The Elegant Thrifter: Vintage and Thrift Shopping, Decorating and Entertaining with Elegant Flair

Found Fridays: Step Right Up

2012-01-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Spotted on a metal step in SoHo: three wooden platters and three glass candleholders.

Where do you think the party went?

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Reuse & Repurpose: Bright Ideas

2012-01-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

What to do with empty wine bottles and a whisky-less Jack container? Why not mix them with an array of dishes and turn them into hanging lighting pendants, as seen here in the window of the East Village's Brow NY.

I'll drink (or have a bowl of cereal) to that!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous

The Elegant Thrifter

Frugal Fun: Valentine's Day Inspiration

2012-01-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

Photograph by Stan Williams

As Valentine's Day approaches, I'm looking for inspiration in these vintage cards found at a yard sale on the Jersey Shore. Don't you love the the sweet motifs and cheerful messages that these Valentine's convey? In a future post, I'll show you what I dream up.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Find: Key Elements

2012-01-24T11:00:00.000-05:00

Photograph for The Find by Jim Franco

Here's a post from the past that shares one of my favorite vintage finds -- keys!

One of my favorite photos from The Find: The Housing Works book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details is of a tin tray holding a collection of rusty skeleton keys discovered at the Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire. Today, the platter of keys I'm sharing are ones I found a while back at Britanski Trg's flea market in Zagreb, Croatia, demonstrating that wherever you go in the vintage and thrift world, you'll always find the familiar at the most unexpected moment.

Even if you've only attended a couple of flea markets, you've seen the plentiful population of old skeleton keys lying here and there, instantly opening all kinds of thoughts about what they could symbolize, how they might be reused and what they've seen in their lives. Is that mismatched jumble of keys made up of ones that strayed from their owners? Could they be duplicates that got stashed in an attic or cellar? Or were they rendered useless by new locks or entire door replacements?

Photograph by Stan Williams

I also start to think about all those familiar sayings that make use of the word "key: "

"The key to success;" "The key to the future;" or "The key to my heart." And then I imagine uses for a patina-enriched skeleton key: a hanging door knob ornament; a piece of jewelry; a mounted collection framed as wall décor; or even a whimsical potted plant accessory.

I find old keys alluring for the mystery they evoke. What might they have witnessed while lodged in an old door lock? Whose hands have turned them? And where have they been hiding out over the past several years?

As for my house keys, they seem to have a life of their own, appearing in the most unlikely places other than where I believe I left them.

What do old keys make you think of?

The Elegant Thrifter

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous!

The Object of My Desire: Freshly Picked

2012-01-23T15:01:00.000-05:00

I love it when my favorite garage sale pal from LA, Ruth Handel, comes to town, giving me an excuse to wander around like a tourist and take in the city from a whole new perspective. As thrift karma would have it (and I have been very good this year!), I discovered a listing for an estate sale on lower Fifth Avenue, and of course we trudged our way through the snow just a few blocks away to see what we might find.

What we saw blew both our minds. The gracious, three-bedroom apartment was packed with the belongings of a well known decorative artist, and Ruth and I sifted for three glee-filled hours through what appeared to be a lifetime of craft-making.

This is just a sampling of Ruth's finds, all waiting contently in my apartment until shipment to her home in Los Angeles. Along with the vintage macrame materials, a children's drawing book from the 1940s and an antique Singer sewing box, you can see the artist's decoupage boxes sitting inside a carton once used to carry a peck of tomatoes.

It's raining in New York today, making the idea of a trip to the post office quite unappealing. So until the weather clears -- and I find the appropriate box -- I'll enjoy Ruth's treasures for a few days longer and remember her much-too-brief visit to New York City.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Reuse and Repurpose: Cool and Cozy!

2012-01-19T09:47:00.001-05:00

Almost every time I peruse a flea market or stop in on a garage sale, it seems like there is always a colorful, crocheted afghan. I'm always drawn to them, since they remind me of all the crocheted blankets and throws that were made by my own family members in the past, not to mention the time, energy and love that went into their creation.

But let's face it, there are only so many of these handmade lovelies you can pile on the back of a sofa or place at the foot of a bed. What if you could repurpose them into something new and fresh, other than a way to keep your feet warm while lounging at home?

That's why I was drawn to this unique display spotted in the window of an Urban Outfitters store in Kansas City. Made of discarded crocheted afghans, this cozy-yet-cool wall décor creation puts a modern twist on a time-honored tradition.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Gift of Thrift: Name Recognition

2012-01-13T11:02:00.002-05:00

When shopping for the Gift of Thrift, the opportunities of offering a personalized present are endless. Take, for instance, these Stanhome pressed aluminum coasters from the 1950s that my sister snapped up at an estate sale and gave me for Christmas. Can you imagine a better home for them than mine?

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Reuse and Repupose: Lend Me an Ear

2012-01-12T09:03:00.003-05:00

Yesterday when I shared with you this image of a horn from a Victorian Victrola spied at a flea market in Zagreb, Croatia, I promised to show you how a creative twist could turn it into an illuminating eye-catcher.

Photographs by Stan Williams

How about turning it into a creative lighting fixture and cluster them in threes just like the clever Croatian florist and stylist Saša Šekoranja did in his hip and trendy coffee shop, Velvet Caffe.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Frugal Fun: A Flea Market Adventure

2012-01-11T12:07:00.000-05:00

Many people think that when I go to flea markets, I go crazy and buy everything in sight. But for me, especially when perusing a venue with high prices, I'm happy to walk away with photos that remind me of my adventure. Such was the case when I visited for the second time the market on Britanski Trg (British Square) in the capital city of Croatia -- Zagreb.

We were first attracted to this table filled with industrial looking fixtures, a globe and a German clock. The vendor wanted $80 for the time keeper, which was interesting but was battery-operated and not that old, so I knew finding items at this market within my thrifty budget would be a challenge.

When I marveled over this Eastern European chair, I dared not ask the price but imagined how wonderful it would look in the corner of my living room -- recovered and refinished, of course!

And I couldn't help but chuckle over this rubber (yes, rubber!) chicken guarding the treasures in this display.

I almost inquired further about this crystal-filled, brass fixture, which was just under $100, but quickly decided that a picture would do.

And I had to really restrain myself from diving into a pile of lace that several ladies were rummaging through.

Some vendors attempted creative vignettes, such as this vintage, Marie Antoinette tin matched with other lady-like accessories.

And then, of course, there were unusual pieces I don't run into every day, such as this old Victrola horn. Tomorrow I'll show you how someone took a similar object and turned it into a spectacular focal piece.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Reuse & Repurpose: Hanging High

2012-01-05T04:47:00.000-05:00

Here's a coat hanger creation that I bet even Joan Crawford would love. Displayed in a shop window on a side street off of Zagreb's Capital Square, this stellar installation shows how even wire hangers can become the star of the show.Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,The Elegant Thrifter- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Horvačanska cesta,Zagreb,Croatia

Frugal Fun: Ships Ahoy!

2012-01-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

On a cold January day a couple of years ago while stuck indoors, I decided to amuse myself by creating a tabletop that reminded me of the warm days of summer. Here's a post from the past that cheered me up on that chilly winter afternoon.

There's nothing that makes me long for those sunny, summer days more than the frigid, short spans of daylight that take over the winter months here in New York.

So intense was my desire to bring those lazy-daisy, warm-weather moments spent aboard The Luxor to the present that I started gathering up items that reminded me of her and the way she gracefully creaks and moans as gentle waves rock her to and fro.

I remembered that in my kitchen cupboards sat a group of six vintage sailboat glasses, purchased for $5 at a thrift shop way out on Long Island. Next, I raided my linen drawer in search of a nautical themed tablecloth that I picked up for $1 at a garage sale in LA. I'm especially attracted to this bright and cheery cloth because it's specifically made for a deck table, measuring only about four by four feet.

And then I reached for an adorable metal cocktail stirs whose shiny finish accents the shiny trim of my drinking glasses. Those golden vintage treasures were a gift from the delightful Andrea Prestridge in Austin, Texas.

I gathered up all my nautical treasures and set them up in my apartment as if I were going to serve a tray (a vintage Couroc of Monterey with inlaid coins, which was a gift from interior designer Randall Beale) of iced tea to guests visiting our old 1966 Chris Craft bobbing in marina on Fire Island. And as the sun streamed through my Western windows illuminating my summertime table, for a moment, I felt I was there, too.

Pull up a captain's chair and join me for a while, won't you?

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous!

The Elegant Thrifter

The Find: Dishing With Sharleen

2012-01-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

Having just spent the holidays with family in Independence, Missouri, here's a post from the past that features a friend from my hometown.

While researching The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Treasures, and Flea Market Objects, it should have come as no surprise that I would find inspiration in my hometown of Independence, Missouri. My sister told me about a shop on the historic Independence Square that she insisted I had to see. And there, sitting across the street from the cinema I remember from my childhood, was the delightful Luticia Clementine's. As soon as I walked through the front door that jangled with the sounds of a chime handmade out of silverware and a china plate, I was hooked.

