Momma Shopping

on August 3, 2012

When my mom told me sheâ€™d be in town this week, I knew right away what weâ€™d do: thrift shopping! Iâ€™ve written about this before, but my mom instilled a serious love of consignment shopping in me. We dropped into a thrift store nearly every weekend when I was a kid.

I had one goal in mind: cheap baby clothes for Henry. We have tons of onesies but I wanted to buy him more outfits â€“ little pants and whatnot.

Itâ€™s so much easier to find fun baby girl clothesâ€¦ dressers and ruffled rompers.

But I snagged a few goodies for Henry, too. Four shirts and two pants for just $12!

I summoned the energy to try on a few items for myself, too (does anyone else find shopping for clothes to be totally draining?). I was staunchly opposed to buying any new clothes to accommodate this baby weight, but itâ€™s two months out, and Iâ€™ve since decided that itâ€™s necessary. No more maternity pants, PLEASE! I need zippers and buttons in my life! And tops that actually fit would be a dream. I picked up a new shirt today at Goodwill. Iâ€™m willing to spend $2.99 to feel good about my outfits againâ€¦ I need to go back when Iâ€™m really in the mood to shop. Oh, and I borrowed some old jeans from a friend (amazing how good it feels to pull on jeans that fit) â€“ another great way to save cash in this awkward in-between stage.

Post-shoppinâ€™ lunch.

We went to Fern and ordered the Buddha Bowl. The figs were the best part.

We also had the squash hush puppies.

Are you a thrifter, too?

{ 53 comments }

Michelle @ Eat Move Balance August 3, 2012, 4:51 pm
I wish I were more into thrifting . . . but to be honest, I’m not patient enough for it. You have to be willing to dig and hunt for the stuff that’s worthwhile. And since I don’t really enjoy shopping in general, this is usually a bit much. I’m more of a “get in, get out” type of shopper!
Callie @ The Wannabe Athlete August 3, 2012, 4:53 pm
You know I am! I couldn’t agree more – shopping at Goodwill is the only way to go for that “awkward in between” phase of life. But it IS important – I felt so much more human once I started wearing “real” clothes again!
Nicole M. August 3, 2012, 4:57 pm
I broke down and bought a pair of jeans for the in-between stage too. Holding up your baby and a bag is enough, you don’t need to worry about if your pants are falling down at the same time, lol!
Marissa@ohhhsolovely August 3, 2012, 4:57 pm
i have become such a thrifter in the last 1-2 years! i absolutely love the challenge of it, &, not gonna lie, i just about do the happy dance when i get a good deal. i also love getting pieces that are different & not necessarily things from the mall that lots of people may have. for me, it’s an all around win & i know i would continue to thrift shop even if i had tons of $!!
Lauren August 3, 2012, 4:57 pm
I love thrift shopping but find it hard with a toddler. More of a Craigslister and garagesaler. And dumpster diver. Some of our toddler’s favorite toys were found at the end of someone’s driveway. Nothing a little SimpleGreen couldn’t clean.
Amanda August 3, 2012, 5:11 pm
I love thrift shopping. It’s a natural high to find treasures at Goodwill.
I have patience for about two hours to scour the racks. I’ve found some good maternity clothes there (I’m expecting), but the downside is that there is no maternity rack and everything is organized by color, so I have to really look hard! At least the finds are sweeter. 😉
Glad that you had a good time with your mamma!
Angie @ Pint of Goals August 3, 2012, 5:12 pm
I love to find a good deal! My mom also “raised” me on thrift shopping: Marshall’s, T. J. Maxx, and garage sales. Today I went shopping for books for my classroom and hit up Half Price Books and Goodwill.
Diane T. Your Auntie. August 3, 2012, 5:18 pm
Imiss those thrift days with your mom. SShe really has an eye for a buy! In nursing school, had a flea market “to die for”. So glad to se you are keeping up th tradition. Of course, back then, it wasn’t as acceptable to wear used clothes, but we supplemented our wardrobes quite niccely for being broke students. I have always furnished with “early flea market” decor. LOVE YOU .
Maria August 3, 2012, 5:22 pm
I’m not much of a thifter (admire those with the patience!), but I’m a clearance rack and sales junkie. I actually just put myself on a budget because I’ll buy anything if its on sale – even if I don’t need it or necessarily want it. A problem indeed. And I hate clutter, so it creates more problems than what its worth!

