Welcome back! This week, I went to the Goodwill in Capitola, Santa Cruz (that’s the Capitola beach pictured above), which is one of the thrift shops noted in my Top Five Thrift Shops post. This was he first thrift shop I ever went to, so it holds a special place in my heart. I cannot stress enough that this is the only Goodwill I have ever liked, or even shopped at. At a normal Goodwill, I usually end up just looking through piles of junk, but this one is just oh so different. I know, when you find a gem like the Capitola Goodwill, you should keep it between you and the guy at the pawn shop, but this place is just too cool to hog.
Recently though, they went through a price increase, so this last time I went, just a book, two pullovers, a dress, and two records put me back $30. (That’s just for six items, for those who are counting). I usually pay $6 for all that, so $5 an item has made me have to rethink if I’m going to keep coming here, but price increase or not, I have never left empty-handed.
Here, my sister and I were just browsing through some sweaters that went from $4 to $13. Yay?! (Can you sense my sarcasm?) Goodwill started as a way to give jobs to those who needed them, and to sell clothes for cheap to those who needed them. Now, I don’t mind paying a couple of extra dollars, but I doubt people struggling to put food on the table can afford $13 sweaters, and if not from thrift shops where would they get clothes? Goodwill has turned into a capitalist business, and I’m not happy about it (but the clothes are just so wicked cool).
Hands down, my favorite thing about this Goodwill is the collection of records. I’m actually cringing something fierce seeing this, because HOW DID I OVERLOOK A PIRATES OF PENZANCE RECORD? Hindsight is 20/20.
Also, the single with a bird on it was produced by Bird Records, so it’s basically a 45 rpm to help you bond with your bird. The gimmick is that it’s a canary chirping to operas, which is guaranteed to make you the coolest one at a rave (not).
I already have this Marlo Thomas and Friends record, or I would have snatched it up. For some reason, I always see Free to be You and Me at thrift shops, but that record kicks ass.
I kind of wish I’d gotten that Girl with the Pearl Earring poster. Again, hindsight. Damn.
This Goodwill always has shoes for days. With thrift shop shoes, you either really hit or really miss. I’ve done both here.
This just a dope tea set we found, but I wouldn’t recommend buying anything you can’t launder or dish wash.
This is what I ended up getting (a really miniature haul). My sister (pictured in the first photo) got a book and matching “Seasons Bleatings” sweater. (Reindeer bleat. It’s the sound they make. It’s a play on words. How festive.)
My Final Purchases:
– Vintage gingham dress $6.99
– Season’s Bleatings sweatshirt $7.29
– Bird Records single $1.29 (but two for one)
– Joy to the World Christmas record $1.29 (also two for one, also my first christmas record)
Thanks for reading, if there is any thrift shop you want me to visit, sent a message via telekinesis, or just comment below. That’s probably easier (but less fun).
