2024-01-07T10:56:42-05:00

Here are some of my favorite quotes about thrift shopping that I love!

January 7, 2024/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

Happy New Year! I wanted to share with you some of my favorite quotes on thrift shopping! I hope that you enjoy them!

Thrift shopping is all about going into the thrift shop and having no expectation of what you might find.

My mom passed on her obsession of all things antique or vintage. I love to go thrift store shopping or explore any sort of garage sale. Treasure hunting is a family passion.

Zoey Deutch

Thrift shopping is really just an extension of me being that same kid and going into a place that’s completely unconventional that has really endless possibilities in terms of outfits that you can put together and really just expressing yourself.

Macklemore

I love thrift shopping. You can get ten things because everything costs, like, three dollars.

Lorde

I might wear skinny pants one day; I might wear thrift shop pants the next day.

Post Malone

I am a theater girl, and a lot of theater girls dress however pleases them. I wear whatever looks good on me. I wear what I wear because I have been shopping at thrift stores since I was five.

Kirsten Vangsness

The whole thing of clothes is insane. You can spend a dollar on a jacket in a thrift store. And you can spend a thousand dollars on a jacket in a shop. And if you saw those two jackets walking down the street, you probably wouldn’t know which was which.

Helen Mirren

Thank you, Brainy Quote, for the above quotes!

And here are three more:

Natalie Joos
On her advice for new vintage shoppers: “Never shop for something specific. Just browse. Don’t expect to find what you were looking for. It never works. Either go for cool pieces that stand out and are unique (you will keep them longer) or go for the big designer pieces that will last you a lifetime. Don’t buy things you know you will dispose of. Try stuff on. Vintage was made for smaller people. But don’t be afraid to buy things too big. Alterations are common when buying vintage. You don’t want to miss a cool piece just because it’s too big. Too small is not recommended!” —Elle, February 2013

Winona Ryder
“Most of my wardrobe is vintage and I’ve worn dresses to the Oscars that I got for $10. At Sean Penn’s last Haiti gala I wore this vintage dress that I’d worn to a film premiere in 2005. I know that’s kind of a no-no in the fashion world, but why wear something just once if you love it?” —Red, April 2014

Tracee Ellis Ross
“I buy a lot of vintage because, well, it’s AMAZING! And truthfully you can get great stuff for not a lot of money. I have a passion for vintage clothing because of the quality and uniqueness of the pieces (you don’t really have to worry about showing up in the same outfit as someone else). To update some of my vintage finds or sometimes just to make them fit, I have the help of a fabulous seamstress and dressmaker, Daniela Kurrle. She really is stupendous and our collaborations have resulted in some of my favorite dresses in my closet.” —her site, February 2013

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

The Turnover Shop in Wilton, Connecticut – I can’t wait to go back!

March 29, 2023March 29, 2023/ToniOnThrifting.com/3 Comments

What makes The Turnover Shop different from other thrift shops is that they consign clothes as well as sell donated clothes. This makes The Turnover Shop a well-visited destination for thrift shop lovers. Located in the center of Wilton, CT, and open six days a week, Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 1 PM, it continually gains popularity and has a high turnover rate. They carry a full line of women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing, shoes, antiques, housewares, games, books, jewelry, and small furnishings.

I went through racks and racks of clothing and found a beautiful sweater, jacket, and a couple of other household items, and I spent at most $30. They also happened to have a phenomenal sale, which made it easy. The shoe selection alone was too tempting, not to mention the jewelry and accessories. I know I was not alone because the store was crowded during my visit.

I had the pleasure of speaking to Sharon Sobel, the President of the Turnover Shop. She told me that what makes the Turnover Shop special is that customers who consign can donate the proceeds of their sales to a non-profit of their choice if that organization opens a consignment account to receive the funds. It is a great way to support a favorite local charity. The Turnover Shop donates proceeds from their store sales to many organizations, such as the PTA of Wilton, Visiting Nurse & Hospice, CT Humane Society, and ABC House, to name a few. All the volunteers love working at the Turnover Shop and look forward to their shifts there. I had a lovely visit with Sharon and saw the store. You can see that they have a very loyal customer base, and people are happy to shop there and are friendly with the staff.

Here is some history from their website: Founded over 75 years ago by a group of volunteers dedicated to serving the community’s needs, The Turnover has kept that tradition of service and generosity alive as we have evolved to help each generation. Our hard work reflects every lifestyle and fashion, and our current team of over 130 volunteers remains committed to the prospect of always being creative and innovative. Thousands of satisfied customers continue to validate their hard work.

