Sunday, April 21, 2013

Best Thrift Store Ever

A few weeks ago I saw this humongous thrift store on the other side of town that took up almost a city block. Last weekend I finally made a trip back over there and wouldn't you know it, they had sign in the door that the store was closing and moving to a new location. I was all bummed until I saw another sign that said everything was 90% off. I almost fell over trying to get inside. Unfortunately, I didn't arrive until 30 minutes before closing so the place was practically empty of merchandise but the line to the register was long as heck.


This is all I was able to snatch up. What I can assume was the toy section was extremely bare. All I found was a Playdoh stove that isn't even 1:6 scale. But hey, it was $0.20 so who cares, lol. I also got 2 rolls of wall paper for $0.40, 8 placemats for $.40, that wire rack thingy was $0.30 and the candle holder was $0.20.

I couldn't believe it when I saw another jewelry box in the same design as the other one I got.  This one was $5.95 but since the final price was $0.60, I didn't care that the lower draw was missing and that a knob was broken off. It was too sweet a deal to pass up and I really wanted to know if it had rounded cubbies in it too.  It does!



I don't think the heart design is as cute as the flower one, and I much prefer the hot pink over the light pink interior, but again - $0.60, so whatever!

While in line I got the scoop on the store and found out that they routinely but randomly have 20% off sales so I made sure to attend their grand opening this weekend. OMG, I got so much stuff! However, nothing was on sale, lol. Everyone in the store was ticked off, but not me because I still thought the prices were great.


Also, look! Unlike my local store, all their toy items were either out in the open or in clear plastic bags.  Imagine that, being able to see what you are buying before you buy it.  Genius! I found another roll of wall paper for $1.95 but I mostly spent all my time in the toy section which was HUGE. The dolls were paired in baggies so that two clothed dolls cost $3.95 and two or three naked dolls were $2.95. Even if you only wanted one of the dolls, you still at least got to see what the heck you were getting. Here's what I bought, photographed the way they were paired:


Brandy, yay! They did a great job with her face but I gotta get her a new body.  The one she has is articulated but it's weirdly done and she flops about.  Her neck knob is also stationary so her head cant tilt up or down.


Totally got this for the Liv outfit which is in perfect condition. I already have a Snow White so this one will be getting a repaint in the future.


No shade to Hanna Montana, but the smaller doll was the draw for this bag. She has the Susan Lucci face mold but a teen neck hole and body. Very interesting.  I'll see if she can fit on a Bratz. The Hanna sings and almost scared the crap out of me when she started screeching.


I wanted both of these two. Him for his outfit and her for her face. He's got a stiff, twist around neck but I'm sure I can work with it.


Although her outfit is atrocious, the teen was who I wanted here.  I guess she's an old Skipper? If she is I much prefer this mold over the current one. The new version has a smirk as though she's looking down on me. This one looks all friendly and happy with life. That Disney doll's earrings are molded to her ears. Why would they do that?


Heck yeah! Look at this sexy blasian. He was all by himself and $2.95. Yes, his shirt is molded to his body, but he has some great articulation. I'm sure I can adequately cover the molding.


The dude in the middle was the lure here. I think he's a High School Musical guy, maybe? His fro has seen better days but I'll fix that. Madison is a mess and her face is stained so I'll have to give her some TLC.


VESPA!!! Other than the kick stand being gone, it's in darn good shape.  These three were grouped together for $3.95. The Buzz doesn't seem like he should have been in this bag and he's the only item to be re-thrifted.


I thought the Kawasaki was going to be too small but it's perfectly 1:6.  Even the males could ride it. Liv Daniela looks hot on it!


The Vespa is so freakin' awesome! The carrier in the back even opens up. It's the My Scene Madison version and I'm delighted to have it. Why don't they still make stuff like this? No pink, no bows, no glitter, just cool as bleep.



I didn't even notice this until a lady said to her friend, "Oh look, Clara, here's another doll house and it's only $4.95." The lady already had a large doll house in her buggy and said she didn't have room for it. Man, I ran up to the front and grabbed me a buggy fast as a mofo. I don't have any place to store this dang thing, but it was $4.95! C'mon!


It's got a crack in the round roof, the end piece of the bed is missing, the elevator wont stay up (if it's supposed to) and some other odds and ends maybe gone, but still, well worth the price. A rehab is in its future but that's way, way, way down the line - if ever, lol.


Disney isn't the greatest place on earth.  It's this thrift store.

62 comments:

  1. Score is an understatement here, WOW! I agree with you, the prices were still pretty awesome. I'm happy to see Brandy becoming a part of your group, she totally fits.

    The doll that came with Miley is a Sharpay from HSM, I believe. She's a cutie too. Love the blasian cop, he's a nice figure too.

    Man, I'm so jealous of your Vespa and Kawasaki score but it's good to know the motorcycle fits. I believe it's the same one I've been eyeing at my local Rite-Aide but couldn't tell for sure if it would work. Always good to have another Liv body.

    The house...SCORE! I hope you can find room for it and I'd love to see what you do with it.