I marveled at the creativity of proprietor Sharleen Reeder and the way she took garage sale and thrift store discoveries and re-fashioned them into true treasures.

And so impressed was I with her skill and wit that I included her work in the pages of The Find, even though this amazing photograph of Sharleen by Bob Greenspan did not.

Here are some photos of items I took on my first visit to Sharleen's amazing shop. And every time I gaze at them I'm reminded of Sharleen's magic touch that breathes new life in the discarded.

A sugar bowl that had flipped its lid was sweetly transformed into a whimsical pin cushion;

Broken pieces of blue-and-white pottery were fashioned into a lofty birdhouse;

A jumble of mix-and-match flatware is set with an odd china plate for a door chime;

And a pair of silver spoons serves up new service as witty window accessories.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous!

The Elegant Thrifter

The Object of My Desire: Past Perfect

2012-01-02T10:00:00.000-05:00

As you know, I love anything that reminds me of Paris, and that's why I particularly like this post from the past.

It's impossible for me to pass an Eiffel Tower in a New York shop window without snapping its picture to remind me of my favorite city on earth. This tower, which appears to be made of metal, wire and light bulbs, stands proudly in the Alan Moss Studios, projecting stately Parisian grandeur from its glorious perch.

Combined with the malachite-green wall and the gold framed mirrors, I was immediately reminded of the legendary interior, movie-set and jewelry designer Tony Duquette, a man who I think would have happily raided an 99-Cent Store for window props or trolled the beach for washed up detritus and turned them into glowing decorative accessories.

In the most recent Tony Duquette book, "More is More," by Hutton Wilkinson, it tells how the designer once made mandalas out of "strips and thongs from rubber sandals, horseshoes, seashells, nut shells, bits of a white plastic wastepaper basket, strands from a dismantled gold plastic purse and metal juice squeezers."

Now I'm most certain that this is not a Dollar Store creation, being that it is twinkling in the vitrine of one of New York City's most pricy antiques stores. Even so, this glamorous Eiffel Tower shows how a shimmery finish of gold and a sparkly addition of carefully places lighting can turn the simplest looking materials into a world-class attraction.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous!

The Elegant Thrifter

The Gift of Thrift: Piece by Piece

2011-12-30T12:05:00.000-05:00

When it comes to offering The Gift of Thrift, I like to collect items throughout the year and offer a present that is curated especially for its recipient. For my brother-in-law who is a country music fan and a cowboy aficionado I paired this church rummage sale book with a stoop sale harmonica.

At a flea market in New Jersey, I found this 1970s pin perfect for my mom, who is also a grandmother, and pinned it to the thrift store cording that is tied around this gift.

Photographs by Stan Williams

For my sister, I wrapped up a pair of 1960s wooden salt and pepper shakers I picked up at a Long Island thrift shop and offered it along with a recipe box of the same era. To complete the collection, I added a set of Current recipe cards from the 1970s that I found at a flea market.

Happy 2012 to all!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Reuse & Repurpose: Paper Pleasure

2011-12-29T12:01:00.000-05:00

What to do with a roll of vintage shelf paper I bought at a garage sale for a nickle?

Photographs by Stan Williams

Why turn it into colorful gift wrap, of course!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Frugal Fun: A $3 Box

2011-12-28T17:43:00.000-05:00

Photograph by Stan Williams

How could I pass up this $3 box of goodies at an estate sale in Kansas City? It's jam packed with goodies from the 1960s and '70s -- colorful ribbons, a dozen promotional pencils, mini stickers and a white poinsettia. Now I call that a box of fun!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Find: A Post with a Past

2011-12-27T17:36:00.004-05:00

Remember when I showed you photographs of Michael Quinn's Christ-mystical gathering last week? Well here is another of his fabulous fiestas that he put on a couple of years ago. You may also recall Michael's talent from The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects and Vintage Details, who along with Heather Kerr and their crafty pals, stood out as shining examples of how to create a successful party on a budget.

Here's the exterior of the invitation, all folded up like a plastic wallet. Note the working button and the zig-zag stitching around the edges.

And then the glorious interior -- handcrafted with multiple layers and textures -- touting a Christmas-Mexican get together and requesting a white elephant gift that started with an "M" and ended in an "O." Veli and I took a mango and a container of Milano cookies!

Here are some amazing scenes from the evening's Christmas festivities, which could easily translate into any party-worthy occasion.

Isn't she pretty as a poinsettia? Heather's all holidayed out, serving shots of tequila from her decorated tray. Note the tip jar!

The decor took traditional reds and greens and mixed in a Mexican twist.

Guests were invited to pick their favorite musical instruments, including papier-mâché maracas and homemade tambourines, all poised in this brightly colored dollhouse...

so they could accompany Michael and Heather playing carols on a vintage organ.

Festive food was plentiful! I was especially attracted to spicy chili bubbling in a bricked-over Crock Pot and the mass of red candles clustered in vintage candelabra.

Don't you remember making festive paper chains like these when you were a kid? These got a South-of-the-Border embellishment of metallic paper cutouts with a flower ball featuring Freida Kahlo's portrait.

And this cheerful holiday piñata star hanging from the ceiling packs a blast of holiday heat!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous!

The Elegant Thrifter

The Gift of Thrift: It's a Wrap!

2011-12-23T12:00:00.000-05:00

Photo by Stan Williams

For me, the most fun I have giving a gift is trying to find memorial ways to package my offerings. That's why throughout the year, no matter where I may have traveled, I always keep my eyes open for ribbons and trims with which I can personalize my presents. Here is a bunch of ribbons I bought at a garage sale in Independence, Missouri. I think I paid less than $5 for all of them.

Photo by Stan Williams

I am also always on the lookout for gorgeous, decorative tins to contain my gifted sweets. I think I paid $1 for this at Goodwill.

Photo by Stan Williams

Sometimes you come upon a container that's so special that it almost becomes the gift itself. Take this antique, wooden log cabin found in a vintage shop, for example. All I did was place the gift inside, wrap it up with one of my thrifted bows, and it became a standout under the Christmas tree.

Photo by Stan Williams

During the holidays, I'm always invited to all kinds of parties. As you may know, I love to offer a friendly pineapple upside-down plate on arrival, so I always seek out an original platter that fits the recipients personality and offer it along with the baked treat. That way they can keep the serving dish and I never have to worry about retrieving it!

Photo by Stan Williams

And then there's the sparkly, vintage handbag -- perfect for tarting up, dropping in a gift certificate along with other goodies and closing it with a colorful ladies scarf.

Hope your holidays are filled with many memorable moments shared with family and friends!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Reuse & Repurpose: With Bells On

2011-12-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

Last summer while hitting the garage sales in my hometown of Independence, Missouri, I found two boxes of unused 1970s Christmas Cards for one dollar!

I refreshed these old cards with ribbons, glitter and bells (which, by the way, I hear have cost some recipients some coin to retrieve....sorry!) and sent them on their merry way to all of my nearest and dearest.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Frugal Fun: Holiday Magic

2011-12-21T15:54:00.001-05:00

Every year I eagerly await a Christmas party invitation from Michael Quinn, my beyond-creative buddy who lives in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. This year's notice was not to be outdone, announcing a magical, Christ-mystical theme for the annual gathering. As you can see by his get-up for his gathering, Michael celebrated all holiday traditions of multiple religions and earthly pleasures.

The table was moodily set with veiled cherubs, nativity scene figurines and paper butterflies that Michael rescued from a Tiffany & Co. window display.

A Victorian candelabra filled with glowing white candles found its place among vintage ornaments that graced the scenario.

Streamers, beads and lengths of white lace draped from the ceiling, accenting the tablescape below.

The living room ceiling was strewn with even more lace, holding colorful holiday orbs in front of a lit, papier-mâché globe.

As always, it was yet another Michael Quinn production worth tooting a horn about!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Find: Down for the Count

2011-12-20T17:39:00.001-05:00

When creating a theme for a tabletop, often the decor will hint as to the direction one may take. Such was the case when we photographed the home of Coastal Living's Heather Chadduck for the pages of The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating with Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details. Chadduck, who had already embellished her flea market chairs with stitched numerals, completed her counting scenario by placing florals in a thrifted metal bucket stenciled with the number six.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

The Find: Just for You

2011-12-13T14:08:00.000-05:00

If you have a copy of The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details, drop me a note at theelegantthrifter@gmail.com, and I'll send you a personalized bookplate. Give it as a gift, or treat yourself, from retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Happy Thrifty Holidays!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Gift of Thrift: From Christmas to Birthday

2011-12-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

The best Gifts of Thrift are ones that speak to the passions of the recipient. Such was the case when I received a book from a friend who noticed how much I admired the same book in his home library. He found this copy of The Splendor of France on eBay, and it appears to have been a heartfelt Christmas gift to a certain Bill 20 years ago. One man's Christmas gift becomes another's birthday present!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Frugal Fun: Tin Terrific!

