Thrifty and nifty fun
Those who know me, know my love of all things vintage. If it's an antique, if it can be refurbished, repurposed or recreated in any way, or if it's a funky piece of clothing - I'm all over it.
What makes this love of the unique and obscure special is that it came from my parents.
Growing up many a Saturday afternoon was spent wandering flee markets, antique shops and yard sales. My father's woodworking abilities and love of the craftsman movement pulled him to the strong lines and woodgrains of treasures from the early 1900's. My mother's creative mind and feminine demeanor caused her to gravitate to dainty, floral and unique treasures. They both rubbed off on me, and created an appreciation in me for the days past. Their varying interests became blended in my own taste pallet, and as I've grown older and search through antique shops, flea markets and thrift stores on my own, I've added my own flare to those original tastes.
Case in point: last night.
My boyfriend and I spent hours in a local thrift shop searching through aisles of second-hand items and came out with a pile of unique finds. As we eyed the furniture my father's advice echoed in my head, causing ideas of recreating these forgotten pieces through sanding, staining, and repurposing. A roll top desk caught my eye and I couldn't help but imagine how my mom would see countless ways to give it a creative personality.
(Part of me wants to go back and get the desk so as to bring it back to life.)
(Part of me wants to go back and get the desk so as to bring it back to life.)
As we continued through the store my boyfriend and I both enjoyed looking at things for what they could be.
In the end, I walked out with a sunflower chalkboard for a friend, a green cardigan (from the men's department which I'll add elbow patches to), a polar bear fleece jacket (just random enough to warrant my adoration), a perfect chambray (already wore it today), and a hunter green button up covered in pockets and zippers for my guy. He found an amazing old red tool chest which will become art supply storage and picked up two vintage prints for me to add to my wall.
In the end, I walked out with a sunflower chalkboard for a friend, a green cardigan (from the men's department which I'll add elbow patches to), a polar bear fleece jacket (just random enough to warrant my adoration), a perfect chambray (already wore it today), and a hunter green button up covered in pockets and zippers for my guy. He found an amazing old red tool chest which will become art supply storage and picked up two vintage prints for me to add to my wall.
All in all, it was a great thrifting trip and serves as a glimpse into why this is my favorite way to shop. There are so many ways to recreate and personalize what has been discarded by others. Appreciating these unique and old finds is just part of who I am.
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