Thrifty Stores Review: Panache Plus & St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store

Yesterday I had the privilege of enjoying a "girl's day out" with a great friend and my kiddos (yes one of my kids is a boy, but until he fusses over going out with the girls - i will still consider it a girl's day).  We had planned on hitting up some yard sales but the weather in StL wasn't very cooperative!  Back up plan - thrift stores!!

Our first stop was to a relatively new shop located next to Burlington Coat Factory, St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store. This place is huge! Most of their items are organized well and the store staff are very helpful.  I found a few goodies, almost bought a huge mirror but decided to wait.  Way to early in the day to make a large purchase.  We got to the checkout line and spot an outdoor bench being carried through the air to the front, manager says it's $10!! I was about to interrupt and say SOLD - but another shopper had staked their claim.  Disappointed :(

We then ventured a little further south and I remember seeing this cute looking boutique that carries women's clothing, sizes ranging from 12 & up.  We made a bee line up Kingshighway to Echilberger!  The cute boutique is called Panache Plus, specializing in women's plus sized clothing and alterations.  Immediately the store window displays draw you in, and then - boutique heaven!! The whole store is adorable, chic, posh, fresh!! Shoes - my shopping addiction - are off to the left along with a wall of purses and some crafty handmade gifts throughout.  Several racks of clothing are also smiling at you, and then the kicker!  A doorway leading to another area on the left holds a nice surprise - MORE CLOTHES, two dressing rooms, a kids play area, a runway like strutting area with a fabulous mirror, and an entire formal dress area!  I was shocked.  For the first time I had entered a store that catered to my every need!  The kiddos parked it on the playmat while me and my bff shopped our hearts out.

I found four tops (all items are brand names), 1 pair of capris, and a brand new pair of shorts.  Then proceeded to score a pair of heels, 3 pairs of adorable earrings, and even a couple of pieces of candy for my amazingly well behaved kids!  I spent $49.21, thanks to a few awesome sales going on, and everything I bought probably retailed near the $230 mark.  Sweet!!  My bff did just as well coming in at $48 :)

Another positive - V.I.P. Discount Card - every time you spend $10 before tax, it earns you a punch on the card.  After $100 (ten punches) you earn $10 off your next $25 purchase.  Just another great incentive I highly recommend you check out!  The store offers a lay-a-way plan, consignment, trendy accessories, jewelry, and handmade gifts.

<3 it!!  In case you couldn't tell, my favorite part was just how much fun I had while shopping there.  The ambiance of the shop created a highly enjoyable atmosphere, I didn't feel rushed, and there is nothing better than finding clothing in women's sizes at bargain prices!

After our visit to Panache Plus, I had a feeling other resale shops were going to feel like second fiddle.  We headed to another church owned thrift store on South Broadway - I apologize but I can't remember the name - it has been open only a few months as well and I didn't find a lot.  I did score a super cute purple vase for a buck, kids found a few toys and some vhs tapes that normally I wouldn't buy, but hey, they had been so good!  My bff found some retro blue glasses, $0.50 for all of them!  Again, it's a hunting game, some days you find the treasure trove and others it's hit and miss.

All in all, an excellent day considering the rain.  We ended our day doing something I had never done - I got my eyebrows waxed!! A little off the subject I know, but my bff pushed me to do it, kind of one of those bucket list things, and after such a great bargain hunting day, I figured, why not?  I braved it, it hurt, I survived!  And my eyebrows look gorgeous now LOL! 

Panache Plus
5400 S. Kingshighway
St Louis MO 63109
314-352-3838
http://panacheplusresale.com/Home_Page.html

St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store
4928 Christy Blvd
St. Louis MO 63116
314-352-4000
call for pick up of donations - 314-881-6006

Tax Free Shopping, Thrift Store Heaven, & Tons of Things to Do Tomorrow!

Today was the first official day of the Tax Free Holiday here in Missouri.  You betcha I was armed with our school supply list and back up (my bff) to help keep me focused!  Great deals, semi crowded stores, and big time savings!  I managed to get 90% of the items on the list today with the other 10% (mostly clothing items) to be bought tomorrow.  We also headed to Family Value Thrift Store to check out their deals and I found a ton of stuff!! Although not as much as my bff, but hey it was all at a great price! Here are a some pics of scores today:

First, my receipt from Office Max:

I spent a mere $3.27 and even got an extra coupon for $5 off $25 purchase at Payless!
(excuse the blurriness my digital camera is MIA)

Next up are my Thrift Store finds!  To Start, an adorable white platter for the kitchen:

This plate was marked $3.93 plus I got 50% off today for a sale they were having and I have some great ideas on what to do with it!! More on that to come soon...

Then I found a silver charger, again marked $0.99 plus 50% off:

I love these chargers to put candles on, holiday decor, all kinds of greatness will come out of this find.

My favorite find was a simple black pillar holder for a quarter!!

Love this so much! Why you ask? Because I love candles!! And I see these in every single decorative mag spread and really want to get them in every size possible lol! One idea besides using it to hold a pillar candle was this:

The size of the glass bowl isn't exactly right but just bare with me here - now watch what it looks like when you flip it:

Looks a little better huh?  Now imagine what you can do here, the possibilities are endless!  I have great plans for this little candle holder!

Last, I found two glass containers w/ silver lids and my little heart started to putter:

These were marked $0.99 ea!  No sale, but a great deal! I have tons of ideas on what to do with them, but most likely they will end up in the kitchen and not holding cotton balls in my bathroom...like some have suggested...I won't name names :)

I also found a couple of uniform pieces for my son, a super cute pink eye glasses case for my daughter, a bag full of cutesy jewelry for her, and misc stuff.  All of it was less than $18 and all of the school supplies today were about $34 (for two kids mind you).  Pretty satisfied with the bottom line!

Then I come home to another free sample in my mailbox:

Downy Unstopables that are supposed to increase the smelly goodness of your wash! They smelt amazing through the package!  I'll let you know how they do soon :)


Now the tax free weekend continues through Sunday and I am sure I will be taking advantage of some great clothing deals tomorrow at JcPenny's (I have coupons), Shoe Carnival (more coupons + B1G1 1/2 Price), Payless (scored a coupon today + B1G1 Free deal happening) and maybe even Old Navy.

Don't forget to take advantage of some really great events this weekend around the metro area!

Delta Dental Health Theatre grand re-opening is Saturday August 6th from 10am til 4pm.

Back to school fair @ Chaifetz Arena from 9am  til 3pm.

Free kids workshop at Home Depot from 9am til 12pm. This is for the pencil box :)

Kids eat free during the month of August @ IHOP.

Some many great things to do this weekend!  Don't forget to check Fox 2's website for a map of yard sales as well :)

http://www.fox2now.com/lifestyle/yardsale/

And just a quick note about or 100 fan giveaway, follow us on our Facebook page and when we reach 100 fans we will be giving away a gift basket filled with some amazing items from arond the St. Louis area!  Pictures will be posted soon, still awaiting on a few things to come in!