Then Again...

Where Were We?

I suppose this post has been a long time coming. But if you're still here, I'm still making firsthand observations on secondhand shopping. I'm still living with my significant other, our goofball dog-son and curmudgeonly turtle-daughter in the exotic lands of New Jersey. I'm an aunt to a pair of adorable nephew nuggets, and I am incredibly lucky to have my family so close by. 

In the time of lockdowns and social distancing, our notion of proximity has become drastically altered. Where we are now, where we have been, where we are going--these philosophical considerations have become quite literal. People have lost their lives, others have lost their livelihoods. Businesses have closed, some permanently. The workforce that remains is tired and in dire straights. Where we choose to spend our time and our dime is important, perhaps now more than ever.

Local businesses need our commerce...and our patience. Having worked within the customer service industry for over two decades, I can safely say that this pandemic has brought out the best in some people, and the overwhelming worst in others. Threats of physical violence, intentional exposure to possible contamination, verbal harassment, hoarding supplies, fights, theft. It was truly a disheartening scene...a scene reenacted...Every.Single.Day. 

As businesses make strides toward recovery, they face low stock due to manufacturing shortages, delivery delays due to fewer drivers, and a skeleton crew of employees on the payroll.  There's no quick fix, no easy answer. Liveable wages and healthcare benefits are the main concerns...but can smaller businesses afford to compete with say, the behemoth that is Amazon? 

Without politicizing and without a dissertation in business management, all I can say is what I've always said: Shop locally, at independently-owned businesses whenever feasible. And wherever you find yourself: shop politely and shop patiently. We all know where we were. Maybe we'll get to whatever "normalcy" means again. But where we are now in this "unprecedented time," we need to be conscientious shoppers and conscientious human beings.

When Were We?

Yesteryear, free-swimming in the warm and welcoming waves of nostalgia. Well, you could be. Just head on out to your local flea market, or scope out the most populated real estate for yard sales. Maybe you're hesitant to make your way back to thrift stores just yet and that's okay. All the old junk, miscellany, bric-a-brac, knick-knacks, and more are waiting for you when you're ready. 

I love unconventional planters. Don't you?

My re-entry to the secondhand scene has been mostly by way of antique malls. Etsy has also been a great comfort when secondhand shopping in-store was no longer possible. Even now, when stores have re-opened, I often find myself too exhausted from the daily grind to visit them as often as I would like. And to that end, ShopGoodwill.com has been a valuable resource. I'm eyeing up several auctions as I type this post. 

In a week's time, I'll be on my annual autumn vacation. And hopefully, by then it will feel more like fall so I can go thrifting with a chill in the air and an obligatory Pumpkin Spice Latte in hand. On my thrifting wishlist: Darkwash boyfriend cut jeans, a warm-toned kimono or open cardigan, vintage books on folklore, and maybe a garden gnome. (I know, I know. This list is way too specific, but I can dream).

Until next time, I wish you all a happy and healthy October. Please, please, please get vaccinated. And then get out there and thrift yourself something to celebrate. 

The Thrift Wish List & The Tarot: Another Fortuitous Find

In a recent trip to the Bryn Athyn Thrift Shop, I found something that I've coveted for some time. While I'm no means an expert on divination, I find myself drawn to the ancient mystery of Tarot cards. They're not especially hard to come by these days. Stop in any pseudo-alternative goth gift emporium or chain book store and you can find them.

I have a few speciality decks myself that I've collected from New Age shops that I've come across. But I have a special admiration for the European Tarot varieties, specifically vintage French cards. The primary colors are vibrant and the illustrations are artfully produced from woodcut tiles.

So when I spotted this deck of 1960s 1JJ Swiss Tarot Cards imported from Switzerland with the original French titles, it was like lightning striking twice. Mind you, this incredible thrifted rarity is just a few weeks following my original Keane print find.

Two sought after Thrift Wish items in just a few weeks? Maybe this stroke of secondhand luck is karma's answer to the slow winter thrifting.

In all honesty I must note that sadly this 1JJSwiss Tarot is not a complete deck. Either the previous owner was careless, or simply kept a few key cards for personal reasons. But still I can't help but feel fortunate that this deck--for the most part-- is now part of my collection. And I have some crafty plans for them indeed. Oh, yes. 

What items have you found on your Thrift Wish List lately? 

This post is linked-up with Sir Thrift-A-Lot. Go check it out! 

The Thrift Wish List & Keane: Big Eyes, Bigger Score

"No Dogs Allowed" 

In an on-going effort to expand my spring wardrobe, I took to the road for a mini-thrift trip of four local secondhand stops. And never in a million years did I expect to  scratch off a long-coveted item from my Thrift Wish List. 

But as I was not-so-patiently waiting behind a man with two carts filled with clothing, and only one cashier, I glanced behind the usually disappointing display case at the checkout. 

And there it was. 

A framed, signed and plated original Keane print. Oh happy day! 

"No Dogs Allowed," though credited to Walter Keane, after a heated court battle was actually revealed to be the work of his wife, Margaret. These big-eyed "waifs" as they came to be known during their 50s-60s popularity, are much sought after but seldom found at the thrift store. 

So cheers to you, nameless Goodwill donor, for releasing this rare find into the thrift universe. And thanks Goodwill, for having this precious print stashed behind the counter for me to buy at a mere $17. 

The signature Big Eyes of Margaret Keane.

And while it should go without saying that this fortuitous addition to my thrifted collection isn't for sale, I suspect the potential value will only increase in the coming months. 

The runaway kitsch-soaked success of Keane's saucer-eyed children, followed by the courtroom drama over the rightful creator has inspired the Hollywood treatment. Big Eyes, the movie, is now is post-production. And if that isn't enough to pique my interest, it's being directed by longtime Keane fanatic Tim Burton. 

And now that I have one of my very own Big Eyes, I really feel that when I look into those exaggerated orbs that I am officially a part of some rich history in pop culture, in a beloved art frenzy and in the serendipitous nature of the thrift. 

Have you found anything on your Thrift Wish List lately?

This post is linking up with We Call It Junkin'