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Shopping with Sarah – Thrift Shop Stylist

by Sarah Fechtel 1 Comment

Yes, you can be fashionable and thrifty all at the same time! Thrift store shopping is how I score just about every stylish item in my closet from a pair of awesome silver heels to designer label jeans that have been barely worn. Getting past the “someone used it” part is tough, but when you learn how to make the most of your shopping experience, you can be frugal and turn heads while rocking the latest looks.

Express. American Eagle. Coach. Ah, there are so many incredible opportunities to spend money out there! And girls, we all know the unspoken law: to be fashionable is a must, thrifty … eh, not so much. Let’s face it, we’re girls! thrift shop dealsIt’s Saturday, and you’ve just gotten your first paycheck from Panera. You jump into your mom’s minivan and head to the mall, bounce past Limited Too (Wow. Throwback!) and suddenly, you see it: that $239.99 designer jeans, lacy blouse and cardigan trio with the unmistakable Anthropologie tags. Wearing such an award winning array should automatically boost you to at least the outermost orbit of the popular group at school. You swallow a squeal and bounce inside. Within the space of 30 minutes, you’ve just spent your first paycheck. After two more weeks of the same routine, you finally realize that money cannot indefinitely be invested in silky threads and stiletto heels, but should be wisely earned, managed and spent (or given away. Hey now, that’s a novel idea!).

thrift shop deals

Goodwill is amazing…you can actually afford these heels!

So are fashionability and frugality mutually exclusive? Does one have to be stylish and poor or dumpy and (relatively) rich? Sister, I am tickled pink to tell you “Absolutely not!” Beginning a few years ago, I started to buy my own clothes. Throughout my childhood and teenage years, I had never received an allowance. My father was the owner of a successful company, but taught us the value of money by making us work for it, rather than rely on an allowance. I was also taught that money ultimately came from God, and that when I earned or was gifted money, I essentially became the “steward” of those funds. Just in case you aren’t sure what that archaic word means, here’s a thrift shop dealsdefinition: a person who manages another’s property or financial affairs; one who administers anything as the agent of another or others. OK, ok. Don’t freak out—you aren’t required to now clothe yourselves economically in tatters and rags (although some jean styles call rags to mind). However, we are supposed to handle what God has given us wisely.  And that just makes sense doesn’t it?  Even if you are not a person of faith, it would be silly for you to be frivolous in your spending – why not make the most of what you have and shop smart by going to garage sales/goodwill/etc.?  As a Christian I believe that God expects me to be a good steward and that makes it that much more important to me to spend wisely.

thrift shop deals“C’mon Sarah, I already know all of this.” Well, maybe you do! But you are still reading this post, which means you aren’t completely mad at me for reminding you again of this important truth. So, let’s talk fashion. Well, wait. I’m going to preach again.

 

Never think that you are too “good” for Goodwill.

The Salvation Army can really become your fashion “salvation.”

Garage-saling may sound daunting, but can be super rewarding.

Yes, your friend’s clothes may look better on you!

 
At this point, you may be suppressing your gag reflex or scratching your head going “But, how can I create an outfit out of random garage-sale pickings, or castoffs from my bff?” The answer to that question far exceeds one post, but I hope to have shaken your world and perhaps gotten those creative juices flowing.

thrift shop deals

Our very own personal stylist – Sarah!

Yes, you can be fashionable and thrifty all at the same time! Thrift store shopping is how I score just about every stylish item in my closet from a pair of awesome silver heels to designer label jeans that have been barely worn. Getting past the “someone used it” part is tough, but when you learn how to make the most of your shopping experience, you can be frugal and turn heads while rocking the latest looks.

Keep an eye out for my next post! Over the course of a few blog posts a month, I’ll show you some examples of my personal finds, explain how you can begin to hunt out those amazing deals, and provide practical tips on how to find absolute gems amongst 80’s warmups and granny suits.

Share the Wealth!

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I’ve got a big dance coming up, which means I’ve gone shopping for the perfect gown at an affordable price. Luckily, I managed to have some good luck in the most unlikely thrifty store: Macy’s! While I may have found my dream dance dress at Macy’s, I go through a whole process when searching for thrifty clothing. Here’s how you can get started with homecoming dress or prom gown shopping if you’re looking to save.Shopping with Sarah – The Starting PointiOS 7iOS 7 Features – The Best Buy With MikeLooking for affordable Christmas gifts? Here are some ideas and tips on how to keep costs down at the holidays for teenagers!Affordable Christmas Gifts

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Hi guys, I’m Eva!

Welcome to TeensGotCents, my name is Eva Baker and I founded this site when I was sixteen. I'm a complete money nerd and I love helping teens learn how money works. Also, I watch too much Netflix. Although I still have a lot to learn about personal finance I hope you will use my successes and failures to help reach your own goals whether you want to go to college debt free, get a part time job, work on a fun DIY project that will save you money or just read about ways you can learn to manage your money well as a teen. So glad you're here! Read more about my story here.

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