Re-Use Stuff – Page 4 – Thrift Shopping Buzz

$2 Dollar Thrill – Recycle It & Rock It!

Last weekend I found myself wondering– what can you get for a couple of bucks these days? Turns out $2 buys a whole lot of cool stuff at $2 Dollar Thrill in Ocean Beach. Everything from vinyl records to CD’s to cute dresses and summer tops. I’m not kidding… you really can buy a dress in this place for $2. A super cute dress! When I originally stopped by it was a sunny Sunday afternoon and I was post-beach and completely out of cash (bummer). An especially huge bummer because I spotted a super-fabulous dress and didn’t have 2 bucks in actual cash-only my debit card. (Ahh.. such is life) The good news– I’m planning a return trip next weekend and maybe I can do some damage under $10. Never thought I’d say that!!

$2 Dollar Thrill
4871 Newport Avenue
Ocean Beach, CA 92107
Phone: (619) 222-2772
Web: www.thrifttrader.org

From what I was told, this is the place where the “left-over” stuff from their Pacific Beach store goes. I hear in Pacific Beach the items are priced at $6 (oh… guess this is the high price store-ha). So… recycle it and rock the look! Here’s to recycling and here are some of the cute things I found…

Alice Alfreda – A Resale Boutique

Oh wow… I found a really cute shop earlier this week in Point Loma. I was “wandering around” aimlessly in the neighborhood when I came across Alice Alfreda— I literally ran into it while driving. (No, I didn’t actually hit the building itself but I did hit the curb- another story, another time…)

Alice Alfreda – a resale boutique
1255-102 Rosecrans Street
San Diego, CA 92106
Phone: (619) 549-8676

As you all know, I love finding resale shops and am always on the look-out for bargains. Alice Alfreda offers a carefully edited collection of gently used and new upscale clothing, shoes and accessories. I spotted a fantastic black Kate Spade bag hanging on the wall for a mere $45– and the bag was in perfect condition! The stuff here is great! It is a smaller shop which is fine as far as I’m concerned– easier to shop. I love handbags and shoes and the selection for both was excellent. Even with a small space everything was well-organized, neat and clean. I didn’t feel like I had to “dig” to find things. Better yet– the girl minding the shop for the owner was friendly and helpful. I will definitely be back again!

$250 Wedding Dress – A Nite On The Town – Fashion & Bridal in San Diego

Planning a wedding in the near future? Searching for a beautiful bargain of a dress? I have the perfect place for you! A Nite On The Town in San Diego’s UTC neighborhood specializes in bridal, prom, designer evening dresses and tuxedos. Started almost 20 years ago in 1992, they have turned into a leading formal wear shop. You can select from over 2,000 of the latest designer bridal and special occasion dresses (including mother of the bride) and tuxedos in stock. Better yet– A Nite On The Town offers on-site professional alterations and a complete line of accessories.

A Nite On The Town Fashion & Bridal

8650 Genesee Avenue #222

San Diego, CA 92122

Phone: (858) 457-1233

Web: www.ANiteOnTheTown.com

When I walked into this shop I was greeted by Shanna while I browsed the racks. All formal wear dresses in my photos were between $199 and $350. As far as the wedding dress inventory, prices range from $500 to approximately $2,000 range. For the budget babes out there planning a wedding- this shop offers wedding dress rentals for $250 for the weekend. How cool is that?! (a lot of times women wear their wedding dress once and then it sits in a box in the closet…) I find the idea of renting a wedding dress very eco-friendly and budget friendly– $250 for a designer wedding gown sounds awesome!

Deals happening right now–

$44.95 for a tuxedo with the purchase of a dress (tuxedo is $59.95 without the dress purchase)
Huge Sale: 50% to 60% off on selected items

Buffalo Exchange – Hillcrest

Need something fun to wear? Need an infusion of hip & cool in your wardrobe? Definitely give Buffalo Exchange a try. It’s a thrift store with oh-so hipster fashionable inventory. From what I understand they are a bit on the choosy side about what they take in– which is fine because the stuff on the floor is pretty much awesome. I found some fantastic wristlets and fun shoes. Everything was color coordinated and fairly organized considering this place was packed with clothes! The day I was there it was hard to move around because there were so many shoppers in the store.

Buffalo Exchange – Hillcrest

3862 5th Avenue

San Diego, CA 92103

Phone: (619) 298-4411

Web: www.BuffaloExchange.com

Of special note– on April 21st….

SAVE OCEAN ANIMALS AT OUR DOLLAR SALE!

All Locations Apr 21, 2012

Save ocean animals while shopping for hip used clothing at a bargain. In celebration of Earth Day, Buffalo Exchange is recognizing the work of The Humane Society of the United States, the nation’s largest animal protection organization, and its international arm, Humane Society International, in helping to protect ocean animals. All proceeds from the sale of items offered for one dollar each at your local Buffalo Exchange on April 21 will go The HSUS and HSI.

“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

DIY – Wooden Cigar Box Transforms into Jewelry Box

Do you have too much jewelry and not an organized place to keep it all? I found myself in a similar situation– jewelry stashed in random places to the point I had to “search” for what I wanted to wear. Well, I came up with a stylish DIY project last weekend while strolling thru Kobey’s Swap Meet in the Point Loma neighborhood of San Diego.

Tucked in the midst of random odd household items I found the I Liquidate table featuring some fantastic cigar boxes. You read that right– cigar boxes. I purchased a total of 3 wooden cigar boxes and the owner threw in a freebie– I spent $10. I figured this would be an excellent was to re-use something that might be thrown in the trash. The boxes were surprisingly sturdy and of good quality.

I Liquidate (“you call, we haul”)

Ramona, CA 92065

Phone: (619) 770-9921

The stack of boxes looks really cute tucked in my living room cabinet. I secured some felt to line the boxes (price: Free) so my jewelry will be protected. This was a super quick & easy project. It took maybe 30 minutes to line the boxes with the felt. Probably the biggest time-consuming part of the whole thing was deciding which jewelry would be placed in which box (decisions!).

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:

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!

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.

Baras Foundation Thrift Store – $2.39 Purses & Shoes –

Organized chaos– well, almost organized and very chaotic. I like my bargains and this place definitely delivers. And– they even have some semblance of a Plus sized selection. I was overjoyed to find $2.39 purses and shoes and $4.79 pants. Sure, it smells a little musty and there were some mighty odd people milling about– but who cares when the bargains are this good. Upstairs in the book section I found paperbacks for $0.50 and hardcovers $1.25. The kitchenwares section was packed full of goods and the furniture was decent too. Every Tuesday they have some kind of a different promo- this Tuesday the deal is $0.25 Dishes.

Baras Foundation Thrift Store

1455 University Ave.

San Diego, CA 92103

Phone: (619) 291-4357

A big shout-out to the store manager Theresa extremely friendly and helpful. She was kind enough to write down the store address and give me a full rundown on weekly deals and promos. From what Theresa tells me on the 2nd Tuesday of each month the kids clothes ring up at $0.10. Yup- the kids clothes are a dime (regular price on kids clothes$0.59 still a good deal). This store is huge and there is tons of stuff packed in there. Be ready to dig and expect the unexpected. Here are a few things I found:

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SAVE OCEAN ANIMALS AT OUR DOLLAR SALE!

All Locations Apr 21, 2012

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