Tip #1: Fuel up on coffee (or hot chocolate, whatever floats your boat)
Recently I spent an entire weekend doing one of my favorite things: treasure hunting in antique stores and rummage sales. It can be pretty overwhelming sifting through one man’s junk to find another woman’s treasure, but I find the whole process exhilarating, especially when I come across something really rad. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but after my recent trip to the Antique Trove in Roseville, I’ve found there are some things you can do to ensure a smooth antiquing adventure. (And check out some of the awesome store displays below!)
.pretty anthropologie-esque table display
Tip #2: Ask a patient friend to join you, preferably someone who’s also into vintage finds (it’s much more fun than going with someone who could care less about the silver pitcher you just spotted that would be perfect for your coffee table)
.mossy mushrooms in a wire basket
Tip #3: Expand your search to places you might not usually think to look. For example, while Alan and I were in Roseville for a friend’s baby shower, I decided to check out the antiques scene while we were there and was glad I did–seriously, the Antique Trove, awesome!– even though going thrifting in Roseville had never once crossed my mind.
.cool garage/cabin display
Tip #4: Do your research. When my friend Stacy asked me to go with her to a rummage sale, I did a quick search online to learn more about what items were for sale, where to park, and what the acceptable forms of payment were. The sale was an absolute mad house, but knowing what I was definitely not interested in seeing from the beginning helped narrow down my search of what I did want to check out.
.some of the pretty jewelry I had to keep myself away from. Although I don’t think it’s real vintage, this “Bee On Time” necklace is too cute!
Tip #5: Have a general idea of the things you’re looking to score. Sometimes it’s fun to just walk around and look casually, but if you know what you’re looking for, write it down. I don’t know about you, but once I’m surrounded by cool vintage wares, I lose all memory of anything and everything I’d been hoping to find. (Note to self for next time: bookends!)
Happy hunting!
Great post girlie!! I love antiquing and I totally agree that a hot drink in hand is a must. It makes me want to set out on a treasure hunt right now. Happy Weekending! OXO Nat
This post makes my heart pitter patter! I did some antique hunting while on vacation in NYC this weekend. I just love rummaging through cool stuff in different cities. Each area has different types of stuff. I love that New York had tons of industrial items. Needless to say, I had to by a box to check my finds on the plane home. 🙂
Sweet! I hope to see some of your finds on your blog soon 🙂
Oooh – this is really helpful, thanks!
windeater.blogspot.com
This is such a great guide to antiquing, but like you, it's so easy to get distracted in the simple beauty of the pieces and feed into the temptation of "I'd love this and that and that!" This antique stores looks amazing!
good post
Thank you for sharing the info. I found the details very helpful.
nolvadex