Thrift Shopping with Purpose in 2018

Hello friends! It’s been a while. December was a busy month with a lot of travel and holiday festivities. During all the fun and merriment I made time to thrift, as usual. So tonight I bring you my first post of 2018. It’s all about thrifting for a cause!

Every new year that goes by, each one of us works hard to refocus, find new purpose, improve our lives, and the world around us. So I want to begin this year by recapping my finds at an incredible thrift shop called NO Fleas Market in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Thrifting for a cause is not new to me. My favorite thrift store in Austin is a non-profit that gives proceeds to back to the community and grass roots organizations — it’s called Treasure City, and their mission is “Solidarity, Not Charity”. So naturally, my first shopping stop in the Crescent City was a thrift store that gives it’s proceeds to animal shelters and rescue groups to be used towards veterinary services at the Louisiana SPCA Community Clinic. Donors assign their items to a participating shelter or rescue and when the items sell, proceeds are given to that group. And the person buying those items, leaves with some stylish swag purchased for a good cause. A win-win for everyone!

During my adventures, I purchased 4 apparel items, 1 vinyl record, and a VHS tape, totaling $24.98. All great quality finds and the clothes are perfect for winter weather, New Year’s, and holiday soirees. I met some lovable fur babies along the way — MeKal and Ammon, and found a lot more treasures than what I could actually buy. I had a blast shopping their eclectic records, VHS collection, and cassettes. My vinyl and VHS finds were an Alison Moyet record and a Madonna VHS tape.

Ammon, the cuddly cat, looking for a forever home.

Another highlight, was meeting the manager, Heather and staff member, Ashley. They were delightful, friendly, and helpful, offered to hold my items and dressing room while I stocked up, explained how their shop benefits the LASPCA, and offered treats to shoppers’ pups. Also noteworthy — pets are allowed!

Meaux the pup, who enjoys treats at NO Fleas Market on his daily walk. It’s the highlight of Meaux’s walk!

Below are my “looks” I scored from NO Fleas and a couple of bonus adventures/looks at Peaches Records — a few doors down from NO Fleas on Magazine Street, and some Saints “black & gold” I wore about town. I hope you enjoy this post and have a Happy New Year! Last night I toasted to thrift shopping with purpose, impacting real change in 2018, and giving back to my community and the causes for which I am passionate.

Off the shoulder, striped top, $5.99, benefiting the LASPCA, directly. This look was perfect for a holiday after party at The Jackalope South Shore in Austin, TX. Photo credit: Jennifer LaRoux

Off the shoulder, striped top, $5.99, benefiting the LASPCA, directly. This look was perfect for a holiday after party at The Jackalope South Shore in Austin, TX. Photo credit: Jennifer LaRoux

Off the shoulder, striped top, $5.99, benefiting the LASPCA, directly. This look was perfect for a holiday after party at The Jackalope South Shore in Austin, TX. Photo credit: Jennifer LaRoux

Coral Lacoste sweater, $5.99, benefiting Animal Rescue NO. This coral sweater is warm and colorful, and it can even carry into a spring look, when the weather is still a little cool. Did I mention, I love Lacoste?

Coral Lacoste sweater, $5.99, benefiting Animal Rescue NO. This coral sweater is warm and colorful, and it can even carry into a spring look, when the weather is still a little cool. Did I mention, I love Lacoste?

Coral Lacoste sweater, $5.99, benefiting Animal Rescue NO. This coral sweater is warm and colorful, and it can even carry into a spring look, when the weather is still a little cool. Did I mention, I love Lacoste?

Vintage baby doll dress with a bow, $10.99, benefiting Animal Rescue NO. This blue-gray dress is the cutest winter look for hanging out by the pool at Kitty Cohen’s in Austin, TX. The dress even has a bow, just like a Christmas gift!

Vintage baby doll dress with a bow, $10.99, benefiting Animal Rescue NO. This blue-gray dress is the cutest winter look for hanging out by the pool at Kitty Cohen’s in Austin, TX. The dress even has a bow, just like a Christmas gift!

Vintage baby doll dress with a bow, $10.99, benefiting Animal Rescue NO. This blue-gray dress is the cutest winter look for hanging out by the pool at Kitty Cohen’s in Austin, TX. The dress even has a bow, just like a Christmas gift!

Little black dress with shoulder pads, $6.99, benefiting LASPCA, directly. This is my warm and wintery sweater dress. The shoulder pads give it shape, structure, and accentuates curves.

Little black dress with shoulder pads, $6.99, benefiting LASPCA, directly. This is my warm and wintery sweater dress. The shoulder pads give it shape, structure, and accentuates curves.

Little black dress with shoulder pads, $6.99, benefiting LASPCA, directly. This is my warm and wintery sweater dress. The shoulder pads give it shape, structure, and accentuates curves.

Hanging out on Magazine Street, after shopping at NO Fleas, brought some exciting surprises. Just a few doors down is Peaches records, a shop that has it all. It’s an old luncheonette turned record and gift shop, run by the lovely Shirani Rea and her furry sidekick, Sir Winston Pepperbottoms. Shirani showed me true Southern hospitality. Peaches carries a large collection of music, hosts events, sells unique gifts like Cash Money Records apparel, Prince candles, Dolly Parton magnets, and more. Here we are kickin’ it!

And not be be forgotten, my New Orleans trip included a Saints game! On Saints game day in New Orleans, you’ve got to sport some black & gold about town. Here are a few of my looks for pregame, during, and the after party. Yeah, the Saints won. Looking forward to the playoffs. NFC South Champs, WHO DAT!

Chillin’ in Jackson Square with stripes, my gold Converse sneakers, and a vintage Saints windbreaker. Photo credit: Adrian Romo

Chillin’ in Jackson Square with stripes, my gold Converse sneakers, and a vintage Saints windbreaker. Photo credit: Adrian Romo

Chillin’ in Jackson Square with stripes, my gold Converse sneakers, and a vintage Saints windbreaker. Photo credit: Adrian Romo

My victory look, a gold jacket and gold heels. Ready to celebrate in the Quarter. Photo credit: Adrian Romo

My victory look, a gold jacket and gold heels. Ready to celebrate in the Quarter. Photo credit: Adrian Romo