Confessions Of A Thrift Addict: How It All Began

Thrifting isn’t just shopping—it’s a lifestyle, a treasure hunt, and sometimes, let’s be honest, a bit of chaos. Whether you’re sifting through racks of vintage tees or unearthing a one-of-a-kind find, thrifting is where practicality meets creativity. But here’s the twist: for some of us, it’s more than just a hobby—it’s a love affair.

New to thrifting? Don’t worry—my Thrifting for Beginners series is packed with tips to help you navigate thrift stores, avoid rookie mistakes, and uncover hidden gems.

For me, it all started out of necessity. What began as a way to stretch a budget quickly became a full-blown obsession. Because, let’s face it, where else can you spend $5 and feel like you’ve hit the jackpot? So, how does a thrifting journey go from "making it work" to "making magic"? Let me take you back to where it all began.

1. From Tweety Bird to Treasure Hunting: How Thrifting Stole My Heart

From Tweety Bird kicks—my thrift journey started with a small find that would eventually snowball into a lifelong obsession.

Who could have predicted that thrifting out of necessity as a little girl would turn into the full-blown love affair of a woman? Little me was just hoping for jeans that fit, and a name brand people would recognize. Grown-up me? She’s out here living her best life, collecting crystal and splurging on things no one has ever seen—because… priorities.

I realize that in some circles, they still turn their nose up at thrifting, just like they did when I was a kid. Turns out, judgment is one of those things people never seem to grow out of—cue the side-eye and muffled whispers. But here’s the thing: if you’re curious about thrifting, don’t let the outdated opinions, misguided beliefs, or misconceptions of others hold you back. If you need some myth-busting to ease your way in, my blog Thrift Myths Exposed: Debunking Secondhand Shopping Misconceptions is a must-read.

For me, my love for thrifting came back around thanks to a tight budget and a mild tinge of curiosity. What began as a necessity quickly turned into an unimaginable world of potential. My journey into the secondhand world wasn’t linear; it was a roller coaster of adventures over a lifetime—filled with unexpected finds, lessons learned, and a whole lot of joy. To understand how my love for thrifting grew, we have to start with its roots—those early memories spent with my grandma, where it all began.

2. Thrifting with Grandma: Lessons, Memories, and $0.99 Bins

Grandma’s thrifting wisdom: Always check the $0.99 bins—you might just find a little crystal magic.

Earlier, I shared a glimpse of the thrift adventures I had with my grandma, but over the years, those outings became a regular part of our routine. Whenever I visited her in Florida, thrifting was our thing. Sunday mornings were sacred: after church, we’d make a quick pit stop at Speedway for her piping-hot caffeine fix before heading to the Goodwill Outlet. We lovingly called it “the pound store” because clothes were just $0.99 per pound. We’d spend hours rummaging through bins, hunting for treasures. It became a weekly tradition reserved just for us—mostly because no one else had the patience (or stamina) to keep at it.

Looking back, most of my thrift adventures—though not all—were spent with her. We were always chasing down garage sale signs or pulling over for impromptu thrift stops. My grandma and I shared a love for the hunt, and those moments together made every outing feel like an adventure.

But as I sit here reminiscing, I can’t help but wonder if losing her to cancer is where my thrifting took a pause. After she passed away, I could count on one hand the number of times I went thrifting or yard-saling for years. Part of it was because I didn’t have anyone else who loved it the way she did. But mostly, it was because those trips without her felt… empty. She was one of my two favorite people in the world, and thrifting without her just wasn’t the same.

Maybe I needed time. Now, when I thrift, I quietly reminisce about our adventures together. I often find myself reminded of how I inherited her love for china and glassware—her passion that became mine. Perhaps that’s why I collect opalescent hobnail pieces, or why Fenton glass holds such a special place in my heart. Those memories, and the treasures we found together, keep her with me in a way no other hobby could.

Carrying her memory with me, I’ve found a way to expand on the hobby we shared. Thrifting isn’t just about scoring treasures anymore—it’s about sharing my tips, tricks, and even a few secrets with my thrifting besties (yes, that’s you). In a way, it makes it all feel a little less lonely.

