The Experienced Shopper

Have I mentioned how much I love shopping?

It’s probably pretty obvious by now, but shopping is my therapy.

I think for most brilliant people it is.

Seriously, I’ve loved shopping since my early teens. Of course back then, I was shopping with babysitting money. Hence, my love affair with bargain thrift store shopping began.

Once I started college, I really got into the vintage retro fashion that can only be found at thrift stores.

Anything funky with a hint of hippie flair, oh man! I was all over it. Plus, I could afford it because it was second hand.

Thrift store shopping has opened my eyes to fashion I normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to purchase. I realized this yesterday at my three son’s basketball camp.

I sat down next to a beautiful mother who was watching her own son play ball.

After we had the initial conversation about how cute Princess Peanut is,

she asked if I was a stay-at-home mome.

“Yes,” I replied as I watched my two-year old Reef run out onto the court. “I’m a stay-at-home mom and love it. Plus, I run an EBay store.”

That sure caught her attention.

“Wow! An EBay store. What do you sell?” she asked.

“I sell name-brand gently-used clothing,” I said as I handed her Princess Peanut and ran after Reef onto the basketball court.

When I finally made it back to her, she wanted to know more.

“Where do you get the clothes you sale?” she asked.

I started telling her the great fashion labels I find at thrift stores and yard sales.

“I just found a Patagonia linen shirt at the Flagstaff Goodwill,” I say. “A new Patagonia shirt is like $80.00 and I paid $3.99 ”

“What’s Patagonia?” she asked.

At this moment I realized I know a lot about fashion because of the great trash I find second-hand.

“Patagonia is a hiking/outdoor high-end line, like Columbia or Horny Toad. My favorite sellers are the classics like Dana Buchman, Eileen Fisher, Brynn Walker and Sigrid Olsen.”

At this point I think I lost her attention, but I was just getting started.

“Last week I found a pair of pants for $1.00 from a designer named Sonia Rykiel. When I came home, I googled her and found out her pants sell on EBay for like $50.00.”

At this point the Princess totally spits up all over my new friend's gorgeous linen dress. I felt horrible.

But, I did give my new friend a My Dear Trash card and told her to check out the blog.

Once I got home, I really thought about my expertise (if that’s what you call it) in second-hand fashion. Sure I don't get to by this year's line and maybe the clothing has been worn a few times, but I can honestly say shopping has really got me somewhere great.

Some of my recent favorite high-end finds are:

Dana Buchman Size XL Black Sparkle Shirt

Women's Sonia Rykiel XL Black Velor Drawstring Pants

Eileen Fisher Small Gray Purple Long Straight Dress

Annette Gortz Size 42 Star Cropped Army Green Pants

White Stuff Size 14 Empire Waist Cotton A-Line Dress

Women's Bryn Walker Medium Brown Linen Cropped Pants

Men's Faconnable 40x30 Denim Jeans

To find clothing like this is a thrill, especially when I can really profit off it. Here's the secret. When you find something that's superior quality, super stylish or just plain different, take a chance with it. Bring it home and google it. It just might be your next big money maker or maybe, it just might be your next favorite something to wear. I can't tell you how many things I've come home with that now hang in my closet as my favorite personal clothing items. I love when I get a compliment on my latest catch. I go off when people comment on the trash I'm wearing.

As I've grown older my style hasn't changed much, but the vintage stuff has had to wait. Yeah! Vintage for the pregnant/nursing mother is difficult to come by, even with all the shopping I do.

Trash to Cash Wednesday

Let's see how I did this week...

Craigslist has been super slow lately, but I was able to sell this lamp I no longer needed for $20.
Thankfully when craigslist is slow, ebay seems to make up the difference. Here are my top sellers...
BCBG Maxazria size 8 black crop pants sold for $9.99
These Neiman Marcus size XL Silk black pants sold for 10.50.
Our old stand-by... Overalls. These union bay size M denim overalls sold for $12.50. Chico was very good to me this week...I was reluctant to purchase these linen chico crop pants because the size tag was missing. However, that didn't seem to detract buyers- These pants sold for 11.77Laura has told me about Chico Travelers a number of times, so I was excited to purchase these navy blue size 3 (that's an XL in Chico sizes) crop pants. I was even more excited when they sold for $30.99. This would have been my top seller of all time except for the fact that I found these...Eileen Fisher brown crop knit pants- size large. Try to guess for a moment what these sold for... The new top seller of all time...$45.76. This is why ebay is addicting- you just never know. With all of these great top sellers this was my biggest ebay week yet. Check out the totals below...

