Thrifting Lately

On the same trip to Goodwill that I found the cane back chair, I also left with a bounty of office decor. One of the finds was this globe. We have been collecting different maps and types of travel momentos for our future gallery wall in the office / studio that we will have upstairs in the new place, and this globe will just be the perfect little extension of the travelesque vibe. A few other goodies from that trip to Goodwill were a pair of embossed gold sail boat prints and an oval mirror framed in a grey marble that was a steal. Gosh you guys, thrifting is just the best. the. best.

In the spirit of thrifting, reused, and vintage, here is a post that I really enjoyed by Jenny over at Little Green Notebook: Vintage Furniture Shopping Tips and Tricks. Jenny sums it up perfectly, and its just so true that frequency is key to finding diamonds in the rough!

Mid-Century Cane Back Chair

The other day, on a whim, I stopped in my local Goodwill. I have an exciting decorating project coming up, so I've had this urge to thrift during my free time. The trick to thrifting is frequency. It's always hit or miss, but when you do it frequent enough, you gain a keen eye and increase your chances of stumbling upon gold. And sometimes, all you do it walk in and walk right out, so it really isn't too much of a time suck. But when you walk in and its a good day, oh man. Its so worth it. This on a whim day, it was a gold diggers paradise. I was only in the store for five minutes, and left with six items.  Quality vintage items. When I thrift, I always head to the furniture section first, and then scan the art next. If those two areas don't steal my attention, I might wander down the aisles, but usually its the bigger items, the ones that can be repurposed or a diamond in the rough, for a dirt cheap price: that's what I'm looking for. Finding furniture and art for a steal are my favorite items to find. And this on a whim stop, the first thing I laid eyes on was this mid-century cane back chair.

After cleaning off the dirt, its basically in perfect condition. The curve of the back! The details on the legs! When I first stumbled upon the chair I wanted to rip off the cushion and replace it. But now after taking it out of the thrift store environment--the chair shines in a different light. The cushion is a velvety soft pink, and really isn't that bad even if I decided to wait on redoing the chair. I've never reupholstered before, believe it or not. The cushion on this chair looks simple enough to remove and redo, so I am thinking it may be the perfect first reupholster job that I do. Originally I planned to paint the wood white, but after cleaning it up, I really like the natural wood. Its nearly perfect with no scratches, and the cane back has no snags or holes or anything. Seriously, thrifted gold. I spent $18 on this bad-jackson, and found the same chair on eBay and others like it for $150 and then some. Mid century finds are hard to come by because of how popular they've become in that modern vintage design thats flooding Pinterest right now. So, yes, I feel like a lucky thrifter!

Thoughts on Giving and Receiving Thrifted Gifts.

Something I realize is that although I love thrift stores, and finding treasures, not everyone does. So I often find myself asking the question, with no truly unbiased answer: Is it appropriate to give a gift that has been purchased second hand? Of course, with my very best friends, finding things thrifted can  mean the satisfaction to an inside joke, that vintage flare that she loves so much, or something so silly it is worth the $2 just to wrap it up and put it under her Christmas tree. But for other friends, and relatives, the question of giving thrifted items remains a bit murky. I mean, you can't return it, the item has a prior life, and it may have collected dust. And even more in the grey, with hefty inclination for people to shake their head "no" is, what about gifting clothing items that have been purchased from a thrift store? (See, half of you are shaking your head no...)

To me, a treasure from a thrift store means thoughtfulness and the potential for one of a kind giving, but to another it may mean dirty, cheap, and old. Going into this holiday season, I have set a promise to myself that gifts will be intentional and frugal--mainly on sale, hand made, or bought second hand. But for the last of those three, I thought honest conversation on giving and receiving thrifted items might be one worth having. And hey, who knows, you may be one of the people I'm thrifting for.

On one more note, everything pictured in the above photograph? All thrifted at Goodwill this week. Even the scrabble letters. I know, I know, such potential to make fun word art! Does the above photograph change your mind on thrifted gifts?

Teacups Teacups!

You are probably wondering why on earth anyone would need these many teacups--really, ever! I promise I am not a hoarder. And as much as I would love to host a tea party for the masses, that is not the why behind the large quantity of glass teacup purchasing either. These delicate little cups will actually become part of wedding decor in less than a week! My sister in law is doing most everything handmade, and repurposed, hence the basket and box loads of teacups.

