Thrift Finds! Vintage couches, Pyrex, and lots of lamps.

The flea market is still my favorite place to be in the summer. (Okay, maybe after the ocean. But, treasure hunting is exciting and the ocean is relaxing so they're on totally different levels.) I've found some amazing things so far this season!

 This crazy 1960's couch was at the Goodwill. The ladies at the checkout were snickering when I gasped at how awesome it was. Everyone there hated it! After I posted this photo to Instagram I had multiple people asking where it was for sale. At least my Insta-friends have taste! This gem did not go home with me for multiple reasons. It was about $150 for both the couch and the lounge chair, it was super uncomfortable, and it wouldn't fit in the car. Not to mention my storage unit is about ready to explode vintage all over the place.

I found this piece of Pyrex at a junk store in South Carolina while I was visiting my grandparents. Since we flew down and our airline only allowed one carry-on item, it stayed down there with them. Next time someone drives to visit my grandparents they're bringing it back for me! I had never seen this pattern before. It's  called Brown Onion and this one had the original caddy. I think I payed $6 or $7 for it.

I spotted this cool drawer unit at the same junk store and snapped a photo for a DIY inspiration. I love that it looks like a tool chest! It was priced really high, but I think I could recreate this with some metallic contact paper or tin ceiling tiles from the hardware store.

These drinking glasses also stayed behind on our visit to South Carolina. I believe they were once sold as promotion jelly jars. I liked the pansy pattern and thought they would be a good addition to my vintage drinking glass collection. From what I've researched, they were made by Anchor Hocking. Although, now that they are in storage in South Carolina I can't confirm! I found them at a storage unit yard sale and payed $2 for all three. I've never come across anything like those sales before. People rent these units and just open up their doors and have little shops inside where they sell things every weekend.

These two lamps were my DIY project for last month. I got them each for under $5 at the Salvation Army. They don't look like much here, but I painted them both black and they turned out pretty cool. If only I had remembered the "after" photo...

 

This giant black and yellow patterned lamp was only $2 at the flea market and I couldn't say no. It is massive and the pattern is really interesting. Some of the black paint is chipping to reveal more yellow where it shouldn't be, but I actually think it adds a cool look to it. 

And, last but not least - the belt buckle. I got this for my brother at a yard sale for $1. We are not Honda fans in car form, but my brother is a fan of their motorcycles and has been on a belt buckle kick lately.

Have any of you been going to yard sales/thrift stores/flea markets lately? I'd love to see your finds!

The Art of Thrifting - Tips

Thrifting is one of my favorite hobbies. Right now, i average in at about five stores a week. After countless stops into stores to browse and relax after a long day of work and almost every weekend dedicated to scouting out the best shops in the state, i've pretty much got the process down pat. So often, people are shocked and ask why they never find great things like i do - especially since many of them shop at the same stores as me. Here are some things i've learned along the way - some things i wish i had figured out long before i did.

• Shop often. You can't pop into your local Goodwill once a month and expect to hit a goldmine of vintage dresses and Pyrex lined shelves! Of course, luck could strike, but the majority of thrifters find their treasures with time. Many trips will end with empty hands. Make a weekend of it, stop in after work, go as often as you can manage!

• Really look. Crouch down and peek at those bottom shelves, sort through stacks of ugly dishes, open up cardboard boxes tucked on the top shelf. Extra tip - browse through the "No Thanks" rack by the dressing rooms. Employees havn't sorted those back to their original spots yet and someone could have tried on and then passed on something great.

• Don't discriminate. Size is nothing but a number. Look in every section, or at least the size up or down from yours as well as your own. Shoppers constantly pull things out, show their friends, and then stick it back on the closest rack so you may find things in your size in other parts of the store. Another reason to check those other sections - vintage! Vintage sizes are so different from modern. Last weekend i found a gorgeous 1970's sundress in with the larges because it was labeled a 10. I usually fit into a size 2-4 and the dress fits me like a glove!

• Be aware of sales. Thrift shops will often have sales to get merchandise moving. My local Goodwill stores have a barb tag of the week. All barbs matching that weeks color are half off. When shopping in the top section of Goodwill, i exclusively look for that weeks color barb. Who wants to pay $4.99 for such a tiny piece of fabric? $2.50, on the other hand, is reasonable. Goodwill also offers discount cards for $10 a year. You get 10% off every purchase. For me, my card payed for itself in one weekend. My local Salvation Army has days where certain store sections are a percentage off - keep an eye out! 

• Dress like a pro. Many thrift stores do not offer dressing rooms to try things on. Even worse, most do not offer a return policy. If they do have dressing rooms, you deal with lines. If you're like me, you will fill your cart to the brim - and who really wants to try on 20 tops inside a cramped dressing room with bad lighting? Dress so that you can easily test things out right on the floor. Leggings, button up sweaters, and slip on shoes are all excellent for a quick try on!

• Don't go in with a list. Of course, everyone has their dream thrift finds. (A cardboard box full of 60's crystal glasses in perfect condition, a designer dress in your size, a vintage couch in that exact shade of aqua!) Thrifting is like treasure hunting, you don't know what you will find. Check every section of the store. This afternoon, i found 7 vintage aprons stuffed into a basket in the lingerie section. Scope out the jewelry counter, the kids section, books, furniture, etc. Keep an open mind!

• Don't go price crazy. Just because those jeans are only $4.99, does not mean you need twelve pairs. If you do it right and shop often, the perfect pair will come your way. Don't lose all your cash just because things are inexpensive. 

• Look for quality. Yes, that designer dress is gorgeous. But, it's stained, torn, and three sizes too big. You do not have to buy it just because you found Coach or Michael Kors at a thrift shop. It's cool, but you will never get use out of it. Snap a photo on your phone for bragging rights and move on. On the other hand, don't be afraid to ask for a discount if you see a stain or tear that you think you can fix. I once found a gold Betsey Johnson dress with a ripped seam and when i asked if i could have it for less, the woman gave it to me! 

• When in doubt, alter. Not every piece is going to fit like it was tailored to your body. If you are in love with the print on a dress but it's too long for your tastes, consider having it altered! This is especially true when shopping for vintage. Clothing styles have changed over the years and dresses down to your shins are not always flattering. A simple alter and you could have the perfect mini dress! 

Has anyone found any good tricks while thrifting? Share away so i can add to own!