I might read through some of your old budget posts – those were great!
Gabby (Quest for Delicious) August 3, 2012, 5:23 pm
Thrift stores are rad. You can always find lots of random treasures. 🙂
Maura @ My Healthy 'Ohana August 3, 2012, 5:57 pm
Having something “new” to wear can lift your spirits a little, especially if it fits properly! My mother-in-law loves thrift stores, so I’m learning from her where to get the best deals 🙂 There’s a kids resale store right by my house, and I love that idea since you really don’t use kids items for very long!
Cristin August 3, 2012, 5:59 pm
LOVE thrift stores. I bought my boys Polo, OshKosh, and even a super cute Lacoste shirt at Goodwill this week. I don’t my going through racks to find some good deals. Some items still have tags on them!
Those hush puppies look great. Is it dinner time?!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles August 3, 2012, 6:23 pm
I used to hit up Value Village on a regular basis in high school…I need to get back in that habit!
Molly @ RDexposed August 3, 2012, 6:47 pm
I need that squash hushpuppy!
Amy Q August 3, 2012, 7:02 pm
Yup, it’s sad- boys clothes tend to be just somehow not as precious (in a way– though I have only 2 boys and wouldn’t trade them for anything!). Check out Lands End Overstock on line for cute and DURABLE boys clothes at a cheap price. Your second baby will surely wear them and we even passed them on to my sister’s two boys- who passed some of them on AGAIN!!!!
Rachel C. August 3, 2012, 7:16 pm
I LOVE thrift stores, yard sales & flea markets. Most of my clothes are bought second hand!
brooke @ sweats & sweets August 3, 2012, 7:27 pm
I love running into a Goodwill, I’ve always loved a good thrift store.
Jenn August 3, 2012, 7:32 pm
I’m also a second generation thrifter…for furniture! It’s all my mom’s fault…she’s pretty crafty when it comes to furniture and sewing things. I moved into a new place recently, and about a month before I moved, my mom found a solid wood TV hutch that was dying for a facelift at Goodwill. It was only $45! We stained it, put on new hardware, and it was still less than $100 for the whole project, start to finish. It’s my favorite thing in my new home!
Mai August 3, 2012, 7:36 pm
I try to thrift. . . but I can never find anything! I see all these bloggers with amazing finds but I always have the worst luck, lol.
The Social Eater August 3, 2012, 7:51 pm
No, but I want to be! I was just thinking that I need to stop buying new clothes and only buy used from now on.
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats August 3, 2012, 8:12 pm
I’ve never been a thrift shopper, something about the fact that other people have worn it many times weirds me out… I realize it’s completely irrational, but I can’t seem to get over it!
- Vikki August 4, 2012, 9:35 am
  Me too. I have a few hand-me-downs, but they came from people I know. Not strangers (This is completely irrational. I am aware.)
- Amber K August 4, 2012, 2:42 pm
  Same here. Even walking into a store like Goodwill makes me want to go home and take a shower. Totally ridiculous, but I can’t get over it.
- Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out August 4, 2012, 4:27 pm
  I live close to a Target distribution center. Thrift stores in my area are PACKED FULL of brand new Target merchandise. From clothes to bedding to furniture to housewares. It’s ridiculous. I always tell people that when they give me the “Ew, you were *used* clothes?” look.
  
