I’m the first to admit thrifting can be really overwhelming. You walk into a store or sale and the amount of stuff (and oftentimes junk) can be a lot to take in. You likely fall into one of two categories: someone who feels defeated because they have no interest in digging through everything to find the good stuff or someone who feels totally determined to look through everything as to not miss anything. I am the latter. The idea that I would miss something great is a terrifying and disappointing thought – a little sick, I know.
I’ve found that’s usually how I find my favorite pieces; the ones that jump at you from out of nowhere, that show up in the most unlikely of places and times. And when they’re a crazy good deal too? I can’t say no. Well one time I did and I still feel somewhat regretful, but I’ve happened upon several things lately that seemed too good to be true.
Aja says
Great find with that chair! I'm like you- determined to search through and see every little thing so I don't miss something great! It's the thrill of the hunt!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks for reading, Aja! Glad I'm not alone in my determination. ๐
Julia Konya says
Love the green chair so much!
blants says
That chair is positively amazing and looks so great with your orangerie pillow! I love thrifting. I was spoiled when we lived in the midwest because there was SO MUCH GOOD STUFF at such great prices. Now I live in the NYC area and it's all picked over and over-priced. ๐ Must get out to the far suburbs this summer.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks! It is nice living where most people have no interest in what's great. ๐ Yes, you'll have to venture outโฆeverything IS way more expensive in the city! Thanks for reading!
sarah m. dorsey says
amazing finds!! ๐
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
That chair looks like it was made for your room! Looks comfy, too. And that bench has loads of potential. I'm itching for a good thrift find…it's been a while!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Jennifer! I've found I go through wet and dry spells with thrifting too. I've just been getting lucky lately, but I'm finding a lot of things I don't need and none of the things I do! ๐
Sammy says
You're like me and my markdown racks. Except yours takes more talent.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Ha, I'm sure you have just as much talent, and I'm glad to know I'm not the only one rushing to the clearance section too!
willowinteriors says
Love the chair! I've been "ghost hunting" for awhile now (that's what my kids and i started calling it to make it interesting…aka keep their interest another 5 min.) and I realize I've kinda got similar rules. I always start the opposite way the majority is going and I also always have a mental list of what I'm always looking for but am open to new inspiration. Another tip is I always ask if they can do better than the sticker. Also some consignment shops mark on the sticker the date they got it in so u know if its been there a while. I love thrifting and feel that it's always those few interesting pieces in my rooms that people compliment…
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks for sharing! Distraction is always key, isn't it? And thanks for the other tips. It's always best to ask if they can do betterโฆit can't hurt anyway!
Julie Gates says
Great chair!! I agree it's not so overwhelming to have an idea of what you want when you thrift and especially antique shop. I scored a couple of chairs last week too! They weren't on my list but just had to get them!
themakerista@gmail.com says
I think I saw that on my Facebook feed and was hoping to pop over, headed there now! Glad I'm not alone in this. ๐
{Hi Sugarplum!} says
Your photos and styling are just gorgeous!!! Great finds…I love that chair! And the floral pillow in it!
themakerista@gmail.com says
You're sweet lady. ๐ The styling and photography is probably my favorite part, so thanks!
praylivecreate.com says
Love the chair and horse! I recently scored two giant chinoiserie lamps from the Habitat for Humanity ReStore for $40 total. They need rewired and new shades, but I'm calling them my best score ever.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Ooh, that's amazing! I think I'll be able to squeeze in a stop at our ReStore tomorrow and this makes me excited for what it might bring. Thanks for sharing!
Erin @ Suburban Bitches says
I have had my eye on the exact same green chair for sale on our Craig's List but was reluctant to purchase. Now that I see one in your house I'm might have to jump on this one for sale. But they want $300, for the chair and ottoman ๐
themakerista@gmail.com says
It IS extremely comfortable and a timeless midcentury piece! I hope you can work out a deal, and thanks for making me realize what a deal I got! Best of luck!
Erin @ Suburban Bitches says
I got it but could only talk him down to $250. It is so comfortable though! Here it is in my room: http://www.suburbanbitches.com/living-room-re/
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
That chair is a honey for sure!! I've been into Red Racks a few times – they have great lamps at my location.
themakerista@gmail.com says
"A honey" – I love that!
ola says
Hi Gwen!
Oh. I love the leather chair. What a find and what a fabulous price!! I wish we had thrift stores this good in and around Boston – maybe I need to do a little more research. You've definitely inspired me.
Always love reading your posts.
Kisses,
Ola
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Ola! May I recommend following Honey & Fitz. She's a blogger friend in Boston and she finds some amazing things!
Hope all is well and you're making it through the winter ok. ๐
Kristin@bliss-athome.com says
You found some good things! I seriously love thrifting. I don't mind it at all..it's worth it to save money and find good quality items for cheap ๐ xo Kristin
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
The town we just moved from had a built-in thrifting mecca – a "swap shed" where everyone brought their old unwanted furniture. I got some amazing gems there. Now I feel a little adrift actually and am not sure where to go for these kinds of things. Maybe just as well for now…I am powerless against the siren song of a discarded piece of furniture ๐ Like, kind of on a chair-hoarder level.
themakerista@gmail.com says
I'm sure you'll find the hidden gems soon enough! Best of luck, and I too am a total chair hoarder! They seem to be calling my name from everywhere!
Shavonda@AHomeFullOfColor says
Ummm does your chair have a twin sister? Gah!! Its so so good. Ive been really disciplined about staying out of thrift stores until after we find our new house. Its been so so hard though and seeing this beautiful score certainly doesn't help. Thanks a lot, Gwen;)
Kari says
I love that chair! I just found your blog through the KC Blogger Meetup site and am so excited to follow along! I love your style. What antique store were you at in KC? I've got to check it out:) There's nothing quite like finding the perfect piece in one of those stores.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Oh, so glad you found me Kari! It's from Brass Armadillo. Thanks for your kind words, and I hope we can meet in person someday!
Kari says
I hope so, too! Thanks for the store name. I'm going to check that place out as soon as we're out of this tundra like weather:)
Bethany DeVore says
great finds, I love that little horse!
little miss vintage says
Love all your finds! You have a great eye, i'm curious where you bought your orangerie pillow from?
thefolia says
What incredible finds! Happy thrifting!