Thrift Shopping My Way Through The Holiday Season

This holiday season, I had a very particular problem--how was I going to keep our beloved rescue Beagle, Bernie, from snatching ornaments from our Christmas tree?  All of November, I wracked my brain for ideas on how to Bernie-proof the tree. I needed something functional and sturdy, without being an eyesore. And while I was thrift shopping the weekend after Thanksgiving, I found just what I needed.

I didn't expect a secondhand solution to come my way. But fortunately for me, a trip to Good Stuff Thrift of Fairless Hills, PA yielded this beautiful vintage fire screen. It guards the tree, and in my opinion, may even add a little nostalgic flair to it. 

To think that I almost passed it by. But after stepping back to let a crowd of thrifters pass, I gave it a second look and sent a picture to my Dad to see if he thought it was too big for the job. He thought it was a perfect find...and a total bargain for $10. I gave it a thorough clean and polish. And now I consider it the crowning achievement of my holiday thrift haul. 

My entryway table, which is usually a catchall for mail, keys, cups of coffee and whatever else I have my hands filled with...is looking especially festive. And though it's not entirely secondhand, I do love the various shades of metal we have here. The worn looking galvanized metal star bucket, the mercury glass bottle, the golden bowl of fruit. 

When it comes to decorating, I love featuring a mix of colors and textures. 

Even our key bowl is spruced up with $1 golden grapes.

Maybe it was because I started early, or maybe it's because I went often. But between my crafty Christmas up-cycle featured in the last blog post, and the gorgeous fire screen...I feel that the Ghost of Christmas Past paid me a little visit...or at least the Ghost of donor's Christmas Past. 

Stay tuned for one more crafty Christmas post prior to the big day...featuring lovely pieces of ephemera and Grafix Shrink Film.  In the mean time, I'd like to know:

From decor to gift-giving, has thrift shopping helped you this holiday season?

Teeny, Tiny Secondhand Treasures: Crystal Creatures

While on vacation this summer, James and I spent an entire day seeking out thrift stores and consignment shops in the Ocean City, NJ area and beyond. And right on Asbury Avenue in downtown Ocean City was Mew To You, a combination thrift store and nonprofit cat rescue. It's the perfect pairing because if you don't find a vintage treasure to take home, at the very least you could visit the kitties in the back that are up for adoption through the Cape Atlantic Cats organization. Well, except for James. His allergies had to keep him waiting outside while I perused the shop and cooed at all of the cats. 

For being a small business, Mew To You had a surprisingly full stock of vintage toys, paperbacks, dinnerware, and knick-knacks. I went home with these vintage beauties. Made by Manon in 1984, this mythical pairing has Swarovski crystals for a torso. SO 80's AND I LOVE IT. 

Individually they can fetch a considerable profit on Ebay and Etsy, especially since they only cost me $3.00 (originally $6.00 but found at 50% off on a bric-a-brac sale). But I'm not interested in selling. They look right at home on our entry way display self. Of course, James is proud of me for indulging in fantasy nerddom. And admittedly, they are so us. Clearly, I'm the unicorn. He's the fire-breathing dragon. 

Thrilled to have found these gorgeous creatures at such a great price, I stuffed a dollar in the donation jar and we continued on our vacation thrift trip. 

If you are visiting the Ocean City area and are looking for an adorable thrift shop whose benefits go to cats in need, pay Mew To You a visit. And if you're a local and looking for a family pet, that's even better! Though I can't guarantee you'll find any crystal unicorns. 

Have you ever visited a thrift store/pet rescue combo?

Teeny, Tiny Secondhand Treasures: Keys and Keyholes

It's no secret that I have an affinity for skeleton keys, and  have accumulated a small collection of them over the years. So when I saw that one of the many junkers at the Columbus Flea Market had a few keys, keyholes, and locks in their heaps of rusted tools and trinkets, I snatched them up. I admittedly paid a little more than what I usually would---but immediately fell in in love with the rust and patina, and forked over the cash without hesitation. 

And due to a funny little exchange at work the other day, I may come to inherit a few more keys for my beloved collection. I was chatting with a delightful older woman the other day---a woman with Revlon red cat eye frames and an arm-full of jangling costume jewelry. Her bright colors and sassy demeanor reminded me of a younger Iris Apfel. So when she inquired about the tattoo on my wrist/forearm, I was obliged to tell her all about it. 