2011-11-30T16:29:00.001-05:00

Here's a pretty tin I found last Saturday on my trip to Film Biz Recycling in Brooklyn. It'll make the perfect container for a gift of Christmas cookies -- if I don't keep it for myself!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Object of My Desire: Hot Stuff

2011-11-28T15:10:00.001-05:00

Photograph by Stan Williams

It's the devil with a red suit on, and he's riding a sled!

This sporty red imp atop a wooden bucket caught my eye at the Allaire New Jersey flea market this fall. This brazen little guy will magically keep your cold goods icy and of course your hot stuff, hot! Handmade in the 1950s, this useful, insulated canister once belonged to a man who loved to entertain to a house full of friends, his niece told me. Based on the theme of this treasure I picked up for my own party throwing, I can only imagine that her uncle's gatherings were sizzling good times.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Reuse & Repurpose: A Sweet Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T11:04:00.001-05:00

Photograph by Stan Williams

The best thing about Thanksgiving is being able to use all my thrifted serving dishes. Yesterday, I shared the 75-cent turkey platter I found at a church rummage sale that is now holding a country ham. For my pumpkin caramel cheesecake, I picked another $1 platter, this one from a garage sale in New Jersey.

This pretty yellow Pyrex dish is making its Thanksgiving debut -- at least with my cooking in it -- holding an old-fashioned cornbread dressing. It, too, was found at a New Jersey garage sale for about $5, but I think it looks like a million (vintage) bucks!

Photograph by Stan Williams

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with all your family and friends.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Frugal Fun: Gobble Gobble

2011-11-22T20:45:00.001-05:00

I'm trying to decide if I should use my 75-cent, rummage-sale turkey platter to serve my caramel praline cheesecake or my country ham.

Photograph by Stan Williams

What do you think?

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Find: Winter Warmth

2011-11-22T12:01:00.001-05:00

There's something irresistible about the simplicity of a beach cottage -- one practically under-decorated with finishes that have faded under the sun's constant caress and textures speckled and splotched by the salty air's kiss.

Photograph by Stan Williams

With winter weather fast approaching, I thought I'd share some heartwarming images that I photographed on the Fire Island community of Saltaire while doing research for The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details.

Photograph by Stan Williams

Mary-Ellen Weinrib, a home and food stylist who has spent her summers on Saltaire for more than 20 year, took me on a tour of her home and I snapped away inspiration -- a framed poppy canvas casually leaned on the mantle of a weathered fireplace, an intimate view through a painted screen door into a crisp-white guest room, or even just a sunny window seat lapping up the season's final rays.

Photograph by Stan Williams

May your coming holidays be warm and sunny, even if it is cold and snowy outdoors!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous!

The Elegant Thrifter

Reuse & Repurpose: You Spin Me Round

2011-11-17T17:50:00.001-05:00

Photograph by Stan Williams

Mirror, mirror on the wall, what to do with all the 45s in the hall?

If you're artist Jeff Davis, you take those round vinyl discs and turn them into a mirror frame like this one on display at Mongo on Smith Street in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrfiter

Reuse & Repurpose: Cups of Design

2011-11-10T12:00:00.000-05:00

Photograph by Stan Williams

If you thought you saw fancifully embellished coffee cups floating in the prow of the Flatiron Building in New York City, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you. Until December 31, you can catch artist Gwyneth Leech drawing on used, paper coffee cups (no Styrofoam, please!) inside the glass enclosure dedicated to her work, Hypergraphia. Go visit Gwyneth, and have a cup or two, or three, or four....

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Frugal Fun: Paper Kisses

2011-11-09T12:30:00.006-05:00

When I was asked by Swarovski to recreate the decorative elements of a 1962 prom for its Spring/Summer 2012 editor meetings, I immediately enlisted the endlessly talents of Michael Quinn to help me execute this vintage affair.

It took hours of planning, thrift shopping and crafting -- all the things I adore doing, especially with Michael, who always has a few surprises up his sleeve. At one of our impromptu crafting sessions just days before our looming installation, I worked on the floor of Michael's Brooklyn kitchen covering books with colorful paper to serve as vintage yearbooks as Michael nonchalantly folded paper and applied hot glue at his dining table, which is a repurposed green door. I wasn't really paying attention to what he was creating until I realized they were paper corsages and boutonnieres for our imagined party people.

Here are the dazzling results -- paper flowers on vintage dresses. Don't you love the pink paper lips that complement the handmade theme of our Swarovski Prom?

Pucker up! XOXO

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Project Prom

2011-11-04T19:22:00.001-04:00

Photograph by Stan Williams

Here's a peek into the Swarovski prom I curated for the brand's editor previews.

Happy Weekend!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Gift of Thrift: Kick Up Your Heels

2011-11-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

To me, when it comes to giving a special person a heartfelt gift, it really doesn't matter how much money you spend, but how much care goes into the offering. As hokey as it may sound, it really is the thought that counts, so that's why whenever I go to a flea market or garage sale, I'm always on the lookout for items destined for those who are dear to me.

This card, appropriate for a friend who loves to dance, is a"Slim Jims by Hallmark" card that someone back in the late 1960s or early 1970s purchased for a whole 15 cents! I found this cheery, colorful piece of stationery with dated lingo ("as gay as the Cha Cha") at an Independence, Missouri garage sale. It reminds me of a time not so long ago when most birthday wishes came in a post box rather than in an e-mail. While the number of letters and cards I receive has dwindled while my electronic in-box has burgeoned, I still get excited about checking my mailbox downstairs. And on the occasion that someone has actually mailed me a note, I'm always delighted!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Frugal Fun: Flying High

2011-11-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

Photograph by Stan Williams

If you happen to be a vendor at a flea market, one thing that will catch my eye is if you have taken the time to humorously display your wares. The moment I walked up to this table, its proprietress had plopped this tiny Christmas into this glass vessel, drawing my attention to the nearby Hazel Atlas flying pheasant piece of barware that reminded me of one my aunt and uncle had many years ago. I was also amused by the plastic fruit in the dish and the blue tassel, but it was the pitcher I was after. For the bargain price of $1, it flew right into the shopping bag of goodies I had already acquired that day.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Reuse & Repurpose: Time to Book!

2011-11-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

Photograph by Jim Franco

Here's another favorite image from The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details. The host of this "Sweet vs. Savory" party Michael Quinn looked took unused library check-out pockets and refashioned them into an appropriate invitation to "an autumnal match, a culinary victory."

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Find: Party Makers

2011-11-01T16:12:00.000-04:00

Photograph by Jim Franco

Since the amazingly creative Michael Quinn and I have been working together over the past few weeks to re-create a 1962 prom in the Swarovski Crystal showroom, I felt it appropriate to share an image from The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details, that shows off Michael's talent. This scenario comes from the vintage tailgate party that Michael and his friends dreamed up and executed with exquisite handmade charm exclusively for The Find.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Object of My Desire: France On My Mind

2011-10-31T07:00:00.000-04:00

My love of all things French began in elementary school when an eccentric sixth grade teacher started teaching French to her pupils. She had my full attention as she taught basic phrases and how to count. In my spare time and at recess, I listened to records in French that had conversations that to a 12-year-old sounded other worldly. One phrase I remember was "Je n'ai pas eu le plaisir," which means, "I haven't had the pleasure!"

My passion for this romance language intensified during high school where I was lucky to study under an outstanding and outgoing teacher, Madame Sunderland. Madame was the most French person I had ever met -- even though she was clearly American. Her standards were high, and her classes were lively definitely not a class to doze in! You never knew when Madame would direct her gaze toward you and ask you to to conjugate an obscure verb tense or complete the next phrase in a dialogue!

Even though I went to the University of Missouri to study journalism, I took a French course every semester, and then spent one of the my most transformative years at the University of Bordeaux. When I left for France, it was only the second time I had ever been on a plane and the first time I'd been outside the United States. I was 20, soon to turn 21, and the Air France flight felt like a glamorous vessel headed to a destiny of my dreams. I got choked up the moment I arrived at Charles de Gaulle, for there was something that made me feel like I was, in a way, at home. Walking the streets of Paris before boarding a bus to Bordeaux seemed to me far from foreign, even though my attempts to speak the language were met with, "Eh???"

I think of France every day, so you can imagine how touched I was when I received a package of French postcards in the mail from my dear friend, The Vintage Laundress, LeAnn Stephenson. And to that surprise Gift of Thrift, I say merci beaucoup!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Gift of Thrift: Frugal Friends

2011-10-28T12:11:00.001-04:00

As many of you may know, I'm in the midst of re-creating a 1960s prom scenario for Swarovski's editors presentations. So what's a pretty, frilly prom without pink cocktail napkins to go with the vintage punch bowl I found at a local thrift store? You'd think cocktail napkins would be a simple find, but no. All I uncovered were large dinner napkins in unsavory hues no matter where I looked.