  You never know! 🙂
  - Michele August 4, 2012, 9:09 pm
    It is kind of yucky to me to wear clothes that someone else wore. I have heard stories about bedbugs and such being found in/on thrift store clothing. I might buy something if it was new with tags on it but otherwise, I probably wouldn’t buy anything in a thrift store.
    - Michele August 4, 2012, 9:16 pm
      OK, I just realized I sounded kind of bitchy in my comment and I didn’t mean to. I just have a bit of OCD with germs and thinking about where the clothing has been kind of freaks me out. My Dad buys all his clothes at thrift stores so I am definitely not looking down on it. It just isn’t right for me.
Amy August 3, 2012, 8:42 pm
I sometimes shop in thrift stores but I want to do it more often. My mom loves it and always gets such cute clothes for under $10!
Lexi @ You, Me, & A World to See August 3, 2012, 8:42 pm
I love thrifting! The challenge of repurposing something always intrigues me 🙂
Anne August 3, 2012, 8:51 pm
Shopping in a thrift/department store enviornment totally overwhelms me. I feel like its a gene ya either got or don’t got.

That salad looks so amazing! Figs are one of my favrite foods ever but I never eat them!
Amanda K. August 3, 2012, 8:52 pm
not buying new clothes to accommodate the in-between stage was one of the hardest things i’ve ever done. i mostly wore yoga pants, though 🙂
your clothes are going to feel ah-mazing when you get back into them.
(or you’ll be like me and you’ll say, “wait a minute. it’s been 2 years since i’ve worn these clothes and now nothing i have is in style!!!”)
also.
i’ll just apologize in advance for this comment but…is it just me or do those hush puppies actually look sorta like deep-fried…puppies.
- Kris August 3, 2012, 10:11 pm
  LOL I thought the same thing about the hush puppies!
Jolene (Homespun Heritage) August 3, 2012, 8:52 pm
Just hit up Goodwill* tonight! I came out with a new skirt (to match a shirt I have) and a skirt/shirt combo…dress/skirt for the 10 yr old, 2 adorable long skirts for my 2 yr old and some other stuff! Love me some thrift shopping!
Mary Helen August 3, 2012, 9:41 pm
I LOVE thrifting, even now, when I’m way out of the “awkward” in between stage….I like to go to the thrift stores in the really good neighborhoods and have found some of my favorite clothes! It pays to be picky and go often…the best clothes for kids are in the baby section, so take advantage now…boy clothes in good condition are hard to come by the older they get!
Julia H. @ Going Gulia August 3, 2012, 10:04 pm
I’m not necessarily a thrifter, but I’m definitely a sale/clearance rack lover! Whenever I go to a mall, my goal is to get as much as I need for as little as I can spend 😛
Kris August 3, 2012, 10:14 pm
I grew up thrifting and love it! I’ve found some of the best buys and even thrifted in Germany when I lived there, and Norway when I visited. When I go home to visit, my brother and I do the thrift stores and then lunch, just like you and your mom 🙂
Bec August 4, 2012, 1:35 am
I have loved your honesty in regards to the baby weight. You are doing such a good job balancing being a first time mom and looking after your own health and wellbeing. I was just thinking the other day how some new clothes would be great for you. So glad you did that for yourself.
Lindsay Loves Veggies August 4, 2012, 1:44 am
I love thrifting with my mom! She’s the one that taught me how! Every now and then she’ll even buy me stuff when we shop together, which super rocks. LoL.

