Is that not gorgeous? The bright colors, the differing textures, the big buckle–all of these make for such a gorgeous purse. I have seen these Lucky brand purses for prices ranging from $150 to over $200 for the leather patchwork styles, so I was thrilled to find this at a local consignment store for $30 this weekend!  Here is a slightly closer view of the great colors:

I have been trying to spend less money, but this was such a great deal, I couldn’t pass it up. And, really, it makes me ridiculously happy to look at it, which I think makes it worth the money.

I got this at a used clothing store for teenagers, Plato’s Closet. My daughter got new jeans and t-shirts, and a purse of her own, too. We also stopped in at the Once Upon a Child next door to get my nine year old some pants. I love these stores for good quality clothes that we might not otherwise be able to afford. They have a lot of name brands that my daughter likes, like Aeropostale, for much less than new, but they are in good shape. I tell my daughter we could buy new stuff, but she can get many more items used, and she is on board with that idea!

I find it harder to find good stuff for me used, since adults don’t grow out of their clothes as often as quick growing kids. However, I have been thinking that it would be a good idea to start hitting the occasional thrift store for other items. This is especially true when I think of things that are hard to find new anyway. For instance, I would really love a set of the brightly colored aluminum glasses my grandmother had when I was a kid. I am also thinking about hitting Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore for home and art projects.

I like buying used things for the money saved, but also because it keeps things out of landfills. I really do hate throwing things away. Don’t get me wrong, I am not a hoarder, not anymore than most people with a storage room in the basement and kids, but I just hate the idea of throwing stuff out to rot (or not rot, as the case may be.) I started composting before I had a garden, because I just couldn’t stand throwing food away, for example.  I recycle a lot, and I am so glad to live in a community that does single stream recycling to make it easy for me. I try to use things until they really are no good, and if I really want to get rid of something with some use in it, I try to donate it, either to someone I know, or to Good Will. I think that checking to see if I can find used things before I buy new is a crucial part of this effort, too.

Do you do a lot of thrift store shopping? I have seen some amazing finds on various blogs out there, but I also know they can be few and far between. Any tips on finding the best deals? My biggest stumbling block is lack of time to search, which I know is the biggest aid in finding the good stuff. Let me know what you do, please!