shopping – Thrift Shopping Buzz

Pawn Shops! Economic Barometer?

Hello Everyone! Earlier this week I had the pleasure of going on a “pawn shop” trip in San Diego’s North Park area. It just so happens I had a birthday earlier this week too– so I was in search of an opal ring– my birth stone.

How do pawn shops work? A pawn shop gives customers a place to sell their personal items for cash. The pawn broker looks the item over and determines how much money he can obtain for it. He then makes a lower offer to the customer. The pawn broker makes money when he sells the item at a higher price. (I have a feeling the pawn broker made some money off me…)

Pictured above is the opal ring I found at CashCo Jewelry & Loan for $90. Lucky for me the jewelry was 30% off the day I was there. This was my first serious trip to a pawn shop. I was surprised at the fantastic quality goods I found. Since I’m still in search of diamond earrings– looks like I’ll be cruising by the pawn shops when I’m ready to buy those.

Which brings me to my next question– pawn shops as economic barometers? Why is the pawn industry generating so much buzz as a “barometer of the economy”? Reports show the three publicly traded pawn companies reported significantly increased earnings during the last two fiscal quarters. An increase in gold value and the “Cash for Gold” craze have both shown record numbers of people trading in old jewelry and coins for cash. Perhaps the perception could be based on speculation that in hard times, people pawn. However, there is a larger, more compelling story about the pawn industry.

The National Pawnbrokers Association reports there are over 30 million pawn store customers per year and they appreciate this unique form of credit and tend to borrow only what they need, as evidenced by the relatively low national average loan amount of $80. NPA President and pawn shop owner Dave Crume says, “Pawn customers repay their loans and redeem their collateral at a correspondingly high average national redemption rate of 80 percent. These parameters appear to be holding constant, despite the current economy.”

CashCo Jewelry & Loan #1
4502 University Avenue #103
San Diego, CA 92105
Web: www.cashcopawn.com

I’m not sure what to make of all this, but I’m really glad I stopped by CashCo last Monday and found my lovely opal ring. I’m pretty sure it was “pre-owned” and that is fine. (Now if I could just find some “pre-owned” diamond earrings….)

Under-consumption is more in-style than ever, right??! (why buy new?)

Cheers!

Halloween Nails. Great ideas for a scary manicure.

Hello Everyone! I’ve had a busy and fun weekend– celebrating my birthday, carving pumpkins and eating way too much food. Just wanted to share these cool ideas for Halloween nails. I like the spider web best. Cheers!

Look What $31 Gets You at Marshall’s

Hello Everyone! I had a great weekend and now just getting ready for the new week ahead. Right now I’m relaxing on the couch watching “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” reunion show– and mentally planning out what I’m going to wear to work next week. The weather is starting to cool off a little bit here in southern California so I’m hoping I can break out some pretty scarves and possibly a jacket or two?

I was in serious need of a new jacket– and as much as I love the thrift stores I just couldn’t find anything that either fit properly or looked decent. On a whim, I checked out our local Marshall’s and found this great Calvin Klein jacket for a mere $31. It was originally priced at $99! Cha-ching! Problem solved.

Pictured below you can see my new jacket paired with a great scarf I found this afternoon at the Humble Hippie in Ocean Beach. I love this place! This was my second visit and of course I couldn’t stop myself from getting something. (here’s the link to my first visit… Humble Hippie) The good news is I’ll be able to wear this scarf with not only my new $31 jacket from Marshall’s but also my leather jacket. Can you tell… I’m a little too ready to break out the Fall clothes… However, as much as I want to break out the Fall clothes now, I’ll likely be complaining about “being too cold” in a few weeks. As much as one can complain about “too cold” in southern California anyway.

Cheers everyone! Here’s wishing you all a great week ahead– and happy shopping!

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?

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.

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!

Bella Moda Boutiques. More shopping in beautiful Encinitas

Hope everyone is having a fabulous week! A few weeks ago I visited Bella Moda Boutique is Encinitas– I know, I’m a little late getting this post out. As you can see, lots of great clothes in a cozy location. I actually visited this particular shop with my 17-year old son in tow. While I was gushing over the scarves, earrings and handbags– my son was looking for the exit. (I did my best to make it a quick trip…)

I like the flowers- pictured above– and especially this bright scarf pictured below. (I’m trying to stop myself from wearing so much black)

I didn’t end up buying anything but will likely go back for a repeat visit– this time for some serious shopping and trying-on.

