3 Quarters Today

My Life, my photography, my passions

Thrift Store

Day 71/365: Purses and Camera Bags

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Purses, Purses and more purses. A trip to my local thrift store, Bits N’ Pieces on a quest for a purse that I can convert to a  camera bag.

Thirft store shopping for a camera bag
Day 71: Thrift Store Shopping

I’m really not purse obsessed, but I do get bored with the same one and have to switch it out every few months. For that reason I can’t justify spending a small fortune on a purse, so I keep my eyes open for bargains at thrift stores. I’m on a quest for purses that can be converted to a camera case.

 BBP DSLR Camera Insert, Make Your Own Camera Bag – Orange

Now, if I were to go and buy a brand new purse it would have to be multi-purpose for me that means a combination purse and camera bag. I like to carry my photo gear with me everywhere, you never know when you’re going to see an amazing sunset, a bald eagle, or a perfect photo opportunity.

Red Tote & Shoot Camera Bag By

But, I don’t like carrying my camera bag separately. Nor, do I like using my plain, boring camera bag as my handbag. I may not have much fashion sense, but I do know that black does NOT go with everything. A camera bag can be stylish and functional at the same time.

Purse and Camera Bag Combination

Each one of these fashionable camera bags also has the convenience of extra pockets for wallets, cell phones, keys and credit cards. I haven’t decided which one I want yet. But so far I like the looks of the Tote and Shoot variety which has a separate zippered pouch to easily pull out your camera, it not only has the short straps but a cross-body strap for a “hands free” carrying option. Kinda like a messenger bag.

Kattee Canvas Cow Leather DSLR SLR VintageKattee Fashion PU Leather Canvas DSLR CameraGracie MintRed Tote & Shoot Camera Bag ByCosmos New Classic Vintage Casual Brown ShoulderKattee Vintage PU Leather/ Canvas DSLR CameraKelly Moore Posey 2 Women’s Multifunction CameraBlue Tote & Shoot Camera Bag By

Day 60/365: Window Shopping

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Day 60: Bit's & Pieces

I love my local thrift store, Bit’s N’ Pieces.  I really do, not only have I gotten great bargains, but I can count on friendly conversation on Saturday morning when I go in to browse. It’s not often, ok never, that I leave empty handed. This is just one of the beautifully decorated windows that change with the seasons.

Bit’s and Pieces Thrift Store is operated by the Elmwood Christian Church in Elmwood Nebraska. I don’t remember how long it’s been in business but it was originally opened as a way to raise money for the church that had burned down. Kinda of an indoor-garage-sale concept. Well, the success was overwhelming. At first it was only going to be open long enough to pay back the loan for the church. It became such a fixture that no one wanted to see it close. So volunteers still operate the store and profits go back to the church to benefit the community.

Elmwood has a population of less than 800 people and soon it was the place to find Christmas presents, birthday gifts, and just about anything you needed, or didn’t need, you could get there. My latest find was a LL. Bean Woolen woolen dress coat for $4.99, retail price $199.00.

I think this may be another topic I’ll highlight, Thrift Store finds…hmmm the treasures we will find. Remember my Uggs?

I LOVE my Ugg Boots

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Fashionable Ugg Boots and slippers
Day 47/365: Ugg Boots

I love my Uggs!

What’s even better is I got them almost 15  years ago, before the Ugg fashion craze, brand new (no tread wear), for only $5.00, at a Goodwill store. They are original sheepskin and are the best boots I’ve ever worn. Even in the coldest Nebraska winters, my feet have never gotten cold. Sometimes they are too warm, but you won’t find me complaining.

My Uggs are  so warm I only wear them a few months of the year, that’s why they are in such good shape. Sure, they don’t stand up straight and tall anymore, but don’t they look comfy cozy on a cold January winter day?

This style of Tall Classic Uggs sell for well over $100, at that price I would be afraid to wear them. But at the bargain I got, I go out in everything!

My UGGs  have proven themselves worthy. It’s one of the reasons why I’m a thrift store addict, you never know what you will find at bargain prices.

Why pay full retail for designer clothes when you can pay a fraction of the cost?

You can pay $170 for Uggs from the upscale stores, but me I prefer to buy a whole wardrobe by thrifting for the same price that includes fashion designs such as Ann Taylor, New York  & Company, Nordstroms, Eddie Bauer, and LL Bean.