A visit to the Turnover Shop should be on your must-see thrift shop list.

The Turnover Shop

98 Old Ridgefield Road

Wilton, CT 06897

Phone: 203.762.3160

Monday – Friday – 10 AM to 4 PM

Saturday – 10 AM to 1 PM

The New Canaan Thrift Shop is nothing short of amazing!

August 26, 2022December 20, 2022/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

The New Canaan Thrift Shop is remarkable, impressive, and unique in many ways. It is not just impressive because I found one of my all-time favorite bargains ($65), a Pottery Barn bedspread for a fraction of the cost. The quilt was something I had wanted for a while but was not willing to spend the $300 to buy it new. It was in excellent, nearly new condition, and I am thrilled with this purchase. It is also remarkable because every time I go there, The New Canaan Thrift Shop has a wide variety of merchandise that is nothing short of amazing. I commend the volunteers on the eye-catching displays and the boutique feel of the shop.

They have three levels and carry men’s, women’s, shoes, teens, children’s, babies, and toddlers’ clothes. They have an office section, a pet corner, luggage, linens, housewares and beautiful crystal, dinnerware, and serveware. Their clothes are reasonably priced for the names that you are getting. They carry Vineyard Vines, McLaughlin, Tory Burch, Coach, Ralph Lauren, and many other high-quality clothing brands, and their sales are great.

They have a fantastic selection of toys, games, puzzles, and children’s books. Their unique sports section contains golf clubs, skis, snowboards, lacrosse sticks, tennis racquets, ice skates, and other sports equipment – all good quality for a fraction of what you would pay in a sporting goods store.

What is impressive about the New Canaan Thrift Shop is that all the proceeds support the patient care Fund of Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County, a member of the Waveny Lifecare Network. As someone whose family used hospice when my mom was sick, I know how incredible, compassionate, and kind the hospice community is. I am in awe of the New Canaan Thrift Shop for supporting and helping their community with their proceeds. While at the thrift shop, I was happy to meet with Stella Clarke, the Executive Director of Community Engagement and Volunteering. Stella is an extraordinary woman devoted to the Waveny Care Network and its mission to help families at the most challenging time of their lives. I commend Stella, Ulrike (Store Manager), and all the dedicated volunteers I met.

The history of the New Canaan Thrift Shop is fascinating. While 2 Locust Ave is not its original location, the building they are in now has quite a history. It was constructed in 1840 by prohibitionist Joseph Scofield. He wanted to lease the building to the Young Men’s Total Abstinence Society. That did not work as planned, as the movement did not go very far. And in 1856, Scofield sold the building to Russell Hall, who sold coffins and furniture, and for years, it was known as “The Old Morgue,” as it is historically known in New Canaan. The building was sold, and fast forward to 1928 when the building was sold to the Veterans Club. In 1930, The Visiting Nurse Association volunteer Thrift Shop was founded to raise funds to support the charitable mission by selling used clothing. So here we are almost a hundred years later, and they are still going strong and more vital than ever.

The New Canaan Thrift Shop is well worth a visit!

New Canaan Thrift Shop (https://www.loc8nearme.com/connecticut/new-canaan/new-canaan-thrift-shop/7027323/)

2 Locust Ave.

New Canaan, CT 06840

(203) 966-2361

Monday to Friday 12 pm – 4 pm

Saturday 9 am – 1 pm

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!!

August 17th is National Thrift Shop Day

August 16, 2022August 16, 2022/ToniOnThrifting.com/1 Comment

August 17th is National Thrift Shop Day. We all know that I think it should be a national holiday. I love my thrift shopping – both shopping and writing about it. Why do people love thrift shopping? Why do I love thrift shopping? The thrill of the hunt is looking for that great find. The chance to create your style and make a fashion statement. The ability to save money by not shopping in expensive department stores. Secondhand and vintage clothes are better quality than today’s fast fashion. Even thrift stores have sales. Help your community by supporting local thrift shops that use their proceeds to help people in their communities. It gives you a chance to keep updating your wardrobe at reasonable prices. If you dislike a purchase, you can donate it right back.

Most importantly, by thrift shopping, you are saving the planet and keeping clothes out of landfills. These are just some of the reasons why we all love thrift shopping. I have been thrift shopping for over forty years, and it brings me great joy and is my passion. There is no better way to enjoy a few hours than by going to a thrift shop and just looking through all the racks hoping to find those unique pieces that I will buy and love for years to come.

Happy National Thrift Shop Day!!

Thank you for reading – if you like my blogs, please like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/tonionthrifting/

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!