Thank goodness for creative friends like LeAnn Stephenson, The Vintage Laundress, in Austin, Texas. Even though she was on her way to Kansas City with her daughter to check out the Kansas City Art Institute, she took time out of her day to pack up all the pink cocktails napkins in her possession and shipped them overnight to me.

That's proves much more than The Gift of Thrift --- It's The Gift of Friendship.

Happy Friday!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Object of My Desire: Keep It Clean!

2011-10-24T13:31:00.000-04:00

A unified theme in displaying a collection can mean the difference of having a vignette that looks planned and curated and one that belongs in a garbage bag. This arrangement of vintage household products that a friend snapped while in North Carolina is witty and colorful, while also playing up an obsession with cleanliness that can reach battle-like proportions.

I remember some of these goods, like Jubilee Kitchen Wax on the bottom shelf, from my grandmother's house. Its label suggests a celebratory act of waxing floors. I also remember the Niagara starch, with a cool promise of crisp linens, and Lava, a gritty hand soap that if you weren't careful would not only remove the paint from your hands, but also the skin.

On the bottom shelf, there's the Bee Brand of insecticide shampoo, a product I definitely do NOT remember. Kids have lice? Why, turn it into a pleasant bonding experience, thanks to this useful (and probably toxic) concoction. Finally, on the top shelf, there's another container with which I'm unfamiliar, but its packaging speaks to the mood of its times: Atomic -- an ominous foam cleaner whose name implies that it would wipe out about anything anything in sight.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous

The Elegant Thrifter

Reuse & Repurpose: Stationery Sensations

2011-10-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

I spotted these paper frocks in the windows of a Papyrus store in Grand Central Station. These lovelies are crafted out of an array of paper products sold in the store. With woven paper bodices and a skirts made of envelopes, I can't imagine these stationery sensations ever getting lost in the mail.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Frugal Fun: Stoop Sale Extravaganza

2011-10-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

An almost any sunny, fall weekend, you can be sure that Brooklyn will be dotted with stoop sales. In the Midwest, we have garage sales, and in the East Coast suburbs, they have tag sales, but since space is limited in Brooklyn, people offer their castoffs on the front steps of their homes, and all you have to do to find them is follow the hand-made flyers affixed to poles or chalked-in directions on the sidewalk.

The stoop sale on Henry Street last weekend was a wild success, with most of the goods being sold for between $1 and $5.

Crowds swarmed even before all the goods were placed out on the street.

A six-piece set of Tiffany crystal mugs, still in the box, was snapped up for $35.

Books, books, books galore. More than half of the books were sold before the end of the day.

And when the end came, the leftovers were gathered by the street and labeled free. The scavengers descended out of nowhere, but not before my friend wisely Aimée nabbed this framed Jeanne Lanvin ad.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous

The Elegant Thrifter

The Find: Lofty Inspiration

2011-10-18T09:23:00.002-04:00

Here's a post I ran awhile back demonstrating how lofty inspiration for a piece of furniture can be translated into almost any budget

They say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, and such was the case two-fold when This Old House magazine used The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details to inspire a cheery, DIY console.

The original credenza featured in The Find was re-visioned by Carl and Co.'s Mark Ciolli for a client who fell for an André Arbus original, but not the $86,000 price tag.

So Ciolli worked his thrifty magic to locate an 82-inch-long, 1930s Belgian model for a fraction of the price, and Osmundo Echevarria's studio started re-finishing, applying layers of lacquer, goldwashed hardware and shelves lined with fine Venetian paper, resulting in the glorious red credenza shown on page 73 of The Find.

Over at This Old House general contractor Tom Silva took stock kitchen cabinet bases and gussied them up with furniture feet, new hardware and molding for similar results that they

estimate to cost about $400.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous!

The Elegant Thrifter

Sublime Sundays: Where Am I Today?

2011-10-16T08:00:00.000-04:00

Saturday Surprises: Stoop Sale Alert

2011-10-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

The Gift of Thrift: From the Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-14T08:00:00.000-04:00

I know a little boy who's getting a little surprise I found at a church rummage sale!

For a dime, I picked up this 1959 book that was once part of the Sestauket High School library on Long Island.

Are you headed to the pumpkin patch this weekend?

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Reuse & Repurpose: A Colorful Can

2011-10-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

When it comes to shopping yard sales, I'm always charmed by the stories that teachers and former teachers share with me when selling their wares, probably because both of my parents were teachers. My dad, a retired, elementary school principal, used to bring home loads of handmade gifts offered at Christmastime by children and parents. For my sister and me, it was like Santa Claus had made an early arrival, and we couldn't wait to see what Dad had tucked away in all the bags and boxes he brought through the door.

Before we were allowed to tear into these goodies, he always made us wait until he could make a list of the gifts he received and the people who offered them so he could send appropriate thank you notes. And I am certain that this orange juice once received a hearty thank you the day it was offered to a favorite teacher. As my attention wandered to this cross-stitched wonder, the former teacher selling it told me that it sat on her desk for probably 30 years. And now that she was no longer working in the school, she was in the process of de-cluttering.

How could I pass up this heartwarming treasure -- priced at 25 cents? It now colors my world atop my own desk.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Frugal Fun: Stoop Sale Alert

2011-10-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

Here's a preview of a fabulous stoop sale that my friend Heather is hosting this Sunday in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. It starts at 10 a.m., but you'll want to shop early since there will be all kinds of marvelous merchandise for your consideration, all at unbelievable prices!

I was at first attracted to this collection of wig boxes (surprise!), giving me ideas for all kinds of gift wrapping options. To quote the B-52's: "What's that on your head? A wig!"

This lovely cosmetics case is in mint condition. If your initials are O.E.M, why, you're in luck!

For Mid-Century Modern fans, I can assure you that this Russel Wright creamer will be sold well below Ebay prices -- and fast!

This Frye jacket is a in wonderful condition and perfect for this fall's layering options.

This collectible, made-in-the-USA, Pendleton suit is a size 12 and works well in a professional setting.

Get your Halston on with this flirty blouse. Bonus: It comes with a matching scarf!

If fur's your thing, glam out in this gorgeous stole.

Shimmy and shake! Get your dancing shoes on for this updated flapper number, made in the USA and in a comfy size 9.

"Wigs on fire....wigs on fire....wigs on fire!!!"

There is so much more, too. And I'll be there. Drop by and say hello!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Find: A Day at the Lake

2011-10-11T07:07:00.001-04:00

It was four years ago on a day like today that I and a photo crew headed up to the Canadian border to photograph interior designer James "Ford" Huniford's boat house nestled on a private island called Fairyland, one of the Saint Lawrence River's Thousand Islands. Photographer Jim Franco captured this alluring image for The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details.

The last gasps of summer were still lingering and the hammock set up for visitors when we arrived in a small motor boat captained by Ford himself. And as the autumn leaves were starting to sprinkle the lawn that stretched to the lake, we spent the day taking in his captain's house -- one that today welcomes both boats and guests.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Free Fridays: Table Talk

2011-10-07T08:06:00.004-04:00

A solid-wood table with a few scuffs all of a sudden dropped its price from $3 to free at a lawn display set up during the Town-Wide Yard Sale in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Sturdy, but with a few scratches, its legs swing out and its leaves pop up to create a massive dining table fit for a feast.

How could we resist? My pals and I loaded it into the Jeep and hauled it back to New York City for a friend about to move into a new apartment.

Do you have a fabulous find that cost you absolutely nothing?

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Frugal Fun: Thrift Trance

2011-10-05T20:20:00.001-04:00

There's no scene more appealing to me than a table heaped with goodies, stretching the length of a driveway. Without exaggeration, we must have hit 20 sales over the course of two days at last weekend's Town-Wide Yard Sale in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, so you imagine the deep thrift trance I found myself in. Here are just a few of my treasures:

For $5, a box full of J & G Meakin English china. Actually, I didn't buy it, but coerced my pal Michael Quinn to cough up for it.

For $10, this gorgeous set of Mid-Century porcelain. 8 plates, teapot, serving dish, gravy boat, and more! I about passed out. Even though there are no markings, it's a beautiful set that seems to have never been used.

One lovely lady, a retired school teacher, wanted me to make my own $5 box of vintage Christmas goodies and threw in these two, salmon-colored pots marked U.S.A. 41. Of course, I couldn't refuse.

Hidden in the bottom of this $5 treasure chest were these two volumes of Better Homes & Gardens Christmas Ideas from 1955 and 1956. "268 gay decorations you can make...." How could I resist?

