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'

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. 

Product Reviews And Me: Who Doesn't Love Free?

Free. Seriously. FREE.

                   

Being a blogger and freelance writer, social media clout is a valuable asset. It makes for good virtual dialogue about a shared passion for thrift shopping, connections with other bloggers and creatives in the secondhand niche and occasionally it even means...free stuff.

While I don't like to treat Let's Go Thrifting as an advertorial, it would be grossly negligent for me not to discuss my love for freebies. So in full disclosure, about a year ago I signed up for two product review websites and linked them both to my assortment of social media accounts.

After making a profile of my interests and shopping habits, and following several product-specifc surveys, I found myself eligible for some serious swag.

I'm talking pricey razors, cosmetics, nail polish, healthy snack bars, soaps. Nice stuff! And in exchange for these products, all that is required of me is an honest review of the product that I'd share with my social media followers and with the product review websites, so that they in turn will provide that feedback to the brand manufacturer. Easy peasy!

This impressive haul pictured above was mailed to me in just the last week, completely complimentary for testing purposes from BzzAgent.

No spam, no scams, no sales pitches. And oh yeah, it's free. I mentioned that, right?

Complimentary from the Diamond Candles company. 

Of course, I'm always open to the idea of product reviews that benefits the Let's Go Thrifting community, like the successful Diamond Candle giveaway I held back in September.

So if you're interested in partnering for a product review or sponsored giveaway promotion with Let's Go Thrifting, don't hesitate to drop me a line.

Until then, go ahead and check out BzzAgent for some fun freebies of your own.

Now tell me. Who doesn't love free?  

Buttered Syrup Or Bud Vase?

Waffles. Pancakes. French Toast.  Mrs. Butterworth's has seen a lot of breakfast since her big debut in the early 60s. Back when Pinnacle Foods bought the sweet 'n' sassy missus, the major selling point of the product was the perfect percentage of butter in the syrup. But for me, it's all about the amber glass and matronly shape of the bottle.

First, I took a whiff. While I didn't detect any scent of syrup, I took a good look at this early Mrs. Butterworth's bottle and instantly thought: bud vase. And in went a few fuchsia poms. 

Now she'll be at breakfast as a piece of tabletop decor.  Isn't that sweet? 

Join the link party at Sir Thrift-A-Lot.