I regret the fact that I didn’t end up buying this at Paws Crossed Thrift Store — hopefully, it’ll still be there when I go back! -STEPHANIE DAVIS / FLORIDA WEEKLY

As we go into the true dog days of summer — we were just preheating in June and July — it’s all about looking for fun things things to do with friends to beat the heat. Meanwhile, I’ve made a vow to reduce my carbon footprint a little by concentrating on my newest favorite hobby — thrifting!

I’ve always enjoyed thrifting — and in my 20s, it was necessary because as a single mom working three jobs, Goodwill was all I could afford, and I was grateful for it.

As I’ve gotten older though, it’s more about recycling and doing my very little bit to save the planet. In other words, instead of buying new clothes, whether they’re from Target, Old Navy or Macy’s sale rack, I’d rather get previously loved clothing, housewares, furniture, etc., before it goes to a landfill. And I’ve stopped buying what is basically disposable clothing on Amazon, Shein and Temu.

And it’s definitely more fun to hunt! I would be a terrible wild game hunter, but I love to hunt for well-made designer clothes with the original tags. I promise — there’s nothing like finding a never-worn Alexander McQueen sweater for $4.99.

Thrifting is more fun with friends

Fortunately, I have 4 dear old friends who are into scoring treasures as much as I am. Cindy and I are similar — we’ll venture to sketchy estate sales and garage sales off the beaten path (though we draw the line at the Goodwill bins — they’re for elite professional diggers — and while I admire them, I just don’t have the patience or talent). Liz is an excellent hunter and knows to search the bottom shelves — she has an eye for luxury, antiques, art, and labels. Marc and Jane have great taste, but they don’t particularly like to hunt — they prefer higher end consignment stores, so that usually means a trip south to Bonita and Naples — which is awesome because then we can hit the Canary Club for a delicious lunch.

So, I talked to my thrifting pals and gathered a list of our fave places to thrift in The Fort:

Downtown Blue Goodwill Boutique (corner of Jackson & First Streets) – I love this store! It’s mostly clothes, which are separated by designers — so you have your Chicos rack, your Banana Republic rack, Anne Taylor, Talbots, etc. — everything is already in excellent shape and most still have original tags. They also have a selection of decorative housewares and some lovely art pieces and collectibles. It’s on the pricier side, but if I can get a vintage White House Black Market blazer for $15 instead of $150, I’ll take it.
Matthews House Thrift Store (13140 Metro Parkway) – This is such a fun one to wander around in — even Marc and Jane approve. If you need a new couch or dining room table, they have a large selection of furniture and art on one side of the warehouse-like store, while on the other side, it’s jewelry clothes, shoes, and handbags. St. Matthews House is based in Naples and in looking at the quality of their inventory, it feels very Naples, but with thrift store prices.
Paws Crossed Thrift Shop (4901 Palm Beach Blvd., Morse Shores Shopping Center near I-75) – This one is new to me and I’m so happy I found it. It’s a small space stuffed with SO many treasures — you’ll find unique surprises tucked away in so many corners. Last week when I was there, I scored a never-worn designer coat that retails on line for more than $400 (I paid $10), a colorful piece of local art, and even an exercise trampoline. Plus, Paws is a nonprofit dog rescue, operated by such sweet volunteers.
Teen Challenge (15121 Tamiami Trail and 15631 San Carlos Blvd.) – Teen Challenge has two locations because the nonprofit organization gets SO many awesome things to sell. Both spaces are spacious and super fun to browse!

All of these thrift stores put your money into their charities, so you can feel good about buying with them. Plus, you’re giving so many items a new life!

And remember — this is the perfect time to find your evening gowns a cocktail dresses for season — which is just around the corner!

Stephanie Davis is a recovering girl-about-town formerly known as the Downtown Diva. A nearly native Southwest Floridian, when she’s not photographing events for Florida Weekly, she’s perfectly content to stay at home binging Netflix with husband, Todd, and four cats Tennessee, Lilibet, Jack, and Baby.