Thrifting

What many people don't understand is that thrift store shopping really requires some kind of "eye" or talent. You can't just walk into a thrift store with the expectation of finding something amazing. Otherwise, you'll pick up something and convince yourself that it's great because it's one of a kind or it's "vintage," aka just plain old. I'm not saying that I'm a pro or anything; I just think that it's important for everyone to be aware, that's all. Trust me, I've had my fair share of shitty thrift store finds (and pictures to prove it!). Anyway, in efforts to prepare for my dinner party next month, and to just spruce up our apartment in general, I took a little trip to my local thrift shop located on the historic Fairfax Avenue in Little Ethiopia, which just so happens to be owned by the the National Council of Jewish Women (just in case you were wondering). Here are my favorite finds of the day:

I love this cascading plant stand. We've been wanting a little more plant life in our apartment, so I think it'd be the perfect addition to our living room. I just can't get myself to put down $100 for it! I'm hoping the price will go down soon. Or I'll just have to grow some and try to negotiate with them.

 

As much as I would love to take this antique sewing machine home, I don't think it'd "fit in" in our place. It's still something pretty nifty to look at. Who knows, I may want it for my future home. But I don't know how to sew, so I'd feel like somewhat of an imposter if I took it home.

Everything about this globe was perfect, except for the fact that some of the countries have been rubbed off (I'm guessing it was due to water damage). I realize that it is pretty old, but I at least want it to be functional when I'm giving my guests geography lessons.

I've seen a good amount of mirrors like this on previous thrifting trips, but I can't get myself to buy one. It really is beautiful, but not really functional for my every day routine. Hm, maybe I'll find a place for it..

This is another item in which I am waiting for the price to go down. I especially love the detail of this lamp. It would compliment our Klimt canvas so well! Again, I just can't put down the $100 for it right now.

As I'm typing this, I'm kind of regretting not taking this canvas home with me. But as I keep looking at this woman's face more and more, I can't help but see Angelina Jolie laughing back at me. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing yet.   

I love the colors and the antiqueness of these napkin rings. But buying them means that I have to buy some great napkins to go with them. Ugh, what a dilemma. 

Needless to say, my indecisive days are definitely not over. I'm just the kind of girl who likes to have 24 hours (or more) to really think about what I'm putting my money into. Trust me, this is a blessing and a curse. But I'm off tomorrow, so I may just snatch one (or two) of these great finds up! And if they're gone.. Well, then I guess it just wasn't meant to be.

NCJWLA Thrift Shop

1052 S Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90019