Vintage takes patience

Vintage takes patience

Once upon a hot spring day in Virginia I managed to drag my unassuming partner to a familiar antique store.  Much to my excitement, his dismay, a festival was flooding the fields.  Multiple vendors, intense parking situations, dogs barking, small children with dirty hands, hot sun beating down…oh the excitement.  It was this situation that caused me to walk right by the perfect crystal lamps for our bedroom. One,  knowing that negotiating the $75 price would not be an option that day, and, two, my fiancé was getting that look in his eyes (wide, kinda panicked, burning with, “get me outta here!!!!”).

Once upon another time…. I walked past what looked to be the most amazing thrift store within ten miles of my home.  Windows lined with unique DIY art projects, floral dresses and under $25 price tags.  I race to the door- it’s locked! Sadly, the damn store is open six hours a week! I sulked by the shop to my beauty parlor reciting the store hours promising to make it back.

Present day: On a day where beauty was the priority and hunting vintage was on the back burner I arrived early for my glamor appointment.  As I walk into the salon I spot my style guru walking through the shop with a strange owl painting adorned with a hand-written price tag.  The store, it’s open for another hour that day!!!!  “Go!” she tells me, and go I do.  Nearly skipping down the sidewalk I reach the store, open the front door and am greeted by multiple vendors, dogs barking, small children with dirty hands…but I’m here! Within ten minutes I have found:

1.       1.  wooden 10x14 picture frame fitting with my farm-house-vintage-industrial-theme-of-the-

moment, $6.50

2.       2. A milk glass vase, $1.00

3.       3. TWO CRYSTAL LAMPS, perfectly mismatched, at $2.50 and $3.00

Angels shined down on me this week and a valuable lesson in vintage was learned.  It takes patience.  The hunt is one of the best parts and it makes it that much sweeter when the universe aligns and you find what you want, at the price you wanted it. Anyone can buy the first thing they like, hang it up and smile.  Great for some, but doesn't have the best story or reward for many.  

Next up, learning to repair the lamps and find the right shades….Oh, and find a picture for that frame.