Garage sale season is almost over. Now what? Finding the best deals on clothing and household items during the off months.

Garage sale season is nearly over and instead of scoring deals every weekend, you may be finding yourself wondering what you should be doing now to get the best deals on clothing, shoes and items for your home.  Our garage sale season usually runs from May-September, which leaves me longing for deals from October-April. I've got a list of the places I frequent to find the best deals on clothing, shoes and household items during those months when there isn't a garage sale in site.

Last month I shared with you that our family buys 90% of our clothing second hand. This doesn't mean we sacrifice name brands that we love, in fact, we are able to buy name brands at a fraction of their retail price actually making them affordable for our family.  You can read more about how we live well on less and save money on clothing in this post.Most of the time a complete outfit for me costs less than that cup of fancy coffee you are holding in your hand. It's not uncommon on a garage sale weekend for me to come home with a pile of new {to us} clothing from a garage sale. Because clothing comes into our home so frequently during the summer, we sort of get used to getting new duds in our wardrobe and so when the garage sale lull hits, I get an itch to start shopping. But I can't just show up at the mall after I've been paying 99% less than retail price most of the time, so I have a few tricks up my sleeve to help you still save money on clothing during the off season.One of my new favorites is ThredUp. I used a friend's a referral code for $20 off any purchase.  These coupons are my favorite kinds of coupons because I can buy $20 worth of stuff and it's free.  On ThredUp $20 will get you a lot! I find that the prices are similar to thrift stores in my area and the quality is exceptional. They even have boys, girls, shoes and designer clothing. The site is really easy to navigate too when you put in your sizes and what you are looking for. You can even narrow your search down by your favorite brand.I actually purchased a dress and a romper, spent $20 almost exactly and paid $5 for shipping.  The bag showed up on my doorstep a few days later. I wore the romper the next day and got a zillion compliments.  I would use this site even if I didn't have a coupon, but lucky you, I have a referral coupon to share. So my friends, here is your $20 to spend just for trying ThredUp. Want to try out a new style {joggers perhaps?} use this code. Kids grew and need a new pair of jeans? Here you go.  Need a new outfit for fall. This it where to shop. $20 to spend on anything. There is really nothing to lose. I also have a few thrift stores locally that I shop and sell at.  I included tips on how to sell your clothes on consignment here. Clothes that I buy at garage sales that for whatever reason don't work for my kids or my husband and I {too big/too small, not our style}, usually get sent to the consignment shop. Most consignment shops pay more if you take a credit to their store {50% payout for credit and only 30% if you want cash}. I have a pile of clothes for kids consignment in my closet and a pile of adults clothes for consignment.  When I go shopping at those stores, I drop off my consignment items first, browse the store while they buy and then make my purchases based on the credit I receive that day.  I included a list of some of my favorite consignments shops here.In high school, my part time job was at Goodwill. I loved shopping there and I loved working there. Now, I think that Goodwill has gotten too expensive. Goodwill is taking donations they have received for free and marking them up to far more than what they are worth. I will however, frequent the Goodwill Outlet where you buy items by the pound.  I've even got tips if you are shopping the Goodwill Outlet for the first time.The Goodwill Outlet and St. Vincent De Paul {on half price days} are my two favorite spots to shop for furniture and items for the home.  I've found some great deals on project pieces for under $5. You do have to be careful at the Outlet that you know what is priced by the pound and what is a set price. BONUS TIP: I have found that if I go to the cashier at the Outlet and have them weigh an item {since you are paying by the pound} and ask if you can get a discount on a heavy item, they will typically appease you. Hopefully this post will give you a place to start, especially if you've grown used to paying a dollar for your clothes like I have.  You have nothing to lose to try out ThredUp. It's free money just for you. I'm literally handing you $20 to spend to try it out. Give it a shot.If you find yourself at the Goodwill Outlet I want to hear your stories! I know you will have them. That place is hellagangster but it's fun to get out of the suburban bubble sometimes, roll up our sleeves and dig through piles of people's crap to find a good deal. Happy hunting!disclaimer: I am using a referral code that if/when you place your order will also give me a little bonus shopping money for your order. I love shopping money and I love you. We all win. Seriously, I would tell you to shop there even if I didn't get a kick back!

