Getting Thrifty #2 - Ditto

Ditto a chic resale boutique is exactly that - a boutique. A small shop in a tiny shopping center, it is easy to miss. But the clothing you will find there are anything but small and unassuming. Ditto is a thrift shop, but their items are in outstanding condition, and a great deal of them are from high end designers.

That being said, Ditto's prices do fluctuate a lot, with many items being very pricy for a thrift store (I recall seeing one dress for $100). However, not all of the items were unreasonable. I found several Items that were $5, $8, and $15. My opinion? Ditto is definitely worth checking out if you have the time. Don't expect to pay the typical dirt cheep thrift store prices, but if you have been eyeing a designer piece, this is the place where it can be yours without paying the crazy designer prices.

Ditto a chic resale botique

34085 Pacific Coast Highway

suite 105

Dana Point, Ca 92629

Garage Sale Tips

We all know that garage sales can be a great place to find things you want and need, but having your own garage sale (like I did last week) is also a great opportunity to clear out the things that are taking up space in your life, and make a little bit of cash in the process. Planning and preparation are the keys to making this all happen successfuly. Here are some tips that I was reminded of in my recent sale.

1. Display - more often than not, people will sit in their cars and scope out what you've got before they actually get out and look. This is why it is important to set up the sale in a way that will not only make people want to get out, but want to dig through your stuff. Making sure big ticket items (furniture, electronics, bicycles - NOT your crap) are easily visible is important. You also want to spread your stuff out. For example, it is a bad idea to have a huge pile of kid's toys right in the front of the yard, because the quick drive by will think that is all you have, and not get out and look.

2. Advertising - tools like craigslist and the penny saver are great for getting people to your sale, but you should never underestimate the power of a plain 'ole sign. Don't worry about putting details such as your address, because most people won't read them any way. A clear, bold "Garage Sale" with an arrow should do the trick.

3. Package deals - many times, people will gather up all the items that they are interested in and offer you one lump price for the whole lot. This can be a good thing if you and the perspective buyer are having a hard time agreeing on the price of an item (throwing in something else might make them feel like they are getting more for their money). However, this can also be an easy way to get swindled. I know from personal experience that people will sometimes gather everything up, hiding items behind other things that so that you wont notice. Make sure you carefully go through everything so that you dont get swindled.

Just Plain Thrifty #1: Flashbacks

Flashbacks is anything but your typical, modest thrift store. When I first walked into this shop I was not greated by the dim lighting, elevator music, and racks of horribly worn out clothes that are usually well know territory for thrift store rats such as myself. Instead, were people of all ages browsing in what have could have very easily passed for a popular go to for new clothes.

Most people who don't regualrly shop thrift stores often expect to find fabulous vintage clothing very easily, and are dissappointed to find that - while the great finds do exist - many stores are filled with items that are worn out or simply still waiting to come back into style (not that there is anything wrong with that - I love picking through those places). Flashbacks is filled with stylish, unique, and interesting clothes, shoes, costume, wigs and accessories which definitely makes it a notable thrift store in my book.

Items sold:

Clothing, shoes, and accessories. While there is a large amount of both used clothes, and items that the previous owner did not wear ("new"), most fit into the trends that come to mind when you think of the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

Pricing:

For those who really love a bargain, Flashback's pricing may seem a little steep, but it is still a huge discount from department stores. Expect to pay about $8-$15 per clothing item.

This store does buy clothes for cash or store credit.

Flashbacks Recycled Fashion

576 South Coast Highway 101

Encinitas CA 92024

(760) 632-2658

photo seen on Flashback's yelp.com page.