Ebay Profits: This week: 423.44

Craigslist Profits: This week 20.00
This weeks Costs: 28.00 (clothes) -70.79 (ebay fees) -30.04(paypal fees)
Total Profit: $314.61

This amount will be applied to my plane ticket to Boston. Have I mentioned our Boston trip? Mr. Right and I are planning a little 10 day get-a-way. He has a conference for a few days so his flight is free, but I've got to earn my way. Our 20th wedding anniversary is in July so this will be a great way to celebrate. I should have enough by the end of next week for the $550.00 ticket- I know there are cheaper fares, but I wanted to fly out with Mr. Right and so I had to pay for a premium flight. Don't forget to share your trash to cash stories with us, we love to hear them. Love, Kelly

Talking Trash with the Goodwill Girls

Several weeks ago I received an email from Jessica, Public Relations Director at Goodwill Corporate of Central Arizona. Jessica has been following My Dear Trash since Kelly and I started blogging October 2009. How did she find us?

“I did a Goodwill google search and you guys popped up,” she said.

Jessica was impressed with not only the great trash Kelly and I find at Goodwill, but the way others in our community are encouraged to start shopping Goodwill. In other words, Kelly and I are doing a great job promoting Goodwill.

I’ve said before one of the great benefits of doing what I do is I give a lot of money to charity; not only because of the clothing I buy to sell on EBay, but because most of my personal shopping needs are done at thrift stores too. Christmas, birthdays, home decorating and more.

Jessica and I set a date to meet for lunch to discuss ways Goodwill and My Dear Trash can help each other.

I called Kelly Monday morning and asked “What are you wearing to lunch?”

“Trash, of course,” she said. This is why I love Kelly.

We both agreed to wear only our best trash and we looked hot in our $1.00 day outfits!

We meet with Jessica and Courtney, the marketing director, in Scottsdale for lunch. Of course I brought Princess Peanut.

These ladies from Goodwill are classy for sure, making a difference with their passion and creativity.

After our initial conversation of how cute Princess Peanut is, we got down to business

Some of our ideas?

For starters, to keep doing what we’re doing; promoting the great finds at Goodwill.

Next, to do features on a variety of seasonal/economical/personal and family needs that can be satisfied by shopping at Goodwill?

Did you know Goodwill has an amazing maternity section?

What about back-to-school shopping? Kelly’s girls have already found some amazing things.

Decorating a dorm room for under $100.00.

Summer finds.

High-end home furnishing on a budget.

Etc.

Also, Kelly and I want to visit Goodwill’s throughout the state. Can anyone say road trip?

We will continue to brainstorm with Goodwill about new and exciting ways to feature their great trash?

What about our readers?

You are the reason any of this is possible.

Do you have any trashy ideas for us? Features? Stories? Let us know.

The Good Title?

Recently a television show hit the airwaves called The Good Wife.

Image found here.

When I first heard the title of this show I was intrigued.

I know Julianna Margulies plays the role of the good wife, but I wanted to know more about her character?

If she is a good wife, is there someone who is bad? The husband? The children? The dog?

Is the title telling the truth? Is she a good wife or is she really good at being bad?

Is she a spy? Is she a really good spy who lives vicariously as a good wife?

Is she a good wife because she’s passive to a husband’s deception? Is her husband a spy?

All these questions because of a really good title; that’s what the writers and producers want.

I haven’t had time to watch The Good Wife because I never have time to watch T.V., but I really like the title.

I had the opportunity to develop the title of a young adult novel I’ve written. Currently it’s called Colors of the Sea.

I’ve gone back and forth with different titles. I few of my other ideas have been:

The Mermaid’s Handbook to Marine Biology

Sea of Carson

The Dolphin’s Sermon

I’ve had a lot of compliments to the title of the blog My Dear Trash. I think the title is perfect for what Kelly and I do. We find value in what other’s throw out.