Fabulous Fashions and Consignments in Oxford, CT – what a wonderful surprise!

September 25, 2018/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

I came across Fabulous Fashions and Consignments in Oxford, Connecticut while I was on my way to visit family — what a wonderful surprise it was. It is stores like this that always surprise me the most. Jam packed with women’s clothing and accessories and a huge kitchen in the back filled with household goods. Great selections with plenty of good quality vintage. Actually the vintage pieces that I looked at were exceptional and priced accordingly. The day I was there, I came across some excellent sales. Summer shoes were $3.00, shorts and capris starting at $1.00, and dresses for $5.00. They carry the better labels in women’s clothing and all sizes including plus sizes. They have an extensive accessories department and one well worth visiting if you are in that area. The handbag selections were abundant and priced to sell.

I absolutely loved the jewelry selection.

I look forward to my next trip to see all their Fall fashions.

If you are in the area, I highly recommend!

Fabulous Fashions and Consignment
23 Oxford Rd., (Rte. 67)
Oxford, Connecticut 06478
(203) 828-6222

Hours:
Tuesday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm
Saturday& Sunday 9 am – 3 pm

My Sister’s Place in Ansonia, CT – so much to tell and it’s all great!

August 15, 2018August 16, 2018/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

When I first walked in to My Sister’s Place in Ansonia, Connecticut it reminded me of just how much I love thrift shopping especially when it benefits those desperately in need. My Sister’s Place is not only a top-notch thrift store that has a GREAT selection of merchandise; the best part is that all proceeds support BHcare’s The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

There is so much to tell you about. First, the store. All the merchandise is meticulously laid out which in itself is quite impressive. They have a wide variety of stock and it is all in size order which makes it even easier to shop and that much more enjoyable browsing. They have men, women, children’s clothing, and shoes. Also, they carry appliances, housewares, furniture, toys, and other items at more than fair prices. All merchandise is in new or nearly new condition. They carry both regular and high-end merchandise. I did not see one item that I thought was overpriced and all pricing was in line for what the better thrift stores are charging.

I hope that my pictures tell the story of what a great shop this is.

I was able to score two brand new One World tops with tags on for $12 each plus a brand spanking new Talbot’s sundress with tags on for ONLY $22 (retail tag was $129). Also, A long beige cardigan (new) for $10 and a couple other miscellaneous items, all at excellent prices. Now I don’t know about you, but we thrifters consider that a great haul!

And you MUST check out their online store. https://supportumbrella.org/. They have quite the selection. Never underestimate online thrift stores, there are always good surprises especially for collectors! They are on Ebay too at ebay.com/usr/mysistersplace203

And now for the fun info:

My Sister’s Place is having Flea Market Flip on October 14, 2018 where you can meet Mark DeVito, Master Craftsman from HGTV’s Flea Market Flip!

My Sister’s Place Flea Market Flip is a fun, creative twist on recycling or upcycling similar to the HGTV show with the same name, Flea Market Flip. Proceeds from each item will be benefit The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services. Individual participants or teams of two must purchase their flip item(s) at MSP for $50 or less by September 30. Registration forms are available at the store and must be completed at the time of purchase. No more than $50 may be spent on repurposing/upcycling the item(s). Receipts must be shown when submitting the repurposed item. The Flea Market Flip Rules are on their website at http://bhcare.org/page/29568.
October 14, 2018
11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Ansonia Armory
25 N Cliff Street
Ansonia, CT

The proceeds from My Sister’s Place go to The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services (UCDVS) which is dedicated to increasing awareness of domestic violence and its effect on the community, empowering those victimized by providing advocacy and safe and effective services, and to working for social change to eliminate domestic violence. UCDVS provides services for victims and their children at two sites located in Ansonia and East Haven. All services offered are free of charge and confidential. Services support 170 different languages 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

PLEASE — when you are in the Ansonia area, you must stop in, I promise it will be worth it and I hope you enjoy your visit as much as I enjoyed mine. The staff is phenomenal — all volunteers and for such a worthy cause.

My Sister’s Place is located at 380 Main Street, Ansonia, CT.
Phone:
203-734-2960
Store Hours:
Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs., Fri. & Sat – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sun. – 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Here is the website which has even more information – http://bhcare.org/page/16633

If you enjoyed this blog, please like my Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/tonionthrifting/

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!

Something Special Vintage Thrift in Wilton, CT – WOW!

