Money does not make the world go around: it creates stability by paying employees, landlords & vendors. Bottom line- visit Bluestocking Books for the charming ambience and be sure to spend a few bucks while you’re there. (I noticed they have a wonderful website as well!) Cheers and Happy Reading!

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Like New – previously loved & new clothes, handbags & accessories

Are you looking for some fun animal print heels? Or maybe a pair of fantastic sandals for Spring? Or are you hoping for a few last minute winter bargains? Well– have I got the place for you! My favorite neighborhood consignment boutique has all of the above and then some. I stopped by earlier this afternoon and was greeted by a table of 45% off winter boots. Wonderful! There were several racks of awesome sweaters and jackets outside the store as well. I spotted a nice black sweater from White House|Black Market for $32 perfect to wear as a wrap when the office A/C gets a little too cool.

Like New

4425 Genesee Avenue

San Diego, CA 92117

Phone: (858) 278-1960

www.LikeNewSanDiego.com

As I said, this boutique is in my neighborhood, I shop it regularly and have consigned my own things on occasion. I was thrilled when I saw their 2012 Calendar of Events. March 3 & 10 are scheduled as Winter Blowout Sale. Coming up March 12 Spring Consignment begins. (Time to clean out the closet??) April 2 is April Fools Day Sale with 35% off. Here are a few photos of what I liked today (the animal print heels $16.49 are my fave!) Although the Kate Spade bag was a close second. But not to be outdone by the cute black dress which quite possibly I will return for on Monday.

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Shirley’s Attic – Mason City, IA –

Every time I’m in Mason City I have to stop at Shirley’s Attic. It’s usually because I need a warm sweater or jacket– I live in California now so my sweater collection has dwindled over the years. And sometimes 20 degrees BELOW zero can sneak up on a person!! (like it did for me last year)

Shirley’s Attic

1619 South Federal Avenue

Mason City, IA 50401

(641) 424-3537

I love browsing thru the racks in Shirley’s Attic. Everything is colorized and organized by item type. I found some fantastic leather jackets when I was there over the holidays. I also spotted a few cute jeans and tops. My all time favorite is the awesome sweater I scored for a mere $5. Cold weather is not so bad when you have a fashionable sweater to wear!

Here is a photo of me wearing my $5 sweater.

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My Act II – La Mesa, CA

http://www.myactII.com

8243 La Mesa Blvd

La Mesa, CA. 91942

Ph# 619-698-2392

How do you spell fantastic– yes– My Act II, Inc.  Nestled in picturesque La Mesa I was lucky enough to find this amazing shop.

What can you get for $50?  My friend recently scored a hoodie, a blouse, 3 tank tops and mucho jewelry.  Right now the rings are $1. Shopping here means you won’t be breaking the bank to look amazing.

Be prepared for the thrill of the hunt– there are literally hundreds of jeans– bling bling and more. I was excited to see a decent selection of Plus sizes which can be difficult to find in consignment shops.

The beautifully styled window says it all– stop by this shop and check out the fabulous items My Act II has to offer!

My Act II
My Act II - La Mesa, CA

My Sister’s Closet – NEW location in San Diego’s UTC area

My Sister’s Closet

8610 Genesee Ave #200

San Diego, CA 92122

This weekend I had the good fortune to find the newest location of “My Sister’s Closet” in my UTC neighborhood in San Diego.  I was out for a casual walk and some errands and came across this fabulous shop. When I walked in the door I was greeted by a beautiful Louis Vuitton handbag to my left and some stunning patterned wrap dresses in the center of the entrance.  This isn’t your typical thrift store– it’s well-organized and merchandised beautifully.  The handbags hugged the walls on strategically lit shelves and the shoes were nestled on neatly arranged racks & all arranged by size.

Did I mention this place is huge??  I think it was a former Circuit City store or something warehouse-y like that.  Huge!  There is tons of merchandise– everything from sweaters, jackets, formal attire, suits, dresses, work-out clothes, blouses, jeans (a great selection of jeans, by the way) and fur coats. Yes– I saw real fur coats– and plenty of super cute faux fur too.

The lovely ladies working behind the counter generously offered me a rolling cart to assist with my shopping.  Later, I did try on a few jackets in the well-lit and comfy dressing room area.  The best find for me this weekend— a cute jacket for $14.  Lucky for me this place is close to where I live– I can shop often!

More… Carolyn’s designer resale

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More handbags from Carolyn’s Designer Resale….

Carolyn’s Designer Resale

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Carolyn’s Designer Resale

1310 Camino del Mar

Del Mar, CA  92014

Phone# 858-481-4133

I found this shop last Sunday when I was strolling thru Del Mar area. It was a nice afternoon for a walk and turns out it was a nice afternoon for some light shopping as well.  Pictured above you will see a lovely Missoni sweater and a fun little Prada bag– looks like there’s a Fendi bag peeking out from behind!  There was some good stuff to be scored in this place as you can see.

On a personal note, I’ve shopped here many times myself.  I have a weakness for handbags– as you can see by my photo choices.  And this shop has a great inventory of bags!

Ladies Designer Resale Boutique

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Ladies Designer Resale Boutique

1150 Camino Del Mar #B

Del Mar, CA  92014

Phone#  858-792-7457

 

This weekend I had a nice surprise when I walked into Ladies Designer Resale Boutique.  I was on a walk in Del Mar and spotted a rack of clothes– of course I had no choice but to check it out.  This store had everything from sunglasses to shoes to suits. The shop was well merchandised and easy to shop.

I met Lucy– the store manager who was energetic and had lots to chat about.  She showed me a few really cute handbags– as you can see!  The store is open 7 days/week from 10:30 am to 5 pm. Great hours– especially for those of us who work during the week and have to save our shopping for weekends.