Family Tree

Felt very uncomfortable upon entering the store. The two women working there looked at me without even a smile, «hello», «welcome», nothing. Looked around a bit and then left. I wouldn’t feel comfortable making a purchase. Won’t be back.

Just stopped in here to drop off donations. Proceeds from sales go to benefit a local nonprofit. In the process, I wandered around but I’m not a big thrift shopper. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how neatly everything was arranged. This is not your average Salvation Army where things are stacked from top to bottom and has that smelly, musty odor. It’s more boutique like and it looks like they only select what easily resale-​able.
In the process of wandering, my eye caught on a beautifully embroidered white dress in the kids clothing section. I need a first communion dress for my daughter and I pulled out the hanger shocked to see the tags still attached from the original store. Apparently, the local kids boutique donates clothing all the time. The ladies who are unpaid volunteers mentioned that they get stuff from the store all the time, brand new.
The retail price for the dress? $ 165. What I paid? $ 40. It was also the perfect size 7 that I needed. I snapped it up right away. That $ 40 might seem like a lot for a thrift sale, but it was a satin dress with elaborate embroidery and beadwork on the top. The bottom was ruffled chiffon. It was really unique and modern and in brand spanking new condition. I checked – no smudges or tears anywhere.
The ladies were sweet and asked about my kids. They mentioned that if I ever need stuff for a special occasion, easter, christmas, etc., to just give them a call and they’ll hold it for me when they get a new donation.
I also scored a couple of vintage children’s books, Princess and the Froggy and the Night Before Christmas. Also got a cute vase I will repot with an orchid for a housewarming present. Lots of cute select houseware items. If I had more time, I’d probably have broused the clothing section, too. It looked like they had some great vintage designer items.
What a hidden treasure! Great for real thrifters! Or people like me who formerly turned up my nose at the idea of buying «used» stuff, but found real treasures. I would come in here again! Convenient location, too. Right next to Trader Joe’s and on Laurel Street, the main downtown street.