For the Locals: Clothes Closet

Sure, I took a year-long hiatus from my true love of second-hand shopping to submerge myself in a world of premium denim and Nikibiki tank tops, but the gift of thrift never died. It's a case of absence making the heart grow fonder...and smarter.   Now I have a keener eye for quality, making my shopping deals even more fierce.  Yeah, I brag.

So, how jazzed was I to be invited to shop and then blog about a new-to-me thrift store on my side of the city?  Um, very.  A quick, 10 minute drive to South St. Paul...

Shirt: thrifted via Clothes Closet,  Vest: Gap - thrifted,
Jeans: Citzens of Humanity - thrifted via Clothes Mentor
Socks: Target,  Boots: J. Crew,  Bag: DSW

The first thing I noticed upon arrival at Clothes Closet was the well-managed floor space.  It's not a huge store, but there is a lot of selection which is organized and easy to maneuver through.  I found a set (yellow, pink, & blue) of pinstriped oxfords in pristine condition.  Though tempted to buy all 3, I eeny-meeny-miny-moed for the yellow winner.  I also found a bracelet, a trendy little sweater and the most fabulously wearable vintage blazer - all for about $15.  Oh happy, thrifty day.

Other great amenities I should mention:  clean dressing rooms and a 50% sale rack.  Nice.

Even more impressive than my purchases was the friendly volunteer staff who are clearly passionate about what they do.  I had the pleasure of meeting sweet and saucy Virginia.  At 95 years old, she has been volunteering with Neighbors, Inc. since it began more than 40 years ago!  She showed me around and shared oodles of information about the store's purpose and operation.

 

Virginia is the coolest!

Clothes Closet  is just one facet of Neighbors, Inc., a non-profit, social service agency that provides emergency and supportive assistance programs to the local community.  Joan (Director of Programs), introduced me to several staff members and gave a tour of the entire facility.  

I left really inspired.  A few "neighbors" in 1972 saw a need to "reduce poverty, promote self-sufficiency, and build community".  Now, the organization serves several hundred families every month in multiple capacities.  Amazing!
 

Neighbor's, Inc. food shelf

Clothes Closet is always receiving donations (Monday-Saturday), so there's never a bad time to donate or shop.  But do save this date:  February 14-16 they will be having a Susan B. Anthony sale and ALL women's clothing will be 50% off!

 

Now for the part where YOU go check it out for yourself.  Closet Closet has generously provided a shopping voucher worth $20 (bet you get an entire outfit for that!) for one Spoils of Wear reader.

 

1.  Leave a comment with your email address.  

2.  For an extra entry, like Neighbor's, Inc. on Facebook.

 

Good luck and happy thrifting!

*big thanks to Sal for recommending me for this post and Alyssa for making it happen- so fun!