Why I Only Shop at Secondhand Stores

   

 Missions are Expensive. If you're anything like I am, and you're always stressed about money, finding certain things for your mission for cheaper is a HUGE relief. A mission was kind of a last minute decision for me, so I didn't really have time to save up. My parents have been awesome enough to pay for my mission, but since finances have always been a struggle in my family, we've only really shopped at thrift stores for sister missionary clothing! And it has been awesome. 

 Okay so I don't ONLY shop at secondhand stores, but there are soooooo many things you can thrift for so much less than regular stores! Especially for sister missionaries. The main thrift stores we have in Utah are DI and Savers. Because Utah is such an LDS hub, the thrift stores are goldmines of missionary-appropriate skirts, blouses, dresses, and shoes!  I also used to live in California, where they don't have DI, but Goodwill! Which is also an awesome thrift store!

EVERYTHING in this blog post is secondhand!

I got this dress at the DI for like $5, and although it's not missionary appropriate, I can wear it before and after my mission. I found those shoes at a Plato's Closet, which is a secondhand store that buys and sells more stylish items of clothing. They're super comfy and perfect for my mission!

 I actually come across Downeast items a TON at thrift stores, which is awesome because their clothes are super cute and almost always modest. Vintage clothes are always fun and totally back in style. :)

 Forever 21 is a brand I come across pretty often as well (especially at Plato's Closet). The only problem with Forever 21 clothes is that they're not the most sturdy, but really good for basics! This Particular skirt is long and thick, so it's perfect for the winter. Also, it has belt loops!!

 I found this dress at a Savers and I love it! It's super fun, and light which will be awesome in the hot and humid summers of Georgia. And I'm so glad hats are allowed on missions because I found this precious sunhat the other day, basically new!

 Another long, thick skirt that is awesome for winters! Also, this clock is perfect for a mission: cute and conservative (from a friend, not from a thrift store though).

 I found these really comfy shoes at a DI, that are basically new!

 Something I've taken up recently is embroidery! It's so fun and easy. :) I embroidered a little moth onto this shirt to kind of shake it up and make it more interesting.

 SIMPLICITY: you can almost always find a BUNCH of cute basics at thrift stores.

 I know they discourage you to wear sunglasses on your mission, but it was way sunny when we took these. :) (And my sister said you can wear them driving).

 I got this necklace at a Plato's Closet and I love it! I'm like obsessed with bees and beehives, and it's cute and conservative so it's perfect for me. :)

 FINALLY, sometimes you find special jewels. I found this Shabby Apple dress at a Plato's closet for like $8, and it fits me perfectly! 

Thank you for reading this post, and I hope it was encouraging and uplifting to anyone who needed it! Secondhand stores are incredible tools, and I say that from experience. Another awesome tool is having sisters (like me) or friends who served missions. Ask them nicely if they have anything they could give to you! Good luck :) Happy Thrifting