The Valu Thrift store at the Sun Ray Shopping Center in St. Paul is not only the largest and most organized thrift store I know of, it's also constantly filled with all kinds of cheap accessories that you either need this minute or are certain will eventually come in handy. Take, for instance, these three handbags I picked up two days ago:

I've been needing a black patent bag since I bought those patent platform heels, and the bright blue bag was just too fun to pass up. The greenish number with all the rivets and zippers is looking less functional to me now than it did in the store, but I only paid $10.47 for all three, so no buyer's remorse over here.
I have a theory that March and April are the heaviest thrifting months. Everyone's spring cleaning and getting rid of their junk, but then they don't want to pile up their castaways for two months until it's actually warm enough to have a garage sale, so they just give it to the charities. I could be wrong, though.
Hey, look, a picture of Felicia:

Bet you didn't see that one coming.
My big sister has informed me that the black patent hobo above is "awful" and, since it can't be returned, should be destroyed.
Posted by: Alexis | March 23, 2007 at 09:19 AM
How's their t-shirt selection?
K Thx Bye. :)
Posted by: Jables | March 23, 2007 at 03:35 PM
Hmm, never checked. Probably pretty good, since the place is sprawling.
Posted by: Alexis | March 23, 2007 at 04:27 PM
I live less than a block away from Sun Ray.
Don't worry, I'm moving this summer. :-)
Posted by: Danielle | March 24, 2007 at 06:52 PM
I'm not loving the patent bag either (the shoes rock, but they don't need a patent bag to match. Black goes with everything.)
The BLUE bag, on the other hand, is way awesome. If you don't have an outfit it goes with, shop for one immediately!
Posted by: Dave | March 25, 2007 at 07:26 PM
86 the patent bag. Matching your shoes and your handbag is tacky. Too matchy-matchy.
Posted by: I agree with sis | March 26, 2007 at 04:29 PM
Hey--another link to another blogger. This site belongs to a college friend who is a Minneapolis opera singer who makes her side income thrifting...her 3/23 blog is a rundown of where to thrift in the Cities
http://mavenhaven.diaryland.com/
Posted by: Aw...Minnesota | March 26, 2007 at 06:40 PM
Matching your shoes and your handbag is tacky.
Blasphemy!
Sometimes matching a bag to your shoes is the best way to pull an outfit together. I just don't think those shoes in particular demand it.
Posted by: Dave | March 27, 2007 at 11:48 AM
That blue is so vibrant. Nice find.
Posted by: hedy de vine | March 27, 2007 at 04:49 PM
"I'm really not a cat blogger." my ass!
Your "Cat Fancy" subscription will be shipping in approx. 1 week. Thank you, come again.
Oh, and can you send Felicia over the Hedy's place to teach Wolf how to properly groom? He looks to have a constant hangover. Like owner, like cat I guess. ;)
Posted by: taulpaul | March 28, 2007 at 04:41 PM
Oooops! I love your bag! The black leather one. OMG! That would definitely complement my yellow ruffled dress. heheh. How much did it cost you to buy this? Oooh. I just wish I can afford this!
Posted by: Helena Antle | March 16, 2012 at 03:29 PM