Wednesday, March 17, 2010

A Thrifty Mama Comes Clean



"Where did you get your daughter's shoes?

The question from another mom caught me off guard as I was in the hallway of the YMCA getting my daughter ready for her dance class. For a split second I almost said, "Target". For that is the brand of shoe that my daughter was wearing.

But that is not where I bought the shoes. "I bought them at the new thrift store on Market Street" I said shyly at first, but by the end of the sentence, very confidently.

Yes, I just admitted to another mom that I bought my daughter's shoes at a thrift store. For justification I added, "they looked brand new and I only paid $3". And the truth was they did look brand new and they were only $3. At this point another mom chimed in, "they look like Target's shoes" and I admitted that they were Target's Circo brand. And then the conversation turned back to the subject at hand, dance class.

But I couldn't stop thinking about how I just admitted to a hallway full of moms that I shop at a thrift store. And no one flinched. I'm not sure what or if any of the other mother's gave the quick conversation a second thought, but it gave me confidence and honestly I don't think I will ever hesitate again to admit that I bought something at a thrift store.

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Posted by Family Balance Sheet at 9:00 PM
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10 comments:

  1. I don't hesitate any longer when another mom askes me where my children get their clothes, shoes, etc... I used to think that if someone knew I shopped at the Goodwill, Salvation Army, or any other kind of second hand shop then I would be labeled uber cheap or poor. While we are not "poor" we are also not setting the world on fire finacially and I refuse to pay full price for some childrens clothing! If I wouldn't pay that much for myself why would I pay alot of money for my children to ruin a good pair of shoes???
    Anyhoo, some of the best deals and cutest things can be found at a second hand store even for adults. In my "previous life" as a working mom I found name brand petite dresses for waaaaay cheap. Now I wear them to church, but the fact that I didn't have to pay full price (there's no WAY I would have even darkened the doorway of the store) I am happy with the purchase.
    I often try to encourage other moms (who will listen and aren't too stuck up) to try a local Goodwill or second hand. Have you noticed that some second hand stores have become a little more pricey since they realize alot of families shop in them? There is one in particular that I am thinking of that sells name-brand childrens clothing and toys who will jack up the prices of childrens clothing because they feel they are the only ones with great name brand clothing you don't have to pay full price for. Well, if I can get the same t-shirt new at the actual clothing store when it's one sale and it's price is the same as you have in your store, why would I shop for a used one? That is something I try to watch out for.
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  2. I think it's great! I have a friend who lives in a multi-million dollar neighborhood and she and I go garage sale-ing together. Even mom's with lots of money like to save:)
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  3. I love shopping at thrift stores. I can't buy shoes there though. But that is just my personal hangup concerning feet. Otherwise, I'd do so in a heartbeat. I have a girlfriend that is so awesome at finding deals in yard sales and thrift stores. I wish I were as talented as she is. One day! I'm working on it.
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  4. If those are the shoes, they are super cute! Any little girl would love those sparkles :)
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  5. Good for you! Last year I found some really cute rain boots at a consignment store =)
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  6. I bought my daughter the same pair (only red) last year at a garage sale.They are her favorite shoes!
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  7. Be proud! You are being a good steward of the resources God has blessed you with!
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  8. People are amazed at the finds I get at thrift stores that Im not ashamed anymore. :D
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  9. You should be proud you are using your money wisely! I proudly tell everyone we shop at Goodwill, Thrift Stores and $1 Consignment Sales. Just think of all the money you are saving!
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  10. I'm guessing you either made the other moms feel good about their own thrift purchases, or made them think "Man! Why didn't I think of that?!"
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