Vintage Photo Friday: The Christmas of 1961

In this special edition of Vintage Photo Friday, I'd like to present a few recent finds from the Goodwill Outlet. It's rare that I find enough photographs to continue the beloved Vintage Photo Friday segment here on Let's Go Thrifting. So when I found some rather timely snapshots from Christmastime in 1961, I could hardly contain my excitement. 

Kathleen here is such a doll. And speaking of dolls...

It looks like Santa brought one for her on Christmas morning.

Here's hoping Santa brought you everything you asked for. A happy and healthy holiday season's wishes to everyone! 

Vintage Photo Friday: Double Your Vintage. Double Your Fun.

Vintage novelty photograph with frame,  99 cents. 

I had almost given up on my pursuit to keep Vintage Photo Friday a regular segment here on Let's Go Thrifting.  Family photographs and snapshots have become increasingly hard to find at the thrift stores. And outside of antique stores (with antique store prices at that. Hello, sticker shock), I fear that they're being forever lost to the landfills. 

But in a recent trip to the Goodwill of Warminster, PA I unearthed several quality finds, including the very subject of this post. While I love the nostalgic nod to yesteryear with staged novelty photos, this vintage-on-vintage photograph was a majorly surreal secondhand score. 

Then? It was faux vintage. Now it's vintage twice over. 

It's circa 1960 and these two couples are posing with a mock Oldsmobile from the 1930s, in front of a suburban landscape backdrop. 1960s and 1930s? It's doubly vintage!

And including the classy filigree frame, this might be my best find for under a buck. 


Have you spotted any vintage pics at the thrift lately? 

Vintage Photo Friday: The Valentine Edition

Doesn't this couple's portrait just ooze romance?

  
Roses are red.

Violets are blue.

I love vintage photographs.

How 'bout you? 

Happy Valentine's Day, thrifters. Now grab that significant other and get to the thrift store for some sweet, sweet secondhand love. Going solo? No problem. Just pick yourself up a truly cheesy bodice-ripping romance novel for 25 cents. Don't forget the chocolate and a cheap bottle of wine. 

Stay thrifty, mes amours. 

One Of These Things Is Not Like The Other...

I recently acquired a bunch of snapshots from Etsy, in the hopes of expanding my ever-growing collection of vintage photographs. I was pleasantly surprised by the lot: A handpicked selection of 25 photos of men, women, children, pets and houses of yesteryear, all gems every one. 

Many of the photographs featured a handful of the same family members in what spanned over a decade of time. But these two shots are really fascinating to me.

Just look at that sweet elderly woman, with her hand-darned pillow and floral printed frock, sitting pretty in that leather chair. Wait...

It's the same pose. It's the same dress. And it's obviously that same leather chair. But despite the same sweet ol' granny, check out all the differences. 

Isn't it odd that she appears exactly the same, but there are so many differences between the two photographs? 

It's a vintage photo hunt! 
How many differences can you spot between the two photos? 
Leave your comment below and let's see how many we can find. 

Vintage Photo Friday: A Festive Feline

Nothing says Christmas cheer quite like the family cat preparing to attack the tree. 

Interestingly enough, this polaroid was stuck in a family album that included no other Christmas photos. Just one shot...of this cat. 

Well, Merry Christmas, family cat circa 1970. You look like you had a lovely holiday. 

I cannot believe Tuesday is Christmas day, and furthermore I can't believe I was unable to find a single thrifted gift for any friend or family member. It just doesn't seem like Christmas without a thrifted gift under the tree. 

Maybe one of you fine thrifters had better luck in secondhand shopping this holiday season. I certainly hope you did. So tell me. Did anyone partake in our National Thrift-A-Gift Week?

Who made your nice list and scored all the vintage kitsch you could salvage? Who made your naughty list and is getting secondhand granny panties? 

Vintage Photo Friday: The Zombie Faculty of '43

Voted Most Likely To Eat Brains.

Sad to say, it's been slim thrift pickings lately. Aside from the ever-popular hideous holiday sweaters, and discounted wrapping paper, I haven't been spotting any real secondhand gems that must come home with me.

But I have found ample time to crack open a few scholastic memories from yesteryear and I'm eager to share them with all of you.

This Vintage Photo Friday, I give you the yearbook picture of Mrs. Melrose E. Weed, a university secretary of 1943. And she bares a resemblance to...well...the living dead. 

You think?

