Thrifting 101-Thrifting is Dirty Work

*I went to finish this post and after reading through it realized it's been sitting here for 7 months. No biggie right? Anywho, here's my disclaimer: everyone is on the mend (after all, it's been 7 months), but my house is still dirty. So what.

It's been a while since I've done a thrifting 101 post.  In my defense I have been a bit busy.  My hubs had back surgery and after spending all my energy doting on him (haha) for two weeks, the kids and I got sick.  I literally spent 4 days in bed.  When I crawled out from under the covers I was tempted to light a match and burn the house down.  Disgusting.  That's what happens when momma gets sick.  Nothing.  Nothing happens.  Everything was left as it was before you got sick, only now there are layers of crumbs and laundry and dishes and filfth on top of the filfth.  Now that I have dug myself out of the filfth I thought I would write about some handy things to have on hand to get rid of the filfth of thrifting.  

First off-some things to keep in mind...thrifting isn't for clean freaks.

• Thrift stores can be dirty.  Wash your hands when you leave one and you will see how dirty.
• If you can't get to a bathroom keep some sanitizer on hand (no pun intended).
• Even flipping through the racks stirs up dust, dirt, mold, etc.  I know it's gross, but think about it, some of these clothes have been stored, some have been in attics, damp basements etc.  
• Wash your stuff as soon as you get home (if possible), but it hasn't killed me to leave it untouched for weeks in a laundry basket or bag...just in case you were wondering.
• When buying furniture check for fleas.  Yes fleas! Especially at garage sales.  I will say in my many years of thrifting I have yet to find any...just heard stories. Check under cushions and if you see anything questionable pass.  If it's a gem and you can't pass it up, you can always clean it and spray it before bringing it in your home.  I know that sounds gross, but if you have animals you know it's not the end of the world. 

 I wash everything in my washing machine unless it's 100% wool or Rayon.  I use the handwash setting for silk, slips, sweaters, or anything delicate.  I hang dry most items like dresses and things that are delicate and dry anything that's cotton or polyester.  Most of them have been washed and dried 100's of times before.  Watch out for Rayon.  It will shrink like crazy!  Use your best judgement.  I have ruined a thing or two I wished I had just dry cleaned.  I have also dry cleaned items I should have just machine washed ie., Burberry Trench-the exterior can be machine washed.  I found this out when dry cleaning didn't get out the stain.  

Second-Some essentials to have on hand:  

Magic Erasers 

Clorox wipes

Spray and wash

Woolite

Soft scrub

Acrysol

Fels-Naptha

This is how gross the water was after handwashing a bunch of silk bow ties.  Disgusting!

 A lot of the stores around here use a grease pencil to mark things, I hate it.  Magic eraser makes it come right off...but be careful...it can also take off beautiful paint and stain. Also try Acrysol or Soft Scrub.

Fels Naptha Soap: amazing stuff, great for removing stains, and can be shredded for homeade detergent

Magic Eraser: don't use on skin.  It can burn.  But it can remove sharpie from a lot of surfaces. It can also remove design elements...so always test this first!

Palmolive: I use this religiously, it's what my mom used and she is super smart.

Acrysol: removes stickers, sticker residue, and those stupid black grease pen marks that thrift stores use.

Soft Scrub: works great and can be diluted (will do another post on this genius miracle worker). I use this to clean suitcases.

a razor blade and toothbrush: nuff said.

That's it! Happy Thrifting...and happy cleaning your junk.  It's not the most fun...but well worth it.

xoxo, 

Amy

Thrifting 101- Around the Home

Almost everything in my home is found, thrift, or family hand me downs.  You can decorate on a budget.  Just think outside of the box, or outside of the "big box".  Although I look forward to the day when I have a space big enough for a comfy extra large L shaped couch...I prefer to have things with memories in my home, things that are one of a kind.  Here is snap shot into just a couple of my favorite spaces in my home.

The needlepoints are my Grandma's.  I have almost every single needle point she had in her little house and they make me smile every day.  The cart is handmade by my fabulous non-biological dad.  I seriously am blessed in the step-dad department.  Along with being an awesome Grandpa to my kids he happens to be a killer wood worker.  I bought the red hutch at an antique market years ago and it's never left my kitchen.  Almost everything on it is thrifted.

The kitchen table was my husbands Aunt Irene's.  It has two leafs I can't wait to put in and keep in when we have a bigger kitchen.  The yellow dresser in the back was mine when I was a little girl.  I am so glad I never repainted or got rid of it.  Think outside of the box.  You don't always have to use furniture intended for one room or another in that particular room.

This cabinet was found on the curb.  It needs redone badly but is a solid piece of furniture.

The little teacups and saucers were my Grandma's and everything else is vintage from thrift stores and estate sales.

Just a few of my thrifted cookbooks mixed in with some new, next to my beloved deer vase (also my Grandma's).  Old books are cheap and easy to acquire at garage sales and thrift stores. 

