Lovin' the Hand-Me-Downs

Last Thursday, I went along with Ryan back to our old stomping grounds so we could see family and have a couple of appointments. I wanted to be comfy, yet look a little bit on the nicer side for the appointments. So...I pulled out this great shirt I purchased not long ago when Ryan and I went to the Goodwill. I realize Garfield is covering most of it, but you get the general idea.

When we stopped to see Ryan's family, his grandpa and uncle were painting a shed and in a weird twist that I'm not even entirely sure of in full detail, I ended up with dark brown paint right in the middle of the front of my shirt. I didn't even see it for a while. When we finally discovered it, Ryan's uncle was so sad about it! He apologized repeatedly, and I felt bad for him that he was so upset about it. 

Trying to make him feel better, I said, "It's really okay. I got this shirt at the Goodwill." He shook his head and said, "You may have gotten it at the Goodwill, but that is a really nice shirt, and I feel terrible that you got paint on it!" 

(Update: he used mineral spirits on it before I left, and I treated it and washed it when I got back home, and it's as good as new!)

I've not had that shirt too long and haven't worn it a ton yet, but I get great compliments on it every time I do!

And then yesterday I wore white pants (yes, after Labor Day) to church and to our tenant's birthday lunch. I would love to show you a picture of them, but alas, sweet little Isla (the daughter of our former co-workers) learned after lunch yesterday that she can't handle a combo of hot cheetos and ice cream. Had to change my clothes. 

Her mom was also mortified and bemoaned my beautiful white pants. I changed immediately, treated the pants, put them in the washer and texted her later to tell her everything was back to normal. She said, "They were such cute pants! I was so worried!"

My answer? "Got them at the Goodwill."

I love reading fashion blogs...not because I'm fashion conscious, but because I like finding ideas. Sometimes I click on links bloggers provide, but I always choke over the price tag of the clothing. I'm so cheap frugal!

But as I scoured through some bags of hand-me-down clothes given to me recently, I realized just how much of my wardrobe really has come from thrift stores, garage sales, or well-to-do shoppers who tire quickly of their clothing. I often find hardly-worn clothing for little (or no!) cost. 

Here are some of my favorites!

I love this pink shirt. It's got fun crosses in the back, little ties on the arms, and counts as a dress-up shirt for our work. I got it absolutely free from a hand-me-down bag!

Another of my favorite tops - and this one was a gift from Ryan! And if you're wondering about the location...photo scavenger hunt. ;) Anyway. I love how loose the top is and the little ruffle sleeves make me so happy!

Hey look what I found! The Goodwill white pants!! And the blush top? Free in a hand-me-down bag from my sister!

I get more compliments on this sweater than I can even tell you. (One day, a lady stopped me in Hobby Lobby to ask me where I got it, and when I told her it was a hand-me-down, she asked if I minded if she peeked at the tag! Ha!) It has a hood and is so comfy. And it was totally free. 

Super comfy thrift store find - with sparkles!! (Mine, not Ryan's.)

Throwing back to a lifetime ago in Kokomo - with a purple dress I got for absolutely free! It's the only long-sleeved dress I own - still to this day!

Yes, the thrift stores and hand-me-downs have been good to me. I am grateful. How about you? Do you like clothes that are easy on the budget??