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Three different ways to create the perfect pair of jeans. Tutorial on how to make skinny jeans, dye your jeans and hem jeans with the original hem

Jeans are a staple in my kids wardrobe {as well as mine!} so finding the right pair is important.Getting the right color of dye for a jean is of utmost importance.  The skinny jean has to be just skinny enough, but not too skinny {and no saggy knees}.The jeans have to be long enough to cover the back of the shoe, but not too long that they puddle.So do you see where we are getting with this?I have found over the years, several tips and tricks to CREATING the perfect pair of jeans.Most of the time I'm working with garage sale finds that we have on hand in drawers, or future donated goodwill items that the kids have turned their noses up to. I've got three different methods even the most novice seamstress can tackle!My most popular method of jean transformation is taking an old pair of flare leg jeans and turning them into skinny jeans.  Apparently, skinny jeans are what all the kids are wearing.  You can find the full tutorial here, but promise me you won't laugh.  This was a post from four years ago and I picked the most hideous shirt to pair with my jeans.  I'm pretty sure it was cool then...seriously, stop laughing!

It's been a popular post, so I tired to update it with this post on how to make skinny jeans for kids.

My daughter is a much cuter model than I am!

Another jean transformation that is so simple, but that people pay big bucks for, is how to hem your jeans.  I explain how to hem your jeans with the original hem without having to pay $15-$25 for the alteration.  I scored and bought several pairs of designer jeans (Seven for all Mankind and Joe's) for next to nothing and was able to alter them to fit my shortie petite frame. This is a tutorial you will want to pin!  

And finally, I bought a pair of jeans off of ebay in the hopes of replacing my favorite jeans for WAY less than the retail price, but alas, the jeans came and were "mom jean" colored.  In hopes of saving them, I bought a bottle of RIT dye and dyed my favorite jeans.

So there you have it.  Next time you are searching for the perfect pair of jeans, sometimes you don't have to look any further than in your very own closet!  

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Jeans. A wardrobe staple.

Jeans are a part of my uniform.I decided early on that I would do my best to get dressed every day, even if all I was doing in my day was cleaning, wiping noses and playing games with my three littles.

{Two of my three in 2003 at Pike Place Market, Seattle}

I didn't always used to like jeans. 

I remember going through a phase in 5th and 6th grade where I wouldn't wear jeans.

I was such a petite kid that I had a hard time finding jeans that would fit when I was that age

and no on likes to be hiking up their pants all the time.

One of my favorite pairs of pants were actually knit.

Like a sweater.

Yep, I was super cool!

Thankfully, that phase was short lived and I found out how diverse jeans really are.

I love that you can dress them up or dress them down.

My three kids all live in jeans now too.

Now that my oldest son is done with his growth spurt he's been begging me to invest in a pair of designer jeans for him.

He's been eyeing True Religion brand jeans.

Aidan is 16, so his go to pair of jeans are slim fit.

Apparently it's what all the kids are wearing.

These hand picked men's slim jeans have everything he's been looking for...

slight distressing, classic slim fit with an edgy take, skinny but not too skinny..

all in a great dark wash.

While my husband has a professional job

{he's an engineer}

he doesn't meet with clients and rarely gets out of the lab or away from his computer.

His go to uniform for work are a good pair or jeans and a nice t-shirt.

My husband sticks with boot cut jeans

{he's tried, but just can't pull off a pair of skinny jeans}

and since he wears the jeans to work, he tries to stay away from any distressing or holes.

The Danny boot cut would be a good pair for him.

He's not one that likes to stand out, so the simplified pocket detail on the caboose is a good feature.

This fall, I keep coming back to my skinny jeans.

I'm a big fan of the Victoria mid rise skinny jeans.

I can wear them with a pair of tall boots, ankle boots or ballet flats.

I even love this dark distressed wash because it can be dressed up and they don't look like grubby lounge around pants.

I wore a pair like this when I subbed for 5th graders last week. 

