I have to scale back my thrifting a little as I’ve found some seriously amazing things in the last couple of months. I scored something awesome for Viktor’s Christmas present that I can’t show you until after the holidays, and I had a ridiculously awesome trip to D.I. {one of my favorite thrift stores} a couple months ago that has to go on record, so here it is.
This antique milk can is the creme de la creme. It was, are you ready for it? $3 dollars. I had a handful of people try to swipe it out of my cart while I wasn’t looking {not kidding}. I bought it because I’ve been wanting to steal the one on my parent’s back porch for a while but I think I’ll have to wait until they die to get it. I grew up with a blue one on the porch and it has sentimental value so I’ve been scouting for one. They go for around $150 at antique stores; it’s no wonder people were trying to steal mine out from under my nose.
The two chairs closest to you? They were $15 each. I was one of those crazy people at the doors before the store opened, and when it did, I made a fast beeline for the back of the store where the furniture is kept and found these two beauties right off the bat. Our table was purchased at Downeast Home {a local store that sells off pieces from stores like Pottery Barn & West Elm} a few years ago for $300, scratched and dented. It’s a Pottery Barn table that retails for around $5,000 so we were okay with the scratches, but it didn’t come with chairs. I’ve been buying chairs piecemeal at D.I. ever since, so I was thrilled with these. Delighted.
I sort of have an unhealthy *thing* for jewelry. I have loads of it that have been stacking up in my closet for months and I’ve been on the lookout for somewhere to store it stylishly. Bingo. This little tray was around $3 or $4 and it sits on my dresser filled to the brim with my treasures.
At some point I might paint it, but for now it’s getting the job done nicely.
This was the same trip where I found the bench I painted red for a laundry room nook. $5 baby. It was a crazy D.I. trip; I carted around two baskets, knocking over displays and small children, leaving thrifty destruction in my wake. Totally worth it.
This last one is just an IKEA jar {it retails for about $3 at IKEA} for $1. I’m trying to put mundane, everyday items in attractive jars to make the bathroom a nicer place to be. Don’t the q-tips look great?
It was a good day for mankind. Have any of you found anything awesome in your thrifting lately?
Allison
Hello there! I'm Allison Czarnecki, founder + editor of Petit Elefant, a blog all about style on a budget for every part of your life: style / home / travel / family. I do a lot of how-to beauty + style tutorials, travel posts, easy recipes, home remodel projects, and cool DIY crafts you totally want to try. I'm super happily married (to a hot Polish immigrant) and am the mother of two kids, a daughter and son, all of whom are featured here on the regular. We live in the country but we're a little bit rock + roll. Welcome!
I love to buy classic books a DI…it is the best place ever. I just found a hardback copy of Little Women…I was thrilled. I have a list of over 100 books that I want to own…and DI helps me knock off the books at $2-$4 a pop…you can't beat that!
I never ever ever have good luck at thrift stores. I must not have the knack. I always leave frustrated, and bewildered at the great stuff other people (like you!) are always finding there!
Emily,
Yes! I find great kids books at D.I. and once in a while snag one for myself too. Love that.
KJ,
You need to come shopping with the master; I'll teach you everything I know.
Sounds like D.I. is awesome – and it's probably a good thing I don't live near it. I have one little spot that I frequent. Today I got GAP pj's and a Gymboree sweater for the baby and 2pr. Justice jeans for the big girl as well as some vintage ornament for less than $10. I didn't have time to luxuriate around the store as I usually do, but this was okay! I don't think I've paid full price for books or name brand clothing in at least 5 years. I'm super cheap.
Breeders Digest,
Nice score! I'm incapable of paying full-price, I can't sleep at night if I do.
it's a good thing we don't DI together because it could get ugly…ive been known to get some super awesome spectacular make others want to cry and curse at me deals. so i couldn't imagine us going at the same time. i think we would be pulling each other's hair out. but i think we could be friends anyways. ;)
I love that I was with you for some of those finds, and that I got to see you "in action". That was a fun morning…we need to do it again!
V & Co,
We could have a cart battle, fight each other off the good furniture! I'll go DI shopping with you any day of the week {except Sunday}.
Sania,
Downeast Home is one of my favorite places in the world, I've found some of my favorite pieces there! You'll find some amazing office stuff for sure.
Miranda,
Zero dollars = totally jealous. Score indeed.
Kami,
Sadly, I get a little rabid don't I? Let's go again after the holidays when everyone is unloading after the Christmas spoils!
Ooo, I hadn't heard of Down East before, and there's one close by. Thanks for the link!
Wish me luck on finding some good office deals.
oh bravo! I recently went "thrifting" at my mom's house. I scored her old Pyrex bowls (you know, the mustard yellow ones). Zero dollars.
So happy to see all of your finds being put to use. You had two full carts at the DI that day! I've still got to post about our day out thrifting and share some of you and Kami's great tips! p
OOO I love DI!! I love a good buy and I know Santa has a large conner of his bag full of fun thrifty find that will be mine on Christmas!! Being a thrift store Goddess is a BLESSING!!
Marie,
It was tough negotiating the aisles with two carts but I don't think I knocked Charming over more than once. Or twice. It was a good haul that day, maybe you're my lucky charm?
Erin,
Oh a dresser! I haven't had a ton of luck in the heavy duty furniture department lately, so kudos.
Heather,
People think it's sad when I tell them I found my kids presents at D.I. I want to show them the receipt and laugh.
great finds! until last night i hadn't been thrifting in a couple of weeks (that is a long time for me) but last night i found a great MCM dresser for my boys room.
WOW! What great finds! I've been holding back from going thrifting this month, but after Christmas I'll be raring to go again.
You totally scored.
Amy,
I SHOULD be holding back, really. But I couldn't pass these up.
I think post-holidays at D.I. are a splendorous thing, ridiculous scores.