New Decade, Same Bettie With a Twist

Well, hello there!

It certainly has been some time since I've been in the blog-o-sphere.  I'm not completely sure what's compelling me to come back after all this time, but, HERE I AM!

It's now officially 2020, a new decade and a new year.  Around this time last year I remember writing out a long list for myself of ways to "live better".  I can't even tell you where that list is now, but I can guarantee that the majority of those things didn't stick for the long haul.

Looking into this year, this new decade, and now being in my thirties, I see a real opportunity to start fresh. I've decided to keep things a bit more simple, with three main goals:

1.) DRINK MORE WATER

2.) Focus more on doing what makes me happy, not just going with the motions, and 

3.) Buy exclusively second hand 

The first one is pretty simple, but to provide some backstory; the past few weeks have been a wake-up call to how I feel in my body and how I've been taking care of myself.  Rather than another long list of new healthy habits, I thought it would be best to start small, and just try to keep myself freaking hydrated.  Baby steps people, baby steps.

#2 was actually something that struck me recently.  Recently I've been forced to keep things very low key, sometimes not really moving from the couch at all.  It resulted in me reading a TON the past few days, and I didn't realize how much I had missed it! Growing up I used to move through books like crazy, but now as an adult I feel like I've gotten too comfortable in the routine of coming home and plopping in front of the TV.  Realizing how much reading sparks joy inspired me to get back to it more regularly, and also intentionally choosing to do other things I love that maybe I recently have abandoned. I guess we'll see throughout the year what those other things may be!

....and number three.  I think this definitely ties to #2 - as you've seen from my previous adventures, shopping it something I absolutely love.  It's therapy, it's fun, and it's a way to bond with people I love!  However, I think this past year I definitely was a little reckless.  I actually started off 2019 with the resolution of no new clothes at all - who was I kidding?  I made it about 5 months (way longer than I thought), but ended up essentially going on a binge to make up for the time of not getting my fix.  I think making every effort to buy only second hand will be a fun challenge for a few reasons:

• I'll need to be more creative!  I'm looking forward to new shops/websites/ways of shopping that I haven't been exposed to before.
• I'll get back to my true bargaining roots - ready to dig back into my favorite thrift and vintage stores!  I'm also hoping that this has a nice effect on my bank account.
• I foresee buying second hand resulting in more thoughtful purchases. Without the opportunity of return policies in most cases,  I'm hoping this drives me to purchase items that I truly love, not just piles of fast fashion I get for cheap.  I want to curate a wardrobe I absolutely adore.
• You can't deny the benefits of shopping second-hand:
• Second-hand shopping can keep money local and supports local businesses and organizations
• Helping with sustainability
• Reducing business to companies that exploit workers in third world countries

I think there will definitely be exceptions here and there with this one (for example, we got tons of gift cards for the holidays, buying handmade stuff from local artisans, definitely not buying secondhand underwear..... etc.), but I think it's a fun and exciting challenge to start the new year.

I'm looking forward to bringing Bettie back in 2020, and can't wait to see what we find!

Until next time!

Bettie Thrifts Boston!

As I mentioned in my previous post, I was able to do some thrifting during my last trip to Boston.  My bestie had to spend some time working, so I figured what better way to kill time than to shop!?

I decided to make a quick stop in Cambridge on my way into the city.  My friend had previously taken me to Garment District, which I loved, and I had also read about Boomerangs.  Both were within walking distance of each other, so it made for the perfect shopping trip!

I parked by Boomerangs and stopped there first.  I was really excited to check it out - Boomerangs is a small chain of thrift stores throughout the Boston area run by the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts, and proceeds from sales go directly to their efforts.  In addition to purchases going to a great cause, reviews and write-ups I read online raved about Boomerangs, so I felt like it was a must-see.  