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Find: Singin' the Blues

2011-10-04T14:48:00.003-04:00

After two full days of thrifting at the Town-Wide Yard Sale in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, I was reminded of this wagon-load of Christmas ornaments photographed by Jim Franco for The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details. Even though this image from the Alameda Point Antiques Faire near San Francisco never made it into the pages of The Find, I'm always drawn to this photo for the way simple objects can be transformed into a dazzling presentation. This rusty children's toy instantly gained new life when heaped with shimmering ornaments. It called for attention among all the other treasures on display that day, suggesting that the idea of a blue Christmas might not be so bad after all.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Reuse & Repurpose: A Charmed Planter

2011-09-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

Who says your plants cant sport a charm bracelet or a shelled necklace? In my friend Heather Kerr's tiny Brooklyn garden, even her greenery get gussied up with a strand or two of jewels.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Find: Indian Summer

2011-09-27T13:26:00.006-04:00

Even though it's officially autumn, it feels more like summertime in New York City, reminding me of the day we headed out to Saltaire to photograph its charming cottages for The Find: The Housing Works book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details. Here's an outtake snapped by Jim Franco from that glorious day, where monarchs were still fluttering and the sun shone bright in the sky, despite the cooler weather that would soon be on the way.

I recently recalled that magical day as I passed Downtown Yarns on Avenue A in the East Village. Right in the middle of the big city was this green screen door -- one that brought to mind the Saltaire beach community or a country home nestled somewhere in the Ozarks.

It's this kind of door with only a bent nail for a latch that I remember from my Grandmother Churchill's house.We tuned our ears to listen for the gentle clack from her wooden screen door, which would gently slap shut after kids ran through it while playing a game of tag or a visitor stopped by on a Sunday for warm blackberry cobbler.

It was a sound of welcome and wonder -- one I can almost hear on a day like today.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Found Fridays: Slip and Slide

2011-09-23T17:38:00.003-04:00

My eagle-eye friend Alice Quinn once again saved a treasure from the garbage heap. Now leaning against a tree in the back yard of her home in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, this charming wooden sled patiently awaits the season's first snowfall... or festive holiday display!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Reuse & Purpose: Yes You Can!

2011-09-22T18:00:00.003-04:00

With painted tin cans wrapped with pastel rope, my pal Heather Kerr created a wall of nautical-inspired hanging planters on her teeny-tiny Brooklyn patio. And, there's still room to grow.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Frugal Fun: To the Core

2011-09-21T18:32:00.005-04:00

Often, the simplest things make for the silliest of fun. In the following video, Alice Quinn shows me how to use her apple peeling contraption, and well, you'll see....

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Find: All Together Now

2011-09-20T17:02:00.008-04:00

People like their stuff. I know I do.

I would never classify myself as a hoarder -- far from it in a one-bedroom, New-York-City apartment. I will admit, however, that I had to keep my collecting tendencies at bay last weekend at the flea market in New Jersey's Allaire State Park, where the goods were great, both in price and variety.

Take, for example, this instant collection of animal figurines. As in a pet store, the vendor placed these cute creatures with take-me-home care. I resisted.

If you should all of a sudden find yourself with a collection you don't know what to do with, such as this wild assortment of spice racks, go ahead. Display them in your home with pride. There must have been something about these objects that must have caused a frisson when you spotted them and carted them home. So celebrate them! Don't hide them away or drop bits and pieces throughout your decor. It will only make your space look like you are headed down the cluttered path to becoming .... a hoarder.

As we discuss in The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details, you'll find more pleasure in sharing your gathered objects when you arrange them in planned vignettes or assign them all to place of honor. By densely grouping similar objects, you'll give your collection a curated sense and create an attractive focal point.

Even plain bottles, such as these spotted at the flea market in Allaire, can inspire a collection. Group them by opacity or color and mix in different sizes to maximize visual vivacity.

Decanters, plentiful at flea markets and garage sales, also make for charming vignettes. Here, Alice Quinn displayed her thrifty finds in her Point Pleasant, New Jersey, living room and added interest by staggering them by shape and size. While these vessels were discovered in different locales, their shared emptiness and their similar shiny glass textures make them appear as if they were destined to find each other.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Reuse & Purpose: In Excellent Taste

2011-09-15T15:04:00.010-04:00

My favorite discoveries are the ones made on streets I walk each and every day. I've watched this space on Great Jones Street go from a work site to a set of doors covered with mysterious paper. And finally coverings came off to reveal this stunning use of reuse and repurpose in a restaurant design.

Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria on Great Jones, a relative of Il Buco on Bond Street, is set to open any day, offering an array of Italian delights. But it was this light fixture captured my gaze the moment I stepped through the front door. Made of an eclectic mix of items -- heavy chains, glass bottles, wheels, cast iron fixtures and more-- this hanging, glimmering structure was created for maximum shine and optimal texture.

Even the main dining room makes great use of repurposed materials throughout, including this brick wall that was left just as it was when the space was home to a lumber yard.

I wonder what would happen if I ordered a 2 x 4!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Frugal Fun: A Big Kiss

2011-09-14T17:03:00.004-04:00

Ever since I've been going to the dentist in New York City, I've gazed upon this framed print in his office while having teeth filled, enamels repaired and crowns molded. It's a celebrity-signed piece numbered 10 of 300 that came from a "Save the Children" charity event back in the 1980s. Stars range from John Travolta, Brooke Shields, Mick Jagger and Debbie Harry to Barbara Walters, Rita Moreno, Liz Taylor and Audrey Hepburn -- each who donned cherry red lipstick and puckered up for a cause.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Find: A Palm Springs Getaway

2011-09-13T13:28:00.005-04:00

Since it's New York Fashion Week, I'm sharing with you an image from the Palm Springs home of GQ creative director Jim Moore. Featured in the pages of The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details, this photo by Bob Greenspan demonstrates how a refined eye can spot a treasure among others' castoffs.

More says he found this piece of Arch Pottery heaped with junk at a local thrift store, and it wasn't even for sale. Moore was persistent, however, and negotiated a $40 price to take home to his 1960s Donald Wexler Home. He placed it underneath a painting he literally bought off the back of the truck. When he spied it, he was prepared to pay the driver up to $2,000. In the end, he nabbed this bold, geometric piece, which later inspired a tie by Savile Row tailor, Richard James, for a mere $200.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Object of My Desire: A Dime Well Spent

2011-09-12T17:50:00.005-04:00

Being that it's Fashion Week in New York, here's a story I shared a while back about a speed-garage-sale-shopping moment in California.

I had a tough time spending a dollar the other day during a fifteen-minute, three-garage-sale jaunt through Santa Monica. When I spied this kaleidoscope pocket square -- one that can be folded in a variety of ways to feature the perfect color to complement an ensemble -- I was immediately attracted to the lovely hues and the cheery geometric shapes. When I asked the garage sale proprietress how much she wanted for this lovely piece of silk with hand trimmed edges and its bright colors, she paused," Uh, 10 cents?" All I had was a dollar bill and no loose change, so I picked up a pile of children's books that we negotiated a deal for the whole lot: one dollar! I love the colors in this pocket square and the intricate border that surrounds them.

Since wearing a tie these days is rare, I like to add a pocket square to my jackets for a dash of elegance. And who knows, it could also make a lovely op-art pillow.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Remembering

2011-09-09T07:52:00.002-04:00

I was here when it happened, and I will never forget.

From the Paul Smith windows on Fifth Avenue.

-- The Elegant Thrifter

Reuse & Purpose: Crate Creations

2011-09-08T12:01:00.002-04:00

You don't have to have fancy wall coverings to create a dramatic background for your collection of china. In the window of ABC Carpet and Home, the creatives there stacked wooden fruit crates as a novel way to show off mix-and-match vintage plates.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Frugal Fun: Mix it Up!

2011-09-07T12:01:00.002-04:00

A friend sent me this image of a mixer his grandmother once owned. It reminds me of the one my grandmother once used to mix up all kinds of delights in her bare-boned kitchen that never housed a food processor or a microwave oven. As much as technology has advanced in the world of cooking, I'm sure this sturdy, vintage stationary mixer works just as well today as it did some 50 years ago.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Find: Flea Market Reflections

2011-09-06T16:13:00.004-04:00

With the fall flea markets quickly approaching, it's an appropriate time to share a post from the past reflecting on a familiar find -- mirrors.

Every time I stop by one of my favorite thrift stores or have the opportunity to visit a bustling flea market, I'm always amazed at the variety and the quality of mirrors that always seem plentiful. As I discuss in The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details, the reflective qualities that mirrors hold make them prime candidates for showing off in grouped collections, or singly, either mounted on or leaned against a wall.

Mirrors are excellent for glorifying areas of interest in a room and visually expanding the space. However, if you set them in front of unsavory areas -- say an unappealing toilet, a crusty appliance or even a messy work area -- the ugly appears in double!

Mirrors can help a dark room seem brighter when it bounces sunshine or existing light around the room. They can also help a small room appear larger by expanding a clean plane for an endless illusion. Again, be careful when placing a mirror across from a cluttered area, since all the stuff piled everywhere will be reflected twice, thereby making your space look smaller and claustrophobic.

And should you find a gorgeous mirror in a frame that's not your style, try painting it. As simple as it sounds, a fresh coat of white or black paint can breathe new spirit into a piece you barely gave a second glance.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous!

The Elegant Thrifter

Found Fridays: Get to Work

2011-09-02T11:57:00.005-04:00

I know it's Labor Day weekend, but someone has their work cut out for them when they snap up this wooden bench just sitting in the street awaiting a new owner.

