Thrifty Thursday - Consignment Stores

I am not ashamed to admit I shop both thrift and consignment stores for clothing. I'm almost more ashamed to admit I don't do it often enough. They not only save money, but also save resources.

Children's Consignment Stores: We have 3 within a few blocks of each other here locally which makes it handy when I'm on a mission. Because we've been blessed with a lot of gifts and hand-me downs for the Chewy Tot - we haven't purchased a lot - but I did find Iowa Hawkeye gear for both boys last winter, and have purchased sandals and Roobez shoes at great prices. My best find was my ring sling - which the tot loves to chill in when we are out and about - $7 ! I have asked about cloth diapers at the stores and have been told they don't consign them because of sanitary issues. I guess I find this somewhat amusing since I'm pretty sure that the occasional pee/poo makes it way onto most clothes.

Traditional Consignment Stores: I worked next door to a consignment store for several years - and it was a lifesaver when I was losing a lot of weight. I was able to get a lot of designer clothing for great prices. Most consignment stores I've visited have been very organized by size/style and have rooms available to try on. When I was teaching in Missouri I had a consignment store I frequented and after a few purchases, the staff knew that my tastes were similar to a particular consignor and would let me know if she'd brought anything in.

Thrift Stores: Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc. I recently purchased some items at Goodwill. I blouse and dress I'm planning on wearing on an upcoming vacation as well as a couple of pairs of shorts. I feel that this is by far the most "chewy" option as in addition to purchasing used to save money and resources, I'm also helping these charities serve people. What I don't care for is wading through the items (many sort by colors or style, but not by size) so it can take a lot of time.

I have been considering taking some of the boys clothes to one of the consignment stores - but haven't. Well, honestly, not sure the Chewy kid has many clothes in good enough shape - he wears them pretty hard - like a growing boy should! For right now I'm opting to hold on to them and pass them on when I hear of people that will take them. I am so thankful for the hand me downs we receive - I'm more than willing to pass on down! For Mr. Chewy and I we have always donated our clothes to either people we knew could use them, or to Goodwill.

Do you have a great consignment/thrift store find? Have you consigned?