The Ritz Resale is just that, a high end consignment store featuring a large selection of stylish clothing and accessories. Some of the merchandise is from designers like Versace, Armani, Prada and Gucci, among many others. The items are all hand selected well cared for and in various sizes. Like any other consignment or second hand store the merchandise is always revolving. New items come in daily making visits very exciting. The Ritz Resale also has an online showroom and frequently has Ebay auctions. This family run business has been going strong since 1980. The Ritz Resale is located at 46 North Mentor Ave in Pasadena and is open Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 6pm.

Nearly everyone has heard of the Goodwill. Most people think it is a place for the needy and down and out. That may be true but it is open to all. And all types of folks donate to Goodwill regularly. The filled drop off warehouse is proof. I typically make a visit every couple months when I go through all our drawers gathering items to donate, which is a tax write-off. Almost anything can be found including sunglasses. My favorite section is the shoe section. I seem to lose myself checking out all the footwear. And believe it or not I have purchased jewelry there more than once. Leaving the Goodwill I have always had a feeling that I have done my part to help. Perhaps I have been influenced by marketing but keeping Goodwill going strong helps a lot of people and the community as a whole. Goodwill is located 183 North Altadena Drive and is open Monday - Saturday 9am - 8pm and Sunday 10am - 8pm.

Out of the Closet’s great location at 1726 E. Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena insures that this store is not just my find but many vintage/second hand shoppers know about it. This store is filled with racks and racks of clothing. Leather jackets, jeans, cords, shirts and even pea coats are plentiful. I have purchased items for my husband, myself, Halloween costumes and character themed outfits for special occasions. I can guarantee that you will leave with something. In addition to clothing, you can find kitchenware, glassware, art frames, music, books and sporting goods. Clothing is their speciality but who knows what you might use. Most recent purchase was a dress for $6.50 and great sandals for $3.50. If your ever driving down Colorado Blvd and see the can’t miss store front, stop and give it a walk through. Out of the Closet is open Monday through Saturday 10 - 7 and SUnday 10- 6. They stock everyday.

The Pink Plum Antiques located at 2580 E. Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena is one of my old loves. Ten years ago this little unpretentious store grabbed ahold of me. I have continued to visit the warm helpful staff periodically to look over their diverse collection of jewelry. In fact if you are in need of some great jewelry try this place out first. Priced right and a large selection won’t disappoint. While your there browse through the organized clothing racks and be sure to try on a few vintage hats. I have found some great deals here. This store stocks every couple days and are open 11 to 6 everyday and 12 to 5 on Sunday, closed on Tuesday.

Welcome to my blog Thrift Store Chic. My free days are spent shopping the thrift stores in and around Los Angeles searching for “the find” that satisfies my soul. I am Aishah Chisum, mother of two, wife to one and a fashionista at heart. I feel like I am an artist whether I am designing clothing, knitting hats, painting canvases or shopping. Yes I said it, shopping is an art form, when done right. You might hate waiting behind the coupon cutter at the grocery store but deep down somewhere in the back of your mind you respect it. Well, I am Mrs. Coupon but I don’t cut mine out. My savings is in clothing and finding them at second hand stores. Sure an occasional purchase at H & M, Forever 21, Abercrombie & Fitch, Jay Crew and even Target. However I rarely leave those stores brimming because I have struck gold. That feeling can only be found in the thrift, second hand stores. It is amazing what you can find. I often wonder, “who throw this out and why”? It had to be drugs and for a quick fix. Why else would someone give up on this? I am rescuing these needy garments. They all need homes and backs to warm. They grow up wanting to be a a part of something. And then they are all of a sudden thrown out for a few bucks. With sad looks on their collars they line up across the windows calling me in. So I invite you to take the trip with me as I visit all my favorite places. Who knows what we will find?