This was the first skeleton key I purchased secondhand and I loved it so, that I brought to the tattoo parlor and asked for the closest rendering the artist could give me. The result was breathtaking. I would like to get a matching keyhole for the other wrist, eventually. 

My sassy septuagenarian  customer then turned to her daughter who was shopping with her and asked that she reminds her to bring her old keys next time she comes in. She would like to give them to me. How sweet is that? Before she left she said that she always wanted to get a tattoo. I told her she should go get one. This brief exchange was the highlight of my day/week/month. I didn't even catch her name. 

I find it funny that I'm frequently complimented for being "a nice young lady." And I'm saddened to think that being nice really may be an attribute in a cruel world. That a please and thank you, or a simple greeting and a smile, when genuine, is really noticeable and maybe even appreciated for something special. But I think the key is this...you just never know what hidden grief a stranger carries with them. Maybe a simple exchange of pleasantries is all they really needed, and maybe you just made their day a little brighter. 

And THAT is a real treasure. 

Thriftspiration: The Celebrity Lookbook Of Ilda Pellett

A Crown composition book, to Ilda from Ellen.

It was a scorching afternoon at the Columbus Flea Market, the time of day where vendors are keen to packing up their wares.  And I was just about finished with the junking of the day and about to move along to the produce section for some sweet Jersey tomatoes. That's when I stumbled upon a chatty seller with just a few vintage items spread about a single table. We got to talking about our mutual appreciation for vintage photographs and ephemera...and the lost of art of memory keeping. 

While this used composition book was an add-on purchase at the suggestion of the vendor (the original item purchased will be featured in a later post), I was excited to see what was inside, to see what Ilda Pellett of the 4th grade once held dear. 

I was not disappointed to find an entire composition book of celebrity clippings, glamour shots, and fashion spreads from the late 1920s-1930s. Maybe you think this is silly. Or maybe you'd consider it a sort of primitive Pinterest board. But I love it. And hell, I've done it. Being a secondhand fashion blogger in part, putting together a notebook of style aspirations is something that helps me when I go thrifting. It helps me stay inspired and organized. And I've been recommending this sort of tangible on-the-go thriftspiration for years. 

And a special bonus: Ilda had tucked all of her favorite paper dolls and paper doll fashions within the pages of her composition book. 

A pile of paper fashions. 

A selection from the paper doll collection. 

Isn't it sort of amazing that these cherished paper dolls survived some 85+ years intact? I already have some crafty upcycling plans for them, in the form of shrunken plastic jewelry. But in the meantime I'll just enjoy the aesthetic of this collection. I thank Ilda Pellett for her creative vision and dreams of stardom, and to her friend "Ellen W" who gifted the Crown composition book to Ilda. I admire the vendor who saved this from an estate clean-out that could likely have ended in a garbage can, who saw the potential in saving such a personal item...and for selling it to me for just one dollar.

Flea Market 101: A Beginner's Guide

Welcome to the first installment in what will hopefully become a series of blog posts all about my favorite seasonally-appropriate outdoor shopping occasion. In Flea Market 101 I'll cover everything from asking for better prices, to authenticating vintage furniture. And in this particular blog post I'll be discussing the bare bones basics to successfully navigating a flea market. 

How To Prepare For A Flea Market 

The very first step for preparing to attend a flea market as a would-be vintage shopper is to check the weather report. While some flea markets operate rain or shine with the use of tents and overhead coverings, this doesn't mean that every vendor will be in attendance. If it looks like enough rain where it would literally put a damper on your day, chances are many sellers may be feeling the same way. 

Also be sure that the particular flea market you're visiting is open. Some mainstay flea markets are set for certain days, barring any conflicting schedule for holidays or special events. No sense venturing out only to be disappointed to find a big old 'Closed' sign. 

Assuming the weather is in your favor, you'll want to dress accordingly. A few sensible layers go a long way, to accommodate cooler temperatures in the morning, and a hot blazing sun in the afternoon. Don't forget to apply sunscreen, to grab a hat, and to bring the shades!

But What Should I Bring With Me To A Flea Market?