Located in The Lumberyard Shopping Center in Encinitas, Bella Moda offers the latest trends from dozens of designer brands, many exclusively from Los Angeles, including Hudson, Joe’s Jeans, Tag, Ed Hardy and True Religion. You can schedule an after-hours appointment and gift certificates are available.

Bella Moda Boutiques
967 S. Coast Highway 101
Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone: (760) 479-9879
Web: www.Shopbellamoda.com

Here’s a picture of all the scarves I was talking about. Lots of different styles for sure.

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!

Happy Flip Flop Friday! It looks like my favorite budget friendly store Old Navy has joined forces withTerracycle to help us all recycle our old flip flops. What a great idea.

Every time you send your old flip-flops to TerraCycle, you’ve done a green deed for Mother Nature by diverting waste from our landfills. To show our gratitude, for every shipment of about 25 pairs of flip-flops, or 50 individual flip-flops (about 18 pounds), you will receive exclusive coupons from Old Navy to distribute to the participants who helped you collect.

It’s totally free to participate in a TerraCycle Brigade. There are no signup or participation fees, and the shipping is covered by the program. Once you’ve joined the Flip-Flop Brigade, follow the steps below to earn your Old Navy coupons:

Collect about 25 pairs, or 50 individual, flip-flops (all brands are accepted) and fill up a box or bag. Remember to always reuse a shipping box or bag and use eco-friendly padding as needed. To receive your Old Navy coupons, you must ship at least 18 lbs of flip-flops.
Download a pre-paid shipping label from terracycle.com. Just visit your TerraCycle account online, and click “SHIP US YOUR WASTE”. You can print it out yourself or request a label from TerraCycle.
Ship the box to TerraCycle by affixing the pre-paid postage label and dropping it off at a UPS location.

For more detailed information please check out the Flip-Flop Brigade FAQ.

It will take approximately 7 to 10 business days from the date your shipment is received for TerraCycle to process your package. Once processing is complete, you will receive your Old Navy coupons through postal mail.

Download our helpful TerraCycle “Collect, Store and Ship Guide” for tips and tricks that will make the collection process simple and mess-free. Also check out our Flip-Flop Brigade Poster and Flip-Flop Brigade Thermometer Poster to help promote your efforts and keep track of your collections.

And… by practicing good recycling karma we can all buy more fun flip flops! You can get them at Old Navy for something like 2 pair/$5.

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Bravo!

Brighton Collectibles – Great Products & Amazing Customer Service

Okay, my post tonite has nothing to do with thrift shopping. In search of a case for my iPad, I found myself cruising thru the mall. No luck at the Apple store, Brookstone and Macy’s. It was my lucky night when I walked in the Brighton store. This was my first time shopping in this particular shop– and I went in out of desperation fairly sure I was going to strike out again anyway. Check out the funky and practical travel case I found for the iPad. It has plenty of padding and a few extra pockets inside.

While I was there I couldn’t resist the urge to pick out a pair of small earrings. Priced at $18 and with a 1-year guarantee… excellent!

While shopping at Brighton Collectibles, I experienced the most amazing customer care. Sales Partner “Laura” helped me choose my items and gave me an entire background on the company and the jewelry designers. Better yet, the merchandise gets registered when you purchase and has a 1-year guarantee. When I was in there the woman behind me in line told me her Mom “collects” Brighton stuff and has been wearing it for years. She actually showed me a few things she has that still looked great. It’s always a good sign when not only the store salespeople are excited but the store customers are excited too. For sure, I will be back for more at Brighton. (I have my eye on some pretty hoop earrings and maybe a watch). Cheers!

$8.99 Bargain t-shirts… My son is a fantastic thrift shopper!!

And I thought I was a good shopper!! My son just might be a little better. Guess he learned from me:). Check out the great looking t-shirt he found at Ross for $8.99.

He also found a dark gray Adidas shirt for $7.99. Who says teenagers can’t be thrifty?

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