So I've been light on the thrifted wares. It's true.    But there's plenty of Thrift Rants, Thrifted Gift Ideas, New-To-You-Years Resolutions... and more to come. But when I do find that special secondhand something, you'll be the first to know. 

In the meantime, happy thrift hunting, everyone. 

What have you been thrifting? 

Vintage Photo Friday: A Bit Of Serendipity

While scavenging the shelves of the Bryn Athyn Thrift Shop, I noticed a corner dedicated solely to photo albums. This is where I was standing when I met Nina, the manger of BATS. We talked of thrifting, blogging and the cyclical nature of it all. I also happened to mention my obsession for other people's family photographs and how it was rare to encounter enough to keep Vintage Photo Friday a regular occurrence here on Let's Go Thrifting!

Our conversation was interrupted when Nina had to price items for a  few customers, giving me a few minutes to flip through my selections from the shelf.

Vintage album of snapshots.... 75 cents.

And this is where I found the  lone photograph stuck between the pages  of an otherwise empty album. Of course I pointed out the find to Nina, who, much like myself, was just a little bit amazed by the discovery. 

Don't you love when you put something out into the universe? Something simple... like "Oh, how I'd love a vintage photograph today," and if by some means of thrift magic...it suddenly and serendipitously appears. 

Vintage Photo Friday: The Halloween Edition

The photo isn't vintage. But my costume sure is. Anyone wanna guess what I am for this year's annual Halloween Costume Party? 

It's kinda cute. It's kinda creepy. It's very me...

Well...gotta dash. I have a party to throw!

What was your Halloween costume this year ? 

Vintage Photo Friday: Yamato Suzuki Cuteness

How cute is this little book? My Very Own Seasons represents a trifecta of my thrifted interests: 

1. Vintage
2. Children's books
3. Japanese culture

Featuring poems by Chisachi Suehiro and the most adorable illustrations by Yamato Suzuki, this little book was too charming to resist. 

And guess what! I also found  How I Grow and Finding My Way...two other little books in the  Petals series by the same author and illustrator.

I scored all three books from Impact Thrift for $1.50 and was happy to fork over the money for the abundance of cuteness within those tiny pages. 

For this Friday's vintage photo, I decided to share with you this heart-tugging interpretation of Fall.  

My Very Own Seasons, 1967. 

What vintage wonders did you find this week? 

Vintage Photo Friday: Beautiful Abandon

This is The Ball House as it stood in 1949. Built in 1903, the estate was renowned for its Victorian style in what is now Skagit County, Washington.

The property was first abandoned in 1913, following a terrible flood which terrified John Ball and his family and sadly, killed two of the family dogs. 

Ever since its last occupants in the 1930s, the house became something of a local legend. A regular attraction for spectators of the supernatural, The Ball House would succumb to natural wear and tear as the years went by. 

How do I know any of this?

The previous owner and presumed photographer personally inscribed this photo. With a bit of research, I found that the rest was history.

And sadly, the tangible history of this mysterious house is no more. 

According to The Skagit River Journal The Ball House fell mercy to the  Washington winds, and finally tumbled down back in 1996.

What a shame. It's the decrepit buildings, rich with history but in desperate need of repair, that most fascinate me. I would have loved to visit The Ball House. But in some small way, thanks to this thrifted piece of history, I feel almost as if I had. 

The Ball House   

Skagit County, Washington

Built in 1903.

Photographed in 1949 by Bill Osbourne

Thrifted in 2011 by Jackie Jardine

Vintage Photo Friday: Stay Classy, San Diego

Hot, Hot, Hot. 

Vintage Simplicity book, 38 cents from the Care and Share Thrift Shoppe. 

Can you feel that 1970s heat? These men are bringing the fire, baby. The contrasting prints, the oversized collars, the intense stares. And that one in the middle with the sweet stache, he bares a certain resemblance to someone...

Let's take a closer look.

"By the beard of Zeus!"

Why, it's.... it's....

It's  everyone's favorite Anchorman.

That's right. It's Ron Burgundy. And he thinks that "you are a smelly pirate hooker."

I knew he looked familiar...

Vintage Photo Friday: Let's Go Autumnal!

I'm not sure what look she's going for...

It's that wonderful time of year again. It's time to watch the leaves tumble across the neighborhood in an array of changing colors. It's time to feel the strength of the sun diminish against the chill in the air. And it's time to pile on those layers!

