I come from a long line of ladies who like to wander around dusty shops and barns, find old broken-down things, dust them off, and put them into service. While my friends' parents were going on shopping trips to Bloomingdale's, I was with my mom, poking around junk shops. I didn't necessarily know it at the time (in fact, I disliked the dirty atmosphere and resented being dragged away from play time, just like any other kid would), but I was getting an education in patina, line, and construction. I could spot a beveled mirror at 20 yards. I knew a dovetail joint before I could name it. A gummy finish couldn't hide nice wood grain from me. “Shabby chic” — that's where I come from.
It helps to be committed to not spending much. Ever. On most anything. It sharpens your eye. If you can't just buy what you want when you want it, you learn to be patient and snap up what you like when you see it hidden under a table in a Goodwill, or out behind the recycling center's dumpsters.
I don't know that I have it in me to post an actual how-to for you (as some of you requested the last time I posted on thrifting), but maybe if you come along for my thought process, that will help!
Bridget waited in the car while I ran into Salvation Army the other day. She really can't take the dirty atmosphere, and I have to admit that this particular place is unreasonably gross. No air. Really bad loud music. Layers and layers of dirt. But I do find things there, so I told her to do her Latin in the car while I held my breath and ran in (we were out for her physical therapy appointment, and one thrifty rule I have is to combine trips so you aren't driving out multiple times).
I scored this hammered aluminum pot, which I have never seen in all my days of rummaging through kitchen stuff. Have you? I love it. A Pyrex dish inside, a pretty covered carrier — the kind of thing that could come out for a barbeque or an elegant pot-luck (or does that possibly oxymoronic thought betray my essential lack of elegance?).
A little pricey at $9, but I knew I would regret it if I passed it up. Such is the plight of the kitchen-ware-addicted.
I know that this bag is a freebie with a nice plump purchase at the make-up counter at the department store, but it's cute, well made, and stands open by itself, which makes it good for carrying knitting.
Knitting turns out to be wicked annoying in terms of just stuff spewing around, getting tangled up, and coming undone as you pull it out. This bag would be better with some pockets, but I like the slidey sturdy fabric and the fabulous green.
The dark flat bottom sold me at $4, because who wants the bottom of your bag looking all scuffed and soiled? But if it hadn't been an awesome color, I wouldn't have gotten it.
In this big house, I need artwork and plenty of it. And, wait until you see what has been going on up on the third floor! Pray for sun so I can show you! Beautiful new white walls just begging for decoration!
But I am very, very picky about what I hang up (not so much where, as Deirdre will attest with frustration — I have a tendency to go with whatever nail a previous owner left sticking out — but that isn't an option, anyway, up there now — all new!).
With many artists around me, if I'm going to import art, it has to be real and I have to like it! Most of the time, I don't go with actual paintings or prints, because I am so very picky.
When you are thrifting, learn to look at the frames and mats separately from the art itself. You can use the former for something else if what's in it is lousy, and the latter can be re-framed if necessary. You are unlikely to get the whole package at once.
This is a print that's hand–water-colored, which I think can go either way — it could be a tad dreary and dull, or actually quite sweet. To make it work, I will re-think the frame (new mat and maybe a bit of color on that one?) and be sure to put it near something lively. Keep your eye out for it later! Context is everything!
On that same trip I found this pillowcase. Not much, but if you keep your eye out for sheets in your color scheme (or just white), these cute random old-school pillowcases can add a lot of charm to a room.
And now, for the piece of resistance!
You are not going to believe what I found out on someone's curb yesterday. Usually I just assume that the item is for the taking, but this time I had to ask, because I couldn't trust my good luck. Surely a child had just left this by the road by mistake! But no, “Take it, it's yours!”
Pippo! Get excited!
Here are my tips:
1. “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” William Morris. In other words, make standards for yourself. Start to learn what your own likes and needs are.
2. Find the blogs and sites and magazines that have “flea-market style” or “shabby chic” or “upcycling.” Train your eye. Examine every photo and notice the things that you yourself would have passed up but look fabulous or useful. Notice colors and shapes. Be critical and take note of what you don't like at all. Then look around you!
