01 Sep Work it Out

How did I manage to snag a pair of designer jeans for less than the cost of a can of soda? I’m gonna let you in on a little secret, but only if you promise not to tell. psst *Housing Works* If you’re in New York City, then maybe you’ve heard of this thrift store. They have several locations throughout NYC and offer discounted clothing and furniture, with the proceeds benefiting those who are homeless and/or have AIDS. They even have an online auction where you can bid on designer items. Sounds great, right? Well, it gets even better! Once or twice a month they have a warehouse sale. Shoppers are provided with a brown bag (the kind you’d get at a grocery store) and whatever you can stuff in the bag is yours for $20. [caption id="attachment_11" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="my warehouse sale booty"][/caption] I hit up the sale this weekend and managed to squeeze 38 items in the bag. 38 items for $20, so that’s about 50 cents per item! I scored 7 belts, a hat, scarf, clutch, 3 blazers, a skirt, 7 dresses, pair of jeans, dress pants and 15 shirts. And these weren’t some ratty, dingy no name items either, I’m talking: Diane von Furstenberg, Banana Republic, Citizens of Humanity, BCBG Max Azria, Club Monaco, J. Crew, Vivienne Tam, and more. I had to pat myself on the back for tightly packing everything into the bag. Some tips if you plan to go to Housing Works or any warehouse sale: