I write this post in one of my favorite Edinboro locations - the Lakeside Bagel and Deli Shop. Sure, it may appear like a passing store on the side of 6N, but to many people in this community, the infamous Bagel Shop is a place for work, conversation, and good food. Yet today the air conditioning has been turned on, the blinds were closed because it’s sunny out causing a piercing glare to the workers behind the counter, thus the blood flow in my body has practically stopped. Maybe round 2 of coffee will be needed in order to drive home.
Aside from shivering and procrastinating from the work I actually came to the Bagel Shop to do, I have been reveling in the essence of the the Sal-Val (and for those not savvy on this slang term, I speak of the Salvation Army Thrift Store).
How do you even begin to list the lovely things about the Sal-Val? One obvious benefit to picking up a shirt at the local thrift location is the cost difference in comparison to your American Eagle establishment or Rue 21 hotspot. To beat the prices even more, Wednesdays are the key to success in bargain shopping because of the “family day” where all tags except 1 or 2 are half price for clothing and shoe items. Sweet Georgia Brown.
Due to this cost cut, you can obtain a fashionable wardrobe for more than half the price and three times the style possibility. Why stick to one trend in fashion when you can select from decades of fashion to create your own? Fashion can be much like coloring books - stay in between the lines or go crazy on paper. On an epic Sal-Val adventure, you create the future from section to section with shirts from the 80’s, pants from today, and hats from your grandfather’s closet. It’s the BobFM of fashion. A little bit of everything (even though it’s not all stellar, you can find a pretty outrageous article of clothing that the franchise should be paying you to take out of their store).
In the process of creativity and cost cutting, give yourself a pat on the back for supporting a local non-profit instead of a manipulating company that using cheap labor to produce their product. Even better, when I shop at the Sal-Val I get to giggle at the white plastic mannequins, not wish they actually wore the clothing they are trying to sell.
The purpose for my Sal-Val excuursion was in search for an outfit to resemble the great Wonder Woman for the Epic Movie Party my house is hosting next weekend. After finding a red pair of boots, a skirt that does justice to this lady of truth, and a red top that isn’t scoof-like, two of my housemates deemed Sal-Val’in and yard saling one of my spiritual gifts. 75% of the time I am sporting something that came from a second hand location - with pride as well.
I can honestly say as I accept this deemed honor of spiritual gifting on my life, I must place credit where credit due. My mother and one of my best friends are to thank for what I have learned in the art of thrifting. It’s as if I have been “apprenticed” by them in the arts of the good price, right timing, and thrift logic and knowledge. Without them I would be wearing the pink shirt I have on, or enjoy wearing my old lady loafers. To them I say thank you from the bottom of my heart and my closet.
What encourages me is the pursuit of thrifting I have seen my housemates enjoy as they also bargain hunt for their costumes. They even picked up a few cute things for themselves and take pride in their findings. Who says you can’t modern day treasure hunt?
As spring approaches I know the season is near for yard sales. If you’re got a request, I’ll put in on the radar. Until then, I dream of Saturday mornings down the streets in Manor and Manorville, hot dogs for $1, and a brand new toasteroven for $2.50.