3. Avoid the temptation to think that you can restore everything. If I can spray-paint it, okay. But I've learned that I don't have time for real re-finishing, much less heavy-duty upholstering or slip-covering. The best is if you can clean it off and put it in its place right away.
4. If it's unique, get it. I've never regretted passing up someone's Target cast-off, but there was an antique blue hand-painted bed once… sigh.
5. Know the trash days in your area. People put stuff out with their trash hoping someone will pick it up. The law, by the way, is on your side, as trash left out on the curb is fair game. However, if it's not obviously trash, you should ask. There is one house near me that has a nice white bench out by their curb where they also put their trash! I don't think they want anyone taking it! (Although I do always look twice!)
6. People who are trying to live frugally so that their families can prosper without a lot of income are doing a good thing! This is how Mama can stay home with the children. It's how Papa can go to work without a lot of stress. Ask the guardian angels to help you find what you need. Then go in with energy, look around, and be picky.
7. Know that learning to be thrifty is a process. You won't learn everything at once, and that's okay. Don't wait for anyone's permission. Just plunge in!
I can't even really tell you what to do, because everywhere is different. Find out where people get rid of their stuff in your area and go there. Are there church rummage sales? Yard sales? Thrift stores? Re-sale and consignment shops? A “shop” in your recycling center or dump where people take and leave things? Be patient. If you love something and it's cheap, go for it. After a while, you will learn from your mistakes! Just remember to get rid of your junk if you don't like it. The great thing about thrifting is that it didn't cost you much, so you can let go of it if it turned out to be a mistake.
Have you thrifted anything great this week?
Danielle says
I too am a thrift junkie. The last 4 times I went to Value Village, I found Le Creuset pans for $7! I think the only big pitfall can be picking up a bunch of plastic toy junk just because it's so cheap…and especially tempting when bringing toddlers along!
Jessica says
I just wanted to thank you for introducing me to the world of thrifting! I have found some great shops in my neighborhood that carry nice things at rock bottom prices. Just last week I found an elegant black velvet dress that fits me perfectly! I was so excited to find a fancy dress that is warm enough to be worn in the winter! I found it just in time for a fancy-ish wedding I am attending this fall. And I love knowing that I spent only $20 on it instead of $100 or more.
Rabbit says
WHOA! to the little roadster for Pippo. That. was. an. amazing. find. And I don't blame you for going to ask!!! They could have sold it and make good $$ from it, but it was yours for the finding 🙂 It literally made me gasp; the way I was scrolling through the post got me to your words about your find, then I had to scroll to see the WHAT. And WHAT a find!!! Congrats!
My parents were big into antique stores, hand me downs, and tag sales, so I too learned as I grew like you did. Everything in our house has a story, save for a few things bought new after longtime saving (I don't do used upholstered furniture or mattresses unless they are from family!). So much more fun and personable than going to a big name furniture store and getting everything all matchy-matchy, IMVHO.
I haven't been able to get much for free, but I did score a huge dining room table w/ 2 leaves, six chairs, and a hutch w/ a glass front–all oak and in beautiful condition for $400 at an “estate” sale a few years ago. It wasn't an estate, just an older couple downsizing to a smaller house. And a sideboard for $5 at an estate auction (this time it was a TRUE estate, ha). It needs some work, but as I am stripping off the ancient varnish, it's clear that it is oak w/ a similar grain pattern as my other furniture. Most excellent. 🙂 When it's finally done, it'll be included in a PFHR post.
Kate says
I find that non-addicts often say “I never find anything good at a thrift store” but what I learn is that they expect a thrift store to be like a department store – go in and voila! There's what you want. You have to go often and view it like a game. It doesn't take much time if you have a plan and combine trips. On Mondays when my son has music lessons, I stop into the St. Vincent de Paul shop two blocks away. On Wednesdays when my other kids have music lessons I do two other thrift stores nearby. The advantage of doing this regularly is that the managers of the stores get to know you and will often tell you about “something out back that we just got” and often give you a deal for being a “good customer.” My latest find was an amoire for my daughter's non-closet room. There were some small scratches on the front, but otherwise it was in good condition and solid wood and only $75 (I'd seen a similar one the week before for $300 in an antique shop). A funny aside – when I brought it home my little boys said, “Mommy, this is what Bertie Wooster is always hiding in!”