    Congrats on everything. :)

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    1. Thanks for that info, Tracy India. I never in a million years would have guessed that the blond doll was supposed to be modeled after Ashley Tisdale. A chunk of her hair has been cut in the front so she maybe my first ever re-root attempt if I cant style her to hide it.

      I too was surprised about the motorcycle. I did see another one just like it there but I didn't bother to get it because I assumed it wasn't 1:6. If I see it again I'll snatch it up.

      That house is obnoxiously tall and I have no idea where to hide it from sight. I may have to redo it quicker than I wanted to just because I have all this pink and purple staring at me.

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  2. Wow, what a haul. I love the Vespa but had to laugh about the Kawasaki. I have a friend who rides a very similar green one. I can see you making many trips back to this thrift shop.

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    1. Actually I checked and it is the identical Kawasaki to the one he rides - can you please let me know who made it because I want to see if I can track one down.

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    2. Carrickters, I will be making many MANY trips to this shop. It's new location means that I'll be able to pass by it at least 4 times a week. They have very short hours though, 9:00 - 6:00, Monday - Saturday, so I'll have to stop in when I can - and have money, lol.

      The motorcycle is produced by the Road Rippers brand and it's a Kawasaki Ninja Wheelie Bike.

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  3. Awesome finds Muff! The prices were unbeatable and almost free at the moving sale. I think you have found a constant treasure trove at the new location.

    The thrift store near me also uses clear bags for their playscale dolls, which are bagged individually, or in doubles or trios.

    dbg

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    1. Thanks, DBG! After dealing with my local store all this time I was amazed when I saw dolls all nicely bagged and visible. At these prices and with my love for projects, this place will probably become my second home.

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  4. Wonderful haul! Congratulations and thanks for sharing all the pictures.

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    1. You're welcome, Limbe Dolls and thanks so much for stopping by!

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  5. Love your new goodies :-) You're right about the Afro guy being from HSM. The girl with Jasmine is an Alex Russo doll from The Wizards of Waverly Place. I would've jumped on that dollhouse too

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    1. Confirming the ID for Alex Russo from Wizards ;-)

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    2. Dollz4Moi (and Dana!), thanks for the Id of Alex Russo. I like that dolls face a lot. She just looks so nice, lol.

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  6. Oh wow the haul was worth the victorian house!!!!! squee! And the AA guy in the middle is one of the HIgh School musical kids. What an amazing haul!!!!!!!!

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    1. Yes, the AA guy is Chad. The second head mold for Chad: the first one was a modified Steven mold.

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    2. Lisa, because you called it the "victorian house" I was able to find a ton of pictures of it and I now know how much is missing from it, lol. Still, totally worth it.

      Dana, you are good at identifying! I now have names for all three of the teens!

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  7. Awesome haul Muff! You made out like a bandit!! I was drooling at the Vespa, Kawasaki, and house. Great deals on the dolls too. Go Muff, go Muff!!! Lol! : )

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    1. Thanks, Georgia Girl! I feel like I won the lottery finding all this stuff.

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  8. WHOA!!! My brain is on overload at all the goodies you found!! These should keep you quite busy. Can't wait to see what you do with all this!! (^_^)

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    1. Cat, you would think all this would keep me busy but I'm sure I'll be back next week to see what else I can find, lol.

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  9. Whoohoo! Now you have seen the joy of thrift store hauls. That house is amamizing. I keep wanting to get it whenever I go to my thrifts, but currently until I move, I don't have enough room. I can't wait to see what you do with all this awsome stuff.

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    1. LOL, Verona. Yes, I have finally seen the joy. No more being jealous of other people's awesome hauls. I gots my own now, lol.

      Even though I have no where to put it, I have no regrets at getting that house.

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  10. You just gotta love a good thrift store. I'm so jealous of you! :D G.I. Joe cop has some veeery interesting hands there.

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    1. Hey, Anderson! I have been fiddling with GI Joe's hands for quite a while. They are very interesting. I guess it's that kung fu grip they talk about.

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  11. I've been missing in action but WOW!!, you found some great stuff. I can't wait until for the make over of the house, I know it's going to be great. Do you remember meeting the guy with the afro on my blog? He is Disney High School Musical Chad, your lucky to find him!

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    1. Hi, Brini! I do recall you introducing the afro teen. I didn't remember his name, only that the was from HSM. My teenage population is really growing!

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  12. Muff, congratulations on your super cool haul.

    I used to think that I would not like thrift store stuff - eew, some kid touched it before me, lol - but your haul looks great. I am happy for you, silly as that might sound. Really cool stash of stuff.

    I anticipate how you will recreate that dollhouse. The round tower part is amazing doll architecture. Congrats again on that alone. Hope you get a chance to whip it into Muff-quality housing!

    Thanks for sharing your fun trip.

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    1. Thanks so much, Dana and it doesn't sound silly at all! I'm eew about other people's stuff myself and my germ tendencies would not let me purchase something for myself to wear at the thrift store. However, I got no problem with doll stuff 'cause it's small enough for me to boil clean. I always feel like I'm saving doll stuff from a worse existence - that is until I experiment on them. hehehe

      The victorian architecture may not make it in the final rehab. I'm really a craftsman style girl.