Bust out your cardigans. Dig out those bejeweled sweatshirts and Cosby sweaters. The official start of Fall is soon upon us. And if you're a layer-lover like I am, you'll relish this time of year, when you can wear every single shirt you've ever thrifted...all at the same time. 

This woman has gone mad over the possibilities for the Fall fashion season. Mismatching boots, a classic ketchup and mustard combo...topped with a...space helmet. This vintage model from yesteryear has gone intergalactic with her layering. 

. . . . .

This is my favorite time of the year for so  many reasons. The weather, naturally has the top billing. But lest we not forget my favorite nonsecular holiday, Halloween. So many exciting things are on the horizon here at Let's Go Thrifting! I can't wait for share them all with you. 

And speaking of sharing, I'd like to take the opportunity to issue a thrifty thanks to the lovely Amber of The Owl's Den. Amber has so graciously offered her blog for free Let's Go Thrifting sponsorship and has even been so kind as to give me a little spotlight bio as well. Amber is quick to share her blog space with other creatives, bloggers and independent business owners. So, everybody go on over to The Owl's Den and show some love. 

'Til next time, thrifters. Go grab your favorite thrifted sweater and get yourself a pumpkin spice latte. 

Vintage Photo Friday: The Happy Couple?

Something borrowed. Something...blue?

...And this is exactly why couples hire professional wedding photographers for their big day. So the bride doesn't look like a Stepford Wife right before the system crashing and the groom doesn't appear...quite so melancholy. 

And speaking of crashing, I do believe that man in the middle is making a beeline for the reception, without an invitation. Just remember, guy: "Rule #76: No excuses. Play like a champion!"  You just know he's going to scope out the single ladies and sample the crab cakes. 

And in other matrimonial news, I'd like to celebrate my new union. I just met my scanner soulmate. Since my last breakup with the now defunct all-in-one printer/scanner/copier, I was worried I would be woefully single. Without a scanner, how would I ever share my collection of vintage photos with the world!?

Then I met the one. The Epson Perfection V600.   Hello, lover. 

I am so beyond excited to have a scanner back in my life. But in addition to scanning the usual  photos and documents...I can scan film negatives and slides!! And my new romantic interest even came with Photoshop Elements 9. Oh, the fun we'll have!!

Never again will I wallow in the depths of scanner singledom. And just imagine the possibilities for Vintage Photo Friday. 

Love is in the air! 

Vintage Photo Friday: Not Exactly...

Okay. The scanner is still being impossible. Maybe it's because I'm into antiquated entertainment and old timey things...but man, when technology is uncooperative I enter full-rage mode. 

So, in the interest of not going Hulk all over my dysfunctional printer/copier/scanner/fax machine, I must exhale and just walk away.

This isn't exactly vintage. And it's not a photo. But this video straight-up rules. I was just browsing the charts on iTunes and found what very well may be my new anthem. (My former anthem being "Eye of the Tiger" while sweating it out at the gym. Don't judge). This Friday, I present to you... the music video for "Thrift Shop" by Macklemore Featuring Wanz. The moral of the story? How to be pimp for less, thanks to Goodwill.

It is rather catchy. And as thrifters, I believe it is our sworn duty to make this video go viral. Oh and obligatory disclaimer: Explicit lyrics, biotch.

Enjoy and get ready to "pop some tags." 

Vintage Photo Friday: Hot For Teacher

You just try not to enjoy Saturday morning detention...

Ya know...  I had just the vintage clipping all laid out for today's Vintage Photo Friday post. It was in perfect keeping with the whole back-to-school theme I have going. But the scanner is on the fritz. And it's a damn shame, too. 

But this saucy lady will do just fine. Do I know for fact that she was a 7th grade algebra teacher? No. She could've been a librarian or even a school nurse. But there's just something...scholarly about her. Don't you think? 

This vintage wonder is from my personal collection of photographs and is also available on the Let's Go Thrifting online photo album for your viewing enjoyment. 

But speaking of academia, are you ready for that shrill ring of the first school bell of the year? If you're not all stocked-up on affordable school supplies, check out my study on back-to-school thrifting! 

Vintage Photo Friday: Lightness, Darkness, Loss

A golden clearing.