_Leila says
Kate, good point.Â
You newbies have to realize it's a challenge! A hunt! A find-the-prize-in-the-haystack-of-junk game! Keep training your eye, keep looking!
Mrs. Pickles says
I've been frustrated with thrift store shopping for this very reason — I get too impatient when I can't find anything I like, and feel as if I've just wasted my time pointlessly (a very precious commodity these days, with 4 kids under 10 — did you bring your little kids with you, Auntie Leila?). But a friend of mine considers ANY shopping trip A Quest! I think I need to adopt this attitude. Might be a good spiritual exercise to learn patience and delayed gratification! 🙂
Emily says
With three little boys, and given that shopping (anywhere!) is not my favorite activity…thrift shopping just doesn't happen very often. I agree with Mrs. Pickles that it feels like I'm wasting my very precious time! I'd rather not buy anything at all, usually!
That said, I had a weekend retreat recently, and popped into a thrift store as I was driving by it, and there on a shelf were 14 of MY plates…the very same set that I got for my wedding, and those same three little boys have broken most of…and they were only $8!! I felt like God had given me a present. 🙂
_Leila says
Mrs. Pickles — I brought them if I had to, I left them if I could, I took the ones who could help, I just did what I had to do!
You can usually keep toddlers quiet for about 1/2 an hour if you give them a book to look at or a sturdy toy to play with. Know their limit and take that as your challenge — “I have 15 minutes to find what I can here!” Like an Amazing Race for tightwads.
Tell them from the get-go that you are NOT BUYING them anything you don't love. Sooner or later, they will train their own eyes and become quite helpful, or else opt to stay home or in the car 🙂
NovAntiqua says
The once-a-month 1/2-off-everything sale at our local Goodwill has become my “Mom's Morning Out.” Before head out for it, I try to have the bones of a mental list of things to look for (& measurements, if necessary) – e.g., this month, 2 pr. khakis for my husband – but then I just browse, and I find that some months are stronger in some categories than others. It *is* a game, a fun hide-and-seek treasure hunt. Last month, for example, I found a stack of beautiful warm-weather dresses & jumpers for my daughter, which she needed. Nothing for the house, though, if I remember correctly. This month, just one shirt for her & no jeans (unfortunately), but a perfect-condition & desperately-needed dining room chair (doesn't match, but nicely coordinates!) for $8, a $4 cute framed & matted picture for my daughter's room, and the spoonrest in the perfect shade of blue that I've been looking & waiting for for *months.*
Sonja says
OH MY. THE CAR!! It's making me very exclamation mark-y. What a cool find.
I scored a bunch of books for my son at the library sale – 50 cents each! That sort of thing makes me cackle with glee (in a very dignified manner, of course).
Lisa says
Go Pippo, you lucky dog!
I have great finds from thrift stores, antique shops, my granny's house, but I can't put it together. Everytime I attempt at displaying things, I think it looks dumb. So, my house doesn't feel like a home, and my stuff is on storage shelves in the garage. Boo-hoo.
Leila, aluminum is one of my favorites. You'd love my little collection!
priest's wife says
Leila- some potlucks can be very elegnat! Your dish will fit right in.
I don't do a lot of thrifting…but I think you are convincing me…
another thing- everyone should have a button jar and a stack of 6 inch squares from clothese not good enough to donate to make into quilts- That is my plan with these pajama pants I made for my girls that never quite fit right- I'm blaming the pattern. But they love the fabric- so, I am cutting them up to make a quilt.
Laura says
I would arm wrestle you for that car! Pippo is a lucky boy! We hit Goodwill at least once a week just to see what we may find. And, we have found some treasures!