While some people prefer to pack lightly, with just a coin purse and a phone... I'm a girl scout when it comes to the flea market. I'm prepared. I'm packed. I'm ready to buy. Here's a list of must-have flea market necessities I bring with me on every visit: 

• A light canvas backpack. This makes for good storage for purchases and easier hands-free shopping.
• A bottle of water and non-perishable snacks. While many large scale flea markets have food trucks or other quick dining options, having to eat gluten-free really can limit my options. Having something small on hand assures me that I won't feel woozy come midday. I also opt for an insulated refillable water bottle.
• Easily accessible small bills.  Since I'm not currently in the market for any high dollar items, such as furniture, I keep most of my spending money tucked into my pocket in the form of ones and fives. Nothing worse than fidgeting with my bulky wallet, and possibly losing my debit card in the process. And while some vendors are equipped for credit transactions, Cash is King. 
• A tape measure. Much like a thrift store, you never know what you'll find at the flea market. And while I'm not necessarily looking for anything large, it's nice to know that it will in fact fit in my condo.
• A tote bag. I keep this folded up in my backpack, for carrying items if need be. It also doesn't hurt to bring a few sheets of newspaper or bubble wrap, especially if you're in the market for fragile items. 
• Small personal items. A sunscreen stick, a tiny bottle of antibacterial gel, aspirin to-go packs. It never hurts to be prepared, especially if your flea market trip has you a fair distance from home. 
• A phone charger. Since phones have become our cameras, our research tools, our GPS...they tend to crap out on us when we need them the most. I have a charger in my car and highly recommend you do the same. 
• Measurements/color swatches/idea journal. If you're looking for very specific pieces, it's important to remember that this isn't retail. There's no return policy. So make sure what you're buying is exactly what you need. In addition to checking the quality of the item for flaws, you'll want to be sure it's going to be a perfect match for what you're planning to do with it. 

What You Can Expect To Find At The Flea Market

A little of this, a little of that. Honestly, what won't you find? I've seen used jockstraps at flea markets (no, thank you). When it comes to the wares, the possibilities are endless. But as for the sellers, I've come across three distinct variants. 

• The Overpriced Vintage Vendor. This seller may have some nice wares, but it'll cost you. The prices are more akin to an antique's booth than a flea market, and haggling seems impossible. This type of seller isn't doing a casual closet and crawlspace clean out. This is likely their main source of income and subsequently, they aren't very flexible on the price. Proceed with caution.
• The Anything-Goes Seller. Cool as a cucumber, and usually quite chatty. You can catch a good bargain from this type of vendor, who might just be selling to downsize. 
• The Junker. These sellers can run 50/50, depending on the day and perhaps the item you're looking to buy. These vendors also tend to make their living at the flea market, but since they typically dealing with less-than-pristine items, there's more wiggle room in the pricing. And truth be told, they have all the rustic stuff that I love.

What To Look For...

That's all dependent upon your personal preference and style. But what's hot? 

Wire baskets, vintage globes, chalk boards, apple crates, burlap suitcases, bar carts, pallets, quirky planters, mason jars, and anything rustic/worn/shabby chic that speaks to you. 

Budget, Price, And Everything Nice

Maybe you're a stickler when it comes to a spending limit, or maybe you're a little more flexible depending on the flea market finds you happen upon. But one thing is for certain, every flea market shopper wants to find the best bargains out there. And since the transaction is one-to-one, up close and personal, it's time to talk about etiquette. 

How To Get The Best Price At The Flea Market 

When it comes down to it, being polite pays off. If I'm browsing through a seller's wares, I always say hello. I mean, the way I figure, If I'm going to be pawing through someone's personal items... the least I can do is greet them.  It all starts with a simple hello. But also:

• Handle all items with caution. Of course you don't want to break anything (if you break it, you buy it). But it's also worth extra care as a sign of respect for the seller.
• If a specific item interests you, ask questions. While not every trinket is going to have a backstory, it never hurts to ask. This is especially true for vintage items.
• If the seller volunteers a price, consider it....even if you're not "considering it." Give it a few seconds of thought, if nothing else to make sure that YOU want the item, but also to not immediately jump down the seller's throat with a counter-offer. 
• Don't just throw a number out there. Starting with a gruff $5.00 offer or stating "Ill give you... (insert dollar amount) for it" is standoffish. Instead try: "Would you consider...(insert dollar amount)?" Much more conversational, much more polite. And I've never had a seller be stern with their initial amount with this technique. 

So there you have it...everything an introductory flea market course should have. Now get to it! And let me know how you make out. 

What tricks and tips do you have when it comes to the flea market?

Teeny Tiny Secondhand Treasures: Finding The Dream Car

A 1969 original MiniBus. And here I'd never thought I'd see the day where one would be mine. Those rounded corners, and the iconic grill and headlight design. It's a beaut. Isn't it? 

