Well this month I broke away and headed south to the Alamo City Thrift Town – AKA San Antonio! What a treat and what a store! Not just one but a line of cashiers greeted me when I walked in and I hardly knew whether to start right with house-wares, left with women’s clothes, or straight ahead to furniture. Happily I had time for all and boy did I score! A beautiful chiffon skirt by Coldwater Creek, a terrific Max Edition cotton skirt with a full lining, and a tshirt that goes with BOTH. And I did pay more than $6.99 for any piece? No I did not!

From there it was dinner at a friend’s house so I borrowed a few pieces of jewelry and prevailed upon her to snap a few pics in her garden. I’m just so happy with these pretty and versatile pieces and no one but you and I will know they came from a thrift store. Actually, I don’t know about you but I love getting a compliment on something I’m wearing and to be able to say, “Why thank you! I got this at Thrift Town.

Stephanie F. is a dedicated thrifter whose mantra is, “Buy used – there’s just too much stuff in the world!” She became hooked when she found a pair of sock hop saddle shoes in junior high that she could actually afford with her allowance money (hey, it was a RETRO sock hop!). Today she lives and works in Texas’ capital city doing her part to “Keep Austin Weird.” She’s the author of an Austin blog – The Thrifty Snicker – which lets her prowl local thrift stores while telling herself that it’s not shopping; it’s research.