Things You Should Consider Buying Secondhand

In high school I bought t-shirts at the Thrift store (and occasionally I still do, hello favorite Texas/Grandpa t-shirt), in college I took a brief stance against excessive consumerism by only shopping secondhand for my clothing, and now in "the real world"/life post-college as I begin modestly furnishing my home and living my life, I've realized how much stuff I use and how other people are using just as much. So why not save a few of my hard-earned dollars and give new life to someone's discarded items? I can't think of a good reason not to.

So here is my list of (in no particular order) ...

Things You Should Consider Buying Secondhand:

• Clothing - There is nothing quite like getting a compliment on something you're wearing that you paid $3 for at Goodwill. Fact. I don't go to Goodwill if I want to try a new trend or something, but I love to browse their goodies once a month or so. I have a policy though - I browse quickly and if it didn't grab my attention when I walked by, it probably isn't worth my $3. Also, although my favorite business-friendly black dress came from Goodwill, there are several wardrobe staples that I recommend picking up at a regular store - the LBD, the fitted pencil skirt, the white button down, the khaki or black pants, the pointed-toe black heels, etc. 

• Furniture - Unless you need it immediately I recommend you scope secondhand places! For example, right now I'm looking for a not-so-bulky loveseat for my new apartment and I've been a Goodwill and Craigslist junkie in the search. I'm especially fond of buying furniture secondhand because not only do you get a great price, but you have no guilt about reclaiming and reinventing that piece of furniture! Paint it to match your space, change the knobs, reupholster it, etc!

• Decorations - I essentially have all the same points to make here as I just did regarding furniture. And specifically - secondhand frames are way cooler.
  

• Jewelry - Don't expect to find real-deal diamonds and pearls for great prices, but for nifty everyday pieces, definitely scope out the thrift shop! Earrings? Be sure to disinfect though!

• Books - If you're just looking for something good to read, hit up a local thrift shop or check out a secondhand book store (dedicated Half Price Books girl right here). If you've got something certain in mind, HPB usually has a good selection, but you can also buy used books online at places like Amazon.

• DVDs - My boyfriend might die if he reads this, but if you're not too passionate about movies and don't mind a scratched disc and an occasional skip, browse through the stack at the secondhand store! You could find some great older films you forgot you loved for just a few pretty pennies!

• Kitchen Items - I can thank my mom for turning me on to this. Hello really cool mugs, plates, servingware, etc at secondhand places! Unless you're looking for a matching set (which you can even find sometimes). Electric items are hit or miss at secondhand places, but pots and pans abound! This is a great option for young people like me furnishing their first kitchen!

• Tools - Any tools, all tools! Not all secondhand places have a good selection, but scope it out! If you just need a sander for this one project you might be able to find one for cheap! It's all about taking a second to look!

• Little kids clothes, shoes, toys, etc. - Okay, I don't have a kid, but I'm just saying - kids grow fast and lose interest quickly. Why spend extra money on new stuff for them? Just disinfect it if they'll drool on it!

• Anything - Just go look!

I found a great find yesterday but haven't gotten a chance to snap a picture yet! I'm also heading to Flower Child in the Short North of Columbus today to scope the furniture, so there is definitely going to be a photo post to follow!

Enjoy the sunshine as it melts the last of the snow and let me know - What are some of your favorite secondhand finds?!