January 13, 2012

little things link love: the joy of thrifting

Vintage typewriter – Just one of the many finds waiting for you!

For some people, the idea of buying vintage has a negative connotation.

Maybe it brings to mind thoughts of shopping at thrift stores in college, when it was the only affordable way to decorate their dorm or apartment. Perhaps they feel that it’s an indication of a lower status or lack of success; that it is beneath them to buy secondhand when they can afford the shiny and new.

To those on the other end of the spectrum, those who enjoy shopping for pre-loved goods and artifacts, it’s like being in on a wonderful secret. Flipping through channels today, you’ll see no shortage of antique/vintage/picker/storage auction shows.

Why is it great to shop vintage? Let me count the ways…

The price – The most obvious starting point. For most items, it’s cheaper to buy them used than new, unless you’re getting into the realm of antiques and collectibles. Especially in recessionary times of tight budgets, vintage answers the call of decorating yourself and your home on a dime. There has been no shortage of before-and-after pics of what people are able to do to transform their home goods and their wardrobes.

The eco-factor – Buying secondhand is wonderful for the environment. It saves on the construction of a new piece, which requires energy and raw materials, uses chemicals, and produces waste. Think of all the people there are in the developed world and how many beds, couches, tables, clothes, etc. they might purchase in a lifetime… and then throw away. It adds up exponentially. Secondhand is just smarter for Mama Earth.

The unique factor – Picture in your mind’s eye the rooms that you have seen that have really caught your eye. A truly great room reflects the owner, not the store it came from. You shouldn’t be able to walk into someone’s house and immediately know that they buy everything from Rack & Canister. The speedbump people hit when decorating a room or filling up their wardrobe is that they often feel that it needs to be complete NOW. Many of the best rooms I’ve seen are ones that have been curated over time, travel, and experience. Those rooms tell a story. They tell me a little more about who lives in them.  They are one of a kind.

The better design – Just as with furniture, the accessories, antiques, and collectibles from years gone by often are just better designed. In part, they’re simply cooler to look at. The other kicker is that in some cases, a lot of vintage items are better made than they are today. You’ll find more handcrafted, artisan pieces that are sturdier and pass the test of time. Why else do you still see them around, fetching some high-dollah prices?

The nostalgia – I mentioned earlier that these pieces, and the rooms they inhabit or the person they adorn, tell a story. In one way, that story is yours, as they define who you are and what you are interested in. They also tell the story of their past life or the person who owned them before: A vintage counter that sat in a soda fountain shop run by one family for over 100 years. The gown designed by that woman who was a pioneer in her industry. The advertisement for a time when life was simpler.

The thrill of the hunt – Probably one of the least-mentioned aspects of shopping for vintage is the rush. Because many of the things you see for sale in vintage shops and at yard or estate sales are more rare, there is definitely a good buzz to be had when you find something you KNOW no one else will have. AND you got it for a steal? It’s a total natural high. No two are alike so it’s always like scoring a lost treasure when you get the goods. Yes, it can be addictive.

Wooden objects, perfect for storage and decor

Here are some outlets that can help you make the most of your thrifting:

  • Yard Sale Queen – The website from a woman who takes her curbside shopping very seriously. Learn from her tips!
  • Estate sale mailing lists – If you’d like to get into estate sale shopping, the best thing to do is get on multiple mailing lists of estate sale companies. You’ll get advanced shopping times, as well as previews of merchandise before anyone else.
  • Kovel’s – Kovel’s is a fantastic resource to research and learn more about antiques and collectibles. Sign up for their weekly newsletter to get some great tips and insights into the world of vintage.
  • Antiques Roadshow – Sure, we all know it as the long-running PBS series, but did you know they have lots of tips and information on their site to educate you? Check out the Resources section.

What’s been your favorite thrift find?

Filed Under: Link Love Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , 13 Comments
October 6, 2011

thrifted thoughts: thoughts on thrifting

I’m sorry to say that I don’t have a furniture makeover idea to share with you today. In fact, this will be last Thrifted Thoughts post. But, I would like to leave you with some thoughts on thrifting (ha, get it?).

