JENN McKINLAY: For those who know one of my pen names -- Josie Belle, author of the Good Buy Girls mysteries -- you are likely aware that I am a thrifter of the first order. I have a really difficult time paying full price for anything because why would I?
Do I enjoy nice things? Of course. But I refuse to pay for them. My cousin the Cornell/Yale educated economist is delighted when I show him my latest "bougie thrift" find. If you ever see me with a designer anything, rest assured, I found it at an estate sale, a thrift store, or a consignment shop, and I got it for at least 75% off. I like to think it's my way of keeping things out of landfills and giving new life to cherished items. Also, there is simply no greater feeling than to know you scored something in mint condition for a tenth of its original (ridiculous) price.
How about you, Reds and Readers? Are you thrifty or no? And if you do score something awesome, are you like me and compelled to brag should anyone be foolish enough to show the least bit of interest in said item?
Also, for those of you who are as thrifty as me, I am sharing Barnes & Noble's upcoming 25% off pre-order sale with the Reds' upcoming books (in order of release date) with PRE-ORDER links because THRIFT IS A GIFT! This is a very limited time only sale as it ends on 7/11 but if you're a B&N patron, it's a sweet deal just be sure to use the code: PREORDER25
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I'm definitely one for sales, coupons, and the like . . . always ready to take advantage of a good deal. And thanks so much for the pre-order links . . . .
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Joan!
DeleteYes, I am a thrifter. I grew up in a frugal household with my dad's solo income. My mom clipped coupons, and scanned the weekly grocery flyers. I do the same, except the coupons are now digital or on apps.
ReplyDeleteSadly, we don't have pre-order book sales like B&N in Canada.
That's such a bummer, Grace.
DeleteYes! I am a Scot with a graduate-student mentality. My fondness for thrift does battle a little with my dislike of shopping, however. It's harder to get bargains online - except for eBay.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the B&N links. It's a great deal.
Scot here, too. I swear it's in the DNA.
DeleteAnd the thrifting has been passed on to our children.
ReplyDeleteLet’s go back in time to back to school shopping.
Me: You can have two pairs of these jeans that I pay for while they are on sale or you can have one pair of those jeans that you pay for.
Daughter mind quickly made up: I will take your two pair.
It’s all about the math and the blood, sweat, and tears.
I love this! So smart.
DeleteThanks for sharing those links Jenn! All those covers are wonderful! I'm not too thrifty, I confess. Though I don't care a fig about designer anything. Your shopping tips are hilarious Brenda!
ReplyDeleteThe covers are so pretty - and we have something for everyone!
DeleteI don't know if I qualify as thrifty. Or at least not at the same level of Jenn or others here, but I do take note of sales and I'm in pretty much every rewards program at places I shop or eat at. The week of my birthday, I have so many free or reduced food rewards that I call it "My Week of Free Take Out".
ReplyDeleteGrocery store rewards, flyer coupons and all the other stuff is what I basically focus on. Hell, once I got a large sub that would've cost me more than 15 bucks for a whopping 68 cents.
Plus, it isn't like I'm doing large purchases for things anyway. Call it thrifty or cheap, that's me.
Sadly, it seems unlikely that I'll be able to take advantage of the book sale this time around.
Jay, that sounds like pro level thrift to me!
Delete"My Week of Free Take Out" sounds excellent, Jay!
DeleteA week of free eating is pretty darn savvy!
DeleteI don't thrift shop as much as I should, but I do love estate sales, yard sales, etc. One of my favorite wardrobe pieces is a snazzy suede leather jacket that I always get compliments on. Yep. Estate sale purchase for a ridiculously low price. I once bought a gorgeous floor-length black gown at a yard sale that fit like it was custom made for me. Eleven dollars. I still have it, but it doesn't fit anymore. Maybe it's time to have my own yard sale.
ReplyDeleteI love a good score. I remember finding a floor length purple dress for $15 - still one of my faves.
DeleteI hate shopping, whether at a thrift store or retail. Is it thrifty to wear hand-me-downs from my little sister? If so, I am a thrifter! We did get my son's 2nd grade Halloween gear at a thrift shop. He was a fabulous Miss Scarlet with the candlestick.
ReplyDeleteYes, that counts! I'm not a shopper either but if you turn it into a hunt for a bargain, I'm in.
DeleteGetting bargains requires time and shopping around which I dislike doing. I often will spend a few extra $ for an item locally rather than drive 25 min. to the nearest Target. I also don't buy a lot of extras or stock up which is one way of saving I guess. Hubby uses sales and coupons. Amazon is ofter cheaper and more convenient but I hate to add to Bezos' billions.
ReplyDeleteI think people who are thrifty (because it does take planning and determination) are actually smarter!! Haha. It's a lot work.
I think I like thrifting because you're not at a "store" you're at an estate sale or yard sale or whatever. I used to love going to Filene's basement sale in Boston when I was a teen. It was mayhem - loved it.
