Buffalo Exchange Trading/Selling Experience
My first experience shopping at a Buffalo Exchange was last year in New Orleans. I immediately fell in love with the store which sells handpicked, used clothing. According to the company’s website, 80 percent of the store’s merchandise is purchased from local shoppers. I decided to try my luck on the trading/selling side today at the Buffalo Exchange in Allston. For those of you who have never traded or sold merchandise to Buffalo Exchange this post will prepare you for what to expect. First of all, while the 
experience is rewarding ($$) it is awkward. You have to watch someone sift through your clothes–some of which are your former favorites that you are parting with–and observe the growing reject and/or accept pile. At times I caught myself thinking “oh, she will definitely want that blouse” but I was quickly disappointed when it hit the reject pile with a thud. Bottom line is, the buyers are shopping for the store. 
They are not making a judgement of whether or not they like the item but instead whether or not the item will sell. I see this trade/sale being more beneficial for people who buy designer clothes and who shop often. For myself, a perpetual thrifter, attempting to trade used and “not-so-gently-worn-but-super-cute” clothes is not really worth my time. My worn vintage clothes are not what they are looking for. I actually think they would have taken several pairs of my shoes if they weren’t as “worn.” Don’t get me wrong, I did not bring in clothing with holes or tears, just signs of “wear.”
Anything Buffalo Exchange doesn’t purchase you can either take back or they will donate the items to a local charity for you. Buffalo Exchange isn’t a consignment store – it’s quicker than that – if they accept your items, you can get cash or trade on the spot. You’ll get the most money for your clothes if you’re willing to accept trade instead of cash. At the Allston store today I was given the choice of getting 30% of the retail value of my items ($17) or getting 50% of the value in store credit ($29). I chose the credit. I am happy I was able to sell some of my clothing but I now know what they are looking for and the next time the whole process will go much faster and less awkward.
So here are my tips for trading/selling at Buffalo Exchange:
- Bring a valid US license identification card (for registration).
- Bring only clean and lightly used clothing/shoes/accessories.
- The more well known the designer…the more money you will get.
- They are more interested in items that have been purchased within the past two years. However, they did buy vintage earrings from me.
- Prepare for the awkward event and realize that the buyers are not making a judgement call about your style but rather what the store needs.
- Call ahead to see what the store is currently “looking for.” Most stores right now are looking for more fall/back-to-school clothing.
- Visit the store before you go to see what they have and compare what you can offer. If they have a rack full of men’s striped shirts, don’t bother bringing yours in (unless it is just amazing?).
- GOOD LUCK
Vintage Huffy Bicycle For Sale!
My friend is selling his roommate’s adorable yellow and orange Huffy for only $150. The bike rides really well but is definitely made for someone short (5’5” and under). It isn’t a bike for fast commuting but is great for short trips around the city, going to the grocery store or cruising along the Charles River. I was going to buy this bike but I found another bike (with more gears) at Bikes Not Bombs so someone needs to snatch this up because it is adorable. Email me at elaine@beansinacan.com for my friend’s contact info.
White Strawberry Sangria
White Strawberry Sangria
Sangria is the perfect summer drink as it is both elegant and pedestrian at the same time. During the summer you don’t even have to leave the city to get great deals on local produce, as many major supermarket chains make deals with local farms to sell strawberries, blueberries, peaches and other seasonal fruits. The strawberries I bought at my local Stop and Shop were $2.99 buy one get one free. Lemons and limes are also often on sale as they are imported in bulk from the south. You don’t need a great bottle of wine for this drink- in fact I’ve found that cheaper wines often benefit the mix more as they don’t contribute as many bold (but in this case intrusive) flavors as their more expensive counterparts.
For sangria you will need either a large carafe or pitcher, as well as large white wine glasses. The carafe pictured has a removable top and pour spout and was purchased for only $4 at Walmart. The cut glass pitcher pictured I picked up at a sidewalk sale for free (!) in Brookline. July and August are great months to expand your collection of glassware through sidewalk sales because many people are moving and are looking to downsize their own collection or are loathe to pack all their glassware!
White Strawberry Sangria
1 lb Package of Fresh Strawberries
3 Limes
2 Lemons
1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
1 1.5 Liter Bottle of Affordable Dry White Wine (Pinot Grigio works well)
1/2 Cup White Rum (Bacardi works well)
4 Cups of Ginger Ale (or Lemon Lime Soda)
Reserve a handful of strawberries, one lime, and one lemon for garnish. Rinse and Quarter remaining strawberries. Rinse and cut lemons and limes into thin slices width-wise, and deposit with strawberries into your carafe or pitcher. Add 1/4 cup of sugar and gently mash with a wooden spoon. Pour in wine, rum and soda, and stir well. Serve in white wine glasses with equal parts ice and sangria, and garnish with slices of strawberry, lemon and lime from reserved fruit.