January 16, 2018February 7, 2018/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

When I first walked into Something Special Vintage Thrift Store for Our Lady of Fatima School I thought wow – it was worth the one hour drive! Something Special Vintage Thrift Shop is a hidden Wilton gem, tucked away in a white house behind Our Lady of Fatima School. They carry a fabulous collection of vintage and antique finds and at prices that are rock bottom.

In one cabinet in the second room, they had large pieces of matelassé designer quality fabric for $5.00 per piece– one piece had to be at least two yards! If I ever have seat cushions to reupholster, I will come here first for the fabric. In a curio cabinet in the front was a Lladró six inch bride and groom figurine that sold for $6.00 right in front of me – when Something Special says that they price things to sell fast, they are not kidding! What completely blew me away was a record cabinet that was in the front room that was spectacular. After checking it out, all it really needed was a new plug and a little polish and it would look even more amazing! And wait for it….. the price was $25.00. Can you believe it?? Look at the pictures. (I doubt it is still there sadly.)

I found a bookshelf that I was quite happy with – what I was ecstatic about was that it was all wood and $15.00. I have included the before and after pictures.

If you are redecorating or just want to spruce up a room, this is definitely a place that you would want to stop in if you are in the Wilton, CT area – I personally think it is worth traveling to.

From their Facebook page:

“It is an artistic inspiration for the decorators of today and the artists of tomorrow. If you are looking for something in particular, we can help you find it. All proceeds go towards education for the kids.”

The Something Special is only open on Saturday and Sundays from 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm. It is a volunteer-run thrift shop, where 100-percent of the proceeds benefit The OLF School.

Something Special Vintage Thrift

225 Danbury Road

Something Special is located up the drive on the south side of the Our Lady of Fatima School at 225 Danbury Road in Wilton, CT.

Wilton, CT

(203) 762-8100

Hours are Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!

August 17th is National Thrift Shopping Day

August 16, 2017/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

August 17^th is National Thrift Shopping Day. Most thrift stores celebrate with significant discounts.

Why shop at thrift stores? According to the U.S. EPA, a whopping 85% of all discarded textiles – 13 million – end up in landfills every year. Plus textiles and decomposing clothing release methane, not to mention the dyes and chemicals in the fabrics that can saturate the soil. Let’s recycle folks, donate to local thrift shops, your local Goodwill, Salvation Army, Humane Society, local hospital or church thrift shops– there are so many GREAT charities that NEED your donations. The money that these charities raise through their thrift shops help countless others gain a better quality of life and protect out little four legged friends. I think that is one of the best reasons to donate along with reducing our carbon footprint. Plus think of all the people that are able to clothe themselves and their families at a deeply discounted price. I think it is a win-win.

I just happen to LOVE thrift shopping for so many reasons. I love helping the environment and I like trying new styles at a fraction of the cost – if I don’t like it, I just wash the clothes and donate them right back. The key to thrift shopping is patience. If you have some time and go through the racks, you would be surprised at what you can find. You can’t go to a thrift shop think I need a little black dress and expect to find one in one visit BUT if you go to the RIGHT thrift shops, you may just find one. For example, I always say if you want something formal or fancy, try City Opera and Vintage Thrift East in the 23^rd St area of NYC. With these two stores, there is a good chance especially with a freshly stocked store – you can put together a great outfit. If you are in the Connecticut area, Stamford Goodwill is one of my favorites as well, their dress section is fabulous. Don’t be afraid to ask when they put out the “new” stock – it sometimes is Wednesday/Thursday in preparation for the weekend. I am also learning to create my own styles. I once found a beautiful black ankle length sequined duster and I paired it with straight legged pants and a clingy top and I received oodles of compliments and it was something that I might not have necessarily worn in prior years. It ended up being a favorite outfit for special occasions.

Life is complicated and chaotic at times and I find when I go thrift shopping I get such enjoyment out of finding that very special addition to my wardrobe at quite the price. I find it calming and relaxing and a great way to emerge myself in something that brings me great joy. I have also met some pretty incredible people along the way.

I look forward to telling you about my thrift shop visits – I have visited quite a few over the summer and I can’t wait to share my findings with you.

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!

AS SEEN ON HGTV – Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market in New Milford, CT

August 17, 2016August 8, 2019/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

There are all different kinds of buyers at the Elephant’s Trunk Flea market in New Milford, CT. There are the super-early bird buyers who go in at 4:45 am for a $40 admission price. Then there are the early bird buyers who can start their treasure hunting experience by 5:45 a.m. and up until 7 a.m. for a $20 admission. And last but not least, there is lil ole me and anyone who waltzed in just after 7 for a $2.00 admission fee.

