Tag: clothing

Tips and Tricks for Selling on Consignment

I’ve been busy recently down-sizing and trying to get rid of excess “stuff.” (Don’t we all have too much stuff anyway?)  I found a box in my closet filled with handbags– many of which I hadn’t carried in more than a year. So…. I decided the best way to get rid of them was consignment. Especially since they were in good condition and name brand items. True, it was hard to part with my old favorite Coach bag– but since it was just hanging out in a box I decided to sell.

Getting rid of clothes and accessories has been an emotional experience at times. This box of stuff for consignment sat in my car trunk for close to a week (yikes).  Anyway, the stuff is gone now and I’m now waiting for my money!  The good news is- the place I’m using has been successful for me in the past. I had close to $100 on my account. Which means now I can shop for FREE!

Are you ready to clean out your closets filled with outdated clothes and accessories? Here are some tips to get started:

  1. Find a Specialty Store. You’ll make more money if you zone in on a specialty store for your goods. For instance, a sports equipment store will pay more for your used football pads than a general consignment shop. When I wanted to sell my stuff, I focused on a store specifically for women’s clothing and accessories to help me score a better price on my handbags. General shops are better for knick-knacks and stuff that can’t be categorized.
  2. Know What Sells. Consignment shops specifically look for stuff that sells quickly and easily. A nearly unworn pair of designer jeans or clean shoes? Perfect.  Before you take your stuff over, consider whether you’d buy the same item used or not.
  3. Clean Your Items. You’ll get more money for each of your items if they’re in good shape and freshly washed.  If you’re missing buttons, parts, laces and pieces, it’s best to donate instead. Check over your items for stains and other marks, since consignment shops will probably decline worn-looking items. (There were a couple of my things that were consignment rejects- these go to Goodwill)
  4. Read the Contract. If you decide to sell using the profit-sharing method, you’ll receive a contract. The contract gives you information about the percentage for sharing, how the items are priced, how long your items will sit on store shelves, and when you can arrive to collect your money. It’s important to know the details so you aren’t disappointed.

Plus Size Fashion On A Budget

Plus-size shopping on a budget seems to be a challenge. Most of the thrift stores I visit for my blog have a very small selection of plus sizes. If they even have plus sizes at all. It’s not good– I believe the average woman is something like a Size 14, right? I’m re-blogging this because I feel the plus-sized shopper is under-represented at the thrift stores.

Thick N' Sassy.Com Blog

fashion on a budget
By: Meieli Sawyer, former About.com Guide
Are you a plus-size bargain hunter? Just looking for a place to buy plus-size items at major retailers as well as specialty shops–but at a deep discount? Look for pieces that offer attractive mark-downs with these suggestions, which include higher end items that get their prices slashed at the season’s end.

Newcomer on the plus scene La Grande Dame offers great clearance items, regular sales promoted by newsletters (sign up for savings!), and lots of sneaky designer-specific sales. You’ll be thrilled at the savings on high-end plus selections from designers like Melissa Masse.

Save a lot on specific clearance pieces marked down 75%! Gorgeous dresses go from $100 to $30, jackets sell for $25 from $80, and more. Check back the sale section regularly for the best finds, because they switch around without warning.

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Thrift Trader. Everything $5.99 or 4/$20

Once again, I found myself rummaging thru stacks and racks of stuff at the Thrift Trader in Ocean Beach. This all happened the same afternoon sipping my Vanilla Latte.

You can’t go wrong at this place with things priced 4/$20.  They have a great selection of men’s clothing and I totally messed up and didn’t take any photos of menswear.

  • Thrift Trader
  • 4879 Newport Avenue
  • Ocean Beach, CA  92107
  • Phone: (619) 222-5011
  • Web: www.thrifttrader.org

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More hats, more long skirts.  All easy items to mix and match for Fall season.  Sometimes you need a little retail fix and getting a low cost treasure in a thrift store is awesome. Just remember, it isn’t a good deal if you don’t use it and it sits in your closet!!

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And I found these really fabulous black heels.  Halloween costume-worthy maybe?

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And, a big shout out because there’s even a section for the Curvy gals. With cute stuff too!

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Cheers everyone!

Humble Hippie. Cute Accessories.

Hello Everyone! Just wanted to pass along some great photos I took over the weekend in Ocean Beach. Of course, I stopped by the Humble Hippie on Newport Avenue.

While sipping my Vanilla Latte I couldn’t resist doing a little more than window shopping. So much for my vow to “keep wallet in handbag”.  (I failed….)

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I really loved the cute hats and cozy knit scarves.  Being the thrifty shopper, I was thrilled with the prices– $19 for scarves- heaven!