Lil Bit of Needle and Thread Goes A Long Way
I purchased this 1950s, 100% silk dress from Dame for $5 last week. However, it was too big in the shoulders and the hem was torn. With a little bit of pinning, cutting and sewing the dress fits perfect. We cut the shoulders, pulled the fabric up and made a new seam. As for the bottom, we trimmed the hem and sewed a new one at knee-length. Sewing silk is tricky so beware of pulls or tears and keep your foot steady on the sewing machine pedal.
BEFORE
AFTER
Looking for affordable antique furniture?
The Habitat for Humanity Restore in West Roxbury has a fairly nice selection of antique tables, dressers, beds, chairs and vanities. The white dresser (above) is only $30. The pieces to the left are all under $50. The store is located at 1580 Veterans of Foreign Wars Parkway.
Featured Store: Savers in West Roxbury
Savers in West Roxbury recently moved from 1600 VFW Parkway to a huge store at 1230 VFW Parkway. The store is pretty awesome and is a great place if you’re looking for records, books, frames, clothing, shoes and/or trinkets. Despite being very big, the store is very well organized and clean. Their prices are also very reasonable. 
I bought a purple, vintage American Tourister leather bag (left) for $5 and alot of antique frames that ranged from .99 cents to $4 each.The books are buy four get one free and furniture (including the $20 couch seen below) is super cheap. The amount of clothing they have is sort of overwhelming but is organized by type of clothes (dresses/shirts/skirts) instead of color (like Goodwill). Enjoy these photos and take a drive down to the store’s new location.
Matt with his LP’s.
The ENORMOUS shoe section. 
Cute leather boots. The store has alot of women’s and men’s vintage shoes. 
There is only one rack of jewelry but it is all really cheap and in good condition.
Bean Rating: Savers, West Roxbury
Matt and I checked out the new Savers in West Roxbury. Read the full review and see photos under the “Featured Stores” tab.
Women’s Clothing: 4 beans
Men’s clothing: 4 beans
Books: 3 beans (all books are buy four get one free)
Shoes: 4 beans (huge selection of men’s and women’s shoes)
Records/LP’s: 3 beans
Housewares/Furniture/Frames: 4 beans
Jewelry/Scarves: 2 beans
Repurposing Used Children’s Books
Old books feature some of the most interesting and inexpensive artwork for your home. Several weeks ago I began searching for antique frames and classic children’s books to frame for my friend’s baby nursery. I found an old “Jack in the Beanstalk” book at Savers in West Roxbury for 69 cents. I then bought seven frames from different stores and garage sales. Overall the project probably cost around $30 and is more meaningful–in my opinion–than anything you could buy on a gift registry.
Start by carefully taking the book apart by either removing the staples in the binding or using an X-Acto knife to cut along the edges. Pick your favorite pages to frame that tell the story and are visually interesting. You could also attach ribbon to the back of the frame to hang the art from.
The soon-to-be mommy with her frames (above). As the baby grows older the artwork can be exchanged with photos or a new, and age appropriate, book.
The mismatched antique frames can be arranged any way you like on a wall.
Six Street Neighborhood Sale in Rosi this Saturday 7/23
From Hydeparkmass.org:
You can’t miss this six-street neighborhood yard sale in Roslindale this weekend! Furniture, books, clothing, baby and kids items, toys, household items, and more…
View Larger Map
I know I’ll be there. Hoping the kid’s toys & clothes will be to a minimum. Get those records out people! Click here for more information and directions.
HURRY: Dame is closing!
I stopped by Dame in Jamaica Plain today and found out they’re closing their doors this Sunday. They have ALOT of really cute items (for males and females) left that are 30 and 50 percent off. 
Hurry before it is too late! They’re store is located at 68 South Street. They will continue to sell their vintage items at antique markets such as SOWA, but this is very sad news for us vintage/thrift shoppers in Boston. I bought several items, including an adorable mini, long-sleeved dress and a gorgeous white dress with an emerald bow from the 1960s. They have a $5 rack of clothing, alot of hats and gloves, vintage swimsuits, children’s clothes, vintage slips, lace hankerchiefs and purses and shoes left. Sign up for their mailing list to stay informed about their future ventures! 