Pippajo says
Oh my, I could write an entire BLOG about thrifting, trash-picking and yard sales! I would say 95% of our house is furnished and decorated with thrifted (in one way or another) finds. There's something about the hunt that I find thrilling. I never know what I'm going to find, what treasure may be hiding, just waiting to be uncovered!
My sister and I just spent last Friday rummaging around our local thrift store. She found a gorgeous pink and green quilted bedspread (for only $20) that I am so jealous of! It's exactly what I've been looking for for Redheaded Snippet's bed, but Daria saw it first so it's hers (those are the rules in cutthroat thrifting)! I got a wooden rolling pin and a charming print that will fit in perfectly with the Autumn decorations I'm about to put up around the house–both for $.95 each.
We used to go to yard sales every Saturday in early Spring and early Autumn and have been known to mark different towns' trash nights on our calendars and go riding around just to “shop”. And we have a phone network in which we (my family and a few like-minded friends) call each other with curb alerts! Even The Viking gets in on the action: he got our grill from the curb and has stocked our winter woodpile almost exclusively from roadside finds!
Thrifting is like most other household skills: it takes practice. But it's well worth it! And that roadster is TO DIE FOR! Pippo is one lucky little fellow!
Liz says
We have the same roadster (except in red) and, although it makes an awesome nursery decoration, it isn't very easy for littles to drive. By the time my kids have been strong and coordinated enough to push the pedals, they're much too big to fit in the car. Mostly, daddy has to tie a rope to the front and pull toddlers around in it (which, of course, is very big fun for them). That said, we got ours handed down in perfect condition from a one-kid family and it's been through our first four kids with nary a ding.
(And I am totally coveting your fancy pyrex holder!)
_Rosie says
Oh. My. Goodness.
That is the most awesome thing I have ever seen.
Woman of the House says
I love thrifting and have found some incredible things curbside, but I am so jealous of that little car! Pippo will love it! If I'd found it, I'm not sure I'd be unselfish enough to give it away. Grandkids would have to come to my house to play with it! LOL
I agree wholeheartedly with being picky about what you put on the walls. No saws painted with farm scenes or Elvises on black velvet. No fluorescent light up angel pictures either. It took me awhile to cultivate my tastes properly, but it can be done. My motto is, “No kitsch!”
Anitra says
Is that a pedal car? Fantastic!
I don't have the patience for thrifting. I loved garage sales as a kid, but nowadays, my time is too precious (and my kids are too _into_ everything) to just “go shopping”. In fact, I find I'm ordering more and more stuff online since it's such a hassle to get multiple kids into the car, out of the car, into the store, stop whining, no you can't have, stop grabbing, be nice, out of the store, into the car, here's a snack, drive home, get out of the car…. I'm exhausted just writing that! I'm sure you went through the same thing when you had babies and littles.
I do find things on the side of the road sometimes, and I like my local kids' consignment store(s). But I basically try to do any shopping with as few children as possible (which often means going at 9pm…)
Mamabear, JD says
Wow you really did score big, that car is unbelievable. I would save the pillowcase for any future granddaughters, an easy dress would be too cute from that fabric!
Annalisa says
I am a thrifter by nature and nurture. Our family is clothed, our home is furnished and even our birthdays are gifted with free finds and second-hand bargains. However, it takes all of my self-control to leave without buying at least one thing if I can't find something good. Still working on that.
Jeannie says
That car!! My kids are salivating. I popped on and they caught glimpse of that car. Nice find.
I dreaded, loathed, rolled my eyes at my mother, complained, as long as I can remember. I could not stand thrift store shopping and my mom loved it and that is what she did before going into a department store. She hates malls and so during highschool I loved the mall and was always itching to go. Now since I don't live as hop, skip and a jump close we meet up in Ventura and hit some of her favorite haunts. I have found many a cute Pyrex dish and some Wedgwood dishes, nice all white cotton sheets for less than a dollar and costumes for the chidlren, a small dresser, books, etc.. 🙂
My mom laughed at our last jaunt because of how much I couldn't stand thrift store shopping when I was younger. Now, when she makes her thrift store rounds she calls me and asks if I have been looking for anything. Amazing how much I have come to appreciate my mom's thrift store habit.