Especially now with the cooler Fall weather a scarf is great to throw on with a jean jacket or light sweater.  This is the rational I used– you guessed it– I got a new scarf.  If you want to see what it looks like, check out my blog post from earlier this week.  (I paired it with a jacket I got for $31 at Marshall’s)

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If you’re in the market for flirty dresses, there are plenty of these too.  Maybe I’m too much into accessories these days because all I can think about is which scarf and which hat I would wear with that bright dress pictured on the right, above.

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The Humble Hippie was as charming as ever! I had a nice chat with the owner (Wes) this weekend too.  He sent me a couple of really cool photos that I will have to attach to this post a little later.  I’m having a slight snafu with my email tonite.  So I guess you all will have to settle for my lovely iphone-photography for the time being.

Cheers and have a good week everyone. Happy Shopping and keep me posted if any of you out there have made any recent purchases at The Humble Hippie.

My Secret Thrifting Tips

Ever wonder why every time you go thrifting, you end up with a big pile of novelty items and some mom jeans? Check out my secret tips on finding your next major thrifting score.

1. Context:   It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the hideousness that engulfs the racks- you know, like the muumuus, Christmas sweaters and stretched out bicycle shorts. In a hurry to sift through it all, you might accidentally skip over your new favorite piece so try to make a day for thrifting when no one is waiting for you and you can take your time.  That crazy ’80s sweater could look hip with an edgy haircut and designer ankle boots.

2. Consider Alterations:    Don’t abandon the perfect vintage cocktail dress only because it’s a size too big. Maybe you love the color and cut of that blouse, but the sleeves are overwhelmingly puffy? For the $3 you’re probably spending, it could be worth it to visit a tailor.

3. Shop Off-Season:    Think ahead and shop for summer items in winter. You’ll find the best deals and have a better selection. Winter coats are plentiful and purchased for pennies in August. The same would go for vintage sun dresses during January.

4. Find Your Local Thrift Outlet:    Most well-established thrift store “chains” like Goodwill and Salvation Army will have outlets.  This is the magical land where all clothes are $1-$3. The ladies at the Goodwill Outlet told me their clothes only get one week at full-price store racks before they get bundled up and shipped to the outlet. My favorites include Thrift Trader and $2 Thrill— you know where I’m going with this….

5. Wear Your “Thrifting Uniform”:    Be prepared for long fitting room lines (or possibly no fitting rooms) by wearing something that is comfy and easy to try things on over. I like leggings and slip-on flats. Throw a flexible sewing tape in your bag for taking measurements if you are so inclined.

6. Don’t Confine Yourself to only the Women’s Clothing Section:   For petites, check out the kids section for a shrunken blazer look or possibly a dress you can wear as a top. Maybe head over to the men’s section where you can find oversized cardigans or a colorful necktie.  Make a necktie headband.

7. Gravitate Toward Thrift Shops That Are Off the Beaten Path:   Look for thrift stores near ritzy retirement communities and small suburban towns.  This is your best chance to find a hidden gem.

8. Get a Rapport Going With Your Cashier:   Most thrift stores don’t have a set-in-stone pricing structure.  Striking up a conversation with the cashier can’t hurt, especially if you visit on a regular basis. If the employees get to know you, they may be willing to set aside that elusive Kate Spade tote you’ve been on the hunt for.


9. Go Thrifting Off-Hours:    If you don’t thrift on a regularly, you’re just asking to miss out on stuff. Thrift stores get new stock daily, so be vigilant. Better yet, find out which days the “new” merchandise gets put out. Arrive early and be ready for the hunt.

Cheers Everyone & Happy Thrifting! Let me know how you all are doing.   -jody-

Recycled Handbags. “New” to me!

Are you feeling a little short on money? Feeling bored with what you see in your closet every morning? Tired of carrying that same boring handbag?

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Hello Everyone! Believe me, I was feeling the exact same way– completely tired of everything in my closet. And especially bored with the handbag I’ve been carrying every single day for the past 3 months. It was my lucky day last Friday when I went to my mailbox and found a huge box filled with handbags— from my sister.  (Maybe she was reading my mind!?)

This gives a whole new meaning to the slogan “shopping in your own closet.” Pictured above is a cute Kate Spade bag with red handles which will be perfect to use on the weekend running errands. Its sturdy construction will hold up well for me since I tend to over-fill my handbag. (you guessed it, this is the one I’m using now)

Pictured below is a dark blue leather handbag from Banana Republic. This one should work well with jeans and sweaters in the Fall.  I usually like something a little more structured but since this one is a freebie I’m willing to think outside the box and give the “unstructured” look a try.

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Passing things on we don’t use any longer is a great way to reduce, re-use and re-cycle.  Whether we pass items on to friends, family or co-workers it doesn’t matter.  Maybe that spare handbag gathering dust in your closet could be a treasure for someone you know.

Anyone else out there sharing clothes? Handbags? Furniture?  Let me know!