DeleteI am definitely a thrifter. I truly struggle to ever pay full price for anything. I do, however, usually have to pay full price for some shoes because I have weird wide feet and those shoes rarely go on sale. Otherwise, I don't care if I'm a season behind or whatever. I buy what I know I will wear/use regardless of whatever fashion trend is currently in vogue. Goodwill, Salvation Army, local consignment shops are my hunting grounds. Jenn, like you, I have scored a number of like-new designer garments for pennies on the dollar. Find the sale items of the day and go when I can get an additional discount on Seniors' Day. That is pure bliss! -- Victoria
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on those new shoes that fit our weird feet, Victoria!
DeleteQuality is more important than a bargain. I've learned that the hard way.
DeleteJenn, I have already pre-ordered all of the Reds' books, and Edith's and Annette's and...more. I am glad that I can do it.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThank you, Judy! You're the bomb!
DeleteYAAYY! This is so great--thank you, Jenn! I love to look up the discount codes when I buy things on line...and I rarely pay full price. Whatever it is will always always always go on sale...! And these days, very soon.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, discount codes are awesome and I get so annoyed with myself if I forget.
DeleteWAIT!!
ReplyDeleteWHOA!!!
I just noticed the B&N pre order date for MANGO MURDERS by our Lucy B says Sept?
I pre-ordered it at my local bookstore and was told the release date is AUG 12.
LUCY?
And there are conflicting release dates for Jenn's Witches ( Amazon release 10/28) and Hank's All This (9/9 Amazon release)
DeleteI have no idea what's happening there - although mine is supposed to be out on 10/28 so that's right.
DeleteJenn, we are kindred spirits. Most of our furniture is from antique stores or estate or garage sales. Wooden case goods from those sources are usually a lot more affordable than new things that are not nearly as well made.
ReplyDeleteI am the queen of turning sows' ears into silk purses. My best examples were of the neglected Art Deco dining set languishing in neglect that I turned back into the beauties they had been in the 1920s. The table and eight chairs had been stored in an unheated area of Steve's former office for decades. And the cherry chest I bought for $250 at an estate sale, crusted with years of dirt, turned out to be a 1957 Gustav Stickley. With a day's worth of elbow grease it became a true treasure.
Another fun find was an Art Deco-era, Asian-influenced coffee table whose original glass top was replaced with a horrid black plastic, and was scratched to bits. $100. I gently sanded out the scratches in the ebonized wood and restored the color (India ink was the answer), then had a glass top made; now it's a beauty and perfect for our living room. That came from the online auction site Everything But the House, which started here in Cincinnati. (And one of their warehouses is here in town, so no need to pay shipping.) I also won a huge Oriental rug from them, 10' X 18', for $380. It has a price tag on the back: $24,500. It looks great with the coffee table!
So cool Karen. I love to hear stories about lovely pieces getting another go around. My mother was like that, she decorated our entire house with garage sale and auction items and it looked like something out of Arch Digest.
DeleteI bow to you, Karen. You exceed my abilities by far. The carpet alone is bragging rights forever!
DeleteJENN: This is great! I already preordered all of the books. Thank you for the Barnes & Noble links.
ReplyDeleteWhen I buy clothes, I wear them forever. If there are holes or needs mending, then I bring them in to the lady who will mend the clothes for me. I misplaced my sewing box at home. I LOVE this pair of jeans by this company, which discounted this particular style. The company introduced new styles, which DO NOT work for me, unfortunately.
Since the COVID pandemic, I do not buy things on sale In Person. However, I still shop for things on sale from my favorite shops online.
Very wise. I do a lot of shopping online, too, there are so many reuse and repurpose sites that you can find amazing stuff for cheap.
DeleteWe always ask for military (retired and reserves) and seniors discounts. Lots of places will deduct an additional 10% for one or the other especially military out of courtesy.
ReplyDeleteNow that's a solid thank you for your service! Happy to hear it.
DeleteThank you, Jenn! I just posted about that 25% off on FB and Insta yesterday and am about to do it on Bluesky today. I didn't realize it was for all pre-orders - that's honestly a good deal.
ReplyDeleteI am super frugal, a trait I got from my mom, who, while not a Great Depression baby herself, was raised by parents who had lost a business in the early thirties and were left raising three girls with almost no money. She used to say it's easier to save a dollar than earn a dollar, and honestly, I agree with her.
She also used to say anyone could walk into a clothing store with $200 (in 1980 dollars) and come out looking great; it took real skill and knowledge to walk in with $20 and also come out looking great.
Your mom was right! My parents were both WWII babies so the sugar, rubber, etc shortages of their youths really impacted how we lived. Waste not want not.
DeleteAlso a thrifter here--if I need something online, always look for a discount coupon, check the sales before I go to the grocery store, 'shop' my sister's closet if I need something I don't have--except for shoes. I'm another in the club of Celtic feet--wide forefoot and narrow heel--makes buying new shoes a miserable experience--hard to find anything that will fit, and if it does--buy it, regardless of price.
