You’re reading Jersey Girl Thrift’s bi-weekly newsletter! A quick, fun read full of second-hand trends, style tips, local sales, thrift store reviews, great reads, and a recipe or two. It’s everything you need to live a thrifty and luscious life.

Hello Friends!

How are you feeling? Is daylight savings giving you the slap of vitamin D you need? How many times have you tried to wear a cute springy outfit this week but got taken out by that end-of-winter chill?

As you read this, I’ll be relaxing on a much-needed tropical vacation, which I’ve slowly been packing for over the past month (it’s my process, don’t judge).

I shoveled out my summer wardrobe from the depths of my closet. You know the feeling— the shorts, the tanks, the random bathing suit top you’ve had since high school that still smells like chlorine.

TBH, a lot of it didn’t quite fit. But not to worry! Reason #1563 to love swapping: shopping between sizes.

I knew I needed some fresh looks that I felt comfortable in. So during the last swap, I kept an eye out for vacation looks, like bathing suit cover-ups and colorful evening dresses.

I also put out an SOS to friends and family. My sister-in-law came through with bathing suits, and my mom had just the bag I needed for adventures.

Now, my suitcase is full of borrowed looks and swap finds that make me feel HOT & FRESH & CUTE & YOUNG.

The best part? I didn’t have to panic shop for a new vacation wardrobe, which can add to the stress and expense of the experience. We’re in full reduce, reuse, relax mode peopleeee. This is your sign: Book the vacation. Swap for the lewks.

I’ll be posting all about my second-hand vacation wardrobe on @jerseygirlthrift!

3 local things I’m loving this spring

1. The Salt Cavern in Clifton, NJ: If you’re a girlie who suffers from spring allergies (or really any allergies), definitely check out Salt Therapy, also known as Halotherapy. During a session, you relax in a softly lit room covered top to bottom in Himalayan pink salt, which is said to help with allergies, respiratory health, skin conditions, and inflammation. Salt Therapy is centuries old, and I’m a firm believer in the healing power of salt (see also: the ocean). Especially if it’s pink. The Salt Cavern also has an infrared sauna and various other services to choose from!

2. Brookdale Park Volunteering in Bloomfield, NJ: Could personally pitch a tent and live at Brookedale Park if it was allowed. There’s something about walking in the middle of those fields at sunset that reminds me what a wild and beautiful planet we live on. To say thank you for these existential, grounding moments, I like to sign up for a few volunteering sessions. It’s a great way to meet local garden-friendly peeps and enjoy a day in the sun.

3. Al-Basha Restaurant in Paterson, NJ: You’ve never had hummus until you’ve had hummus from Al-Basha. Trust me. This Palestinian restaurant is the definition of authentic. Everyone is so friendly, and the food is fresh and delicious. Plus, the menu is refined, so every single item hits. My partner loves the falafels and pita. I always get the pistachio dessert. Perfect for a night out!
   

drop a pin 📍

We are so excited to announce that we’re having our Spring Swap on May 3rd at Ria X Gallery in Upper Montclair!

Ria is an incredible women-owned frame shop and gallery that showcases artists from all over the world. Ria has been part of the Montclair community for five years, serving as a space to discover all types of art and meet like-minded people.

We love the space for a few reasons: it’s intentional, powerful, and creative. The gallery will be full of work from a female textile artist, which really aligns with the heart of swapping. Ria has a beautiful outside space, too— so this is truly a SPRING SWAP.

The surrounding Montclair neighborhood is full of vibes— from Dry Goods Refillery right across the street to Eagle Rock Cafe and the General Store up the block. So you can plan a full day of it!

» Limited tickets will be dropping on Friday, March 28th, via email! So keep an eye out! 👀 «

Reminder: THIS IS THE BENEFIT OF BEING PART OF THE NEWSLETTER! You get first dips on swap info and tickets!

thrift Gods

Imagine walking into a Goodwill and stumbling upon a Vera Wang wedding dress. But not just any Vera Wang dress— the very same one Carrie Bradshaw wore in her photoshoot in the first Sex And The City movie.

With a price tag of only $18.99! Dead.

The designer dress is worth nearly $7,500. And the lucky thrifter is reselling it to pay for her divorce. Slay. This is why we thrift.

trends we’re backing

Call your Grandma or head to your local thrift store because… broaches are back. We saw this coming from a mile away here at JGT. You guys always scoop the vintage jewelry fast!

Broaches are, of course, fancy pins. We’re seeing them as a lapel accent. Hat embellishment. We’re wearing them as scarf holders, purse decals, and more.

The weirder, the better!

dreams coming true

Ahhh, this is a fun JGT behind-the-scenes moment. Kelli happens to work in production and hooked us up with a professional photo shoot with an insanely talented photographer. We listened to Chappell Roan and cracked up all day. Truth is, we see Jersey Girl Thrift taking off. So, we play big when the opportunity presents itself.

can’t get enough

Last but not least, my favorite recipe this week: homemade popcorn. Since I’m really into resistance training these days, I need to pump up my carb intake for muscle building. So, I added this old faithful to my snack rotation.

But instead of using avocado oil or olive oil, I’m using coconut oil, which is also a high-heat oil perfect for popping. In fact, I learned that movie theaters actually use coconut oil, too, so the result is super similar!

For flavor, I mix together nutritional yeast, good salt, and pepper. But I add it while the kernels are warming up in the pan so everything is well seasoned.

Have the best week ahead, Swappers! Tata, for now!

xoxo Larell