The size of the store in Cambridge was pretty small, but very organized.  There were sections for furniture, home knick-knacks, men's clothing/accessories and women's clothing/accessories.  I was really impressed by the selection and quality of furniture.  Everything was in great condition, and very reasonably priced.  Some of the items were very unique.  If I lived locally to Boston, I'd definitely look here for some good home thrift finds!  Also, added bonus: Boomerangs has a monthly promotion calendar on their website.  The weekend I was visiting was "Moving Weekend" so all furniture was 10% off, 30% off if you took it with you on the spot.  Not bad at all!

However, aside from the furniture, Boomerangs was a bit of a bust for me.  I'm not sure if my expectations weren't correct, or if it had just been cleared out that day.  I wasn't searching for anything in particular, but nothing really jumped out at me.  I came across many sweaters and shirts with holes in them, and a lot of the shoes looked dirty and dusty.

I purchased a huge $3 spool of yarn for a project I'm working on, and a small cross-body for $6, but overall I would say Boomerangs was a bit of a disappointment for me.  If I lived locally I'd stop in now and then, especially for housewares, and would check out their other locations.  I'd always like the opportunity to support a good cause! However as an out-of-towner I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to make a stop back.

My other Cambridge stop was at Garment District.  My bestie had taken me there last time I was in town, and I had loved it!  I was excited to stop in a second time to give you guys a proper scoop.

Garment District labels itself an "Alternative Department Store".  It's decked out in fun colors and random props.  The first floor is actually a costume store with anything you can imagine (not thrift, new items), and the second floor is the second-hand area.  There is a women's section and a men's section, and then different racks broken down by category (even down to an entire section of acid wash, flannels, jerseys, etc.)  They have A LOT of merchandise, and I think a pretty good, fun selection.

Pricing is fair, but not crazy cheap, thrift pricing.  As an example I thought these heels were to die for; they were in great shape and $18.00. It's a good price, but not the lowest I've ever seen.

In addition to regular second hand, they also have a vintage section in the back of the 2nd floor.  The section has a fun selection of 80's and 90's clothes - think ugly sweaters galore!  They also had a small section of vintage dresses, shorts, and blouses.  Most items seemed to be from the 60's and 70's, not too much prior to those eras. They also have a 'special vintage' section at the front of the store behind the cash wrap that you have to ask to see.  I didn't notice those items until it was too late!

My find of the day, which I LOVE, was this cream sweater dress:

I felt like I had never seen anything like it, and for $24, it was a no-brainer! I can't wait to wear it with some festive pumps and a bright red lip this winter!

I definitely had more fun and more success at Garment District during my Cambridge 'thrift stop'. I was disappointed I didn't have time for the ultimate adventure there: By-The-Pound!  Garment District has a room on the first floor where they just dump a bale of clothes, and you can fill a bag and pay by the pound!  Would definitely like to take some time trying that another day. Even though I didn't have much luck there, you can never turn down an opportunity to shop for a cause, so I'd recommend giving Boomerangs a go as well if you're ever in the area.

Are you a Boston bargain hunter?  If so, where else is on your must-shop list?  I'll definitely be back, and would love any and all of your tips! :)

Until the next adventure,

xoxo, Bettie

Friday Finds - September 21, 2017

Happy Friday!

I am SO excited to share this week's Friday Find with you!   Do any of you ever get jealous of your S.O.'s wardrobe?  My boyfriend is a great dresser, and I've found myself getting inspiration from his closet on more than one occasion.  Last year he stalked Levi's for a good price on a shearling lined trucker jacket, and naturally after I saw it on him I wanted one of my own!  I've been going to the Levi's outlets regularly checking prices, but they were either full price or didn't have my size.  Lo and behold, this past week I was in my local TJ Maxx, and what did they have?  A dark wash Levi's jacket with a shearling collar!  It's not the same exact jacket - instead of the full shearling lining just the collar has the accent, with a sporty tech lining for warmth instead.  In some ways it works out better - its just as cozy, and doesn't have the bulk of the fully lined jacket.  Even better yet - it was only $24.99!! I can't wait for the weather to finally turn fall to pair this baby with some plaid and booties!

Until the next adventure!

xoxo - Bettie