But like any great passion, my thrift game didn’t stay the same—it evolved. From humble beginnings at yard sales and the Goodwill Outlet, my thrift adventures grew into something bigger. Over time, I discovered estate sales, auctions, and even specialty shops, each offering their own unique quirks and challenges. I made plenty of rookie mistakes along the way (pro tip: not all “deals” are created equal), but those missteps were part of the learning process.

If you’re curious about where to start or want to explore all the options secondhand shopping has to offer, my blog Thrifting 101: Top Places to Score Secondhand Treasures breaks down the best spots to hunt for hidden gems. Whether you’re digging through bins, bidding at auctions, or scouting garage sales, there’s a treasure trove waiting for you to explore.

Exploring all those different secondhand spots opened my eyes to just how magical thrifting can be—not just for the treasures, but for the memories, creativity, and individuality it inspires. And that’s exactly why, after all these years, thrifting still holds a special place in my heart.

Of course, it wasn’t just the experiences—it was the treasures themselves that left a mark. And among all those finds, one stands out as the first thrifted piece I’ll never forget.

3. The Thrift Find That Sparked My Secondhand Obsession

One perfect thrift find was all it took to turn secondhand into second nature.

I wish I could tell you I remember the very first time I set foot in a thrift store, but let’s be real—it probably happened long before the memories started sticking. In hindsight, the first time I do remember holds a special place in my heart, though I wouldn’t call it earth-shattering or otherwise life-changing.

I was about seven years old, tagging along with my grandma when she let me pick out a pair of pink-and-white Chuck Taylors with Tweety Bird on the side. Were they even real Converse? No clue. What I do know is that it was one of the first times I got to pick something totally impractical—something I really wanted. Up until then, most of my wardrobe consisted of my sister’s hand-me-downs, and things my dad picked out. Let’s just say his taste was far too practical to muster any enthusiasm in a small girl. So those shoes—they were a revelation.

But it wasn’t until a few years later that thrifting really left its mark. I was eleven, spending the summer in Florida visiting my mom, when my grandma offered to take me back-to-school shopping. The budget? A cool $50. Even today, that kind of cash can stretch in thrift stores if you play your cards right, but back then, it felt like a jackpot.

My grandma taught me the art of the half-price tag sale, and by the end of the day, I’d sourced an entire new wardrobe. Among the haul was one standout piece I’ll never forget: a pair of flare jeans covered in patches. I’m pretty sure my grandma thought they were hideous, but I was head over heels for them. It was the late ’90s, and flares were just coming back on the scene. So to me, those patched-up jeans were everything—they were funky, unique, and most importantly, impractical.

While those early adventures set the foundation, it was one extraordinary find that turned thrifting into more than just a hobby. And when I stumbled upon it, I knew my life would never be the same.

4. Hooked on Thrifting: The Mirror That Changed Everything

One mirror, one thrift trip, and I was officially hooked. Who knew reflection could reveal a whole new passion?

I’d been on a few thrift trips and found some pieces I really loved, but it wasn’t until about a month in that I stumbled on the piece—the one that changed everything. And trust me, when it happens to you, you’ll know. It’s that magical moment when you step into a thrift store, your eyes land on something extraordinary, and it feels as though your heart skips a beat. Suddenly, you’re flooded with panic, convinced that someone else might snatch it up before you get the chance. It takes every ounce of restraint not to sprint across the store like Usain Bolt going for Olympic gold.

That’s exactly how I felt the first time I laid eyes on a large, gold, antique, ornate mirror. It was everything I’d been looking for but never expected to actually find. The previous owner had given it a coat of paint, replaced the glass, reinforced the frame, and attempted to repair a few spots of plaster damage. All things considered, it was in phenomenal condition—and the best part? It was only $14.99, and its antique charm was still intact despite the updates, making it the perfect DIY project for me.

If you’re curious why “perfect” for me means “slightly imperfect,” check out my blog Perfectly Imperfect: How Thrifting Helped Me Ditch Perfectionism. (Spoiler alert: perfection is overrated.)

From that moment on, I was hooked. I started popping into the thrift store every morning right after they opened and kept that routine going for months. Before you start questioning your own level of dedication, let me say this: I’m incredibly lucky to have my favorite Goodwill less than a mile from my apartment. Not everyone gets that level of convenience, so don’t feel pressured to compare your strategy to mine. Thrifting isn’t a race—it’s a treasure hunt, and the pace is entirely up to you.

You might be wondering why I always went just after open even though I live so close; it’s because timing matters more than you might think. Some of my best finds happened because I got there before the crowds, and I’ve learned a thing or two about how timing impacts your thrift game. If you want to know when to shop to snag the best deals, check out my blog Clocking Deals: Best Days and Times to Snag Thrifted Treasures. Trust me, it’ll change the way you thrift.

Finding that mirror changed everything, turning thrifting into an obsession. But it also taught me that thrifting isn’t just about the treasures—it’s about the creativity, individuality, and endless potential behind every find.

5. Thrifting: The Key to Dreamy Practicality

Who says practicality can’t be dreamy? Thrifting turned my space into a home—full of charm, character, and stories.

I think thrifting stuck with me partly because of the memories it holds, but also because it’s deeply rooted in what I like to call dreamy practicality. Where else can you fantasize about spending just a few bucks on something worth hundreds—or even thousands? Opportunities with that kind of ROI are rare, and most come with consequences that involve a 5-to-10-year stretch, if you catch my drift. But thrifting? It’s guilt-free, wildly satisfying, and entirely legal (thankfully).

Beyond the treasures, thrifting has given me the chance to create my own little slice of heaven—a space that’s so uniquely me, it can never really be replicated. As cliché as it sounds, it’s also given me a sense of purpose. Sharing what I’ve learned about secondhand shopping on a budget means other women like me can gain confidence in building their own one-of-a-kind spaces, too. And in a world that constantly shoves expectations down our throats, there’s something magical about being so comfortable in your own skin that you can say, “Fuck em”—no explanations given.

For me, thrifting isn’t just about saving money or scoring deals (though I won’t complain about either). It’s about creativity, individuality, and finding joy in the unexpected. And, of course, I’ve picked up a few personal rules along the way:

• Rule #1: Never ask someone else what they think of something you really like.

• Rule #2: Never ask someone if they think you should get something you really want.

• Rule #3: Never ask the internet what they think about anything to do with you.

You might be wondering why I swear by these rules. It’s because thrifting gives you the chance to curate a vibe and a style that’s uniquely yours. You’re blending furniture, fashion, and decor from decades—or even centuries—past. That kind of originality doesn’t show up in Better Homes and Gardens or on the latest Ikea showroom floor.

The truth is, not everyone will see your vision the way you do, and that’s okay. But it’s also why I’ve learned not to invite opinions from people who don’t get it. Thrifting is your chance to mix, match, and create something truly one of a kind. Looking back, thrifting has shaped more than just my closet or apartment—it’s shaped me. It’s given me creativity, confidence, and a connection to something bigger. And as this journey continues, I can’t wait to share even more stories with you.

Confessions of a Lifelong Thrift Addict: The Journey Continues

A mirror’s reflection isn’t just about what’s in front of it—it’s about the journey behind it. Thrifting has shaped every corner of my home (and my heart).

Looking back, thrifting has done so much more than shape my closet or fill my apartment with unique treasures—it’s shaped me. It’s given me a creative outlet, a way to connect with my roots, and even a sense of purpose. From those early days with my grandma to curating my own style and sharing it with you, thrifting has been a constant reminder that there’s beauty in imperfection and endless potential in the unexpected.

But this is only the beginning. My thrift journey is filled with stories—some hilarious, some heartfelt, and plenty that involve wild finds and rookie mistakes. And trust me, they only get better from here.

Stay tuned for the next blog in the Confessions of a Thrift Addict series: Ditching Generic: How I Made My Apartment My Thrifted Masterpiece.

Now It’s Your Turn!

What personal thrifting rules do you swear by? Do you have a go-to strategy or a treasure-hunting tip that’s never let you down? Share your tips and spill the tea in the comments—I can’t wait to hear them, Bestie!