ToniOnThrifting

ToniOnThrifting – Thrift Shopping Made Simple

Category: Connecticut

AS SEEN ON HGTV – Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market in New Milford, CT — August 17, 2016

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

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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.

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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.

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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, 2016

ToniOnThrifting – The First Year

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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 .

A Fantabulous Village Vogue Boutique in Milford, CT – CLOSED :( — August 25, 2015

A Fantabulous Village Vogue Boutique in Milford, CT – CLOSED :(

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I was in Milford, CT visiting family and later on when heading to 95 South – lo and behold —- what do I see on the way but this fabulous display and my car just automatically stopped 🙂 🙂 I came across Village Vogue Boutique in Milford on Main Street at the Village Green and what an absolutely fabulous find this shop turned out to be.

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I could not believe this place – what a mixture of vintage and modern and they had lots of sales racks – $5 and $10 sales racks with quality merchandise. All I can say is fantabulous!! 🙂

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They carry all types of clothing, casual, dressy and vintage. All good quality name brand clothes and some high end designer in there as well. Did I mention that they carry estate jewelry? Their collection is stunning as well as their accessories. Also, they have quite a selection of designer shoes and handbags.

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The prices are reasonable for a consignment store and there is just so much to see (and want 🙂 ). They also have a formal dress section that has so many beautiful dresses that you can use for weddings, proms, black tie affairs and oh yes, they even have a few wedding gowns. This store carries a broad range of clothing and in every style imaginable.

The owner was not in the day I was there but the lovely woman that was there (forgive me for not writing her name down) was amazing, kind and patient with all my questions. I love this store because it is an adventure and so much fun going through all five rooms. It’s just so chock full of surprises and full of wonder. I do enjoy it when I find special shops like this!! 🙂

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I bought this beautiful black (yes, I know you are shocked 🙂 I picked black) dress with colorful sequins 🙂 and a gorgeous broach and of course I hit the $5.00 rack and found a great long black (:))blouse that will be perfect for the fall.

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If you are in the Milford area, this is a great shop that I am sure you will do well by. Check out their website for additional information if you are interested in being a consignor — http://www.villagevogueboutique.com

I definitely plan on another visit soon and this time I will go slowly through the five rooms so I don’t miss a single thing! If you are in the Milford area, this is a must see!!! 🙂

Village Vogue Boutique
163 N. Broad Street
Milford, CT
203.283.9400
Tuesday-Friday from 11am-6pm
Saturday from 10am-5pm

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

August 17th is National Thrift Shop Day — August 16, 2015

August 17th is National Thrift Shop Day

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According to the website nationalcalendarday – 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. While just this morning I scored a Ralph Lauren denim skirt brand new (with tags on it) for $2.49 in Goodwill :).   It really can be fun shopping for bargains like these. I take great enjoyment out of the “hunt” and I have met some remarkable people along the way. Please remember when you shop Goodwill, Salvation Army, Habitat For Humanity, Angel Street, Cauz For Pauz, Housing Works, Humane Society of New Rochelle and countless others, you are supporting PHENOMENAL causes and helping change countless lives. So on National Thrift Shop Day, please go out and shop, you will be supporting someone in need!! 🙂

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CELEBRATE

On National Thrift Shop Day, watch for specials at the Thrift Shops in your area and have a Happy National Thrift Shop Day! Use #NationalThriftShopDay to post on social media. 🙂

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Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!

Using Facebook For Buying And Selling — July 8, 2015

Using Facebook For Buying And Selling

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Did you know that you can buy and sell your “stuff” on Facebook? Facebook has dedicated groups if you are looking to buy, sell or are “in search of” (ISO). Most groups are geographically based such as Yorktown Mom’s, Bronx Yard Sale, Westchester and Putnam, etc. The groups can contain dozens, hundreds or even thousands of members. Some groups are public which means that anyone on Facebook can join and see who is in the group, the group description and what members post. You can also be invited to join by a member of the group. A closed group is where anyone can ask to join or be added or invited by a member and the only difference from above is that only members from the group can see postings from the group. There are also “secret” groups. Anyone can join a secret group but they have to be added or invited by a member and only current and former members can see who is in the group and what members are posting.

There is an admin(s) who runs the page and approves if you can join the group. Only an admin can change the privacy settings for the group.

How do I join a group? Go to the group you want to be part of and then click Join Group in the top-right corner. Or if you see a group on a friend’s page, you can click on the group.

The great thing about Facebook groups is that for the most part, prices are negotiable. I must warn you that one of the drawbacks is that, occasionally someone is trying to get over or not being honest about their merchandise. That is where the admins come in, the great ones do not tolerate any nonsense or bs and they call out people for their “games”. Most pages also have a set of rules that they expect you to adhere to if you are joining their group. Admins are not paid so they have less tolerance for drama and I don’t blame them. Most admins will post general “rules” for joining their group. One in most groups is that you are contacted in the order that the buyer received the post or message. Things along those lines — one thing that does disturb me is that sometimes people post rather nasty comments when a sale or purchase does not go the way they intended or if they disagree with a price – folks – no need to be rude or nasty – just keep it moving – life is too short. Will what is upsetting you matter in a month or two, I doubt it.