Here are my top tips for successful thrift shopping…

  1. Go often. As we all know, thrift stores and vintage shops can be hit or miss. Since the good items go fast, checking back often will ensure that you get first pick of new inventory.
  2. Don’t get discouraged. If you go looking for something specific, you’ll almost never find what you’re looking for, which will leave you frustrated every time.
  3. Keep an open mind. Almost anything can be repurposed and restyled to become functional and beautiful again.
  4. Give items of interest the 30-second test. If you can’t think of somewhere to put it, a new look to give it, or a new purpose that it could serve, walk away. When you bring items home without considering these things, you could end up with a slight hoarding issue.
  5. Sleep on it. If you see something you like, but it doesn’t pass the 30-second test, leave it at the store and sleep on it. If you’re still thinking about it the next day, go back and get it. If it’s already gone, then it wasn’t meant to be.

I hope my column has inspired you to look at vintage furnishings with a fresh perspective. I always find it amazing what some people will discard, but I’m grateful to them, because without them my business would cease to exist.

I hope you’ll keep up with me over on Mod Nest as well as over on the Style at Home Blog, where my new column will be starting shortly.

Please continue to share your makeover projects with me on my Facebook page. It always inspires me to see what you’re working on!

A big thank you goes out to the Scoutie Girl team for making me feel welcome and appreciated. It’s been lovely working with all of you.

Last, but not least, I’d like to thank all of the Scoutie Girl readers for keeping up with my column. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading your comments, so thank you for speaking up and sharing your unique experiences and ideas with me.

Stay thrifty!

Filed Under: Thrifted Thoughts Tagged With: , , , , , , 2 Comments
December 7, 2010

How to Buy Handmade on a Budget: 5 Tips for Keeping Costs Down

handmade denim wristlet by definition of self

wristlet by definition of self - click image to view more

It sure is easy to say “Buy Handmade.” We want to find unique gifts, support artists, and make a difference with our money but finding room in the budget to do so is another matter entirely.

Handmade goods generally cost more. Why? They tend to be made from higher quality materials, made by people like you who deserve to be paid well for their labor, and made to last instead of thrown in the trash. The stuff in the dollar aisle just can’t compete.

But all the reasons to spend more don’t matter if you don’t have the money to spend.

Beyond looking for crazy sales (I believe firmly that artisans should be paid fairly for their work), there are numerous ways to fit buying handmade & independently produced goods into your budget.

1. Choose quality over quantity.

It may be cliche but it’s true more than ever. People aren’t interested in finding a place for lots of cheap gifts bought in haste. In fact, a lot of holiday stress is caused by just figuring out where to put the new stuff we get.

This year, elect to buy one great gift for each person on your list instead of many small gifts. Choose something that reflects your unique sensibility and complements the relationship you have with the receiver.

Instead of hunting out bargains, choose to hunt down something that’s “just right.”

2. Look for well made gifts that feature less expensive materials.

One of the benefits of buying handmade is that there’s most often better quality control and more polished technique. The stuff you buy will last longer and look better.

But just because you’re looking for high quality doesn’t mean you have to go top shelf. You can often choose a design that you like and find it in a variety of materials.

Gold out of your budget? Try silver or brass.

Leather too pricey? Opt for fabric.

Wool too steep? Go for acrylic.

While not every artisan will have every material available, shopping with these options in mind can help you stay within your budget and buy things that both you and your wallet will love.

3. Combine shipping.

Need to buy gifts for a longer list? Look for shops that offer discounts on shipping when purchasing multiple items. This is a great option for buying multiple hostess gifts or small items for a group.

You can also find crafters who have more than one shop. They’ll often combine shipping costs between their two shops – making it easier to find what you need AND save a dime (or more)!

4. Involve your giftee.

If you love crafting, DIY, or creating, it’s a good chance there are people on your list that share your passion.

Etsy is full of kits, patterns, and how tos that make great gifts and great prices. Your giftee gets the experience of actually creating the final product. You save money on the cost of labor. And the shop owner gets credit for an awesome idea. It’s a win-win-win.

5. Look for complimentary gift wrapping.

Let’s face it: time is money. And gift wrapping takes precious time, especially if you’re unskilled like I am!

Gift wrapping costs can really add up. And store bought gift wrapping just looks plain ordinary when compared with the gift that’s inside it!

Many shop owners create beautiful gift wrapping as part of the full package. Not only do they take pride in the things they create but they take pride in each of the finishing touches.All you need to do is open the shipping box and add the lovely package inside to your gift stash.

It’s certainly possible to buy high quality, handmade items on a budget. Learning a few tips & tricks to get the most out of your shopping will make it easier to stay on track.

