ART OF THRIFTING

 
This weekend my good friend the Dame wanted to go antiquing and thrifting. It's nice to be able to get back into this again. I know some people have a stigma attached to thrifting, don't have the patience, or find it dirty or down low. But I have gotten many a compliment over the years with clothing and home accessories and furnishings found thrifting and antiquing and mixed in with my up-to-date items, creating a one-of-a-kind style that makes me, me. And I have no problem spending. There are a few times I needed to have my head examined over the prices I paid for some of my designer duds and shoes, and coats. That said, I have no problem paying $2 for a vintage Christian Dior shirt though either. In this modern age, it has becoming somewhat of a conscious trend. Apart from the fashion world and people trying to keep up with constant trends that change every 5 minutes and rooted in consumerism, thrifting is where it is at. Thrifting, not only will you find that the prices won't hurt your wallet, and with antiquing, one can usually, wheel and deal for a lower price, one will often find one - of - a kind pieces, hidden gems, hard to find vintage designer, and long-gone fashion labels. Unlike fast fashion, these pieces are often better quality made and last longer, and the same can be said for wonderful items for the home, that add some whimsy and a feel of eclecticness. Thrifting also benefits the Earth. Consumerism is one of the biggest causes of the rapid climate crisis. When we engage in keeping up with trends, we are buying clothes for short term usage, and ultimately produce more waste. Companies like Stein, H&M, sadly, Zara, and Forever 21 participate in the advertising of these trends. The hidden not so hidden reality of the fast fashion companies like these is that they use cheap labor and use cheap material of their clothing that neither stand up to time and contain microplastics. I, in the pass have bought my good staple and classic pieces and then supplement them with thrift finds. And all these years later I still have a pretty good closet I must say. It's all about mix and matching. The above Carlise Antique Mall was just one place where we ended up this Saturday.  There was much to be seen.

Was in love with the assortment of Gladiola vases.

This fireplace would be perfect for a apartment or extra room for a touch of Swiss Chalet.

This handbag AMOST came home with me!

I fell in love with this Mid-Century china cabinet. A steal at $120!! Perfect for a bar like I did with one, or with a low enough bedframe and box spring and mattress, how cool would this be as a headboard?!?! Picture the mattress coming to the lip below the doors. And the inside filled with books!!!! Talk about bedside reading. And a great space saver for an apartment dweller.

Myself doing my best Iris Apel impersonation.

I saw this and thought of Travel Penguin.

A very nice gin glass on the left.

This settee ALMOST came home with me to be placed at the foot of my bed as extra seating in my boudoir but was a bit too deep with my spacing. I love it though. Hmmmm where else to use it?

This piece was absolutely stunning!!! A good price too at $300 or a better offer. This could make for a nice bar too!

Well, my score for the weekend, were two glass pitchers for water and iced tea, both priced for less then $14 each and a slew of more vintage bottle brush trees that went right into Christmas bins for my ever-growing collection. But as always, I was delighted by my unexpected find...another coat...yes, another one...

A 100% wool coat with a fur lined lapel, and fully lined for a whopping $65!!!! And it will go perfect with everything, including these plaid pants from Scotch and Soda I got three years ago. I had wanted a tan wool coat with fur and saw one from John Barlett but didn't want to spend the $795. This one is almost identical and has the distinction of being from the 60's and is in excellent shape. I have two other fur lined lapel coats, but this one has real fur...the only downside. The clan can't believe half the coats I wear down the street. I'm not the fashionista of the group for nothing.

And with all the money saved, that will buy copious amounts of gin and tonics at Happy Hour!