Some of the Facebook groups local to the Bronx area that I belong to are:

Westchester Tag sales
Bronx Yard Sale
Stamford’s Treasures & Tag Sale
Westchester Yard Sale
Bedford Yard Sales
Northern Westchester, Putnam & Dutchess Yard Sale

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Above are some of the items that I have posted on Facebook for sale. I have sold many items on Facebook with no issues whatsoever!

One of the issues I have noticed is regarding designer handbags. I have seen a knockoffs attempted to be sold as authentic. Also, please remember it is illegal to sell knockoffs on the internet so buyers and sellers beware. Authenticity can be confirmed with a receipt in most instances. One major helpful tip I can give you is beware of anyone who has just created a personal Facebook page to sell merchandise – that is one major RED FLAG and one that should be taken seriously.

PLEASE NOTE:

There is also a group that helps people in need in the Bronx & Westchester that you could join ☺:

Helping Friends In Need Bronx/Westchester — it is always great to help those in need.

I have many more options to tell you about buying and selling in the coming weeks!!

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!

Great Thrift And Consignment Shops In Greenwich, CT — May 14, 2015

Great Thrift And Consignment Shops In Greenwich, CT

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Sy Syms said “An educated consumer is our best customer”. Very true words. When I go thrifting, I always try to check websites beforehand to see if they have sales posted. If not, as soon as I walk in, I ask what the sales are for the day and in my favorite shops, what day and time they restock. Some have seasonal sales and even clearance racks. And the never go wrong “fill a bag” sales which are starting to gain popularity. Also, if you find an item that you think is excessively priced, no harm is asking the manager if they would lower the price.

I must start with this fantastic thrift shop in Greenwich. It is the Greenwich Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store and also a favorite of mine.

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The first thing that you should do when you walk in is take a flyer; they are always, always having sales. The flyer shown is typical of the sales they have.

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Everything about this store is fantastic – but be prepared to pay extra for this and of course the location. I think this shop in particular has some of the highest prices I have seen in CT — BUT the clothes are always in pristine condition as are most of the items in this shop so there is somewhat of a tradeoff. They do not have a excessive inventory of clothes but what they do have is high quality. And they are ALWAYS having sales so you may luck out. Any item of clothing that I have bought has never been a disappointment.

They have a great household section and I have seen some impressive items up for sale. I just happen to fall in love with these hurricane lamps mainly because the glass was thin and delicate and I had the perfect spot for them. Imagine my surprise to find out when picking up the bottom that they were Waterford. The two cost me $40 but like I said I did fall in love with them and I felt that they were worth the price. I am sure they cost triple what I paid.

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The book section is impressive and one of the best I have seen and most days, hardcovers are $2.00 and paperbacks are $1.00 but every single time I have been there the books are half off. The book section is well organized with a phenomenal selection or at least it has been whenever I was there. There are some recent releases. They also carry vinyl records and audio books.

The linen/decor section is nice as well. I have seen some lovely draperies, pillows,comforters in there and the quality is almost always outstanding.

Now for their furniture – good selection but again, like most furniture in thrift shops, it disappears rather quickly and especially here. I have seen some outstanding antiques there. I have also seen dining room tables, chairs, hutches, buffets, you name it and I do not think the prices were unreasonable considering the condition these pieces were in and it is always high quality.

Lastly, the most expensive accessories, designer shoes and handbags and housewares are kept behind the counter and worth a look, I have seen some pretty incredible things back there (not just anything I am willing to sell a kidney for 🙂 just yet.)

Greenwich Auxiliary Thrift Shop
190 Hamilton Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
203.863.3933
Parking is available on premises
Mon-Fri: 9am-4:30pm
Sat: 9am-3pm

There are a couple more thrift stores in Greenwich that are nice but you should check out the Rummage Room.

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The Rummage Room started as an annual rummage sale in 1964 at the First Congregational Church of Greenwich. The event was so successful it was transformed into a business. The Woman’s Fellowship of the First Congregational Church operates the Rummage Room to help numerous local, national and international charities. This includes Food Bank, Kids In Crisis, Boys and Girls Club, Visiting Nurse, Family Re-Entry, YWCA Domestic Abuse, Liberation Meridian, Bowery Women’s Shelter and so many, many more.

I found the Rummage Room to be delightful and fun to browse around. The prices are in tune for the area and the merchandise is plentiful and they have sales very often. The staff is extraordinary and I get the feeling there may be wiggle room on large items.

The ladies clothes range from average to designer and there is decent men’s section and lots of kids clothes. PLUS 🙂  they have fill a bag sales twice a year!!!

I like the way it is set up as well. There is some vintage is around and it is just generally a fun place to browse and you will always find something there. Plus they have previously won awards for their window displays which are always lovely.

The Rummage Room
191 Sound Beach Avenue
Old Greenwich, CT 06870
203.637.1620
Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm
Sat: 10am-1pm
**JULY – check for summer hours
**August – closed to clean, paint and restock

If you are looking for high end,fancy shmancy, uber elegant 🙂 designer duds — there is a consignment shop in Greenwich called Second Time Around.

It’s a chain of upscale consignment shops that buys lightly used clothing from shoppers and then sells it at 30 to 40 percent off the original retail value. They have 41 locations in 12 states now, including stores in New York, Washington, D.C., and New Hampshire and of course, Greenwich.

Second Time Around
6 Greenwich Ave
Greenwich, CT
203-422-2808
Monday – Friday: 10am – 6pm
Saturday: 10am – 6pm
Sunday: 12pm – 5pm

Until next time, HAPPY SHOPPING!!!