So this post is long over due but I’ve been on vaca, so that entails doing as little as possible. So back in August (it’s September now AGHHH!!!) I attended the Housing Works Buy the Bag Sale. Now if you don’t know, Housing Works is a New York community agency that helps individuals with HIV/AIDS. Apart of this organization are several thrift stores around the city. This summer, a few Saturdays in a row, they open up their thrifting warehouse to die hard shoppers willing to spend an entire day searching for a diamond in the rough. Now I’m definitely a shopping Diva but THIS was a whole new experience. The concept is: bring a bag (or used the provided ones) stuff it till it may explode, then pay $25 and ride off into the sunset. Simple right? Not so much. After traveling and hour and a half to Long Island City (departing from the BX), I then waited an hour in line. As I stepped through the threshold, swelled with anticipation, I saw this: 

I immediately wanted to cry. How could I possibly find anything of value in this mess. Determined to make the best of the situation I gathered my thoughts and decided I needed to develop a strategy. The organizers wanted us to make an attempt to get the clothes off of the floor, so I started picking up pieces one by one putting them back into the bins. The first discovery I made was this lovely green cardigan/jacket:

(pics aren’t great cause I use my phone)

I loved the color and the gold accents. I would pair this with a silk shell maybe nude/cream/blush some dark skinny jeans and a serious stiletto or maybe a bodycon skirt/dress. Once I made my first find, I became encouraged and the shopping became addictive. Next up I saw this awesome corduroy vest for the S.O. I wish he would have come (was not going to happen) they had so many great menswear pieces with no tags in them that he would have needed to try on. I just guessed on this vest and it was a perfect fit:

There were just so many great finds. Thirfty Diva tip: I have lovely little furbaby, Delilah May, who is more a Diva than most,  that likes to stay stylish and warm during the Chicago winters. Well she can get thrift items as well. Sweaters, shirts, even jackets sized anywhere in the 0-6 months range usually fit pretty well and no other puppy on the block will have it:

(J Crew Holiday sweater)

Now my sister has this beautiful mink Russian hat that I am so envious of, but guess what I found:

It’s rabbit and smaller, but a similar look. So cute! I love the pompoms. This brown leather clutch was pretty awesome too.

The coup de gras that made it all worth while was this custom trench coat I found (the tag says “specially made for Mellissa Somebody”) I’ve wanted a trench coat since last fall and this one fit like a glove:

So I’m done gushing. I also nabbed some scarves, ties, a vintage skirt, tops, and more cardigans. In total 16 items coming to about $1.50 a piece. Not bad right? 

So if this is a sale you want to check out click here. 

However, I am warning you this sale is not for the faint of heart. Here are some things I learned from my experience.

1. Wear clothing to keep you cool. (this summer in NY was no joke and there is no A/C in the warehouse)
2. Wear clothing that makes it easy to try things on. (there are no fitting rooms)
3. Bring a friend. Two sets of eyes are better than one and they can help you spot cool finds.
4. Buy the early pass. It’s only $10 and the early bird gets the worm right? Get in there and get the first finds.
5. Get there early. The line is long and only a certain number of people can be in the warehouse at one time.
6. BRING YOUR OWN BAG. I didn’t realize you could do this, the bag can be ANY size. Remember you only pay $25 PER bag. Some people had 50 gallon trash bags lol.
7. Be assertive, NOT mean. If you had your hand on an item first, stake your claim, aversely if you see someone eyeing an item you have that doesn’t work for you, hand it over. You’ll find something better.
8. Don’t just take any and everything. Even though it’s a great deal, if you’re not gonna wear it, there is no use in buying.
9. Pace yourself. This is a long distance run, not a sprint. Take your time. After you have picked up everything you can, go through your bag, see what really should join your fab wardrobe and what should stay behind for the next thrifty diva.
10. Have fun! Shopping is therapeutic and even more so when you are getting a deal. So take deep breaths, laugh with the people around you, and make this a worth while experience.

Well that’s it. Buy the Bag was a great experience and I may do it again, but for now I will just enjoy my great finds! I may post some outfit pics, depends on how I feel.

So Divas, have you been to Buy the Bag? Will you go in the future? Are you just not into thrifting? Or is this type of shopping just too much for you? I want to know your thought.

As always,

Stay Fly!