The Foxy Thrifter: How I Gained 9 Pounds In One Day

So that title may be a bit misleading. I didn't physically gain 9 pounds in one day... thank ya Jesus! But I did gain a whopping 9 pounds in bargains!

I haven't been to my local Goodwill Clearance Center in at least 4 years. And I only went one time before. It was in the beginning of my thrifting obsession. I walked in, took one look around, and walked right on out. I was completely overwhelmed! I guess it's the one time I can relate to those people that say they hate thrift shopping. (Weirdos.)

So what changed my mind? A new pal I made (@Steffwatts) through The Foxy Thrifter's Instagram absolutely LOVES her local Goodwill Clearance Centers and seems to have the best luck finding tons of great items- everything from high-end brands to classic vintages pieces. Like me, she shares her love of thrifting through photos on her Instagram account.

So with her in mind, I set out to visit the Clearance Center.

Here's a disclaimer for you if you have never been before: Take a pair of gloves, and some sort of anti-anxiety medication before going.

The gloves are for sanitation. You have to sort through everything if you want to find something good. And let me tell you, the store is not going through the bins to clean out any of the "questionable" stuff after hours. Nu uh. No way. So consider yourself warned.

The anti-anxiety medication is for yours and the sanity of everyone around you. If you don't have any medication, then you better have some serious patience. And if you have neither, well, maybe the Clearance Center isn't the place for you.

Everything in the store has set prices. The items in the bins (clothes, shoes, accessories, linens, toys, home décor, household goods, etc.) are sold by the pound, meaning you shove as much stuff as you want into a rolling cart, then the cart is weighed to determine your price. The price for these items is $1.29 per pound. The larger items (electronics, furniture, books, etc.) have price stickers on them.

I casually browsed the household goods and furniture before getting lost in the bins.

I found lots of great potential outfits but sadly most of them were in sizes too small for me. But that didn't stop me from snapping a few pictures of them to share with you.