How would you transform this castaway?

Headed to the beach for the long weekend!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Reuse & Purpose: Hi-Fi High Fives!

2011-09-01T07:00:00.001-04:00

As much as the digital universe has taken a destructive swipe at the analog world, one of the best things about the former is that it connects people to those they haven't encountered in years and to those who share similar interests all over the world.

I did both when I re-discovered two high school friends who married (each other, albeit years later!) and share a similar interest in vintage and thrift that I do. These high school pals, Scott and Greta Sutherland, found this General Electric console at their favorite Kansas City thrift shop and shared its story on her blog, My Life as G.

While out together thrifting at 2nd Chance Thrift Store, Greta found a chair while Scott set his sight on an old stereo. When he asked the shop keeper how much he wanted for it, he was made an offer he couldn't refuse. Since the hulking mass of electronics had been taking up floor space for a quite a while, it was marked down from $25 to $12.50, and the sale was made. Scott took it home, sanded, primed, painted and replaced the radio and turntable for the dazzling result below:

Greta tells me that over the past few weeks, they've been listening to the vinyl of Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, REO, Journey and ... yes ... Shaun Cassidy. I bet he's never sounded better!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Frugal Fun: Cheesebooga, Cheesebooga, Cheesebooga

2011-08-31T12:01:00.003-04:00

While driving on Route 35 through Wall, N.J., how could I not stop when I spied this sign for the Circus Drive-In? If the grinning clown over the neon sign weren't enough, it was the message below that sent me over the top: "Cheesebooga, Cheessebooga, Cheesebooga," and PETSI NO COKE. (Pet zee no Coke???? OK, I won't.)

It's a slice of Americana on the side of the highway, one that's promised family fun since 1954.

Even before ordering lunch, Ron and I are checking out what to have for dessert.

Veli opted for a creamy concoction dropped on a fudge brownie called a Circus Car.

And Ron chose a vanilla cone swirled in orange creamsicle.

I, on the other hand, happily settled for a Bear Hug.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Find: Trimmed for Fun!

2011-08-30T12:01:00.001-04:00

When I was a kid, we used to love rummaging around in my mom's sewing kit, much to her displeasure, I'm sure. We would unroll the ric-rac, sort her buttons and and stretch out strands of elastic, most certainly leaving a mess when we were through.

That's why I was so attracted to this gleeful display in the apartment of Chris Bick and Keith Carollo, the masterminds behind the online shop Fred Flare, while I was scouting locations for The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details.

Perched on a duo of Urban Outfitter wall sconces is a set of dancing girls all made out of sewing notions, pipe cleaners, shimmery fringe and pastel doodads, created by their pals at Patch NYC.

The juxtaposition of the somewhat formal white fixtures with the frivolity of these dancing glamor gals exudes wit and whimsy. Displayed on a bright blue wall, this cacophonous assemblage is a perfect example of isolating a collection in one place, where scattering throughout a room might only make the space feel cluttered.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Object of My Desire: Prepared!

2011-08-29T08:23:00.004-04:00

We were absolutely ready for the worst, but I didn't even have to touch my Hurricane Irene preparedness display! Well, if I must admit, I did eat a peach. Thankfully, the only effect we felt from Irene's arrival was a leaky window, which was easily remedied with an old bath towel. Goodbye Irene!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Reuse & Purpose: Why, Thank You!

2011-08-25T12:01:00.002-04:00

When it comes to wrapping gifts or sending out cards or letters, I always try to use what I have on hand. I enjoy the challenge more than running to the store and plunking down several dollars for a card that may not exactly convey the message I wish to express. When it came time back in May to send thank you notes for Veli's V-themed birthday celebration, I rummaged through my assorted pieces of paper and and looked to my jug of glitter for inspiration in sending sentiments in Veli's Croatian mother tongue.

I found a font I liked, enlarged it and then made a stencil for my letters. I cut out the letters "h" and "l" on a slightly naughty piece of newsprint I saved from a MoMA exhibit.

For the letters "a," I repurposed gift wrap saved from Veli's birthday celebration.

Finally, it was time for the glitter, which was reserved for the giant "V" that was to be the focal point of a card made from folded paper stock. I then glued on the rest of the letters on to say....

Thank you in Croatian!

Always Frugal Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Frugal Fun: Chop! Chop!

2011-08-24T14:08:00.008-04:00

When we had to bid farewell to one of our dearest neighbors last week, I signed up to make a crudité platter for the goodbye party, since it seemed like everyone else was bringing all kinds of other sweet and savory goodies.

I took inspiration from a vegetable satellite I made several years ago, which was basically all kinds of cut vegetables on toothpicks hovering around a cabbage planet. This time I placed the veggies closer together on the cabbage to create a floral effect, ornamenting the whole thing with strips of sweet yellow and red pepper. You may notice my 75-cent-plate from a yard sale that set a gorgeous green backdrop for my creation.

Truly, this is one of the easiest dishes to make, and people are always amazed when I walk in the door holding it. "I could never do this," one guest told me, to which I replied, "Yes, you could. The hardest part is all the chopping!"

Always Frugal Always Fabulous

The Elegant Thrifter

The Find: Page Turners

2011-08-23T12:01:00.001-04:00

After spending yet another wonderful weekend on the Jersey Shore with Michael Quinn, I was reminded of this post I shared last year.

While spending the weekend with the marvelous Michael Quinn on the Jersey Shore, we had an exuberant chat about the joys of decoupage, a craft that I have loved since I was a kid. When I was a Cub Scout, I remember taking a beach scene photo from a magazine, gluing it on a beaten-up square of stained wood, and covering it with layers upon layers of some type of adhesive that left it shiny and permanently sealed for many years to come. Then, my sister and I discovered Mod Podge, a white adhesive that we used to apply images that we had cut out from used greeting cards and affix them forever on a rock we had pulled from the creek near my Grandma Churchill's house.

As we were leaving Michael's house in Point Pleasant, he pointed out a table he had made out of a large, wooden cable spool and had covered the top with a map of the Jersey Shore that he secured to the surface with Mod Podge. All that Mod Podge chat reminded me of one of my favorite images from The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details.

Photographed by Jim Franco, this image shows how pages from an old book were effectively used as wallpaper in the entry of decoupage artist John Derian's Lower East Side apartment. No, Derian didn't use Mod Podge on his wall of wonder. As I marveled over this dreamy creation, Derian told me that he used nothing more than watered down white glue to make this repurposed wallpaper and then smoothed it all out with a wet sponge.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Object of My Desire: On the Farm

2011-08-22T12:59:00.004-04:00

This cool summer day hints that autumn is on the way and that the long warm days I've been enjoying will soon turn over to winter's chill. It also made me think of one of my old posts -- one that brings back the best of childhood memories.

It's been several years since I've visited my Grandma Churchill's old home and dairy farm just outside of Mansfield, Mo., but it's about this time of summer that always look back at the lazy days of spending time with her and my sister there. For Grandma, it was anything but lazy, as she rose at 5:30, cooked a full breakfast complete with biscuits, gravy, eggs and bacon, and then headed out to the dairy barn to start milking the cows. While Grandma was at the barn, my sister and I would wash the dishes, listen to Captain & Tennille records on the phonograph and then head up the hill on a rocky path, pass the cob-webby cellar and climb over a barbed wire fence to visit her and my two uncles who helped her earn a meager living.

The barnyard was full of cows and a bull, stray guinea fowl and white chickens. Cats milled around the milking room covered with white lime waiting for a squirt of warm milk that Grandma would aim in their direction, and get tickled at her own actions. Sometimes, we were allowed to drop grain from a coffee can into the troughs that distracted the cows as machines dangled and chugged. As soon as the milk was rendered and stored in a cooler for safe keeping, we would helpGrandma clean up the milking paraphernalia. We always got a kick out of washing the gigantic bottles used to feed the calves who were kept safely away from the rest of the herd.

The barn is still there, but in a bit of disrepair. You can see the old troughs in the milking room, and the wooden slats that kept the cows in place during their twice-daily ritual. Around the side, near the feed room where all the cats had their kittens (and I'm sure where more than a few mice daringly called home), you can see through the broken glass the milk cooler in front of the old sink where we used to sing songs and tell stories with Grandma as we "helped" her get her work done.

After days of romping in the creek that was called Flat Rocks, picking tomatoes in Grandmas rag-tag garden, playing with puppies and kittens all day long, and pretty much coming and going as we pleased, Mom and Dad would soon return to fetch us and take us back to Independence, where we would soon start yet another school year. I'm certain my mom and dad loved the break, and so did we. And the carefree days of being a city kid on a farm in the Ozarks linger to this day.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Gift of Thrift: Wrap it Up!