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    2. LOL about the other people's clothes comment; I agree 100% with that sentiment.

      That's a good point about being able to boil clean stuff for our dolls. Hmmm ...

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  13. Hello from Spain: I need to go to your city. This shop is a dream. Your purchases are all awesome., I like both bikes and the dollhouse. I have it for years and the price in your city is very cheap. I envy you! Also rolls of wallpaper are very real. Major findings. Keep in touch

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    1. Marta, I have been to several thrift stores and this is the first one to have such a huge selection of dolls. I would say that its toy area is equal to those of Target or Walmart.

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  14. Pretty outfits!

    http://theprintedsea.blogspot.de/

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  15. WOW! What an awesome store! I'm completely jealous! I've never seen any Barbie houses at our thrift stores that weren't broken to heck or if mostly intact, weren't priced for nearly their original retail!

    The vespa has got to be the most amazing find, though! I bet you could find the kickstand part for a reasonable price on ebay or somewhere.

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    1. Presto, the house is missing some items, (front door, tub, sofa, crib, bed frame)but it is in pretty good condition nonetheless.

      I'm just going to bend some wire to use as a kick stand for the vespa. I looked up photos of the original toy and it seem pretty simple.

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  16. Wow Muff great finds! I really like the HSM Sharpay/Chad and Brandy doll. Something tells me that house is going to be the shiznit when you restore it!!!

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  17. CONGRATS! I wish we had a good thrift shop around here. Ours don't last, last and I don't go to them cause they just have junk that smells like per, and that's the reason why they go out of business.

    I would pay you for that Liv doll. I don't even care if she doesn't have a wig! I got plenty of them and clothes ain't a prob either. I got plenty of that too!

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    1. Tracey, I have yet to be in a thrift store that didn't smell. In fact they all have the same smell. Maybe it's mothballs or something.

      No can do on the Liv doll. Those articulated bodies are hard to come by so I'm staying tight fisted with any that I find.

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    2. This is just a great hunt! I'm so jealous! The Vespa, Liv doll and OMG Brandy! Plus, it's such a luck to get a jewelry holder just like the one you already had...

      Sadly, we don't have thrift stores at all, and our second hand shops are always cleaned from any dolls- owner noticed they are popular and sell then on ebay on their own. Eh.

      But I'm always excited seeing what other people got, it's kind of ersatc, right?

      If you are in need of articulated bodies try Super Model by Simba- I think they have 5 different shades and nice articilation.

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    3. Thanks for commenting, MM, and for mentioning Super Model! I had never heard of Simba toys before and have enjoyed checking out the dolls on their site and on flickr.

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  18. The house. The price. JAW DROP! :D

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  19. WOW!!!! So many findings, so many dollies, that house and such prices!!! Of course that is the best thrift store ever!

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    1. Hi, Rossetti! It is the best. So glad I found it.

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  20. Ok, yes, best thrift store EVER. I found two old Steffie heads on crappy bodies that I tossed and practically danced... we never get any good doll stuff 0_0

    Your haul is amaizng!!!

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    1. Hey, Heather! After a year of thrift shopping with iffy results finding this place felt awesome.

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  21. Would I look hot too on a Kawasaki? Uhmmm...

    *looks for HIS credit card*

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    1. LOL, Christie! You leave Sergio's card alone!

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  22. What an awesome haul...you have great timing is all I can say*.*

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    1. Thanks, Nykole! I think you are right about the timing.

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  23. Finally! Now you get to experience the thrills of great thrift store shopping. My favorites are the Kawasaki and the Vespa. Best price ever on that house! It's amazing to me how many of them end up in thrift stores. I got both my Victorian houses from the thrift stores. Hurry up and remodel so I can get some ideas. Now that you've found this place, I will be anxious to see your storing system of doll stuff after a few visits. This great haul makes up for those crazy boxes you purchased months ago.

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    1. LOL, Vanessa. I like your "finally!" because that was exactly my reaction. I feel like I'm in some awesome club of awesomeness now that I have found this place. That house is staring at me but I am determined to finish my current dio first and it's taking its sweet time as well.

      Yeah, storage of this stuff is already proving difficult but I cant seem to resist a great deal regardless of the item's condition.

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  24. Wow - you had Xmas in April! You made out like a bandit! I love, love, looove thrift stores - the hunt is so much fun!

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    1. LOL, DeMari! At these prices it was almost like getting them as gifts.

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  25. Man I am soooo Jay you came up girlfriend seriously.

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  26. Oooft, why can't we have places like that in the UK?! :(

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    1. Hi, Alliance and thanks for stopping by and commenting!

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  27. Wow, you had a great hunt !!! I congratulate you and envy ;) My favorites are Vespa and Kawasaki. Rolls of wall paper I like too. The shop Thirft Store is fantastic...
    Greetings from Poland :)

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    1. Hi, Marille and thanks! The scooter and motorcycle are really cool.

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  28. Whaaaaaaaat how awesome is that? want to go to that thrift store :O Those are some darn good deals Muff, heaven on earth!

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    1. Tali, heaven on earth is right! Doll groups should use it as a field trip destination.

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