Complete with a full sticker dashboard, and spacious seating for five Little People, this baby is perfect for trips to the beach...or sitting decoratively on a bookshelf. 

And at 99 cents/pound at the Goodwill Outlet, it was a steal. Being that this model is 47 years old...it has some mileage on it. But the fine people at the Fisher Price dealership have made one hell of a durable machine. Now if only I could find the not-so-teeny-tiny Volkswagen version for cheap. I'd visit all of back-road America in search of flea markets far and wide, and roadside attractions like the biggest ball of string. One day it will be mine. Oh yes, it will be mine. 

My Very Favorite Fall Fashion Accessories

Vintage enamel heart necklace with flowers and scalloped edges. $8 from Impact Thrift.

Fall is my favorite time of the year for fashion and fashionable accessories. The summer is too hot to accessorize much beyond a pair of earrings and some shades. In the winter, we're too buried beneath our layers to even notice the finely-tuned details of accessorizing. The spring holds some possibilities. But for me, it's all about the fall. So when I saw this fabulous vintage necklace at the Feasterville Impact for $10...I snatched it up. (A find made better by the fact that I had a coupon that knocked it down to $8). Thrift score!

Electric blue Olivia + Joy satchel. $12 from Salvation Army. 

Let it be known that I have a considerable collection of bags, backpacks, purses, and totes---all of which I put to good use. But there's nothing in my closet remotely close to this brilliant blue bag. It's in brand new condition, with just the right shock of color to spruce up any fall ensemble. And what's more? It's an Olivia + Joy---a designer that easily retails between $60-$110 new. Thank you, Salvation Army. 

Gold & brown toned wrap belt. 25 cents from the Goodwill Outlet. 

In all honesty, I'm not sure how much this belt cost. Salvaged from one of the many totes of the Goodwill Outlet in Bellmawr, NJ I can only guesstimate that at 99 cents/pound, this lightweight vinyl belt couldn't be more than a quarter. Its golden hue pairs perfectly with several of my fall tunics. And if you keep your eyes peeled, you might just see it in action when I post a little thrifted fashion photo spread that I've been working on! 

Leopard print infinity scarf. $5 from Payless/Cat eye sunglasses. $12 from Target. 

And because it's just an unlikely occurrence that you can find everything your heart desires solely from the thrift store, I've decided to include two fall staples in my list of favorite accessories. Not thrifted, but loved all the same---I almost always throw on an infinity scarf and a pair of shades before heading out the door. Browns and beiges, these are my go-to fall colors, if you couldn't already tell. 

Love letter 'n' envelope earrings, handmade by yours truly. 

 It's not fall unless I've made some sort of wearable craft and these precious love letter 'n' envelope earrings are too-cute to not make the list. Using a printer, Grafix shrink film, a few bits from a jewelry kit, and Mod Podge as a sealant, I fashioned myself a new accessory from vintage ephemera. 

It's not thrifted, but crafted. And I love, love, love them. 

By the by...you can win a pair of vintage envelope stud earrings and much, much more from my Vintage & Craft Giveaway in honor of the Let's Go Thrifting 5th Blogiversary.   

There are just 6 days left to enter before the big winner is announced on November 1st. So get those entries in today for your chance to win these adorable earrings, a copy of American Junk, vintage Eden prints, craft supplies, and more! 

Hazelnut coffee with fat-free, dairy-free french vanilla cream. $1.97 from Wawa.

And the most important accessory of all? It's the one that gets me through the day--- the deliciously cheap caffeine fix. And for those outside of the tri-state area of PA, NJ, and DE...those poor souls who don't know what a Wawa is: I weep for you. Sipping on 24 oz of coffee during a photo shoot, while working on a blog post, or en route to my next thrift trip is perfection. It's hot. It's sweet. And for under $2, it's best coffee around without a doubt. 

So with my coffee in hand, I'm off. I'm grabbing my satchel and shades, and I'm hitting the thrift---where if I'm lucky I'll find even more fall fashion accessories to feature in a later post. 

'Til next time, thrifters! 

Yours, Mine, Ours: Moving In, Piece By Vintage Piece

My newly acquired vintage watering can.

Since being with my boyfriend James for over 9 months now, and navigating around our respectively busy and often times conflicting schedules (plus one bridge between us), we've come to the realization that living together would be more than ideal. And as that possibility becomes increasingly more viable, I had a thought.