I paired the jeans with a button down shirt and a blazer and I must say, while I wasn't sure about wearing jeans to "work" I think I still looked professional and ready to teach.

Are jeans part of your uniform?

What's your favorite pair?

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Garage Sale Finds Friday-a few things I've paid more for, but been happy I did

Welcome to another week of garage sale finds Friday.Where I share a few of my favorite garage sale finds.This week, I want to share with you some of my name brand finds.Those finds that I paid more than garage sale prices, but WAY less than store prices.I haven't been able to suck up the cost of a North Face jacket yet, but it's sort of mandatory attire out here in the Pacific Northwest.So I was thrilled when I saw the same North Face jacket I had been eyeing at Nordstrom for only $15 at a garage sale.I wouldn't normally pay $15 for a jacket at a garage sale, but considering the price of the coat is  normally $130, and it was in perfect condition, I was happy with my purchase.Speaking of North Face, I also bought myself a new pair of North Face snow boots for $15.I wouldn't pay that much for my kids boots since their feet are still growing, but since mine are no longer growing, I sucked it up and paid it.  Again, getting a much better deal than retail, but a pricey garage sale buy.I do sometimes get deals on North Face at garage sales.I picked up this $75 kids jacket for $3And this rain jacket for $1I rarely see my most favorite brand of jeans {Hudson} at garage sales.When I do, they aren't in my size.  But this summer I scored.My favorite pair of jeans {retail price $198} were only $5 at a garage sale. One of my lady friends who garage sale shops with me, picked up a pair of brand new in the box Hunter boots for $15.  I would have snatched them up, but they were the wrong size.The particular boot she picked up retails for $175!I just love garage sales!I think people think that you can't find good stuff at garage sales.This has definitely not been the case for me.What has been your favorite find?

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Red Striped Maxi dress

A few weeks ago, I found this red striped jersey fabric at Wal-Mart for $1.50 a yard.

I immediately thought that I would make matching maxi dresses for my daughter and I.

I haven't gotten to making my maxi dress yet, but with lots of begging, my daughter had me finishing this one for her since we had a forecast of good weather.

I didn't write a tutorial.

My pattern wouldn't be anything you could follow even if I did share it!

I just started sewing.

The top gave me some issues because I wasn't sure how I wanted to finish it.

I decided on this basic bodice top.

The back panel ended up being a happy accident.

It was too large and when I folded it in to see about taking it in a bit, I liked the way that the straps fell in the back.  There is a seam at the back that I don't love,

but I still think it's pretty cool, and it has my daughter's stamp of approval.Before you go running out to your Wal-Mart to get this fabric, let me warn you, it is the worst!I have sewn jersey before and this stuff is literally from the devil.It's thin (I had to double it up to "line" it), it's stretchy and it likes to stick in your machine.You have to have patience and know a few tricks to get around some basic sewing techniques.But it's a cool fabric so if that doesn't put you off, head on out.You may score some cheap fabric!

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Junkin' in Seattle

Last week, my friend Mandi and I decided to hit the Goodwill Outlet in Seattle for the first time.

I have heard of the Goodwill Outlet but sort of boycotted it because to me, it sounds like a bit of an oxymoron.

The Goodwill outlet is the final stop for all of the items donated at the local Goodwill stores before heading to the dump.  Most of the items are sold by the pound and are deeply discounted from the normal {expensive} Goodwill prices.  You can see my post here about how I think Goodwill is too expensive.

You enter into a warehouse building like this and find hoards of people.

Rows of blue bins are rolled in filled to the brim with clothing, toys, and household items.

People quickly gather around the newest rolling carts and dig.

There is a little bit of organization to the madness.

Everyone waits behind a blue line until all of the new carts are in place.

Then once they wheel in the final cart, everyone starts digging.

I may have gotten yelled at more than once for not being aware of how this system works.

Now you know.

Bring a pair of gloves or better yet, your haz mat suit.

You will leave feeling like bugs are crawling all over you.

The Goodwill outlet has it's own security...and it needs it.

A fight nearly broke out within the first five minutes of us being there because someone was upset that someone else threw the clothes they were sorting too aggressively across the blue bins.

Yep, that really happened.

