People who know me personally, know that I am the absolute Queen of bargain hunters... My best find yet was a much wanted 108 piece set of gold rimmed bone china, a brand new service for 10... for $25.00.
The trick to being a top notch bargain hunter is not just how "cheap" the item is, but to recognize impeccable quality and exquisite style that fits with your personal taste..and then to find it at a below rock bottom price.
Lately, I have been in shopping Nirvana! There has been an emergence of consignment stores in our area and the shopping is great. This is part of a national trend. It seems that all those folks who went on "buying binges" during the early part of the decade..before the crash.. are now selling all their great, hardly used things. They are selling their designer clothing, fabulous home furnishings and great books.. and those of us who "hunt" both for a living and for "sport" are having the time of our lives finding great "trophies" for very little money...
I recently completed construction of a new media space in the lower level of my home..the space for sports and movie gatherings...and I have been inspired to furnish the entire space with consignment finds. My first find was a classic leather sectional sofa in great condition for $299.00...and it looks fabulous and will stand up to years of sports, spills and The Cat! And now I am searching for the area rugs, tables, lamps and a media cabinet...my goal is to complete the entire room, with style, for under $800.00..I will keep you posted....
Where are these great stores? For starters travel down High Street just beyond the Library to a great shop called Decor. My dear friend Penny, who is always ahead of the trend curve, has recently converted her fabulous shop to include high quality decorative furnishings on consignment. The trick with Decor and most other consignment stores, is that you must visit often to find the best items.. and most shops have limited hours and not on Sundays...
Some great places for clothing and wardrobe accessories: The French Creek Boutique is on Rte 23 west of route 100 seem to have Chester county's finest cast offs ( be sure to sign up for their email newsletter of events)... Sophie's Choice is in the Amity Place Shops in Douglassville and is another great place. They offer coupons in the Hometown Coupon mailer.
And for Books, I love, love, love Gently Used Books in Douglassville. I always find what I am looking for, and then some, in their expansive collection...There are other new and used book stores in the area as well, but they feel like chain stores to me..and don't have quite the variety and depth of subjects I appreciate at Gently Used Books..( they also have a great web site and search capabilities).
I have found many other great stores outside our area and I am currently compiling a list of my favorites. Perhaps I will be share that in a later post...
So if you have a little vision, a creative spirit, and love the thrill of the Hunt...I suggest you begin shopping consignment stores.. You will be amazed!.....And please write me and tell me of your finds....I love a good "trophy" story...
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