Elephant Trunk’s Flea Market has gained enormous popularity after appearing in many episodes of “Flea Market Flip” with Lara Spencer on HGTV. I definitely understand why people would pay to get in early, this place is paradise for anyone who loves flea markets and/ or if you are looking for some DIY projects and need some items to start. This is a great place to find something simple and turn it into something spectacular or just find something unique.

There are some really amazing food trucks. I heard the mini donuts should not be missed. There is quite a bit to choose from – anywhere from breakfast foods and sandwiches to lunchtime hamburgers, hotdogs and they have lots of sweets for those with a sweet tooth.

This place has anything and everything you can think of when it comes to vintage merchandise. They have tons of furniture that you can easily bring home and transform into a unique masterpiece. They have furniture that can just be brought home and placed in a special spot all ready to be enjoyed. They have vintage jewelry, handbags, clothing, signs, home décor, coins, shoes, kitchen appliances, kitchen accessories, chairs, rockers, lamps, clocks, planters, toys, collectibles, and so, so much more. This place is definitely a treasure hunter’s paradise. And just as an added plus, all vendors are eager to sell for a reasonable price so don’t be afraid to speak up if you want something, vendors are willing to bargain. Also, please note that because the vendors are there so early, some start packing up early too. I suggest you get there early to have the whole experience (and make sure you get some decent parking). Things start packing up around 2 p.m. when they stop charging admission. Also, bring cash otherwise you might lose out on a great buy!

I hope that the pictures help you understand just what a great experience this is or just tune into HGTV and catch an episode of “Flea Market Flip” that takes place at Elephant’s Trunk and all the treasures that you can find.

They are open on Sundays from April through December and have over 500 vendors.

490 Danbury Rd
New Milford, CT 06776
Phone number (860) 355-1448

UNTIL NEXT TIME, HAPPY SHOPPING!!

ToniOnThrifting – The First Year

May 24, 2016January 22, 2017/ToniOnThrifting.com/Leave a comment

My dream blog has become a reality. It has been an amazing year (plus). Thanks to some great publicity from the very popular blog, Struck By Wanderlust (https://struckbywanderlustblog.wordpress.com), my blog has been read in over 26 countries including Australia, Israel, and Greece to name a few. Outside of the U.S., the UK folks seem to be reading my blog the most :). My blogs have been viewed well over 4,000 times and the numbers keep growing. The most popular blog was on the Humane Society of New Rochelle. They posted my blog on their Facebook page and it went through the roof. The most popular day to read my blog is Tuesday and the most popular hour is 9 p.m. (Thank you WordPress for all the great stats.) Please note I am posting on Tuesday but not at 9 p.m. 🙂

Thrift Shopping has been steadily increasing over the past few years for many reasons. People who want to have a unique/individual style start thrifting to create these styles. Vintage clothing is hugely popular right now and trending. People are very cost conscious as well especially when it comes to clothing and they find thrifting a good alternative. Most importantly, by reselling and recycling clothing, you are helping the planet.

Goodwill has been evolving and introduced “boutique shopping” and opened their newest boutique in Union Square last year. Reselling websites like Real Real, Tradesy and Thred Up are thriving. Consignment shops are more popular than ever especially in the high end handbag and accessory category. The luxury handbag category is an exceptionally competitive market. In 2014 alone, revenues for the thrift store industry were close to $9 billion

I know a couple of people that buy used items at thrift stores and resell on eBay. They buy top brand name shirts, blouses and jeans at shops like St. Bart’s for a few bucks and then resell on eBay for anywhere from $10.00 to $20.00 depending on the quality, brand, etc. and what they paid.

I take great joy in finding new thrift shops, visiting my “regulars” and buying new outfits or something for the house. So whatever you desire, whether to shop for yourself or shop to make money, I hope that you enjoy my blogs; they are truly a labor of love.

THANK YOU FOR MAKING A DREAM COME TRUE!!

Here is the link to Struck by Wanderlust:

https://struckbywanderlustblog.wordpress.com/

Also check out Michael in the City on Struck By Wanderlust

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!

P.S. Feedback always welcome .

ToniOnThrifting

ToniOnThrifting – Thrift Shopping Made Simple

Category: Connecticut

Here are some of my favorite quotes about thrift shopping that I love!

The Turnover Shop in Wilton, Connecticut – I can’t wait to go back!

The New Canaan Thrift Shop is nothing short of amazing!

August 17th is National Thrift Shop Day

Fabulous Fashions and Consignments in Oxford, CT – what a wonderful surprise!

My Sister’s Place in Ansonia, CT – so much to tell and it’s all great!