Saturday Socks

LifeBridge Thrift Store, Salem MA

I’ve been a thrifty Frugalista long before it was fashionable.  Age four when my babysitter brought me to my first church bazaar;  Mom armed me with a dollar in my pocket.  Uncertain how the parish school would get a “white elephant” in the basement, I entered with extreme caution. Until I spied a table loaded with plates and glassware typically reserved for holiday dinners in my home. I spent most of the day and my dollar at this knick-knack table, buying what I thought was precious crystal for my mother, at 5 and 10 cents a piece! Later, I was heartbroken to discovered my treasure, every piece, smashed to bits; it had not survived the rough and tumble walk home with a blustery group of grade schoolers. A lesson learned.

Thankfully, and through much trial and error, I have gotten better at spotting a deal, a steal or as they say “another man’s trash” turned my treasure. I love the hunt! Recently, I found a  brand new charcoal-grey Calvin Klein tunic-sweater at a shop that sells for a dollar a pound.  The item was still on the rack in Nordstrom’s for almost $200.00.  Another day I spied a slinky little  Ralph Lauren black dress for $6.00, and at the end of the season I found pristine a camel-hair coat for $2.00!  My favorite recent find is yet another Ralph Lauren black camel-hair wrap coat for $19.99.

I am never one to hide my thrifting, and my friends often exclaim when they see me in a new kicky outfit, “It’s beautiful – Let me guess, 5 bucks!”  I get a huge thrill in getting ready for date night in $800+ outfit and declaring “Boots, dress, necklace, scarf and coat, 75 bucks – Chah-ching!”  My husband never begrudges my shopping sprees.  (In a later post I will share with you what I found him one day at a local haunt!)

Stay tuned and  I will chronicle my adventures in thrifting at various haunts on the North Shore. Today I will give you a small taste of what I recently spotted at LifeBridge Thrift Store, my favorite addiction.  The store serves the homeless in the community – and Ann Queenan Richardson runs the shop like a boutique – greeting everyone by name who walks through the door, with a warm hello, whether they carry a donation or a chit from the shelter.

The Lifebridge Shop not only provides more than $250,000 in funding per year to the LifeBridge Mission, but also ensures a supply of clothing and essentials for their clients. The shop is located at 47 Canal Street in Salem MA.  Bargain hunters will find everything from high-end vintage treasures to gently used household items to last season’s name brand clothes–all at amazing prices. Hours are Monday-Saturday 10AM to 5PM, 10AM to 7PM on Thursday’s. Donors may call  (978) 745-2459 for information. (Make sure to scroll thrugh for fun pics.)

LifeBridge Thrift Store Mission for the Homeless, photo (c) Hey Sadie Mae! for Saturday Socks

Original handpainted art, photo (c) Hey Sadie Mae! for Saturday Socks

SaturdaySocks, vintage ceramic owls, LifeBridge, SalemMA, photo (c) Hey Sadie Mae! for Saturday Socks

Re-Loved, chartreus bar stools, photo (c) Hey Sadie Mae! for Saturday Socks

A 1940’s era typewriter, photo (c) by Hey Sadie Mae! for Saturday Socks

Wicker & rattan loveseat, photo Hey Sadie Mae! for Saturday Socks

Wicker & Rattan Chair, photo (c) Hey Sadie Mae! for Saturday Socks

Retro table fan, photo (c) Hey Sadie Mae! for Saturday Socks

Blue on Blue quilt, LifeBridge, Salem MA, photo (c) Hey Sadie Mae! for Saturday Socks

Table Lamp, photo (c) Hey Sadie Mae! for Saturday Socks

Time after time I never know what I’ll find at LifeBridge photo (c) Hey Sadie Mae! for Saturday Socks

Wicker rocker, photo (c) Hey Sadie Mae! for Saturday Socks

Seashell collection, photo (c) Hey Sadie Mae! for Saturday Socks

Classic vintage corduroy coat, photo (c) Hey Sadie Mae! for Satuday Socks

Donated handmade hats & scarves, photo (c) Hey Sadie mae! for Saturday Socks

This desk and bed is in pristine shape, photo (c) Hey Sadie Mae! for Saturday Socks

This delicate wicker rocker is a rare treasure, photo (c) Hey Sadie Mae! for Saturday Socks

Victorian Style Wash Basin, Re-loved Vanity & Vintage Stationary, photo (c) Hey Sadie Mae! for Saturday Socks