January 13, 2011

The Year In Thrift: Part One

As I mentioned at the end of my last post, 2010 proved to be a stellar year for thrifting in New Jersey. Here, in part one of two, is a look at ten of the things that made my thrifty hearty flutter this past year:

1. Statue of Liberty vase/cup/thingie. Cost 50 cents

Provenance: Ocean Grove yard sale

This past year, I made a promise to myself I'd limit tchotchke purchases and only buy things that served a purpose.


So I put my toothpaste in Lady Libby and gave her a purpose. Plus, she’s right at home with her family in the second floor bathroom.



2. Vintage aluminum sign. Cost: Free

Provenance: Next door neighbor’s trash

The sign said, “Take Home Kern’s Bread”…so I did. Right from my shorehouse neighbor’s trash.



3. Vintage linens. Cost: $10 (total)

Provenance: Ocean Grove Flea Market (by way of vendor’s Nana’s cupboard)


The tablecloths were $5 each which, even though that’s big bucks for me, I knew was a bargain. One still had tags on it!


Judging by the wild-eyed look on the face of the shabby chicified woman next to me when I asked “how much are these?” I have a feeling she knew I got a deal, too. The vendor threw in the towel (literally) for free. And they all laundered like a dream.

4. Funky necklace. Cost: 50 cents

Provenance: Allaire State Park Flea Market


A couple of snip-snips later and I shed the Travolta chain and added my own white gold one. Eventually I’ll also change out the gigantic loopy thing the chain goes through, but I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve gotten on this thing. “Is that coral?” “Is that sculpted?” I’m fairly sure it’s plastique, circa 1970.


5. A whole slew of
Shiny Brites and old timey ornaments. Cost: Free?

Provenance: St. Paul’s Rummage Sale, Ocean Grove


It was “stuff-everything-in-a-bag-for-$3” day at the rummage sale. They had a whole slew of glass vases, and since my friend runs a home-based florist biz I asked if he wanted them for his shows and such. While I was carefully filling the shopping bag, something shiny (and “brite,” if you will) caught my eye from a box under the table. I stuffed every single loose ornament in the vases, and the ones in cardboard sleeves slipped right in vases as-is. Since they fit in the bag that I already was buying for
Bloom Boxx technically they were free right? Right.

To be continued…with ironstone, Roussell chairs, Mrs. Johnson and more!

9 comments:

Keetha Broyles said...

Love the crackling in Lady L's glazing.

And that necklace! "Mum's" the word. ;-)

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

WOW You really have a good eye and the best luck thrifting, Laura!I love everything! The Statue of Liberty head was such a perfect find for you!
One of my sister-in-law's maiden name was Kern, so if you ever want to toss that vintage sign I'll take it off your hands :)

Joyce said...

You sure are the thrifty shopper! I love your treasures. xo

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Wow, Laura! That is quite a haul: cute Statue of Liberty, neat sign, cool linens, really fun necklace, and wonderful ornaments. I'm going thrifting with YOU!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Unknown said...

So glad I can't sleep and saw this post! You and I would have fun th rifting together...if we didn't fight over the stuff!

I agree with Pat, you have a great eye!

Love all of it...the linens are great, and I've really gotten into the vintage jewelry! So much fun!

Glad you are blogging again!

Purple Flowers said...

I am lovin' this post! Those Shiny brites are a memory keeper of my childhood. and that necklace is a treasure. I know for a fact you are a great shopper! ;)

Anonymous said...

Laura,

First off, I didn't know you know Sue!
I love the patriotic family print you mention in that post. Your Lady Liberty is beautiful and functional!
All of your finds are treasures. I especially like the vintage linens!

Your Friend,
Deborah

Local Girl said...

As always some fabulous finds there, I love the necklace :)

modernemama said...

They're all gorgeous but #4 is so fab - and I'd have done the same with Lady L!