Here's an interesting article from the Nonconsumer Advocate about "keeping an eye out" for items you want or need.
http://thenonconsumeradvocate.wordpress.com/2009/06/29/too-much-stuff-makes-it-easy-to-keep-an-eye-out/.

This is something we do when we go to thrift stores. The items usually showed up within a few months. If we needed them before that time we just might buy one new depending on the price.

Just about everything shows up in a garage sale or thrift store eventually. Things that I thought I'd never find at either and then bought new, yep, you can guess the rest. However, I shop at these frequently and that takes time. I don't mind that because it's fun for me, like a hobby. A lot of peole don't have time to spend or the inclination to paw through mounds of crap to find the perfect item. In that case you're better off buying what you need new, but being very selective in what you buy.

http://thenonconsumeradvocate.wordpress.com/2009/06/27/broke-vs-poor-2/
"Poor vs Broke"....

At the end she asked "Have you ever refused to take money saving measures because you didnt want to be perceived as poor?". I have a friend I've known for since we were kids who is poor. She grew up poor, married very young, had several kids right away and she's still poor. Her husband is basically unskilled and has gone from one low-paying job to another for years. She stays home with the kids. She won't take government assistance like food stamps because she finds the whole process demoralizing. She does shop secondhand and do other money saving things, and she's not worried about how others perceive her in general. Interestingly, she's also one of the most positive and optimistic people I have ever known.

then it sounds like she is pretty ok with her life : )

I'm trying to remember where I heard (prob on the radio while driving) something to the effect of "If you suddenly lose your job or find yourself broke, make friends with someone who's poor to see how they make it."

Obviously, those who've had to live frugally for a long time have the life skills to know how to do it.

A friend who doesn't live close enough to go to the AAUW yard sale at my house next week sent me a rather specific list of things she's looking for. She said, "SOMETHING told me to put this out there to you..." and concluded, "Crazy to ask for these items...but you just never know."

Ain't that the truth! One of the items on her list was donated today! It will be interesting to see what else comes in.