Two New Listings on the Directory in Brookline
Encore Exchange
I just added two boutiques on the directory that are perfect for people looking for accessories, in particular scarves and jewelry. Encore Exchange in Brookine is tucked away in a tiny shopping center near the Coolidge Corner Theater and has many thrifty items. They are a consignment shop, so not everything is affordable–on a beans in a can budget, that is. However, they have a beautiful selection of silk scarves priced under $30 and a $5 sale box. Most of the clothing is older ladies fashion but if you look closely you can find some nice skirts and tops. If you like fur coats, you will love this store.
Vintage Jewelry and Modern Boutique
Also in Brookline is Vintage Jewelry and Modern Boutique. The boutique (marked on the directory in pink) is located on Beacon Street and is not a thrift store. All of the clothing for sell is new, but they do have some reasonably-priced costume jewelry for thrifty shoppers.They also have $10 vintage keys can be strung onto a piece of leather or chain for a unique necklace.
Swap Till’ You Drop: July 30th
If you haven’t been to a Swap in Boston, you’re missing out. Normally the way it works is: You buy a $10-$15 ticket and you are given a bag to fill. Most of the time you get a discount on your admission ticket if you bring a donation. In the past I have gotten some really nice dresses at Swaps. Luckily the “Swapaholics” are holding an event next Saturday, July 30. It is sponsored by vitaminwater and Pinkberry and will feature Jessica Quirk of “What I Wore.” Quirk will be on hand to sign copies of her just-published book. A $10 ticket purchased here will pay for your entrance into the swap, free samples of vitaminwater and Pinkberry yogurt, and a meet-and-greet with the author.
Here are more details:
Where:
132 Brookline Ave
(near Fenway Park)
Boston, MA 02115
When:
Saturday July 30th, 2011
12 to 4 pm
Clothing Drop-Off:
12 to 1:30 p.m.
Clothing Swap:
2 pm
Book Signing with Jessica Quirk:
12 to 4 pm
Bring a Bag, Get a Bag:
Bring a bag full of all those like-new and gently worn clothes, shoes, accessories & jewelry just taking up space in your closet & swap them in for a new bag full of finds from fellow fashion-obsessed ladies in the Bay Area — all for just the cost of admission!
Show Off Your Swap Style:
Take pictures with your friends and all your new favorite scores in our Swap Style Photo Booth. Pose with your finds and other props, then tag yourself on Facebook to share your swap scores with your friends.
Feel Good & Do Good:
All the clothing left over at the end of the swap will be donated to Goodwill Boston, to be sold in their shops to raise money for their wonderful job training, empowerment & youth programs.
New Addition to the Directory
My friend Rachel notified me today that there is a “giant” Savers in West Roxbury. Apparently, the store is located in an old Stop & Shop (grocery store) building. I haven’t been to the store yet to survey what they have but check out the Yelp reviews or head down to the store at 1600 VFW Pkwy in West Roxbury and send me a message about your experience at elaine@beansinacan.com
Scene on the Street: JP
While at James Gate in JP I spotted Brianna Rossi, 23, sit down with a Goodwill bag and approached her about her finds…here are the details:
She found four records for under $1 each, including a Billy Joel, a Heart and a Rod Stewart album at the Goodwill on Centre Street.
As she made her way down Centre Street toward South Street in JP she ventured into 40 South (check out directory/map for location) and found a super cute tan and gold, adjustable belt for $12 and a blouse.
When she explores thrift stores she looks for dresses and 70’s style attire that fits her body type. She was wearing a cute combination of dress/tights/and shoes from Seattle that I adored.
She also gave the tip that DAME was having a sale and had many vintage bathing suits in stock.
The Frugal Foodie
Summertime Couscous Salad
This versatile salad is a summertime favorite for me. Creamy, crunchy, tangy and fragrant, it satisfies the senses and is wonderful served hot or cold. Many of these ingredients (red bell pepper, fresh pesto, artichoke hearts) you can find on sale at your local grocer during the summertime, which makes it an affordable and impressive party dish. If you like couscous, I recommend buying a bulk size instead of an individual mix as it will save you more in the long run.
This salad can serve as a light entrée or side dish, and can be prepared vegetarian or vegan. Serves 4-6 as an entrée and 8-10 as a side dish.
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups large pearl couscous
- 4 ½ cups low sodium broth or water
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 12 oz. can artichoke hearts, quartered
- 4 tbsp. pesto sauce (prepared or fresh)
- 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice (approx. ½ fresh lemon)
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Warm olive oil in a heavy-bottom saucepan. Add couscous and stir to coat, until couscous begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Add broth and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cover, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed. Uncover and remove from heat, and allow to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Transfer couscous to a large bowl. Stir in artichoke quarters, bell pepper. In a small bowl, combine pesto sauce and lemon, mix well. Pour pesto lemon mixture over the couscous and vegetables, and add cheese. Toss to coat and serve.