This week's Vintage Photo Friday is rather...interpretative. This particular photo that I took a few days ago has a muted tone that I find fascinating. The greens are golden from the sun, giving the entire shot an aged look. This photo was taken on the grounds of the Arrowhead Lake community, where I was fortunate to spend a few days with friends. In the Poconos, the sun was brighter and the air was crisp. The nights--cool and quiet--far from the city lights, were filled with an incredible darkness. 

Darkness falls upon the lake after sunset. 

Sadly, I carried some of that darkness with me back home to Philadelphia. For the last few weeks, Penny, the younger of my two pugs, was seriously ill. After several trips to the vet and endless antibiotics, my family had to make a difficult decision while I was away. And on Monday evening, after exhausting all other resources, my little Penny-pug was put to sleep. I didn't get to say goodbye. Before I left for the mountains, I knew her health had taken a sharp decline. I told my parents that if her next trip to the doctor left no possibility for recovery, not to let her suffer. I said that I would understand. And I do. I do understand. I also feel like my heart is broken into a million pieces at not being able to hold my puppy while she slipped away.

Rest in Peace, little girl. 

I can't stop crying over the fact that I wasn't there for her when she was always there for me. It might sound corny,but that dog always sensed when I was in pain. In our 11 years  together, she has spent many-a-day on the couch cuddling with me when I had a surgery or an illness that had me housebound. She understood pain and she stayed with me. Both of my pugs stayed with me. And now Penny is gone and Pugsley seems a little lost without her here. I know I am.

I keep looking at the couch expecting her to be there. I know that this will take time to grieve her loss and that my being home wouldn't have helped her pain. Maybe it would have helped mine, though. 

In the meantime I'll have to remember her in happier times... Her running through the house stealing everyone's socks. Her dressed up like a banana for Halloween and her insatiable love of Twizzlers. 

But I will never stop missing her. 

My cuddling pugs.

Sorry for the sad story, thrifters. I know you come here for the quirky secondhand scores, not to see me sobbing all over your screen. But this is just where I am right now. 

I will return with thrifty updates soon. I promise.

Until then, this goes out to all the animal lovers: Give your furry, four-legged friends some love today. Love and Twizzlers. 

... For Penny 

Vintage Photo Friday: All-American Vintage

These colors don't run. They may strut. But they don't run. 

In celebrating this very special occasion, I searched through my collection of vintage clippings and photographs for something special, something patriotic. And what I've found is three happenin' chicks sporting some American-inspired threads. Why the theme, you ask? 

Well thrifters, for the good ol' US of A, this Vintage Photo Friday also happens to be National Thrift Store Day! So put on your thrifting shoes and get to it. 

Be brave, as others before you have been; and declare your independence from the mall. Hit the thrift with pride today ladies and gents!

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Vintage Photo Friday: Date Night

"Oh, I love my new boyfriend. He's so dreamy"

I hope you'll be getting ready for a hot date on this Vintage Photo Friday. Paint those nails. Curl that hair. Buckle up those girdles, ladies. And gents better shine those shoes and grease those pompadours. Ah, love is in the air!
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Don't forget about the $20 Thrift Store Challenge. If you have scored a collection of thrifted wares for < $20 that you'd like to show off, join the link-up!

Vintage Photo Friday: The Creepshow

"Hey there, hot stuff."

This Vintage Photo Friday goes out to all the ladies in the thrift store. Creepers are everywhere. They're browsing the big band records. They're sliding hangers of Mr. Rogers-inspired sweaters while giving you the eye. And their pickup lines are even older than some of the secondhand merchandise. 

Press on, thrifty women. When approached by a thrifting creeper, simply smile and walk away. Don't let the bow-tied weirdo in the plaid sports jacket distract you from the ultimate thrift experience.

And speaking of the ultimate thrift experience, get ready for The $20 Thrift Challenge. Dodging creepers may not be an Olympic event...yet. But competitive thrifting can certainly be gold medal material. The next Let's Go Thrifting post will feature my < $20 finds. If you're game for the challenge, link up with your best $20 thrift scores. And watch out for those creepers, girls. 

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Vintage Photo Friday: Hmm. Very Interesting...

"Have a seat. Let's talk about your feelings."

Hailing from Newman Studio in Cleveland, Ohio is this stunning portrait of Dr. Eunice von Headshrinkah. Sitting in quite the scholarly pose, this psychotherapist has a thing or two to say about repressing your inner thrifter:

"You paid full price for mock vintage at the mall when you could have gone to the thrift store instead? How does that make you feel?"

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One a day keeps the therapist away!