FINDING THRIFT SOURCES

Not everyone knows how to start or where to look for ideas and inspirations for thrifting. Some of my experiences have been just instinct and experiencing spontaneity... but some tips I've learned here on line, through blogs and tweets, or through books and magazines. Three sites I've recently discovered in my new online exploring about thrifting have been Flea Market Style, Eddie Ross, and The Elegant Thrifter.

FIND OF THE DECADE: $2.50 Wiggle Chair 

found in a flea market in Buenos Aires, featured in

this months ELLE DECOR.

Flea Market Style offers an array of best practices to use when thrifting: for example, bring cash and dress down for bargaining power. I've learned they are a magazine, but share their tips, best practices, projects, and experiences through their blog on line.

 The Flea Market Style team

Flea Market Style the book

Flea Market Style book photo and find

And than there is Eddie Ross. I never heard of the guy, until this past October watching a Halloween special on HGTV. He had decorated one of three themed houses for a Halloween block party. His style caught my eye, but when I googled him online, I was drawn to his style even more. Being a former visual director & stylist myself for a major department store, I couldn't have been more thrilled to watch his window display come to life in the recent Bloomingdale's Big Window Challenge. (also featured in April's ELLE DECOR)

Window by Eddie Ross for Bloomingdale's

One of his Thrifting Tips comes from his experiences with tablescaping: "Assemble your own sets. A lot of times at the flea market, you’ll find smaller sets of forks, spoons and knives. Mix them together for an eclectic look that’s all you". He's also found some wonderful pieces at local flea markets, and shared his DIY's with readers... as well as attends flea markets throughout the country, teaching people tips about thrifting. Hopefully, he'll make it down to South Florida some day. I'd love to meet him.

Eddie Ross

Eddie Ross style

Eddie's secretary AFTER

Eddie's secretary BEFORE

Eddie teaching a crowd of future thrifters of America! 

But probably the most friendly and approachable thrifter I've "found" online has to be Stan Williams. As a matter of fact, I think I found him while tweeting. I've been engaged in several conversations with Stan. Recently, we even even watched and commented about the Oscar Red Carpet fashions together while tweeting. One of my admiration's I have for Stan thrifting style is on his blog: he also includes shots of inspirations from window displays he finds while strolling around New York City. I enjoy getting to vicariously live through his field trips to the Brooklyn Flea (near DUMBO) and also admire he put his talent and experiences into a book: THE FIND.

Stan Williams

Stan's found opportunities

Stan's found objects

found objects transformed into window displays

Stan's book, The FIND.

So be inspired from magazines...

be inspired on line...

then set out to your local thrift,

and seek YOUR find.

Stans approachability enabled me to discover some treasure spots right here in my local area. This chair above, although not purchased by me, was found at Faith Farm Thrift. Although I've heard of it, I only ventured off to it upon a recommendation from Stan. Becuase of regualr trips up there now, I found this great piece for only $4.

What's your latest find?

What are some sources you use for thrifting tips?

Happy Thrifting!