Goodwill Finds

I had to swing by Goodwill last night while I was out running some errands. I didn't buy anything, but today I'm wishing I bought a thick, heart-shaped, glass bowl that was $1. It would have looked so cute around Valentine's Day with M&Ms or kisses in it. I could go back after work today, but I'll have to see.

I did remember to bring my camera and my battery actually had some life in it this time. You CAN find cute things at Goodwill. I found a dark denim skirt from Gap's 1969 collection for $4.

It honestly looked brand new.

There were some pants from Ann Taylor Loft.

They felt like they'd never been through the washer or dryer (in a good, new-ish sort of way).
They also had lots of brand new dresses that would be worthy of a formal or a wedding.
I'd be very interested to know how these ever made it to Goodwill. There were so many that you could probably dress your whole wedding party. The tags were still attached!

Of course, it wouldn't be Goodwill without a dress like this stuck in the rack.

Although this could be the foundation of a fantastic Halloween costume.

I made a quick run through the shoe area while holding my breath. It stinks back there. I would NOT recommend buying shoes at Goodwill unless they look brand spanking new and can be wiped off with a Lysol wipe (like jellies or rain boots). I might buy shoes for an infant if they were irresistible because you know they didn't get much wear and how gross can a tiny foot be?

Plus, you find things stashed in the wrong departments all the time. Look at this adorable swimsuit I found in the shoes.
It was so cute and ... the best part ... brand new.
I'm looking forward to welcoming a couple babies next summer, but I don't know yet if they'll be needing frilly suits or manly swim trunks. Wait, I just re-read that sentence and I must clarify these are friends' babies. No twins for this girl.

For those of you who have never set foot in a Goodwill, let me prepare you. Goodwill is gross. I feel that expectations will make or break almost any experience so I want to be clear. It is not glamourous to shop at thrift stores.

When I go to browse (or dig) I wear clothes that can be washed in hot water. I have anti-bacterial hand gel ready for use. I do not touch my eyes, nose, or mouth while in the store and I sequester any purchases I bring into my home from mingling with the rest of my belongings until they have been washed, wiped or run through the dishwasher.

Thrift stores are often not well organized (see swimsuit in shoe department above). Nobody will ask you if need any help (like any decent mall store), let you know what the specials are (Bath & Body Works-style), start a fitting room for you (Ann Taylor's the best) or offer you something to drink (I miss you, Harold's).

It is not unusual to enter a fitting room and find that there aren't any hooks in the wall, only small holes where hooks used to serve a purpose. Mirrors can often have a wavy, funhouse quality which makes it awfully difficult to decide if it's the pants or take-out dinners that are causing this unfortunate situation.

While I am a fan of thrift stores I will have to say there are two areas to avoid at all costs:
and dressing rooms that look like this:
Be safe out there.