Again, that car is awesome. Your grandson is going to have a blast.
God bless.
Jodi says
As an avid thrifter of the beautiful/useful, I want to say all your advice is right on. Hooray for Pippo! What a lucky little ducky. You done good.
Amy says
Hello my name is Amy and I am a thrifter. It sounds like a 12 step program. This summer I yard saled and thrifted very little because my mother went into a nursing home and she had gobs of stuff. BUT I still got out and trash picked 4-5 times. Great way to find things.
I also have that bag. My sister got it with a face cream purchase. She got 2. It is a wonderful bag. Sturdy and easy to clean.
justamouse says
Woohoo, Pippo! Now that's a ride.
Dh and I LIVE for the thrift stores. That's how we saved to buy our house, and it's how we're decorating it! In the past month I've been a very lucky girl. I found the most gorgeous old school sheets, awesome sweaters (and I need them in this old house!), a couple of coats, skirts galore!
But my favorite-and I'm surprised you haven't caught on to this (or have you? ) is the local auction. You and chief could make a cheap date of it, or a family night out, they usually sell hot dogs and pizza and some drink selections. So, last week at the auction, we got a 12 piece Noritake china set (with cream soup blows? what is a cream soup bowl? Yes, I'm another inelegant one) Anyway, you will NOT believe how much–10 bucks. I kid you not. I *also* got a 20 piece set of crystal carved glasses (I have no idea what some of these glasses are for) for 10 bucks! We picked up a mahogany dresser for 35 and a Victorian rocker for 30. Last time I got an Ethan Allen side table for 10, and a Stickly chair for 20.
Now, the trick to an auction, is waiting. You will not find everything you like, either, and if you DO like it, you cannot shoot your hand up. No. You need to be patient. Get the feel of the place, first. And then, you need to NOT get excited. Hold it in. Meep on the inside. You have to project NOT CARE. That's when no one bids on the stuff, and you STILL wait, until they're ready to put it in with the next sale, and you with a, “Meh” wave your ticket. Like you're doing THEM a favor.
When you get excited, other people do, too, and it cranks the bidding up. Be excited in the car on the way home as you do a seat boogie dance on your treasures. Not in there.
Anyway, most of what we have is from the thrift stores or auctions. And, I love them.
_Leila says
justamouse, I do know about auctions, but I can assure you that the Chief's idea of fun is NOT an auction 🙂 He would pay not to go.
Lisa G. says
I have several pillowcases from rummage sales – so pretty! And “elegant potluck” doesn't seem an oxymoron to me – just because more than one person makes the food, and nobody knows what will be there, that has nothing to do with elegance, or lack of it!
I like your painting, and would like to see it with a different mat. Will you do it yourself, or use a thrifted mat??
(my computer underlines “thrifted” in red to tell me it doesn't recognize the word – Microsoft or whoever had better get with it!)
We have a hammered aluminum ice bucket which was my parents' – not as fine as yours!
Dawn says
Our family loves thrifting too! It's so gratifying to find something we love for a small amount of cash. And, as you said, if it turns out you don't love it so much, then it's usually possible to sell it for what is invested. I love to read of your thrifting adventures!
justamouse says
12 place settings, that's what I meant, not 12 piece. *facepalm*
Michele Q. says
GREAT finds Leila! I love, love, love thrifting! Our local Salvation Army store has jacked up their prices so ridiculously that I won't even shop in there anymore. It's a shame. I understand they have overhead and a mission but they are packed with stuff (that they got for free) and they price it like they are a department store and it's all new. But we have several Goodwills around that are very good and I find a lot of treasures there. Do you shop Craig's List? I have been finding a lot of good deals there as well. Our course you have to pick up but like you I combine it with other errands.
