29.9.17

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



22.9.17

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

13.9.17

Bettie Gets Cool Weather Ready with Primark

Darlings, darlings - I just had the best weekend in Boston, one of my favorite cities, and boy do I have some fun finds to share with you!  I was able to do some thrifting, but before we get to that, I want to gush about my haul from Primark.  For those of you who are unfamiliar, Primark is an Ireland-based department store-like chain that carries trendy clothing items at cheap prices.  They graced the US with their presence last year, and I am SO GLAD they did!  The Primark in downtown Boston is huge, and was the first Primark I ever visited.

I always find great things, but this time in particular I was really impressed by the quality and selection of items at great price points.  With any steeply discounted fast fashion store there are bound to be items that look cheap, but I am absolutely in love with everything I purchased, and with the prices!  I was able to pick up some cozy clothes to get ready for our cooler seasons.



I absolutely adored the baby pink of this sweater.  It's pretty thick, and I loved the neck line and puffy sleeves.  Great for a day spent in bed, or can be dressed up. Definitely worth just $16!


The scarf and hat were $7, and the sweater was just $16.  Aren't the button details on the sweater so cute?  The hat and scarf came in 2-3 other colors, and it was hard for me to decide on just one!  It ended up being chilly and rainy one of our days in Boston, so the scarf ended up being the perfect purchase.


It was huge, soft, and cozy - definitely going to head to our Primark in NJ to get it in every color!

Our stop in Primark was pretty quick,  so I'm sure there is much more I missed - I didn't even get to look at the shoes!  My bestie also picked up some adorable Harry Potter themed pajamas and pajama sets, all $10 - $15.  If you're on the East Coast, I definitely recommend having some fun and visiting a Primark near you.

Stay tuned for a post on my other finds from my thrifting adventure in Cambridge!

xoxo, Bettie




 

Copyright © 2015 - Designed by Pictures and Paragraphs