Don’t be afraid to keep your expectations high as you look for a unique gift you’ll be proud to give!

Need some place to start? Check out Paper n Stitch or the Indie Fixx Galleria for great gift ideas!

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November 29, 2010

embrace the hunt

silver deer necklace by markhed design

deer necklace by markhed design - via papernstitch - click image to view more

We are predators. We hunt game for sport. We hunt our houses and our mates.

But there is no greater pursuit, no more daring a quest, than the hunt for a bargain.

Hunting season has begun and the shoppers have loaded their weapons.

Oh, we love the hunt.

Waking at the break of dawn, pushing, shoving, pouncing on our prey. It’s not the stuff we want – it’s the fish story.

“You got that for how much?”

“It was 97% off – and I had a coupon for another $1 off. And it was the last one.”

Never mind that it wasn’t on the list before the sale sign was spotted or the flyer researched. Never mind that the giftee didn’t ask for it. Never mind that the reviews said it wasn’t that great or that you have something similar or that it won’t be used more than twice.

It was on sale.

I’m no minimalist. I like stuff – and a healthy amount. I enjoy shopping and I enjoy buying. I have scoured the sales racks and thumbed through the Sunday circulars.

But I’ve lost my taste for the fresh blood of a sale. Cheap is no longer a reason to buy.

Embrace the hunt but reevaluate your prey.

It’s time to hunt bigger game. When resources are limited, you have to seek out that which will sustain you the longest. Instead of looking for the best deal, hunting things that waste your time, money, and energy, pursue the best gift. Stalk the unique experience. Follow the scent of special.

The perfect gift is out there – eluding you in the bushes, covering it’s tracks, running faster, jumping higher. You can catch it.

This year, you may find the perfect gift somewhere you don’t expect. You might find it at the flea market, the church bazaar, the boutique in town you keep meaning to visit, or at the new restaurant down the street. Get out & explore.

Find new hunting grounds.

Seek out your prey.

Corner your quarry.

Pounce.

Filed Under: holiday, mindful spending Tagged With: , , 6 Comments
September 3, 2010

don’t write them off

beloved bowl - handmade ceramics

After an experience like BlogHer – or really any trip to Target or jaunt to the shopping mall – it’s easy to write off most of America as caring little about individuality or originality. It’s easy to see mainstream society as caring more about cheap stuff, brand names, and the status quo.

I do my very best to build up walls, barricading myself into a windowless house filled with like-minded people and ironic indie art prints. I’m very good at shutting people out who aren’t in the club. I often don’t even try to explain what I do for a living anymore.

And so I miss out.

I miss out on the opportunity to evangelize for big dreams, creativity, and passion-filled lives.

It’s easy for me to stay comfortable. To let you as readers pat me on the back as I preach to the choir. It’s easy to sing along to my Melody Gardot Pandora station and glance up at vintage cups sitting above my desk and think about all the warm fuzzies I get from my community.

But to do this is to ignore a huge trend in popular culture. Women like Oprah, TV networks like the Food Network & HGTV, and books like Eat Pray Love or The Happiness Project are empowering people to get in touch with their inner creativity and take the driver’s seat in their own lives.

People all over America are reinventing themselves. They’re becoming active participants in their health, their families, and their consumption. They’re plugging back into a culture that promises to give as much as it gets.

What are we doing as a creative community to meet these people where they’re at?

They’ve never heard of Etsy. AC Moore & Joann’s might be like foreign lands. Craft shows make them think of crocheted pot holders and plastic flower door wreaths.

We assume people like shopping at Walmart or Target and so don’t offer an alternative. We assume people like showing up at a party wearing the same thing as three other people and so we don’t offer to help them shop for some vintage clothes. We assume people don’t mind having the same coffee table from Ikea as 20,000 other people and so we don’t tell them about the woman down the street who makes coffee tables from recycled wood.

But – could it be that we haven’t done our job to make it easier to buy handmade or independently produced alternatives?

Could it be that the burden is on us to not take the easy way out when shopping with friends and family?

Have we done enough to reach out to the millions of people who don’t know about alternative ways of buying yet?

It’s much much too easy to write off people who don’t understand.

{image credit: beloved bowl by paisleymarie}

PS If you need some help to get moving on this or any other goal, check out my free mini course of creating more action in your life.

Filed Under: mindful spending, personality Tagged With: , , 17 Comments