Thursday’s storm blew away (ooh, bad pun) all my plans for showing you my recent thrift finds. I lost the light to photograph some of them and then, as you can see from the post below, other things sort of took center stage. Now, days later, I’m finding words difficult tonight for no particular reason and I think I’ll take this moment to post a few pictures of my newest treasures. I’m kinda hoping you won’t notice the lack of words.
I’ve had a huge love affair with thrift stores and vintage shops since I was about 13. Growing up poor, labeled clothing wasn’t even an option. I spent my hours sifting through the stacks trying to find interesting and unusual pieces to wear. I was a teenager—so, clothing was foremost on my mind, after boys. I scored colorful little jackets from the 40’s and old military coats. Tweed vests and pure wool sweaters. The men’s aisle was a veritable treasure trove of possibilities. Some of my finds I’d take home and refashion… others, were too perfect on their own and ended up paired with skinny jeans and spiky heels. I might not have been the picture of high fashion, but you couldn’t accuse me of following the trend. Something about embracing my difference made it OK to be different. And my clothes were better made than anything my peers were wearing. Vintage clothing taught me the importance of fine tailoring and the magic of quality materials. These are lessons I’ve never forgotten.
Part of the fun is all the sifting. There is a real thrill to spying something long since deemed pointless and bringing it back into use. A huge joy in finding a “deal” you’ll talk about every time you use it. “What this old thing? You wouldn’t believe what I paid for it!” Something so satisfying in seeing the potential of an item and with a little ingenuity making it completely your own. And then, there is the simple pleasure of beauty found.
Today, my interests run in a different direction. Ok, actually, my expanded waistline has altered my goals (ooh, bad pun, again!). Let’s face it, I’m not likely to fit into those 1940’s sizes in this lifetime ever again. Besides, there isn’t a decent vintage store within an hour’s drive so I content myself with finding other sorts of goodies. Yet, ever the optimist, I’m still holding out hope that the right piece of clothing will serendipitously find its way to me. Until then… I have these:
I am so grateful for your vintage shopping abilities. Our home wouldn’t feel like a home if you didn’t add your special touch to things. Store bought is great and all – but there’s something more inviting when everything feels like it has a sense of history. I especially love your reindeer. Just keep doing that voodoo that you do… it is awesome!
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I know, those reindeer are just so wonderful I might not put them away after the holidays. I’m glad you like my aesthetic… but, why won’t you let me turn the refrigerator into a chalkboard, hmmm? Heh. :DÂ Â
It will probably not surprise you that I’m a vintage store hound too. In fact, today I’m stalking my second-hand furniture store around the corner because I’ve been told that a vintage kitchen hutch, painted a glorious shade of red, will be arriving today.
I love this particular store. I’ve found my more formal dining room hutch there, a 50’s cabinet for my kitchen, various and sundry knick-knacks, china and glassware (my achilles heel), and my latest treasure, my vintage Santa candle ($2.50!!).
Hmmm, perhaps I’ll do a matching blog to yours today…
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Oh! I hope you do, I’d love to see all your finds. Your store sounds wonderful, btw. I wish there were better stores here…it’s slim pickings. 🙂 ~W
I love the alien giraffes!
I was in the same situation growing up. However, at six-feet tall, it doesn’t matter what I weigh when it comes to fitting in those awesome vintage clothes….
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Michelle, you are six-feet? Yeah… that would be difficult! All I can say is, think “vintage handbags and purses!” And it took me a minute to figure out what “alien giraffes” meant… ha! They are reindeer. Hee…~W