It’s beginning to look a lot like thriftmas

As we emerge relatively unscathed from the Olympic Consumer Event known as Black Friday, and the real holiday season begins in earnest (body armor optional), I’m hearing from consumers delighted to have acquired high priced items for as much as 25-40 percent off retail. It’s true, these are fabulous discounts; I myself take on a rather attractive glow when I happen upon anything at 50 percent off, and I love to see hard working consumers keep as much money in their pockets as possible. It’s all good.

Better still, many local readers are reporting in that their finances are looking up compared to past years – fantastic news! Keep building up that bank account and slash your holiday spending with a triedand-true shopping secret that has been saving me 90 percent off retail price for years — your local meticulously run Goodwill, consignment and thrift stores. What’s more, to hammer my point home, I’m about to share some serious insider information as to what some family and friends are receiving this year. Hold on to your hat.

For my gorgeous, truly hip and fashionable sisters, I went straight for bling. How bling-y? Try a Prada handbag for one, and Jimmy Choo boots for the other — both authentic, and in fantastic shape. Retail price for this Prada/ Choo combo is easily $900, even on the “sale” websites. Price I paid at local Goodwills: a somewhat more reasonable $37. Trust me, if I’d found the boots in my size rather than my sisters, I’d be wearing them as I type this. However, a size 7 I am not, therefore, I get to play Santa Claus on steroids…

For my fabulous folks, beautiful crystal and French silk scarves for mom, retailing for easily $100+, which I purchased for $8. For my golf-addicted dad, two beautifully made shirts from the Masters, which I’m guessing retail for more than the $14 I paid.

My husband will be receiving 10 designer shirts and sweaters, two NYT bestsellers, a DVD, and a gorgeous signed wildlife painting that has its original $270 price tag still on the back. Total amount I paid for shirts, books, movies and painting: $35. Beautiful hard working kids will be getting a touch of electronic bling in the form of new Tracfones (capable of calling, texting, pictures, videos, surfing, etc.), priced at $10 each, no pricey monthly plans, rather an average cost of $5 per month in minutes.

I could go on with more fabulous fun shopping stories and a lovely bit of math, but you get the point. All in all, by shopping at Chester County’s beautiful thrift and consignment stores, I spent $115 for gorgeous gifts that would have easily retailed for $1,800. If you’re seeking that perfect mix of a healthy bank account and gorgeous bling gifts for loved ones, get yourself to these stores pronto – you won’t be sorry, and more importantly, neither will your wallet. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah, everybody!

Kristen Hagopian is a Syndicated Radio Talk Show Host & Columnist. She co-hosts WCHE 1520’s Morning Show, as well as “The Kristen Hagopian Show” Thursdays at 5 p.m., and “Dad and Daughter Talk Real Estate” with local Keller Williams Realtor John Herreid Wednesdays at 5 p.m. (www.johnherreid. com). She was raised in Delaware County, and now resides in Chester County with her husband and kids. You can find her online at www. BrilliantFrugalLiving.com