And we were told by other Goodwill outlet customers who are frequent shoppers that that happens a lot.

It's like prison.

Keep your head down and mind your own business.

I wasn't on a search for clothes on this trip but I was curious to see why all the people flock to the clothing bins.  I really didn't come away with any answers.  I'm sure there are finds to be had, but every single pair of pants that I found had holes in the crotch.

I'm not joking.  

Every.single.pair.

I did also spend some time searching for shoes.

There were a few pairs that had potential, but only if you had one foot.

Pairs were hard to come by.

Finding a pair of shoes was like searching for a needle in a hay stack.

So, I gave up.

If you are a one legged individual who doesn't care if you have a crotch in your pants, then the Goodwill outlet is your place to shop!

This is my basket filled with my goodies.

The clothes that I did find were found on the top of the piles.

Rejects that people no longer wanted in their own carts.

I picked up a coat for my son and a zip up jacket for my dad.

I also found some fantastic fabric samples, a large rug, a duvet cover, and an old suitcase.

I'm sure there were other fun finds in there.

Grand total for all of this...$19.

I found that the prices for items seemed to be set by each cashier.

Especially those items not sold by the pound.

Mandi got this basket of goodies for about the same price as all of my stuff.

Pretty sure she got a better deal.

I would definitely head back to the Goodwill Outlet for another shopping experience.

I learned a thing or two and feel like a real expert.

I probably wouldn't go by myself though.

And I would never go without gloves.

The next stop Mandi and I made was just down the road at a shop called Second Use.

Second Use is a salvage store that is slightly cheaper than Earthwise, but not cheap like a garage sale.

There were some finds to be had {especially in the free pile}.

Mandi picked up this half door {soon to be table} and two window frames for $5 each.

There were a lot of things that were eye candy.

This green scale is fantabulous isn't it?

You know how I love old windows.

My new window passion is leaded glass.

Hard to find, but amazing when you do.

If you need a door, Second Use is the place.

There were rows and rows of old doors.

Barn doors, front doors, screen doors, you name it.

I'm a sucker for old machines.

Isn't this buffet beautiful?

It looks like it was an old built in in a turn of the century house.

Image the parties it has seen!

Industrial is awesome.

This was probably my favorite piece of the whole day.

It is so much better in person.

Wouldn't it be an awesome upper cabinet if you were re doing a kitchen?

Mandi was loving this as a store front check out area.

Did you know my favorite store, Persnickety's Awesomeness Emporium is moving to downtown Sumner?

It's a big deal.

Aren't these handles super rad?

Need a knob or a hinge?

Perhaps an old school house pendant?

Not sure what you would do with an old radiator.

So many people have been hiding them for years.

It's time to embrace them as a decorative element.

Love the design on this one.

We had so much fun junkin' in Seattle.  

Do you have a favorite place to score old junk or an experience with the Goodwill Outlet?

I would love to hear from you!

I'm sure there are stories to be told!

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Feather headband tutorial

My sweet peanut girl loves to wear headbands.

So when Wholeport offered to let me pick a few things from their shop, I immediately thought that I wanted to try to make my own feather headband for my daughter.

I found this feather in the shop

and I found this headband at the Dollar Store.

My daughter is a little picky about the headbands, which is why we went with this fabric covered one instead of the 3 pack that was WAY cheaper!

I ripped off the purple flower so we could start from scratch.

Here are the items that I used for her headband:

headband {from the dollar store}

2 feathers {one from JoAnn's, the other from wholeport}

 a large rectangle of black felt

glue gun

I started by gluing the large feather on to the headband and pressing it firmly in place.

I wanted to add some dimension, so I found a complimentary feather and glued that one down on top of the base layer feather.

To hold everything in place, I took the black piece of felt and glued that behind the feather, pinning the headband inside.

The whole thing took me less than 5 minutes to make and I think it's adorable!

The first day she wore it she got so many compliments!

I sometimes feel limited with the craft store selection around my house, but knowing that I can buy so many great items from wholeport, I am not feeling quite so limited any more.And they have great prices!Thank you wholeport for sending me some things to play with.It was fun!

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