2011-08-19T12:01:00.001-04:00

When offering The Gift of Thrift, I always try to make sure that the packaging is as thoughtful as what's inside. So on my thrift shopping jaunts, along with a mental list of the people I know would enjoy a re-purposed treasure, I always have my periphery set for rolls of unique ribbon and unused greeting cards. A few weeks ago, I found these lovelies at the Film Biz Recycling thrift shop for $2. Now that's a wrap!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Reuse & Purpose: Water Bottle Wonders

2011-08-18T11:46:00.004-04:00

I saw this display a while back in a shop that has since closed its doors. I was attracted to it because it puts a contemporary spin on an ordinary household object.

Have you got a bunch of hot water bottles lying around that you just don't know what to do with? Maybe they just happen to be color coordinated and look pretty together but, blast it, you've just got too many of them?

If you're the display folks at the Italian jean maker Energie , you just slice an opening in the side of the bottle, pour in a little water and group it together with all your others on a wall as hanging vases for assorted wildflowers!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Find: Collections in a Container

2011-08-16T12:01:00.001-04:00

Here's another of my favorite posts from a while back on how to show off a treasured collection.

Glass containers provide the perfect vessel to display almost any treasured collection. The trick is to gather similar objects -- either of shape, color, nomenclature or size -- and isolate them in the confines of a glass structure.

Et vôilà! Instant collection.

Two of my favorite examples of glassed-in collections were photographed by Jim Franco for my book The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details.

This whimsical example above was discovered on the Fire Island getaway of Saltaire. Tall beer glasses, easily found at thrift shops or discount stores, are filled with multi-colored sea glass where their hues and translucence capture the eye from their perch on a screened-in back porch. You could even use dissimilar shaped glasses to create a collection, provided they don't have distracting, inharmonious embellishments.

I also adore the way that Yasmine McGrane, owner and founder of Maison Rěve in Mill Valley, California, gathered clothespins and Scrabble tiles in apothecary jars for a thoughtful display. For further appeal, she separated the French wooden clothespins from the American variety.

When I was visiting Yasmine at Maison Rěve in Mill Valley and celebrating the launch of The Find, I rummaged around in her workroom and snapped a photo of these wooden Lego blocks, grouped together and plopped inside what looks to me like an over sized pickle or mayonnaise jar.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Object of My Desire: Eye Candy

2011-08-15T13:51:00.004-04:00

Last week, I told you about my visit to Karin Weiner's Lion's Share pop-up shop in Red Hook Brooklyn. Here's a little vignette that caught my eye for the way Karen used stitched parrots to set a background for a set of bird mugs. Unfortunately, you can't tell that this gathering is displayed on a vintage, wooden ironing board, but you can see the Donkey Party game that somehow -- at least to me -- just works in this setting.

Go visit Karin for just few more Saturdays and Sundays on Van Brunt and King, from noon to 7 p.m. And tell her The Elegant Thrifter sent you!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Reuse & Purpose: A Little Yarn

2011-08-11T12:01:00.000-04:00

Don't throw out that old, mismatched yarn!

If you're Karin Weiner, whose Lion's Share pop-up shop in Red Hook Brooklyn, lured me in with a mannequin in a pickup truck holding a sign promising all kinds of vintage treasures, you'll use these knitting staples to weave up a crafty look in lawn chairs. Karin said that rather than re-strapping with the typical materials, she and her boyfriend went to thrift stores, bought up all the old yarn they could find, and used it "re-weave" this sunny, summer must-have!

Go visit Karin for just few more Saturdays and Sundays on Van Brunt and King, from noon to 7 p.m. And tell her The Elegant Thrifter sent you!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Frugal Fun: Scenes From a Yard Sale

2011-08-10T12:01:00.001-04:00

Platters for 75 cents! I bought two of these three at a church yard sale on Long Island last weekend. Can you guess which ones?

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Find: Sofa Saver

2011-08-09T12:01:00.002-04:00

Since running this post a few years back, Mark Ciolli has left his teeny-tiny, Manhattan apartment for a large spread out on Long Island. His design business continues to grow, and here's one of my favorite images I shot while doing research for The Find.

When hitting the thrift stores and the flea markets, my one word of advice when considering upholstered furniture is to seek items that you can buy and use in your home as-is. Certainly, there are a gazillion examples of fine furniture discoveries where the purchaser has graciously invested in a reupholstery job to fabulous effect. That is fantastic, and even better if you know how to do it yourself.

But you're talking to The Elegant Thrifter, here. Like many of you, I have never attempted an upholstery job, but I do know it can cost a lot of money, especially if it's done right.

Here's an example of an incredible thrift discovery that I photographed when doing my research for The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating With Thirft Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details. Mark Ciolli, principal of the New York

design firm, Carl & Co., told me a story in The Find about how he purchased this elegant, tuxedo sofa at a Housing Works Thrift Shop.

"For Ciolli, it was a perfect find: the gold-and-white jacquard upholstery was in pristine condition, so he kept it the way it was. The price was right at $245, and it measured 110 inches long -- perfect for lounging his 6-foot, 1-inch fame" Says Ciolli of his discovery in The Find. "I love it because it's the first sofa that I can actually sleep on if I want to.' '

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Object of My Desire: Family Fun

2011-08-08T19:26:00.004-04:00

For family vacations, one of our favorite places to go was Opryland USA, a country-music-themed amusement park built around the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.

When I ran across this mug in a Methodist church thrift store on Long Island, I was taken back to the days of our loading up the Chevy Impala and hauling ourselves halfway across the country to spend a day or two in Opryland. Even though this mug was slightly more than I usually pay for these sorts of items -- $5 -- I had to have it for all the sweet scenes from the past it evokes.

In the image on the left of this mug, you can see the Barnstormer, a ride that involved flying around in planes that turned and dropped from nosebleed heights. I rode this once and never again. But on the right is the Wabash Cannonball, an upside-down rollercoaster that I couldn't get enough of. I even dragged my poor dad on it once, after of course, he made certain his Dramamine was working.

Unfortunately, this family destination no longer exists. It was leveled in 1997 to make room for an outlet mall, and the Wabash Cannonball sold for scrap metal. But this mug now sits on on a ledge on my window, reminding me of summers gone by and the memories they have left in their paths.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Gift of Thrift: Lofty Pursuits

2011-08-05T12:01:00.002-04:00

It was at a SoHo loft sale recently that I found this Norman Rockwell book to offer my sister and her husband for their anniversary. This book, which was in its seventh printing in 1972, caught my attention because it reminded me of one we had as a kid, and it was $5. I wrapped it in some paper I happened to have on hand and tied it up in ribbon that I bought with my sister at an estate sale and shipped it off to Independence, Missouri, as a surprise "Gift of Thrift."

Happy Friday!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Reuse & Purpose: Take a Chill Pill

2011-08-04T12:01:00.001-04:00

I always go thrifting with an open mind and sometimes purchase items that I have no idea how I'll eventually use -- such as these vintage freezer boxes I picked up for a few cents at a flea market a while back. I bought them because of their cheery, retro designs, toted them home and stashed them away in a trunk that holds all my other vintage treasures awaiting their unique purpose. The right time for these boxes came a few years ago when I had a small gathering and wanted to offer a parting gift. I remembered those containers packed away with ribbons that came from the same flea market, filled them with assorted candies, tied them up in a bow and offered a sweet treat to my guests on their departure.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Frugal Fun: Oh, Baby, Baby!

2011-08-03T12:01:00.001-04:00

When Heather Kerr, Ron Rangel and Michael Quinn set their sites on throwing a memorable gathering, the results are always original and truly magical. You might remember their handy work -- a vintage tailgate party -- from the pages of The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details. Their most recent event -- a "Who's-Your-Daddy" -themed baby shower for their bestie Kristin Marusic's third arrival -- was full of festive flavor, from the papier mâché stork that hovered above a Crock-Pot surrounded in a fluffy pink cozy to the individualized invitations and twisted party games, everything was handmade with large amounts of love and plenty of help from their friends.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Find: Light & Bright

2011-08-02T12:01:00.001-04:00

When a high school friend showed me one of her thrift finds on Twitter yesterday, I was reminded of the magic that Turquoise Design's Vanessa DeVargas works with second-hand pieces. In this out-take from The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details, photographer Bob Greenspan captures a classic black and white design scheme that's accented with juicy pops of green in the designer's Venice beach home.

The Asian-style table found at a garage sale got a clever paint job that reflects the seat cushion across the room and the zebra-print rug on which it sits. When it comes to displaying her favorite vintage decorating books (many of which I own myself!), DeVargas shows them off in a Lucite box designed with Jordan Cappella to double as a one-of-a-kind side table.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Object of My Desire: Easy Rider

2011-08-01T16:48:00.007-04:00

While objects can often transport us to a memorable place in time, photos have the ability to bring back yesterday, clearly, crisply and in living color. My sister sent these photos take in the 1970s when I was probably in third grade and she in second. In the first photo, you can see me on the back of my uncle's motorcycle with my dad at the handlebars. Before you start to worry about our safety and wonder why we don't have on safety helmets, I can promise you we were moving at a snail's pace along the gravel road that leads to my grandmother's house in southern Missouri.

