06 Aug Thrift Shopping in Nashville – Finding Vintage Gems on a Dime

I try to thrift shop in every city and country I visit. Besides finding unique pieces, it’s also nice to see the different looks and feels of thrift stores. So when I had a few days in Nashville, inevitably thrifting was on the menu. Since I didn’t have much time, I knew getting major bang for my thrift buck was the key. After quick research I was so happy to find that a Goodwill Outlet was just a short ride away.

If you’ve never been to an outlet, then you need to visit. Unlike your average thrift shop, the outlets price items by the pound versus individual pieces. But that also means the crowd can be a bit competitive.

But I was ready to see what the Nashville Goodwill Outlet had to offer.

After reading a Yelp review, I realized the Outlet and a “regular” Goodwill location were right next to each other. That meant that even if the Outlet location was a bust, I could just walk a few feet and try the other Goodwill spot.

Though I didn’t get any photos while in the actual Goodwill Outlet, the space was pretty large and like the location in New York, carts are limited. So that meant I had to hold items in my hand. I was a bit tired from traveling, so the idea of sifting through bins and bins of clothing was just too much for me. But I did find three pieces I loved and spent less than $5 {you can see my thrift store scores at the end of this post!}.

I figured I’d go next door to the Goodwill store, where the garments are priced individually versus by the pound. On that day there were deals on blue and yellow ticket items.

The store was extremely organized and prices were around $6 for dress and pants. Though the store was in great shape, the fitting room was another story.

It was an absolute disaster with clothes all over the place. But this turned out to be a not so bad thing because I found a few stylish items that other shoppers left in the fitting room. The two pieces that immediately caught my attention were this printed open front jacket and a metallic cape.

Though I loved this beauty, after close inspection I saw a few stains. For a second I contemplated buying it anyway {it was $5!} but I had a feeling the stains couldn’t be removed so I just left it behind.

And this gold metallic cape was something I spotted instantly. I think this was $10 or less. It was fun, made a statement and I was dying to have it. But then I stopped myself. Where would I actually wear this? Does it really fit me properly? Do I truly, seriously need it? After asking myself those questions, it became clear I needed to leave the cape behind. I hope she found a good home. *sigh*

It’s easy to buy items because they’re cheap or unique, but if you can’t realistically find a way to incorporate it into your wardrobe? Leave it behind.

But back to the Goodwill Outlet, here are the pieces I ended up buying, which totaled less than $5.

My favorite piece has to be this long floral blazer. It’s the perfect finishing touch over jeans or even a dress. I’ve already worn this a few times.

I’m a denim girl, so when I saw these vintage jeans with the side button details, I was sold. They’re also high waisted which I see as a major win. However, once I got them home and tried them on {no fitting rooms in the Goodwill Outlet!}, they didn’t fit. Oh well. But I may give these away to a friend so they find a good home.

And finally, the first piece I found at the Outlet was this giraffe print windbreaker jacket. Besides the fun print, I just like how functional it will be come fall.

So overall my Nashville thrift shopping experience was great. The crowds were chill. The finds were great. And I can’t wait to go back and visit more shops.