People have asked “How did you come up with the title?”

The title My Dear Trash originally came to me in a dark, disturbing dream and quickly became an idea for a new novel. I started writing about an abused girl who didn’t value herself much; a girl who viewed herself as trash. Throughout the course of the book and many complex, somewhat tragic situations, she learns to value herself. She finds love.

At points in my life, this girl has been me. I’ve had ups and downs, highs and lows, but love is what saved me; what finally showed me my worth.

After much thought, I stopped writing the novel. It was too depressing. I didn’t want to follow the main character into such difficult situations. I was no longer that girl.

A few weeks later, I had another dream. This time it was about something I love to do; thrift store shop. When I dream, I write the scenario in my mind (I think it’s because I spend so much of my time at the computer writing), so I was writing in long elaborate sentences about my shopping experience. I woke up and suddenly the title My Dear Trash had a whole new meaning to me. No more bad experiences, no more difficult journey’s to follow. These same three words made me happy and I couldn’t think of a more perfect title for a daily writing blog.

I hope you enjoy reading My Dear Trash and more importantly, I hope you know you are something special. I hope you know you have worth and the love you share helps others find value in their lives too. Strange, all those emotions can come from a title.

This weeks Garaging Finds

Here's this weeks garaging finds!

Let's take a closer look and talk money!

This white board is covered with black sticker stuff- but for $1 I thought I'd see if I could clean it up for the playroom- I think I'm ready to sell the big whiteboard on wheels I redid a few months ago, so this will make a more reasonable replacement.The candles were just .25 for the unwrapped and $1.00 for the wraped one. The new lamp shade was $2.00, the star soaps were .50 and the ceiling tin mirror was $7.00- I'm not sure why I purchased that one- I do love it, but $7.00 seems a little high and I don't really have a place for it- Oh well!The pie safe! Did you hear the little sigh I let out? I love, love, love, this piece. The lady I purchased it from said it was the first piece her husband ever made for her. She never got around to ordering glass for the doors, but each square has a nice routered edge- so it's an easy project. I paid $25 for this piece and can't wait to paint it out to match my dining room. I'd love to do the seeded glass and will probably remove the piece with the heart- I think it dates it a little. I've also thought about punched tin, instead of glass- let me know what you think.How could I pass up this huge barn lamp for $15? I think the shade is a little out of proportion- but I love the base.This little antique sewing cabinet was just $5.00- but it really needs some love. The rounded veneer is starting to peel, the lock has been removed and the top needs to meet my sander. But look at those legs! I had to have it. Here's some more items not in the main picture...Tons O' Clothes. I don't normally take the time to look at clothes at yard sales, but we hit a really good one. I got a pair of 7 for all mankind jeans, tons of Nordstrom skirts and a gap leather jacket. 21 pieces for $35- More than a dollar a piece, but I have a feeling I'll make that money back with just 2 or 3 items.

I picked up this whale floaty for my baby girl for .50. She loves the pool and this will give her a little more freedom (Don't worry, we are the super careful around pool types- we would never let her float around with out having someone right there) Also not picture, are two monopoly games- SCORE! Even with the summer heat upon us, I still found some great stuff. Hope yours was just as great. Love, Kelly.

Swimming Up Stream & Top EBay Sales of the Week

There’s an analogy I’ve used many times since having children.

It’s called Swimming Up Stream.

Image found here.

Have you ever tried to swim up a stream? A creek? A river? You can swim all day, but you won’t gain any distance. Basically, you’re working to stay in the same spot.

At the end of the day, the counselor might say, “How was your day?”
I fold my arms across my chest, shake my head from side to side and say “Like swimming up stream.”

I only used this analogy when the counselor’s around. He’s the type of man who let’s me fall apart and doesn’t judge me for it later.

Posting on EBay while taking care of a precious newborn, an active two-year old, a five-year old who constantly teases the active two-year old and 2 school-aged children home for school for the summer is like swimming up stream.

Don’t even get me started on what it takes to get to the post office.

Even still, sales are better then ever. Here are my top sales of the week.

I bought this Women's BCBG MAXAZRIA Large Knee Length Cocktail Dress at the Huntington Beach Goodwill for $9.99. It sold for $34.00.

I found these Men's Buffalo David Bitton 34x34 Ruffer Denim Jeans at a yard sale for $2.00. They sold for $19.59.

This Men’s Thomas Burberry Medium Tan Brown Zip Up Jacket Coat was $1.00 at Goodwill. Goodwill’s original price tag was $24.99. I listed it for $24.99 on EBay and that’s what it sold for.

This Women’s Eileen Fisher Medium NWT 100% Merino Wool Sweater was $1.00 at a yard sale. It sold for $14.99.

I purchased this Women's XOXO NWT $52 Large Empire Waist Summer Dress on the clearance rack at Ross for $5.49. It sold on EBay for $16.49.

These Women's Gap Size 6 Tan Cropped Cargo Lowrise Pants were purchased at Goodwill in Huntington Beach for $5.99. They sold for $23.62.

These Women's Lucky Brand Black Size 2 Waist 26 Long Shorts were purchased at Goodwill in Huntington Beach in the kids section (they’re that tiny) for $1.99. They sold for $13.75.

You never know what you’re going to get when selling on EBay, but it’s always worth the work(juggling 5 kids too), even if it feels like swimming up stream.

Selling Recalled Items

A little while back, I picked up this infantino baby sling for $1 at a yard sale. I figured I'd list it on craigslist, but I wanted to do a little google search first. When reselling, I like to find out what my trash sells for new- it's not always possible, but is with such things as little tikes and baby items. When I googled the Infantino baby sling, I discovered the item had been recalled. It appears there have been at least 10 cases of babies actually falling out of the sling, due to the fastener giving out. I would never sell a recalled item- especially a recalled item intended for children, so, I searched around to find out what Infantino was doing as a replacement. They had a form to complete online, a free postage label to print and detailed instructions on what section of the sling to cut out (making the sling unusable) and mail in. They didn't offer a cash refund (this is the best case scenario- I actually received a check for $60 from Disney's Einstein Company for some baby Einstein DVD's that had been recalled) What they did offer was some Infantino toys. There were a few different sets to choose from, here's what I received...A My First Puzzles, When I grow up puzzle and an Infantino baby rattle. These will make great gifts and the set retails for over $25- Not bad for my $1 investment. I mention all of this as a reminder to be a responsible reseller. I take pride in selling items in good working condition. When selling clothes I personally inspect each item for stains, tears, missing buttons, etc. Have I missed a few over the coarse of selling hundreds of items? Yes. But I really do strive to offer quality products and when it comes to childrens items- safe products. Happy reselling- Wishing you all great finds this weekend. Love, Kelly

Trash to Cash Wednesday

The Big Challenge has now ended but since I've decided to keep selling on ebay and craigslist I thought I'd dedicate Wednesday's to show you what trash I turned to cash this week. Remember, I'm now saving for a new mattress, two windows, a trip for me and Mr. Right and a master bathroom remodel. Whew! Here's my top sellers on ebay...This Adriana Sport denim skirt was a brand I hadn't heard of before, but the fact that it was a size 20 meant it had some potential. It was listed for 3 weeks with no bids, but finally sold with multiple bids for $10.51

These Stamp 10 size 10 jeans cost $1 and sold for $11.52. I know we've mentioned overalls before, but they definetly paid off again this week...

New York and Co. size medium overalls sold for $9.99
Baccini size large overalls sold for 9.99Watch L.A. size large black overalls sold for 9.99. It's not all hearts and flowers though- my disappointment of the week...

This INC International Concepts size 12 black silk dress cost $1.00- and sold for $21.50. Imagine my disappointment when I found a small tear when I was folding this up to ship! It wasn't something I felt could be repaired without damaging the dress so I had to notify the buyer and cancel the transaction. The good side of this is that I wasn't out any shipping. It's much worse when your buyer finds a stain or tear after you've shipped. There were no takers on craigslist this week- mainly because I didn't relist any of my items to bring them to the top of the list. But overall a good week. Love, Kelly.

Ebay Profits: This week: 339.68

Craigslist Profits: This week 0

This weeks Costs: 33.00 (clothes) -100.11 (ebay fees) -38.23(paypal fees)

Total Profit: 168.34

This will pay for 1 of the windows I need repaired!