Two Thrifted Looks

I strike gold, adding up to an average $5, each time I stop in at the Goodwill down the street. Does anyone know it exists? Because I seem to be finding the best clothing items for my pennies--and this is always on a whim. I hardly ever drive there with fashion as a mission. Usually furniture and revamps are my focus. Lately, no such luck. But clothes, tons of luck. So I find myself casually looking through the racks when furniture is a miss. My latest finds, a down puffer vest, a boat neck striped tee, and a brown midi skirt (a velvet / cord hybrid fabric that makes it feel vintage). I love that you can find clothes from a different era, or items that can complete a modern look--thrift stores are the one retail store that can always meet the ever evolving you ( and for that, they are forever my favorite).

Botanical Thrift.

Goodwill was extra good to me today as I walked out of there spending under ten dollars and with a collection of treasures that seemed to compliment one another. This was somewhat of a secret garden thrift, and even if only one of the items is actually going to help me keep flowers blooming, the rest still fit the botanical vibe. Not planned, at all! I walked into Goodwill with the intentions of picking up an old book that I could use the pages of, but then found so many other things I left without the book. Oops! I was thrilled to find a watering can that is well loved. The grass green color is just perfect, and it is hefty so I know it will continue to endure a life of watering my plants next spring ($1 and made ins the USA!). The watering can is vintage-esque (love!). We plan to plant some tulips, soon I hope, so they can get that winters freeze they need to germinate and bloom come spring. How fitting that this can has embossed tulips, cute right?!

The botanical coasters are a fun find. I plan to paint the wood edges. Maybe Robin's Egg Blue or Rose Copper. What do you think? The vases were also $1 each, and I plan to paint those as well. The red one is actually a hobnail vase (it is hard to tell from the photo). This vintage style is classic, so I was thrilled to find this! I am thinking the hobnail vase will look better as opaque white or blue (like THIS), and the white ceramic bud vase as a compliment with nautical stripes. I was really excited to find a delicate little floral tile. I love tiny details in my home, and the color combinations are just darling. I have a lot of cobalt blue in my kitchen, with hints of red, teal, and green, so I think this tile might fit just perfectly in there! Maybe in the space above my stovetop? Oh how I love floral prints. I will be sure to share what I end up doing with all of these treasures! 

We spent an hour at the park today, to end my botanical themed Thursday on a great note. Yellow and orange leaves are everywhere! We love this park. There are lakes, geese, cranes, dogs, fountains, boats, trees, and lawns that stretch forever. Just add the view of the city, and you have the reasons why this is my favorite neighborhood park. You can see more from our City Park afternoon over at my personal blog. Happy Friday!

For the Love of {Chair} Fabric and Curves.

There are two chairs that I am currently obsessed with. One being a Pinterest find, the other being a Goodwill find. Can you guess which is which? {Not that the huge 'Buy Me!' tag doesn't give it away} I have some alterations I need to make to the Goodwill find, including doing something with the legs that are black and somewhat of an eye sore. But OH. MY. GOODNESS. The seat shape is just to die for. It is real wood. The print is ever so vintage. And the black painted detail is just the cherry on top. The details of the Pinterest find are equally if not more appealing (that plaid, the leather piping, those curves!), but I would be too lucky of a girl if I owned both. Question posed by my husband, "Where are you going to put these chairs?" First, did I mention the Goodwill find came with a twin! Yes, great things do come in twos. Second, in response to his question, "Who knows yet, but I will make it work!" Wouldn't you for two beauties like that for $12 each? Any thoughts on what year the Goodwill find may be from, or ideas for leg transformation? Happy Friday! 

It's Named "Chair No. One Eighty" in Plaid, HERE

Thrift store digging for denim, classic, and clean.

photo source 1 / 2 / 3

You may have read past posts on thrifted clothing finds and thought to yourself, "That is cute, but I am more of a classic jeans and blouse girl. And I never could find my simple clean style at a store like Goodwill...." And you may have just gone about your life never stepping foot into a thrift store or flea market with fashion on the mind. I hope this post causes a change of heart. As much as I love unique vintage type pieces in my wardrobe, I am also one for the classics (especially for work).  Yes you do need patience and yes you do see a lot more ugly than pretty, but I promise you, if you have the right thrifting mindset and an idea of the look you want (Pinterest can always help with this) you will find some classic threads for an unbeatable price. With the right styling and accessorizing, simple pieces can be worn many a ways, making it an even bigger bang for your buck.

My simple finds, all in one trip, all at one Goodwill:

Kenar white cotton blouse $3.99

Banana Republic striped button up $2.99

Guess button fly boot cut jeans $6.99 

New York & Co. little denim vest $1.99

Sanctuary tan capri pants $1.99

Ann Taylor cotton cargo pants $3.99 (tag still on!)

{Not pictured but linked up are the last two pants listed as well as the plethora of banana republic blouses I tried on but ended up not taking home.}

See, you can find good brand names too, if that's your fancy! 

Are you weary of the thriftstore dig, or do you get giddy at the thought?

