Thrifty Threads 365

Who: Me (Patrice)

What: Thrifty Threads 365, a year long endeavor where I will not purchase any new clothing or accessories. I can only buy second-hand items from thrift stores or flea markets. The only new goods I can purchase are underwear and  I can utilize gift cards that have been given to me (via promotional items, presents, etc).

Why: I’ve always enjoyed thrifting but I really want to demonstrate that no matter what your budget is, you can have a fly wardrobe that suits your style. This is also a great way to save money.

When: September 1, 2010 (the official one year anniversary of Living Fly on a Dime) to September 1, 2011.

I know this is a lofty endeavor to take on, but I’m really excited. Thrifty Threads 365 {TT365} is also open to any readers who want to join me in the challenge. Maybe you don’t want to give up shopping for a year, but maybe just a few months. C’mon, you can do it!

***Update***
Well, I made it an entire year without shopping for new clothing and guess what? I’m continuing the challenge.

Beginning October 1, 2011 I started the Thrifty Threads 365 Part II challenge, but this time, I can only spend $50 a month on thrifted clothing.

***Update***
Well, this time I made it another year without shopping for new clothing. I completed my second year of Thrifty Threads 365. My tally for a year’s worth of clothing was just $460.

 

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  • Tjsfree04

    Just joined your site & i love it! I started selling preowned clothing from thift stores for ebay and was amazed at the nice things i obtained for myself & ebay! i’m from central Florida.

    • Looking Fly on a Dime

      Thanks and welcome! So glad you love the site. 
      When I started thrifting years ago, I couldn’t believe all of the amazing stuff I found. There are some serious treasures out there! 

      • Sweetsies82

         Just joined the site, and i have to say i love , love it. I have seen you on the nate berkus show but forgot the name of the site till i saw a re-run today. I was never a thrift shopper but i’m having the urge to start. I live in brooklyn can you tell me where i can find thrift shops in brookly or manhattan? thx.

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  • ShaQuitta Sistrunk

    Girlfriend, you are my kinda chicka.  I can roll with cha or shall I say let me roll with cha cause you are on a revolution with this thang!!!  I just watched you segment on the NB show and lady…let me tell ya, you were on point with the designer fakes.  Man, I just loved it. 

  • Priscillasparrow

    wow this is great, good for you.

  • Debbiehays

    i really liked your show on nov 11 it is awesome. im going back  to school in january we live on 800 dollars were going to do alot of saving some where love you guys

  • Nana7819

    Omg i love ur ideas i went to the goodwill store long island city amazing!!!!!!! I am a 33 yrs old stay at home mom of a 2 yrs old boy… i were getting a little depressed about being home so much on a strict budget ,since, i discovered thrift every other wkend thanks to you, it lifted my spirits now i feel soooooo much better and optimistic about life… thanks to you , my husband babysits its my therapy if you ever need goodwill buddy in long island city let me know…

    Nadine
    Nana7819@yahoo.com

    • Looking Fly on a Dime

      Thanks for such an amazing comment Nadine. I’m so happy thrifting has had such a positive impact on your life. The Goodwill Outlet in Long Island City is my fave ;)

    • courtney

      I know what you mean , I have two little kids with special needs and I feel wandering a Goodwill or Target is cheap therapy.  I love my cheap thrills!

  • Ladylove49

    on NATE you made it seem as though this were a thrift clothing online website. Not really anything great on this site. just pictures….

    • Looking Fly on a Dime

      No, I never, ever said anything about my site being an online thrift store. I post tips about thrifting, but it’s definitely not a site for purchasing clothes. 

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  • Nicce41

    i need to take on that challenge

  • KSh decor

    I have also deceided not to buy retail. I have been shopping at Saks aka Thrift Stores since 11984. For the past 17 months I have dedicated my time to thrifting three times a week. I like your idea of putting a budget on thrifting. Even though thing are inexpensive, it can add up. I’m having a clothes swap with several friends. Thats a way to thrift for free.

  • Sheibaby83

    Omg! Love!love!love ur Style& tips because & I love shopping ! But getting a great deal on a nice piece even better! Please keep giving us fashion tips!! Sheila from Bayrige Brooklyn.

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  • Msdrumm25

    I would love to do this, but I live in Spokane WA, where style isn’t exactly paramount! Suggestions?

  • Jaclyn Martinez

    I love your blog. I’ve decided to take this challenge, too. I’m in Jacksonville, FL, and pickins are slim, but I think I can manage. My husband and I have a budget of $40/mo to purchase only ONE complete outfit (top+bottom+shoe) for each of us, and anything unused will go to our 3 y/o daughter’s CD/college fund. I think this could be great !! Wish me luck :)

    • Looking Fly on a Dime

       Thanks so much and for joining the Thrifty Threads challenge. Good luck and be sure to keep me posted!

  • http://twitter.com/KittyBradshaw KittyBradshaw

    Oh wow $50?!  The only way I could do that is if I were forced at gunpoint, lolll.  $200 would be stretching it for me…

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  • Tanasia Thomas

    I joined your site because I am taking this challenge for 2013. I plan to lose at least 25 pounds and I don’t want to buy new items that I will be getting rid of when my size decreases. It’s ON!

  • sitpen

    You are amazing!! I love how each Update gets more and more inspiring and shows how this challenge is truly attainable!

  • Mrs Moulds

    You have inspired me to start thrifting again. I love your style and have used some of you outfits as guides. Thank you so much and you have shown me that you can look fly on a dime!