Here's my sister's turn on the Kawasaki. I remember that when she rode in the back, she wore the helmet, which I refused for fear of messing up my hair. (Don't have that problem today!) Also behind us is our old 1966 Chevy Chevelle Malibu station wagon. The main thing I recall about this car is that it did not have air conditioning, requiring us to take family trips in the summer with all the windows rolled down. Any loose papers, coloring books or tissue boxes that weren't locked down on the floorboard risked being sucked out and deposited somewhere along the highway.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Reuse & Purpose: Tennis, Anyone?

2011-07-28T13:13:00.005-04:00

This excerpt from a post a while back always reminds me of the summer my sister and I took tennis lessons. It wasn't the fancy kind of classes taken at a "club," but as part of our Independence (Missouri) Parks & Recreation summer program that wasn't expensive at all and was lots of fun. I'm far from being even a fair tennis player, but I do enjoy watching the sport, and at one time, I actually knew all the rules!

While I was thrifting my way through the streets of San Francisco a few weeks ago, I dropped into a Goodwill in Pacific Heights and was greeted right inside the door by this funny hodgepodge of guitars and ukuleles. It was an instant collection ripe for the picking. Provided you had the space, I imagine an entire walled filled with these stringed treasures, hung just as they are, or even painted -- all one color or a mixture of hues -- for a visual treat.

These plucky items also made me think of a wall decorated with old tennis rackets that I relished when I was scouting locations a few summers back for The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details. Hanging on the front porch of a beach cottage on the Fire Island community of Saltaire, a couple of the rackets had popped their guts, one was cracked and another was still hanging in its protective wooden frame.

The rackets appeared as if they were just waiting to be grabbed and toted off to the tennis court for a neighborly, early-morning match. Maybe they had hung there so long that when newer technology finally replaced them, they maintained their place of honor. Or maybe the trio is purely decorative. Either way, they serve up a pleasing focal point in this dreamy, relaxed locale.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Find: Summer Simplicity

2011-07-26T13:19:00.004-04:00

Often, the most ordinary objects can turn into magical focal points, especially when it comes to displaying a prized collection. In this out-take from The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details, photographer Jim Franco captured the simple beauty of found seashells organized by shape and color within a set of inexpensive goldfish bowls.

Light, airy and perfect for a sunny space.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Found Fridays: Christmas in July

2011-07-22T09:17:00.002-04:00

Found leaning against a wall in Union Square -- this beautiful book of Christmas stories. It's not that old, is in excellent condition, and when the holidays roll around will make a perfect Gift of Thrift!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Frugal Fun: Pudding it all Together

2011-07-20T19:50:00.003-04:00

A while back I was invited to a summer barbecue and I decided to make a banana pudding. Since I like to always like to bring my homemade creations in a dish I can leave behind, it took me no longer than five minutes at Goodwill to spot this 1970s ceramics watermelon container, perfect for serving up a cheerful pudding.

I put together a little video of my assembling this pudding in my own kitchen. And while the end result was somewhat soupy yet delicious, I did learn that making meringue on a hot, humid day was not a great idea!

Enjoy!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter.

The Find: Tiki Time!

2011-07-19T16:34:00.006-04:00

When you walk into the midcentury home of Peter Moruzzi and Lauren LeBaron, you'd have no idea that in the basement of their Silver Lake abode is a tiki bar, complete with funny-faced mugs and topped with a thatched roof. Photographed by Bob Greenspan for The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details, this location was discovered on the fly driving down the 405 when a magazine colleague who knew I was looking for locations gave me Peter's phone number and told me to call him about his tiki bar.

I rang Peter, he answered, and told him I was working on a book about decorating with vintage and thrift and asked if I could come to see it. "When?" he asked. "Tomorrow morning?" I queried. "And one more thing," I added. "I have a photographer with me in case we want to shoot it. Is that OK?"

He agreed, and we showed up at his door the following day at 9 a.m.. He led us through his home filled with midcentury treasures and pieces of modern art and then down to what he called the rumpus room, and there it was: the tiki bar we had heard so much about.

It only took us seconds before we decided to photograph our discovery, and in fewer than 24 hours had added yet another magical location to the pages of The Find.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Object of My Desire: Bonjour Paris

2011-07-18T15:17:00.003-04:00

As many of you know, if I could dash off for a leisurely getaway to anywhere in the world at a moment's notice, it would be Paris, a locale that never loses its intrigue for me. Having attended university in France several years ago, I used to go to Paris at least once a year to visit friends or to traipse around town seeing film and viewing art exhibits. Or just wandering -- truly with no destination in mind.

That's why when I ran across this expanded map of Paris for 50 cents at a loft sale in SoHo, I picked it up. It's not particularly old; the Centre Pompidou that was built in the 1970s is marked. But it pre-dates the Euro, since someone handed over 145 French francs to purchase it. Inside was a ticket for the bus, and on a blank page some restaurant addresses. And for the few pennies that I rendered for this little book, I'll be able to use it for my next trip -- or at least for an afternoon of daydreaming.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Gift of Thrift: Bargain Birthdays

2011-07-15T15:03:00.004-04:00

When it comes to putting together personalized birthday gifts, I like to rely on the thrift gods to lead the way. My search method pretty much involves letting presents appear on their own whenever I'm out and about digging through boxes of old dishes, sifting through stacks of ephemera or fishing through bags of ladies finery. These wooden eyeglass holder caught my eye at a Jersey Shore garage sale because they reminded me of my thrifting pal Ruth Handel's fancy frames -- and it was $1.

From there, the offering just came together -- a vintage birthday wish in a box of Hallmark greeting cards ($1.50 for all) from a garage sale in Independence, Missouri; a bit of ribbon picked up at a yard sale (5 cents) and gift wrap that Ruth once used to wrap a gift for me (free!).

Have a fantastic weekend!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Reuse & Purpose: Vive La France!

2011-07-14T14:01:00.000-04:00

It was exactly two years ago when The Vintage Laundress LeAnn Stephenson fěted The Find. Here's a little gift I made for her when I was on the road.

When putting together one of my Hooch Bags, I sort of let the thrift gods lead the way. This bag is a very special one, made for LeAnn Stephenson, The Vintage Laundress, as a hostess gift for putting together a tremendous Bastille Day party at Uptown Modern in Austin, Texas....and for being such a wonderful, new friend.

I didn't have my normal cache of funny money, candy cigarettes or discrete nips, but I didn't let that stop me as I perused the Allemany Flea market in San Francisco. First, the blue suede bag appeared, then the fan fron Air France, and he vintage Parisian postcards and finally the French books. The hilarious vintage nylons showed up in a Goodwill in Austin, and my friend Deb Kelt donated the French dictionary and the red and blue ribbon.

Et Voilà! A bag fit to cause a revolution!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Frugal Fun: Toy Treasures

2011-07-13T14:51:00.006-04:00

When I was a kid, I had a metal Tonka Toy crane very similar to the the yellow one in this collection of playthings decorating the walls of New York's B-Bar. Mine was a finicky object whose mechanism was easily tangled, thus putting the whole thing out of commission. No matter how careful I was, the picker-upper part of this piece never seemed to be able to lift anything bigger than a Matchbox car and easily dropped open, spill its contents all over the floor. Dad would re-adjust its riggings, and then I'd start picking things up all over again...that is until it got all tangled up again. And of course, Dad came once again to the rescue!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Find: More to Go-Go-Go!

2011-07-12T14:30:00.001-04:00

Last week I shared an images of Go-Go Jane Wiedlin's LA living room that is featured in my book The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating With Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details. Here's an out-take by Bob Greenspan of her fabulous, out-of-this-world bathroom in the apartment that Jane tells me is now up for rent!! So if you ever have wanted to live in a rock star's pad, here's your chance.

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

The Object of My Desire: Screened In

2011-07-11T16:31:00.003-04:00

One of the most comforting summertime sounds is the gentle slap of a wooden screen door. Now for some, it might be annoying racket, but for me, it always brings back memories of summer at Grandma's house, where we'd all gather on the front porch for chilled watermelon or homemade ice cream or lazily lounge as the evening cooled to the tune of cooing whippoorwills and chirping frogs.

During the day, the door might swing open with an aunt toting a bucket heaped with wild strawberries picked by the side of the road or an uncle with line full of fish caught in the pond just across the highway. And as soon as someone came through this mesh and wooden barrier, it would snap shut with its familiar clap.

Oh the sounds of summer!

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Reuse & Purpose: Trashy Art

2011-07-08T14:18:00.001-04:00

Spotted in the vitrine of New York City's Flatiron Building: An art installation by Miles Neidinger made entirely of twist ties, straws, vinyl tape, yarn cellophane paper and hair tinsel.

Always Frugal Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter

Frugal Fun: Pick a Card

2011-07-07T14:37:00.003-04:00

Why do I love garage sales so much? Could it be that you can buy three boxes of unused, vintage greeting cards from the 1960s and 1970s for less than $4?

Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,

The Elegant Thrifter