The official thrift/discount store bragging thread

[phoenixrecon]

idk but im wearing them and they are brand new... are they AE?

 

[AndroFan]

Who cares!! They look nice, new, and well made. Enjoy 'em.

idk but im wearing them and they are brand new... are they AE?

 

[NORE]



People are stupid and throw away a lot of really cool/useful stuff because they're too lazy to drive to the thrift store to donate it, or even call for a pick-up. I don't really care what anyone thinks. I brag to my friends and family about killer audio equipment and records I've snagged off the side of the road and from garbage cans. I found an Acoustic Research turntable on the side of the road once on top of a milk-crate full of jazz records. The records were very valuable, lots of OG Blue Note pressings.
With that said, I don't just drive in random dumpsters. I agree that it's very unsanitary and my wife wouldn't really appreciate me coming home smelling like garbage either. If I'm driving along and see something on the side of the road on garbage day that appeals to me, I'll pull over for a closer look. I think of it as rescuing cool items from a landfill.
It's completely legal in Minnesota unless you're trespassing on someone's private property.

when we lived in LA, people would constantly leave NICE stuff on the sidewalk (ourselves included). one time we found a current-model bugaboo stroller (those fancy $500-800 strollers that yuppies use), the only thing wrong with it was 1) it was missing a $4 piece and 2) that the top shade cover had faded in the sun. now when family comes to visit, they have a fancy stroller they can use while they're in the area, and that's one less thing they have to bring with them.
ALSO: i think NORE is trolling, probably better to use the ignore button.

the driving force of thrifting is thriftiness.

I can't afford to spend $200 on shirts or $300 on trousers to wear on a daily basis, but I do not want to wear the shirts and pants I can afford in the ~$50 range, thus I go to the thrift stores and invest an hour or two of my time and then the paltry 5-10 clams per item to get great stuff.

The driving force behind my thrifting is the fact that it always me to spend time in poorly ventilated places while listening to the likes of Rob Thomas, Billy Ocean, and Foghat.
I did hear the "I'm the Scatman" the other day, so it's not all bad.

Honestly, its like someone hacked his account
He has been thread sh*tting in a couple of threads lately. (I hope hes kidding though, I've enjoyed reading his posts in the past)

I have a friend who does it with great enjoyment and great success. 

But methinks you be trollin' anyhow, so I doubt it matters.  If you truly can't see the difference, then I'm not sure how to help you.  But because I'm generous, I'll give you a good utilitarian reason why: the likelihood of walking into any given thrift store and finding something of value is orders of magnitude greater than the likelihood of cracking open any given dumpster and finding something of value.  

So yes, one of the things stopping us all from dumpster diving is efficiency and time reasons. 

 

I was trying to say the same thing. However, I think I got a bit too cute.

(although, on a wholly unrelated note, his choice in pornstar avatars is always pretty good)

Same way I feel about tie swap boxes.
Either way you're digging through other people's garbage.

I appreciate those who offered honest answers. I wasn't looking down my nose on anyone, I was homeless and living in the streets for a time so I know what skid feels like. Only that made me want better for myself and my family. Also, the few thrift shops I've been to (after reading this thread early on) turned up pretty much zip and was chalked up to a waste of time. I was honestly wondering what drove some of you to frequent thrift stores. Was it that one item that you snagged that had you religiously going back in hopes of another awesome find? Are you broke? Just cheap?

When I started out I bought used shoes and clothing and treated them if as new. But that changed and I probably wouldn't go backwards. But if you can post on an internet site, either you can afford a computer and airtime (and a camera or phone with a camera), you can afford to rent airtime or you have a job and post there. Either way, I just wanted to know what drove you to do so and what is keeping you doing so.

I remember picking up cigarette butts from the ground and smoking them to the filter. Pretty nasty. I wouldn't do that now, though. See what I'm saying?

 

[AndroFan]

I appreciate those who offered honest answers. I wasn't looking down my nose on anyone, I was homeless and living in the streets for a time so I know what skid feels like. Only that made me want better for myself and my family. Also, the few thrift shops I've been to (after reading this thread early on) turned up pretty much zip and was chalked up to a waste of time. I was honestly wondering what drove some of you to frequent thrift stores. Was it that one item that you snagged that had you religiously going back in hopes of another awesome find? Are you broke? Just cheap?
When I started out I bought used shoes and clothing and treated them if as new. But that changed and I probably wouldn't go backwards. But if you can post on an internet site, either you can afford a computer and airtime (and a camera or phone with a camera), you can afford to rent airtime or you have a job and post there. Either way, I just wanted to know what drove you to do so and what is keeping you doing so.
I remember picking up cigarette butts from the ground and smoking them to the filter. Pretty nasty. I wouldn't do that now, though. See what I'm saying?