Are you on the other side of the wardrobe fence, and needing to purge and donate to Goodwill? For some guidance on wardrobe simplification, read this post at Thoughts by Natalie.

Entryway bench.

Come winter, our little entryway will function as part mud room. It will be a place to take off muddy, snowy, wet shoes and boots. I had been keeping my eyes peeled for a bench that would fit in the space. Seeing as this space is pretty cramped as it is, the bench needed to be narrow and fit on the small portion of the wooden floor between the hutch and travertine. I found this piano bench at the Goodwill this week for $6. After I scored that awesome vintage window in my 2 minute stop in the store, I decided I needed to go back and actually take my time looking around. It seemed to have great potential for more steals. And sure enough, the piano bench was affordable and the perfect size. I am not sure what the purpose of the hardware (maybe handle?) was. I would guess for design. I like it. I also love the curvature on the underside and detailing in the legs.

First, I sanded down the bench until most of the finish was stripped and is felt rough to the touch. There were quite a bit of scuffs on the top of the bench. I did not put much effort into smoothing these out because I planned on making the bench have a weathered look in the end, so scuffs were welcome to stay.

Using blue painters tape, I did a professional job of covering the hardware. Ha. Before priming, I made sure to wipe off any dust and dirt remanants from sanding. I used BEHR enamel and udercoater primer & sealer to apply one thin coat over the entire piece (Again, not worrying about full coverage since I was going to sand some of it away in the end).

With the free quart of "country garden" paint I got at ACE hardware,  I set out to give this wood a new bright and airy look. I went with this light shade of seafoam because I like the color combo with tans and browns, which would show through once weathered and also with the hutch, wooden floor, and coat rack in the entryway. 

I went in with a thin flat brush to do the paint detailing around the hardware. After the paint was dry, I sanded the edges, legs, and a few places along the body of the bench, to give it that weathered look.  A seat cushion may be added later once my sewing machine is up and running and I have the space to make it. We already had a place to hang our coats and hats.  Now we have a place to sit, lace up those shoes, and slip off those boots. Convenient even for placing our bags and misc. things that go in and out of the house on a regular basis. I am so happy with the end result and the fact that I have had some part in making both pieces in our little entryway.

We're not in Kansas anymore.

Gingham blue. Think Dorothy, Todo, and red slippers. Living in Colorado has made me consider adding a basket to my Townie and being at the ready for green skies that may spin and land me and on a yellow brick road. In the spirit of gingham, and with the trend of this summer, I was lucky to find this high waisted skirt at a thrift store. It cost me $2 and Matt's approval (we were on a thrifting date night). Paired with this "which way" shirt I got on sale a while back, it definitely embodies the feel of Oz. And instead of ruby red slippers, I went with nautical yellow wedges by Tom's shoes.  

Mini art collection additions.

Today it is going to be a scorcher. One hundred degrees! My cousin and I are planning on going over to the Cherry Creek Beach to lay out and wade in the water and possibly run through the sprinklers if we still need some cooling off. This California girl is used to having a pool or the ocean close by, but lucky for me there are still ways to sport my swimsuit and escape the heat in this mile high city.

vogue

Before I get my day started, I wanted to show you what the other $1.50 got me at Goodwill the other day in addition to the dainty gold trimmed cup. Once the second bedroom is clear of garage items, I will start my long anticipated list of projects and design for that room. One of which is a gallery of fun thrift & antique store prints, paintings, and sketches. These two little framed works of art will be a part of that collection. The navy frame with the flower print is from the 1950s and the windmill sketch may be more recent, but it has that old feel, which I love. 

One more thing. This blog has been viewed over 2,000 times and it has not even been a month  (21 days, but who is counting?) since I started Pearls Poppies Pinkies Up! Thank you for reading and following along. I so appreciate all of the blog loving and your support as readers. Here's to another month of old meets new, bargain hunting, projects, and ways to bring affordable lovely into your home. I feel like I am just getting started.

Dainty gold trimmed cup.

Ever since I was given my grandma's china, I cannot get pretty dishes out of my mind. I may have spent a good portion of "me time" looking at ways to display china on various vintage blogs and design images. And I may have gotten lost in types of china, color combinations, and hand painted detailing. And I definitely may have felt rather girly and ready to meet up for tea and crumpets. Growing up I would often imagine that I was Alice (in Wonderland), so maybe that is why I have a hidden love for tea party accessories. Regardless, no one can deny the femininity of a delicate hand painted rose on gold trimmed bone china. And no one can deny a good deal. I bought this tonight for $0.49. Yes, thats right, forty nine cents. Isn't it lovely?

Made in England

Cheerio!

(And for those of you that look forward to my posts, next up is a DIY guest entry!)