Part of my vintage thermos collection (all thrifted).  

Thrifted glasses and Hamm's drink tray.  The bottles on the left are Polly's soda pop.  They were my buddy Steve's (the same one that left us his record collection).

Lesson:  think unconvetionally, there is no risk when it's inexpensive.  Look at the bones of furniture.  Can it painted?  Does it serve a purpose?  

Thanks for taking a peek into my home.  Do you prefer decorating with new, old, or a mix?  I would love to see your fab deco on the cheap.  If you'd like to share leave a link in the comment section!

Happy Thrifting!

xoxo, 

Amy

linking up here:
Under $100 Linky Party
Transformation Thursday
Creative Juice Thursdays
Her Library Adventures
Nifty Thrifty Things
Caps Creations
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Rae Gun Ramblings

Thrifting 101:Thriting for the Home tips from Amber from The Owl's Den

Amber is over from The Owl's Den, a blog easy to fall in love with.  I adore her style and I think we are kindred spirits when it comes to thrift, and judging by her food posts, we also share a love for good food.  She doesn't know this but I went to grade school with her doppelganger who was just as cute as she is.   After reading the post, I thought it fit so perfectly with my Thrifting 101 series I had to add it.  I'll let her tell the rest...

 

Hi Green Eggs and Hamm followers I’m Amber from The Owl’s Den and I’m so excited to be writing a guest post for my thrifting idol. As you can already tell, I love thrifting particularly for furniture and décor for my apartment. In fact, most of my living room consists of thrift store finds with each piece costing around $10. However, just like shopping thrift stores for clothing there are things to look for when buying furniture, so here are my top ten tips when shopping thrift store for your home.

small credenza $10

1.  Look At The Displays

Half the time that golden piece is displaying a tacky lamps or other items. This is actually how I found my small credenza. Check out the item for a price tag and if you don’t see one simply ask how much. Most of the time if they do not want to sell the item there will be a sign letting you know it is display only.

2. Don’t Dismiss Ugly Things

If the piece has great bone structure but has an ugly paint job or fabric don’t dismiss it as junk. If you have the time and resources to fix it up then get it! This is great for D.I.Y projects and it helps to bring more of your personality into the room.

3. Smell It First

Sounds odd but just like buying clothing be sure the piece does not smell bad. This is real important for furniture made from solid wood. If there is any evidence of the item being in a smoker’s house chances are when the wood naturally expands that smell will be more potent.

4. Bring Measuring Tape

There are obvious items that you do not have to measure but if you are trying to fit things through doors or placing them in between spaces, it is important to measure before buying. Consider measuring the height and depth of the item too. A vintage side table might be too short to use as a nightstand or the depth of that retro credenza may not be big enough to hold your television or game system on top. Keeping a note pad with original measurements helps keep from getting height and width numbers mixed up.

 Chair $7

5. Sit On It

Just like any furniture store, you want to make sure the chair or sofa will work for you. Something that you think looks great may sit way to low to the ground or is too big to sit in. Even if you plan to get it reupholstered, you do not want to spend that kind of money on a piece that is awkward to sit or get up in.

6. Know Your Thrift Stores

Certain thrift stores cater to certain types of items. Most stores do carry furniture and décor but some have more variety and greater prices compared to others. It is important to figure which ones do and do not carry the style you want so you can use it to your advantage. This makes searching for a certain piece of furniture a bit easier.

7. It’s Okay To Replace Things

When it comes to vintage decor and furniture sometimes the frames and knobs can be plain tacky. If it is worth the cost and the piece can easily be removed buy a new frame or knobs for it. You can always check out the dollar store for a wooden frame or updated knobs at a lower cost.

8. It’s Okay To Buy New

Thrift stores sometimes carry newer items (marked down from popular stores) but no need to feel guilty for buying new. When you find something with the sticker price still on it that just makes it more exciting that you found the item at such a great deal and condition. You are not turning your back on the thrifting world if you buy it unused.

9. Come In The Right Vehicle

If you’re just looking for small home décor then driving in a small car is fine but when you are searching for bigger pieces make sure you have a vehicle that you can carry it home plus the proper straps to hold it down on its voyage to your house. We brought ol’ Red with us when I was looking for items in the bedroom and we lucked out and found an antique dresser. Also see if they offer delivery, this came in handy when I underestimated the size of my small credenza and my tiny car.

10.  Don’t Be Discouraged

Just like any shopping adventure don’t get discouraged if you don’t come home with your golden piece. Depending on what state your from and the atmosphere of the store certain items are known to be popular than most. As far as I noticed in the south not too many thrift stores know how popular Danish Modern is so you don’t stumble upon it too often and when you do it is at a steal. Keep looking and revisit your favorite thrift stores and you’ll eventually stumble upon your dream item.

