I finally ventured out in the rain.  My first stop was a store simply called THRIFT STORE.  I am not sure of the exact address on this one.  It is between Hiawassee and Kirkman on highway 50.  You can't miss it.   The sign is huge.  It is truly a thrift store. Not the cleanest and not a lot of design going on in here.  If you like digging through and looking for a deal it may be worth your time.  The clothes today were fifty percent off.  I did find a Banana Republic skirt I liked.  It wasn't my size or I would have grabbed it up.  There is a little bit of everything here from the clothes, to books(actually some really nice hardback books) to hotel looking furniture.  Stop by and see what you find.

My second stop would be Pretty Women's Consignment located at 6616 Old Winter Garden Road.  This is a plus size women's consignment shop.  I was impressed with the selection of clothes.  They also have a huge inventory of jewelry.  Whether your plus size or not, worth your time for the costume jewelry.

It's Saturday.  We are supposed to have some rainy weather today.   I'm not a fan of driving in the rain.  But I have that thrify feeling coming on....so I have to go to at least one store today.  Then perhaps some craigslist or ebay later when I get home. 

I am thrifting on Ebay tonight to see what I can find.  Look at this great wrought iron washstand.  It is incredible.  I would love to see this on my back porch.  Unfortunately I won't be bidding, the shipping cost is way to much.  If I lived in Texas I would be picking this up!

Yesterday I decided I would visit College Park.   I love this area it has the look of a small town with a urban feel.  I knew I would find something special.  The first stop would be Dechoes at 2110 Edgewater Drive. 

With the teenagers in tow I was somewhat less than excited.  My daughter is not a fan of the resale shops.  So I was anticipating a not so pleasant experience. You know, long face, arms crossed, thinking she will die if someone sees her in a thrift store....... I took a deep breath and entered the store.  A young man welcomed us in, music was playing, chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.  I turned to look.....what did I see...my daughter....what's that on her face? Is that a smile?  I thought I saw a twinkle in her eye......is it possible....after all these years?  Yay!!!! DECHOES did it! SHE'S FINALLY BEEN HIT......SHE'S THRIFT HAPPY!!!!!   Thank you, Thank you

Great use of the wall here...I just loved it.  On the first Wednesday of the month, they have music, free wine and lite bites.  They call it "Wine Not Wednesday", great idea!

Love these JIMMY CHOO heels.

How about LOUIS VUITTON for $29.99.

Prada Purses.

Vintage items too!

I think all generations  will love this store.  It has so much to offer from the  latest styles, fashion accessories, vintage clothes, or funky retro home decor.  Something for everyone here. Grab grandma, the teens or a best friend and head to Dechoes for a great shopping experience.

I will start off today by saying WOW!  "Not So Shabby" located at 2534 S. Maguire Road in Ocoee is a store to see.  It is sure to become a favorite.  The owner Trish McGuiness is a true entrepreneur.  Her positive spirit is so refreshing.  She began her retail business in a garage in New Hampshire, then to the Art District outside of Boston.   Now fortunately for us Central Floridians, she is here in Ocoee. 

I think this coffee table below is great.  It should definitely be in my living room.  I am not sure if the top is marble, but it has that look.  It is creatively displayed with valentine gifts.

This large hutch has a mirrored back.  It is displayed with an assortment of milk glass. 

I just had to take a picture of these little glass slippers.  They are so special.  What a unique valentine gift.  Fill them with candy or flowers for the princess in your life.

This colorful apron was once a dress.  Fine example of the owner's repurposing skills.

Recycled sweaters are transformed into purses and  baby booties.

Happy wall mural painted by the owner, Trish. 

Make plans to join me at NOT SO SHABBY on Saturday, Feb 6 from 10am to 5pm. NOT SO SHABBY will be having a SPRING INTO SPRING sidewalk sale.  Light refreshments will be served.  While visiting enter your name into a drawing for a SPRING GIFT BASKET. 

Today I visited "Antiques & Uniques".  Located in Ocoee, right off Bluford Avenue, at 104 W. Mckey Street.  The owners are very nice. The owner Robin said that she has been in business eleven years.  She is very informative about the antiques.  Her co-owner Carmen is fantastic at arranging items into creative displays.   They are welcoming and willing to negotiate their prices

Vintage 1950's table and chairs.

Great chairs from "Antiques & Uniques".

You just have to see this.  The chest is has a marble top.  The piece on top, we were not sure what it was.  But it is so unique it has small hooks on the left side as if to have a small curtain.  The other side has a small door that locks.  I think it would look great hung on a wall above this little chest.  Maybe in a bedroom or even a bathroom for linens and toiletries.  This is a great find for someone.

 Terrific green sofa.  The fabric and woodwork was beautiful.  So Lovely!

They have two of these.  The woodwork in unbelievable.  Carmen suggested using them as a wall hanging.  What a great idea.

This is my first post!  Welcome to Thrift Happy.   I am so excited about my new adventure.  For many years now I wanted something of my own.  You know my own little business.  I have racked my brain trying to think of what that business would be.  Yesterday it just hit me.  I would start an online directory for the local thrift stores. 

I've always enjoyed going to thrift stores.  Especially the ones that are beautifully decorated.  I decided I will visit the local thrift stores, meet their owners, and take pictures.  There are many small shops around Central Florida.  I will blog and review each store I visit

So Welcome, I hope you enjoy my journal.  Take a look around Thrift Happy at the top of this page, you will find the stores I have visited.  After you see my pictures I hope you will visit the stores too.  If you do, tell them Kathy of Thrift Happy sent you!