 

[AlanC]



when we lived in LA, people would constantly leave NICE stuff on the sidewalk (ourselves included). one time we found a current-model bugaboo stroller (those fancy $500-800 strollers that yuppies use), the only thing wrong with it was 1) it was missing a $4 piece and 2) that the top shade cover had faded in the sun. now when family comes to visit, they have a fancy stroller they can use while they're in the area, and that's one less thing they have to bring with them.

I found one, too, but left it because I wasn't sure what to do with the baby.


I picked up a Patagonia Better Sweater quarter zip in navy today. I've been looking for something similar, should work great.

 

[tben]

Quote:

I appreciate those who offered honest answers. I wasn't looking down my nose on anyone, I was homeless and living in the streets for a time so I know what skid feels like. Only that made me want better for myself and my family. Also, the few thrift shops I've been to (after reading this thread early on) turned up pretty much zip and was chalked up to a waste of time. I was honestly wondering what drove some of you to frequent thrift stores. Was it that one item that you snagged that had you religiously going back in hopes of another awesome find? Are you broke? Just cheap?
When I started out I bought used shoes and clothing and treated them if as new. But that changed and I probably wouldn't go backwards. But if you can post on an internet site, either you can afford a computer and airtime (and a camera or phone with a camera), you can afford to rent airtime or you have a job and post there. Either way, I just wanted to know what drove you to do so and what is keeping you doing so.
I remember picking up cigarette butts from the ground and smoking them to the filter. Pretty nasty. I wouldn't do that now, though. See what I'm saying?

I just graduated from college and have my first full-time job, hopefully turning into a career, that requires me to dress rather well (suits and scs during the day, collared shirts and slacks to dinners, etc.). I have college loans to pay as well as other expenses so money is tight. I live where I work so the internet airtime as well as computer is provided. I don't have means to go to NM and purchase quality clothing as I would like to, but it is not worth it for me to go to Macy's and buy shirts that I would have to throw out after a few months of wear, therefore, putting me in a tough situation.

My mother was in a similar situation years and years ago, she got into thrifting and I kind of tagged along and noticed I was also able to pick up nice clothing for a small cost. In addition, there wasn't a ton of things to do around me, however, where I am located is one of the largest malls in America, so I grew up around nice clothing in a wealthier area and always wanted to dress well but have never had the means to. Again, leading me towards thrifts as well as discount stores such as Marshalls and TJ Maxx. I have snagged some nice things but most of the time I am looking for closet staples and clothing for me to wear at my job, although, sometimes I do find some nice items that I can sell and fill my gas tank for the week, because in all seriousness, every little bit helps.

I don't know if you were serious, but this is my serious answer.

 

[DeadBoy]

I appreciate those who offered honest answers. I wasn't looking down my nose on anyone, I was homeless and living in the streets for a time so I know what skid feels like. Only that made me want better for myself and my family. Also, the few thrift shops I've been to (after reading this thread early on) turned up pretty much zip and was chalked up to a waste of time. I was honestly wondering what drove some of you to frequent thrift stores. Was it that one item that you snagged that had you religiously going back in hopes of another awesome find? Are you broke? Just cheap?
When I started out I bought used shoes and clothing and treated them if as new. But that changed and I probably wouldn't go backwards. But if you can post on an internet site, either you can afford a computer and airtime (and a camera or phone with a camera), you can afford to rent airtime or you have a job and post there. Either way, I just wanted to know what drove you to do so and what is keeping you doing so.
I remember picking up cigarette butts from the ground and smoking them to the filter. Pretty nasty. I wouldn't do that now, though. See what I'm saying?

I might be in the minority, but I thrift because it's fun.

Hitting up a couple of shops after class once or twice a week is a nice way to relax and take my mind off my work. And it feeds the same addiction I used to have with garage sales as a kid, and vintage clothes and records in my teens... the high that comes from the hunt. And, since I'm almost certainly never going to work in a suit-appropriate environment, I can't really justify the purchase of such clothing unless it's at thrift prices.

 

[mexicutioner]



I found one, too, but left it because I wasn't sure what to do with the baby.

 

[NORE]



Quote:


I just graduated from college and have my first full-time job, hopefully turning into a career, that requires me to dress rather well (suits and scs during the day, collared shirts and slacks to dinners, etc.). I have college loans to pay as well as other expenses so money is tight. I live where I work so the internet airtime as well as computer is provided. I don't have means to go to NM and purchase quality clothing as I would like to, but it is not worth it for me to go to Macy's and buy shirts that I would have to throw out after a few months of wear, therefore, putting me in a tough situation.

My mother was in a similar situation years and years ago, she got into thrifting and I kind of tagged along and noticed I was also able to pick up nice clothing for a small cost. In addition, there wasn't a ton of things to do around me, however, where I am located is one of the largest malls in America, so I grew up around nice clothing in a wealthier area and always wanted to dress well but have never had the means to. Again, leading me towards thrifts as well as discount stores such as Marshalls and TJ Maxx.  I have snagged some nice things but most of the time I am looking for closet staples and clothing for me to wear at my job, although, sometimes I do find some nice items that I can sell and fill my gas tank for the week, because in all seriousness, every little bit helps.