Humble Hippie- new on Newport Ave in Ocean Beach

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Happy Monday! The good news 1 day down and 4 to go until Friday.  Just wanted to let you all know about the fabulous shop I visited in Ocean Beach this weekend.  I know…. more shopping… feels like I’ve been doing a lot of that lately.

Saturday afternoon I happened upon the Humble Hippie on Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach.  The sign on the door mentioned something about “a comfortable clothing company” so… of course… I had to check it out.

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Long flowing skirts, scarves, vintage look t-shirts… it’s all here. I actually purchased a pretty awesome longer top with flutter sleeves to wear with leggings and boots.  (perfect for a 40-ish woman– that would be me, in case you were wondering– attempting to hide some minor imperfections….)

So, not only is the clothing quite fabulous but the store itself was a delight. All the fixtures came from stores that went out of business and the “glass” display case in the front of the store was re-purposed from 3 old doors— my recycling friends should be proud!  The hanging display (first photo at the top) was a table from Craigslist that was split into 3 sections. Even the rugs were thrifted.  Music to my ears!  I thought the suitcase display case (below) was unique– I should have asked if this was for sale.

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If you’re in the market for some comfy clothes with a modern hippie vibe this is the place for you. (T-shirts anyone?)  Bottom line,  I had a great time in this store– Dusty– and the owner Wes were fun and cool to chat with.

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P.S. you can kinda see my reflection in the door (below)…. Cheers until next time.

— Jody —

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Flip Flops: Made for Transit Thru History

Happy Flip-Flop Friday everyone! Flip flops are a $2 Billion per year industry in the United States. You’d be hard pressed to walk down any street in America and not see at least one person sporting a pair of flip-flops.

Flip flops have been around for at least six thousand years. As a point of comparison, primitive shoes are shown in rock paintings dating from the late Paleolithic (Stone Age) period some 15,000 years ago. There are depictions of flip-flops in ancient Egyptian murals on tombs and temples from about 4,000 B.C. Styles too varied with the differing placement of the toe strap, as subsequent civilizations preferred using different toes. The Greeks for example made use of the big toe; the Romans, the second toe; and the Mesopotamians, the third toe.

Flip flops are a type of open-toed footwear typically worn in casual situations, such as outside or at the beach. They consist of a flat sole held loosely on the foot by a Y-shaped strap that passes between the first and second toes and around either side of the foot.  Thong sandals have been worn for thousands of years, dating back to pictures of them in Egyptian murals from 4,000 B.C. These early versions of flip-flops were made from a wide variety of materials including rawhide, wood, papyrus and palm leaves to name a few.  The modern flip-flop became popular in the United States as soldiers returning from World War II brought Japanese zōri with them. They quickly became popular because of convenience and comfort, and were popular in beach-themed stores and as summer shoes. During the 1960s, flip-flops became associated with the beachy lifestyle of California. They were promoted as an accessory, typically worn with shorts or swimwear. Beginning in 1962, the Brazilian company, Alpargatas, marketed a version of flip-flops known as Havaianas. These quickly become some of the most popular in the world: By 2010, more than 150 million pairs were produced every year.

Personally, I love my Havaianas!  They are the perfect “shoe” to throw on when I run down to get the mail or pop out the door for errands on a busy weekend.

Cheers– and happy Flip Flop Friday!!

Happy Flip Flop Friday!

Wedding flip-flops? It never occurred to me these words could fit together in a sentence.  Maybe I’ve been wrong all this time….  read on….

Tonite I googled “flip-flops” to see what came up- you know, to inspire me to find something slightly interesting to write about for Flip Flop Friday. Then I saw the wedding flip-flops thing and just had to check it out. Really… flip-flops on your wedding day? Well, why not??!   (I found some really cute choice!)

Why bother with high heels? Havaianas, please…..

Some great websites to check out:  Etsy, wrapwithus.com; Bridalflipflops.com; Nordstrom; Macy’s… I could go on….

Happy Flip Flop Friday!  Cheers!

$7 Jeans–yessss!!

What could be better than a pair of fantastic $7 jeans? Maybe the good karma of knowing that I am “re-purposing” a perfectly good pair of jeans?? One less item in the landfill, right?

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And I thought $9 jeans were a bargain!  Imagine my delight when I found the 30% off rack at My Sister’s Closet in San Diego’s UTC neighborhood and found a pair of jeans that fit.  (I hate buying jeans and usually end up trying on 30+ pair before I find something that I even remotely like– then there is the issue of me getting home and trying them on again and instantly regretting the purchase…. back to the store….)

Good news here I actually LIKE these jeans! There’s still a slight chance I will make them into shorties– stay tuned…

Happy Shopping everyone. And remember to stay “green” and reduce, re-use, recycle whenever you can.  Thrift shopping is a perfect way to accomplish all three.  Cheers!