 Danish Modern Coffee Table $12

It may seem a bit scary (don’t get me started on my phobia of buying thrift store couches) but after buying great solid pieces at a fraction of these newer “pressured wood” items it makes it hard to go back. I hope these tips help you overcome any fears and help you with your next budget make over or furnishing your first apartment. So go out and thrift on my friends!

xo Amber P.

It's Amy, I told you she is awesome!  Great tips too.  Now show her some love and go visit her blog.  I need that coffee table!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Amy

Thrifting 101-Lesson #2 Shoes

Shoes shoes shoes!  Thinking outside or better yet...inside the (shoe) box. 

I have been thrifting for years and until recently never looked at shoes. I had these preconceived notions of grossness, and the chances of them having my size were slim to none (I wear a size 12...and before you go and judge my gigantor feet please keep in mind I am over 6 feet tall...now you can judge my giganticness in whole). 

Back to shoes.  I love them.  LOVE THEM.  My size is available at Nordstrom and Payless and that's pretty much it...with the exception of online.  It all started with wanting some loafers and oxfords.  I posted on them a while back, you can revisit it here and here.  One day I thought...why not look in the men's shoes?  

The selections are much smaller and neater, and I cannot tell you how many Allen Edmond's, Dr. Martens and Bass shoes I see there.  All three are so on trend right now, but fairly expensive retail.  So at least scope it out for your men/man or yourself and do something fun with them!  

Like this:  add some fancy shoestrings.

These were $8.98.  I added lace shoestrings and lace to the heel.  When I get bored with them I'm thinking gold spray paint and glitter!

Spray Paint

via

 The possibilites are endless!

If you have children you have even more of a reason to look at kids shoes.  My kids can grow out of shoes in 3 months.  Even worse, they can tear up a pair of shoes in a matter of minutes given the right conditions.  These are some of the shoes I have found for my own stinkers this past year.  

 Seriously?  Could you ever pass up Minnetonka Mocassins?  

 Converse are great for boys and girls.  Those black ones will be washed and put away for my daughter.  

 I also bought tap shoes...I had a lapse in good judgement...but she sure does like them.

 Dr. Martens

 Adidas Samba

 I couldn't say no.  My son however had no problem saying "no way"!

Ice Skates

Bottom line:  Don't forget the shoes!  Have an idea of the style you are after.  It makes it less daunting and easier to scan the racks.  Look for the shape and style first and think outside the box.  I have yet to pay over $10 a pair.  Kids shoes are typically $2-$5.  If you need inspiration go to Pinterest.  Nuff said.

Happy Thrifting!

xoxo, Amy

  

save 45% by purchasing Converse with the TeenScreen code below!  I love me converse! 

http://teenscreen.org/pacsun-coupons/

Thrifting 101

If you didn't already know...I thrift often.  Very often.  With the New Year around the corner I thought it was the perfect time to start a new series.  Thrifting 101.  I'm going to share the ins and outs and some secrets to finding the gems in what can seem like a pile of junk!  In the process I am going to try to get over my phobia of outfit posts.

Lesson 1.  Find your spot!

I think one key to finding the good stuff is to find your spot.  Go often and when you find a good spot, stick with it.  The people get to know you and are willing to work with you on merchandise that may need fixed.  Don't be scared to ask for a discount for merchandise that has stains (most can be removed), missing buttons, evens tears and rips.  Some stores don't intend on putting out merchandise that is damaged so when it's overlooked and gets to the sales floor they would rather sell it for a fraction of the price than trash it (and yes most thrift stores do compact unsellable merchandise).  They usually discount it 50% it not more, but don't get mad if they say no.  It is thrift after all!  

One of my favorite stores won't let you buy merchandise that doesn't have tags.  Period.  They send it to the back to be re-priced and re-stocked.  I have developed a rapore with most of the girls there now, and a couple managers.  Finally, these relationships are paying off, and they get me prices while I wait.  Always be nice, and come back often.  A friendly face who visits often matters to any business!

Now on to some of my favorite pieces from this past fall. 

Some of my favorite black pieces.  While I love color, my own wardrode favorites tend to be black, gray, and navy.

I used Pugly Pixel's awesome photo templates for this post.  Go check her out.  She has some easy to follow tutorials on youtube.  

Don't forget to check out the I like to party link.  Some gracious ladies hosting some fabulous parties!

Happy thrifting, 

xoxo, Amy   

Advanced Style: Thrifting with Debra!

I had to share this.  It's an old video...but I adore it.  If you haven't checked out the Advanced Style blog, you must.  These women are insane with style and being themselves.  I aspire to have this kind of confidence.  The older I get the more confident I am and the less I worry about what others think.  I have been obsessed with vintage throughout my life but until just recently have I fully felt confident enough to wear most of my finds.  It helps that my hubsand loves it.  I must say, it's very gratifying...even if I get made fun of at work for wearing things that probably belong in 80s Meg Ryan movies, and maybe Dolly Partons 9-5.   Enjoy!

Isn't she fabulous?  Happy Friday!