I don't know if you were serious, but this is my serious answer.

I'm totally serious and appreciate your answer. I only wear Polo (or purple label) shirts and have bought nearly all of the ones I own on eBay NWT for $10-$25 (PRL Regent) or $50-$80 (RLPL Keaton). I don't shop at NM or Macy's. My wife buys my Polo boxers at Macy's when they are on sale but I can't stop that woman. Otherwise, I like to think I thrift online (via eBay, B&S here or other shops) for new items. You can feel free to do the same.

I might be in the minority, but I thrift because it's fun.

I like this answer. Thanks.

 

[Fueco]

I thrift for the thrill of the hunt as well... That, and because I've had to restock my wardrobe since I've lost nearly 30 pounds since October.

I will also never need to wear a suit to work. I'm in school for web design/development and especially in this area, no one really needs to wear a suit to work (expect perhaps salesmen, bankers and bellhops). I just like to wear good quality clothing. I'd rather buy my Patagonia stuff for $3 than $130 (as in the case of a recent wool blend full-zip sweater I found). I've also been looking for stuff I can sell on Ebay. It's paid for almost all of the clothing I've bought in the past two months and I've only sold 11 things so far!

Quote:

 

[catside]



I appreciate those who offered honest answers. I wasn't looking down my nose on anyone, I was homeless and living in the streets for a time so I know what skid feels like. Only that made me want better for myself and my family. Also, the few thrift shops I've been to (after reading this thread early on) turned up pretty much zip and was chalked up to a waste of time. I was honestly wondering what drove some of you to frequent thrift stores. Was it that one item that you snagged that had you religiously going back in hopes of another awesome find? Are you broke? Just cheap?
When I started out I bought used shoes and clothing and treated them if as new. But that changed and I probably wouldn't go backwards. But if you can post on an internet site, either you can afford a computer and airtime (and a camera or phone with a camera), you can afford to rent airtime or you have a job and post there. Either way, I just wanted to know what drove you to do so and what is keeping you doing so.
I remember picking up cigarette butts from the ground and smoking them to the filter. Pretty nasty. I wouldn't do that now, though. See what I'm saying?

Endless fascination with people and old things and the hunt. I don't know. It is my hobby. I do not really care that much for "style". I have been doing it for 30 years and across three continents. Flea markets, antique shops: the low and down kind in the country, yard sales, thrift stores, eBay ( do you remember Yahoo auctions). My family hates it but tolerates.

BTW your initial question was about dumpster diving and that is trolling. If you started with this paragraph (despite you are calling us what? cheap!)perhaps you would get better answers and goodwill. I would appreciate if you respect the camaraderie in this thread. Styleforum is expansive and if you do not respect us, go to other threads.

I am not even going to comment on those other guys who tries to insult people here but can't keep themselves from looking what we have find that day. Dummies.

 

[NORE]

Have any of you ever found bed bugs in your acquisitions?

 

[LooknGr8]



Same way I feel about tie swap boxes.
Either way you're digging through other people's garbage.

Actually, I think a Thrifter Tie Swap Box could be awesome.

In fact I'll start one now. Who would like to participate? PM me. I want to get 12 people in, and as the others on SF have gone, I need a pic of the 12 ties you may contribute with makers/labels/explanations.

I'll make an image heavy new thread once we close enrollment and get it going so all of SF can rip on you or praise you depending on how much game you bring to the thread. I hope I don't suck, myself (and I have been hammered in the past but hell, it's all part of learning, no?).

I understand your perspective, homerj, and respect it. You may be right. I just want to prove you wrong. I'll go down in flamed trying

However, I'd just like to state on the record, NORE is a douchenozzle.

Give me 12 solid thrifters offering 12 ties. Let's GO!!!!!

 

[wcl]

Well Nore, I was giving you the benefit of the doubt, but not anymore.

 

[Brianpore]

Actually, I think a Thrifter Tie Swap Box could be awesome.
In fact I'll start one now. Who would like to participate? PM me. I want to get 12 people in, and as the others on SF have gone, I need a pic of the 12 ties you may contribute with makers/labels/explanations.
I'll make an image heavy new thread once we close enrollment and get it going so all of SF can rip on you or praise you depending on how much game you bring to the thread. I hope I don't suck, myself (and I have been hammered in the past but hell, it's all part of learning, no?).
I understand your perspective, homerj, and respect it. You may be right. I just want to prove you wrong. I'll go down in flamed trying
However, I'd just like to state on the record, NORE is a douchenozzle.
Give me 12 solid thrifters offering 12 ties. Let's GO!!!!!

I'm in, but can this be a true thrift tie swap box...like thrifted Zegna, Canali, NWT BB, 7 Fold Paul Fredirck type box? I wanted to join the real swap box, but my tires are not up to par, so I just watched.

Only idea would be to do a virtual swap box vs sending the damn box around $$$$ (we are cheap thrifters after all), but thats up to all who join.