Looks like you had a great day! That Buddha bowl looks bomb! 🙂
Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) August 4, 2012, 6:47 am
I love scoring good deals at thrift shops but I don’t go nearly enough! Clara is actually in need of some 0-3 month clothes and this post has inspired me to hit up some thrift shops this weekend. 🙂
R August 4, 2012, 8:50 am
LOVE the thrift stores….. One place you may want to try is Kid to Kid in Park rd shopping center. They have TONS of baby clothes ( that look really good) and they have sales where clothes are in like dollar bin and you can also stuff a bag for one cheap price. You may want to consider signing up online for their newsletter. It usually tells you when their sales are and even has coupons every now and then.
Kelly August 4, 2012, 9:31 am
I love to buy used clothes!!! I love how jeans are already broken in and they just feel better.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin August 4, 2012, 9:42 am
You guys sound exactly like my mom and I – we love thrift shopping together! You can’t beat the prices. 😀
Vikki August 4, 2012, 9:44 am
You know, I wish you wouldn’t beat yourself up over not being able to fit into your ‘before’ clothes yet. You just had a baby 2 months ago. (60 days ago.) Every single body handles pregnancy and its aftermath differently. Think about the amazing things your body is doing (running, swimming, cycling, feeding another human being) and love it for that. If you get back into the pre-pregnancy clothes soon, that would be awesome I’m sure. But even if it never happens, you should love what your body can do. (Just my two cents.)
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy August 4, 2012, 9:54 am
That Buddha bowl looks delicious!
Corrie Anne August 4, 2012, 11:43 am
SQUASH HUSH PUPPIES!! Wow. Those look so awesome. Totally a thrifter.
OntarioGirl August 4, 2012, 12:21 pm
If you have a Once Upon a Child near you they have awesome baby clothes for really cheap as well! I’ve bought a ton from there and everytime I go in there I go crazy lol Worth checking out I think 🙂
Mel August 4, 2012, 12:40 pm
I am a HUGE thrift shopper! Literally, more then half my wardrobe is from Goodwill or Value Village. Seattle Goodwill is a goldmine if you’re willing to look through stuff!
Amber K August 4, 2012, 2:49 pm
I absolutely hate shopping for clothes. I really don’t like shopping in general. I think it was too many times as a kid having to spend what felt like days in stores.
- Vikki August 4, 2012, 4:24 pm
  Are we sisters? Every Saturday. Allow me to repeat. EVERY Saturday, my mother would drag me shopping. She wouldn’t necessarily buy anything, but we’d go along with her family and shop for hours. I’m convinced that Hell is a Hamricks on Saturday afternoon. Ugly clothes, old ladies, crowded aisles, and elevator music.
Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out August 4, 2012, 4:24 pm
Guilty. We thrifted as kids, too. I think it was b/c of financially necessity, but it never felt like it. We never felt poor. Now as an adult (that can afford whatever I want), I still thrift. I get so much more satisfaction out of telling people I paid $5 for a dress than saying I paid $100. I always tell people, too. If someone compliments my outfit I’ll say “I got it at Goodwill!” My mom says I shouldn’t tell people that. Maybe that has something to do with the fact that she *had* to shop there, and I *choose* too.
Reenie August 4, 2012, 9:33 pm
I’m not a clothes shopper thrifter….actually I’m not a clothes shopper ~ period. HA! Hate it!! But…. Estate Sales, Garage Sales, Craigslist, Goodwill, DAV…..etc. for furniture and knick-knacks ~ I’m all for that =)
Kristin August 4, 2012, 10:49 pm
Is it just me or do those hush puppies look like battered and fried moles on their backs?! It’s cracking me up. I realize that shouldn’t seem funny but I know they’re not poor little fried moles.
Keri August 5, 2012, 7:57 am
I too find shopping for myself totally draining! Ugh. But lately I’ve been feeling so blah about my clothes, and blah me=negativeselftalkbaddaysnotquiteasfriendlyandkindasicouldbe. Anyway….thanks for the inspiration. I do like thrifting. Might be a good Sunday afternoon activity post hiking!
Mikaella August 18, 2012, 6:21 pm
Have you ever heard of Bellabands (http://www.ingridandisabel.com/category/ingrid-isabel-catalog/bellaband)? I’m only in my second trimester, but they’ve helped me postpone having to buy maternity clothes and they are supposed to help get you back into regular clothes sooner. I’m sure there are other brands out there, this is just the kind I have.

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