ReplyDeleteFlora, Anon today.
DeleteI hear you, Flora. I've found if I really like something I'll buy it in every color.
DeleteI love all of this savings-inspiration! I try to not purchase things full-price and wait for holiday or end-of-season pricing for essentials (like winter clothing needs here in Maine). But I think I am finally at the age where I know I have enough for my lifetime (except maybe books! That’s where I spend my money!), and also do not care about the latest-and-“greatest” and especially not designer stuff. I do appreciate high quality gear for things I want for a lifetime. I don’t have the patience for in-person shopping but I try to buy as much as I can/need from our local stores. Have been weening myself off Amazon the past few months. Don’t want to feed the beast any more. I try to buy directly from businesses when I can. Not sure if that saves me anything other than some peace of mind for supporting my local towns. I love having Main Streets and downtowns here in Maine. They are my “third spaces” (movie theaters, theaters, indie bookstores, markets). And now, more than ever, I want to participate in healthy and positive community experiences. I’ve been attending 1-2 farmers markets a week all summer since I returned from Provence where I became obsessed with their daily markets. I can say that the produce I buy at these markets are superior to our grocery store selection and definitely less expensive!
ReplyDeleteI am huge farmer's market gal. Sadly ours is done until October.
DeleteAgree about supporting local businesses Stacia. It's so important.
ReplyDeleteYes!
DeleteThrifter or cheap. I just cannot pay full price for shoes or clothing. Our home is a mishmash of furniture bought new years ago, hand me downs from family, and wonderful secondhand buys that are nicer than brand new these days. Pat D
ReplyDeleteYes, when Hub's parents moved we got their Copenhagen furniture for the dining room and living room. My MIL has excellent taste so it was a win for me on so many levels. LOL.
DeleteThe furniture in the common rooms in our house (i.e., living and family rooms) were almost completely furnished in things my husband got from work when offices were consolidated. The one couch that was from the early 80s had become the dogs’ couch. When we moved into our newly renovated house, I asked for some new furniture — which we bought on sale! (And we have a chair from Buy Nothing that is very comfortable. The other neighborhood bargain was a chair I found with a “Free” note on it. It is the dog’s chair to look out the front window.)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jenn and Julia, for the heads up about the pre-order deals! — Pat S
Jenn, my daughter is at your level of thrift. She has all sorts of designer items that she paid a fraction of the price for because she bought them at second-chance online stores or local thrift stores. I have a tweed Ralph Lauren jacket she scored for me when she worked at a thrift clothing store in college.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I'm such a common size that it's hard for me to find items that fit. But I do love poking around to see if I can score a deal.
The Hubby loves poking around on Facebook Marketplace. Quite a bit of the furniture in The Cottage was bought there.
Love the pre-orders, Jenn, and don't all the covers look fab together!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not as much of a thrifter as I should be, mainly because I don't like to shop. I'm a "find one thing I like, buy in multiple colors" gal. But I am a huge supporter of local shopping, farmer's market, baker, butcher, etc.
One of my favorite memories of my mom was every year we would go to the Dallas Jewish Women's annual charity sale. Oh, the bargains, oh the designer clothes!!! It was madness, but so much fun, and I kept many of those finds for years!
PS The huge library desk I am typing at right now was a yard sale find!
Confession: I was born without the “shopping gene”. Spend time at stores, thrift marts, webpage “just looking, maybe finding” not me. Want a pair of red flats (in the days my feet were young): look in store window, see flats I want, go in ask for my size…have my size, try on, comfortable, buy. Don’t have my size, this style, “try this?” “No, thank you. Bye.” Good thing the Universe balances my shopping with Jenn’s shopping. Joyful hump day, all. Elisabeth
ReplyDeleteI'm fairly certain I've already pre-ordered all the Reds' books listed. I'm glad you put up the pictures of all of them, Jenn, as the all the covers are gorgeous. I used to be more of a thrifter, going to garage/yard sales and Goodwill, but the thrill of it has been replaced by whatever is easy, which is usually to order online. Now, I do like to get some deals online, but I sometimes get what I need without searching for a cheaper price. I just want the shopping over and done. However, my daughter still finds some great deals at the Goodwill near her. I don't think she has the time to go as often these days, but when my granddaughter was just a kid (I can't believe she will be 16 next month), Ashley was amazing at finding bargains.
ReplyDeleteI don't think of myself as extravagant, and I certainly take my time finding what I'm sure I want. However, it's my sister who's the thrifty one in the family. She finds great bargains in second-hand clothing stores and takes delight in telling me when my Christmas present is a great buy! I get a big kick out of this! Other people might pretend to spend more on a gift than they did, but my sister assumes that I'll be as pleased as she is that she found a bargain--and I am!
ReplyDelete