Can my style...become his style....become our style? While James joins me on the occasional thrift trip when time allows, he doesn't actively go thrifting or flea market shopping of his own accord. And aside from finding a few records here and there (my influence, of course)... he's not really into vintage.

At least not like I am. So I've decided that slowly but surely...I'd "spruce up the space." And ladies-who-thrift know what that really means.

I'm not sure which is cuter...this basket tray or The Beverly Bee newspaper in it. 

What that really means is: I'm bringing in my vintage wares, one at a time.  

Like that too cute to be true vintage watering can that will act as a vase. Or this decorative basket that will temporarily house all of the junk mail that needs to be sorted. So far, there have been no complaints. But then again I feel like it would take a lot for James to issue a complaint. 

To be fair, I do ask for his opinion.

Here. Sniff this. 

Take candle scents, for instance. A scent to fill the home should probably be a mutually agreed upon purchase. And while this lovely candle with rope detail wasn't thrifted, but bought on clearance, I like to think that his opinion on what I bring into his---soon to be our---place matters.

I don't want to feel like I'm taking over. Sure, I cook. Sure, I clean. And sure I have this running joke that one day he'll come home to find the place looking like something out of Antiques Roadshow.

But he says that he's more than okay with that---that he kind of expected that to happen as soon as he gave me a copy of the key. 

And to my credit, it has been a slow and controlled process, a process in which he makes decisions with me.  

I mean, look at these. 

Except these vintage daisy glasses. I snatched these up for less than a dollar each, washed them, and plopped them right in his kitchen cabinet without question. 

It's not like he has to drink from them. Right? Right!? I stand by my purchase. 

There he is. Totally immersed in an episode of The Flash. 

And he's not angry about any of this---I swear. And though I have an obvious bias in favor of the secondhand, I think all of these homey little touches adds a domestic element. It's   just warmer, more welcoming. In nerdspeak: it's no longer the Fortress of Solitude. 

James knows the lay of the secondhand land for me, and what that eventually means for us as a couple as we make strides towards our future together. A steamer trunk here. A refurbished bar cart there. 

And I guess time will only tell, as the inevitable question arrises...

Sure, you love me. 

But can you love my vintage?

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Don't forget to enter the 5th Blogiversary Vintage & Craft Giveaway!

Teeny Tiny Secondhand Treasures: A Pair of Toadstool Planters

Vintage ceramic toadstool planters. Thrifted for $1.50 each. 

It's here! It's finally here! It's time to welcome flea markets and carnivals, garage sales, lemonade stands and the sweet, sweet smell of freshly tended gardens. Happy Spring, everyone! 

To properly introduce the first full day of spring, I thought what better than a post about my latest pair of Teeny Tiny Secondhand Treasures. I found this set of vintage toadstool planters for $3.00 and I'm absolutely smitten with with them. 

The green hues and faded golden spots on the toadstool cap, the detailed beige toadstool stump. And of course, the sweetest little details of all...

Awwww. Little kids with flowers. 

Aren't these pudgy little kids just the cutest? I sure think so. Now I just need to stop in Home Depot for some clay pebbles to prevent my miniature plants from getting root rot. That's the only drawback of vintage planters: no drainage. But... hey! We're talking about a pair of toadstools with pudgy little kids under them. Adorable! 

I'm linking up with Sir Thrift-A-Lot. Go check it out! 

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The Summer Lovin' Etsy Showcase

I've entered into a whole new venture within the world of reselling. And that venture is vintage lingerie. From Givenchy to Vanity Fair, I'm adding camisoles, slips, negligees and maxi nightdresses to the inventory.

So if you know of a lovely lady looking for a  glamourous addition to the boudoir, send them over to the Let's Go Thrifting Etsy Shop.

This Just In: New Items Added to Etsy

Jiminy Cricket, 1980s.

Manhood and Marriage, 1916. 

Knee-hugger elf and pal, 1950s. Made in Japan.

These items and more are available for purchase at my Etsy shop. Also, I'm excited to announce a new shopping venture for Let's Go Thrifting readers looking to buy quality goods directly from me. I'm working on launching a page right here on the blog where I'll be offering items that don't quite meet Etsy requirements. Designer labels, obscure art and decor, out-of-print books... the works. It might not be vintage or handmade, but I think some of you will take a look around, maybe find something you like.

Stay tuned for more info on that, and as always thanks for reading Let's Go Thrifting!