Lori says
I tend to “thrift” furniture — small stuff not so much. I fear thrifting turning into cluttering, plus I lean toward a spare look. It's hard for me to balance (a topic lately on my mind and blog) that “This might come in handy in some application at some time” with “Have nothing in your home…”
maryann says
Just a word about laws and curbside trash. Laws vary by municipality. Our city just outlawed picking through trash! It has to do with moving from city sanitation to a private contractor. the contractor has exclusive rights to anything placed to the curb for collection. Taking something will be prosecuted as theft if you are caught. All of the serious “scrappies” have been warned to stay out of our city.
Nancy says
Yes, this week at Hospice Thrift Store: 1 pair of Liz Clairborne Black Slacks 2.00 (1/2 price tag), red plaid tartan throw 3.00 ( using at bottom of bed now may make something out of the material), and 4 never opened yarn for crocheting 25 cents each.
thegranolacatholic says
I think I got rid of one of those “silver” bowls that held the glass bowl. As the saying goes one person's treasure another's trash. While I loved it for its beauty, it was not useful in my house. So glad it is useful for you.
Elisa says
I'm currently in the do-not-buy-anything stage, because we are not sure if we are moving or not (thank you, Army), but I have been shining up a silver dish here and there and I'm really getting the craving to find more real silver that I can shine up. =) I may do a short trip this weekend to see what I can find. But only if it's very inexpensive.
Heather says
What an amazing car!! The thing I've learned is never go into a thrift store (or yard sale) looking just for one thing. If you can resist the urge to impulse purchase stuff you don't need or want, take some time to browse around – because that perfect thing you've been looking for but didn't think to look HERE for, or something you didn't know you wanted but can definitely use, might be waiting for you!
Thrifting with two small energetic boys is difficult, but today I ventured out for the first time in weeks and they were very well-behaved. And I found a gorgeous quilt for $10! It's very very dirty on the back, but I plan to soak it in Oxiclean for about a week to take care of most of that.
Carol says
Your guardian angel has really good taste! That car, oh me ,oh my, what a find. The dish, I wonder what kind of history it has. If it could talk…it is so elegant. I love the watercolor. Each piece shows such artisan ship. Enjoy.
RubberChickenGirl says
I collect the aluminum stuff. It sells here at an antique mall for about $4-12 apiece and I find them at the thrift store. This week I found/thrifted a .99 cent white *Irish* linen blouse from Talbot's.
Love Pippo's new ride. Wow, what a blessing! Very cool find.
RCG
Lauren says
Love this line: “Ask the guardian angels to help you find what you need. Then go in with energy, look around, and be picky.” You found some awesome stuff.
jenletts says
I thought the little car was a *little* car, like push around with your hand, sized. Wow! He can sit in it, right??? Score!
Last place I lived (Ozarks) had the most fabulous thrifting opportunities but this island has the worst ever. It's so depressing. It took me 6 months of weekly visits to 3 different shops plus yard sales to finally find knitting needles at the Coast Guard Auxiliary sale. But then they gave me a huge bag of needles plus a brand new cone of Peaches & Cream cotton (still wrapped!) for less than I would have paid for the yarn itself at Ben Franklin's here on the rock.
jenletts says
I meant Sugar & Cream, not Peaches & Cream. Sorry!
Sarah says
I wish I had more time to hunt, but with three young kids there isn’t a good time to bring them all.
Training your eye for your taste and quality is the best advice.
I am 29 but have an old home which requires old style. That suits me anyway! Once I decorate, I don’t want to change it much. It’s a long-term purchase when I do buy, so I make it classic.
I was SO LUCKY a few months ago. Stay at home mom thrift tip: use social media to your advantage. Follow accounts of local area shops for when they post photos of new thrift goods, and turn on post notifications for seeing that photo RIGHT AWAY. I waited months for a pair of barrel back chairs to come in…saw a photo when some came in, called the store straight away, paid over the phone and picked up the next day. They are the perfect color and about a fifth of retail. Truly classic, original– and God-given, I think 😉
Fiona says
Before I walk into a thrift store, I say a little prayer to St Joseph. He had to provide for the Holy Family so I figure that he can help me find the things that we need (and avoid the stuff we don’t need!). He’s been very helpful.