San Francisco Thrifting in the Fog

After Lisa shared the sunny side of San Francisco thrifting in the Mission, I thought I would post from the western, fogged-in side of the City.

I’ve been away from San Francisco, checking out antique malls and “shopping” from the basement of my antique dealer parents’ home in Missouri. No matter how fun free flapper beads might be, once I got back to California, I was ready to head back out to the thrift stores.

With a bunch of errands to run in the car, I put together a plan of attack, first hitting the Salvation Army in the Inner Richmond. I’d never found a single thing to take home from there, but I’ve held onto hope. This weekend I hit the jackpot!

I don’t even wear heels but couldn’t wait to get these on. Surprisingly comfy and a nice change for a wardrobe that makes my boss say, “Black and black are the official colors of our department, I guess.” On sale for $3!

Totally 80s heels!

My dear, dear boyfriend found this for me. Watching me pull out my old tattered Georgette Heyer books while we were in Missouri, he apparently committed them to memory! They are must-reads for anyone who likes absurdist humor and romance novels. Also on sale at $0.60.

Georgette Heyer, once called “Jane Austen on rollerblades”

Just as cool as the sale was the clean, spacious dressing room. Not a common sight at many thrift stores.

Look, a bench and two mirrors!

Heading over to the nearby Goodwill, I found one of the most fun things about thrifting in SF: sample shoes from the Gap. Alas, these were not my size, but I’ve run into batches of samples from the Gap that are often more adventurous than what makes it into the store. They’re a nice way to get a unique piece from a well-known brand.

Last, but not least, the first Goodwill I shopped in California. In fact, the first business I ever looked up after (OK, maybe before) moving out to the coast: the Daly City Goodwill. There’s a great selection (found a vintage Escada skirt for $4.49 a few weeks ago!) and super nice staff. What more can a girl ask for?

I found some things I wasn’t looking for.

Unfortunately, I promised faithfully to stop bringing home glasses, and shells aren’t in my décor style

And a few things that I was looking for. I’ve been dying to get a simple navy-and-white-striped, boat-neck top. This one fit the bill perfectly.

Striped top, brand new ankle weights to use on the Wii Fit, and more red!

All in all, a great way to get back into California thrifting. What’s your favorite part of thrifting in your city?

Lynn Dalsing’s parents will never forgive her for rolling her eyes through nearly every antique mall in Missouri during her childhood. However, they  were kind enough to pass on their firsthand knowledge of secondhand goods. She now lives in San Francisco and writes Secondhand Firsthand, a blog about finding thrift store treasures and making the most of them.