things i didn't buy at the thrift store, thrift, what i didn't buy at the thrift store, what i left behind

Things I Didn’t Buy at the Thrift Store

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I haven’t done a “Things I didn’t buy” post for so long! It’s mostly because I’ve started posting a lot of those things on my instagram, so if you want to see these things in “real time” go follow me on insta (@blackcatlies). Anyway here are 10 recent items I didn’t buy at the thrift store, including more than a few regrets.

1. Wicker Chairs


I fell in love with chairs like these when I was watching the movie Arrival a few years ago. Amy Adams’ character had a gorgeous Mid Century-ish house and I found myself drooling over her dining room table and chairs. The chairs in the movie looked a lot like these bad boys that I found at Goodwill last year. Sadly, when I spotted these we had already bought a dining table and chairs. We didn’t need them so at the thrift store they stayed.

2. Leather Pillows


As you know I’ve been on the hunt for some cute decorative pillows to add some pops of color to my living room. I was really into these leather pillows and they were only $5. Unfortunately, I spotted them on a sale day and the checkout line literally wrapped around the store. I didn’t like them enough to wait in that long of a line. So, I left and thought if they’re still there the next time I visit I’ll take them home. Of course they weren’t there when I returned a few days later.

3. Mid Century Modern Style Chair


This one I wouldn’t have left behind but it was already sold when I spotted it. I love these style chairs but we don’t really have room or need any excess chairs. Plus this bad boy was like $250, I kid you not. Seattle area thrift stores have some great stuff but they also have HIGH prices. I didn’t have $250 to spend on a chair I didn’t need, so I’m honestly glad it was already sold. She’s a beaut though.

4. Gold Side Table

This is another piece I just have no need / room for in my home. But, I do think it’s very cute. If I had a bigger space I totally would have scooped it up.

5. Rattan Purse

This vintage rattan purse I actually spotted at the Fremont Sunday market. I really love it and it’s very on trend as rattan/ wicker has had a big moment in fashion accessories lately. This purse would be so adorable paired with a summer dress. But, I knew I wouldn’t really use it that much and it wasn’t cheap enough to justify a purchase. So, I left it for some other fashionista to pick up.

6. Gray Vintage Winter Coat

I really regret not buying this coat. I was really into this coat and it fit me. So why didn’t I buy it? I honestly don’t even remember. I think it was a tad tight. I try to buy things that fit me as I am when I try them on and that are flattering. So the fact that it didn’t fit impeccably probably lead me to leave it. But sometimes you gotta go against your own rules and get it anyway. I tried the coat on in 2017 and it still haunts me to this day. It’s definitely one that got away. But, the good thing about thrifting is there’s always a chance you’ll find something bigger and better in the future.

7. Rattan Shelving Unit


I never realistically considered this piece but I think it has such potential. Rattan/ Wicker furniture and home decor are huge now and this is a pretty cool piece. I could totally picture it in someones insta perfect boho living room.

8. Hudson Bay Blanket

I’ve been searching for a vintage blanket like this for a long time. But this blanket wasn’t in the color-way I was looking for and it had a big ole cigarette burn on it. So I left it hoping i’d get lucky again some other day and find the perfect one.

9. Teal Plaid Blazer

This one is another regret, how did I not get this? I loved this blazer but it didn’t fit me perfectly. It fit pretty well, as you can see, but it didn’t button. I try not to buy any coats/blazers that don’t button. I like to have the option and with coats especially I know I’m going to want to button them at some point. But the likelihood of me ever buttoning this blazer is very low, so I should have thrown caution to the wind and scooped it up anyway. Every rule needs exceptions, right? Sadly, I left it and immediately regretted it. I went back a day or so later to see if it was there, but it was gone. Ah well, another one slips though the cracks.

10. Egg Cup

Do I need an egg cup? No. So, obviously, I left this guy at the thrift store. But, I am very smitten with the pattern and colors of this piece. I took a picture of it with the hope that I could google and find other matching dishes online. I haven’t been able to to dig up any info on the pattern yet, but if you recognize it please let me know in the comments!

what i didn't buy at the thrift store, what i left behind

What I didn’t Buy at the Thrift Store

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1. Vintage clock

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I saw a similar clock from this brand on a YouTube channel I watch (The Fashion Citizen), they thrifted theirs too and it turned out to be a Mid Century Modern clock. This one was pretty cool but It wasn’t as cool as the one I saw in the vlog and I wouldn’t use it. So I left it for someone who would. I’m sure it looks super cool in someones home now.

2. Apple Cups!

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These cups were so 80’s/90’s that I kind of wanted them. But I have too many cups as it is.

3. Dishwasher Destroyed Pitcher

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I  would have picked up this pitcher if it had been in better condition, I have a few pieces in this style and I think they’re really cool.

4. Green Vintage Lamp

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This  60’s/70’s lamp that is kinda funky and cool.

5. Mushroom Clock

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This I definitely should have gone back for this guy. It was pretty cheap and it’s soo cool! Alas I think I left it to try on clothes and then when I didn’t end up finding anything else left without it. A lot of times in the thrifts if I find something I only like and don’t love I’ll leave it, see if I find anything else, and if I do go back for it. But, if I don’t find anything else it tends to get left behind. It keeps me from buying lots of stuff I only kind of like but also keeps me from buying small items that, when I look back, are pretty cool. oh well.

6. Pair of Victorian-esque Paintings

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These are obviously contemporary painting but they’re really good and super cool. I seriously thought about taking them home. I do have a desire to find a cool portrait or two for mi casa and while these were really cool I just wasn’t sure if they were really what I was looking for in a portrait. Hopefully someone scooped them up and they’re hanging in someones cool house.

7. Creppy Ceramic Cat/Dog Girl

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Ok, I was never actually tempted to buy this I just thought it was so random I had to share. I don’t really get it, why is her mouth open like that? What’s up with her weird stripey legs?  I do love that she’s holding a … cat(?) though.

8. Dayton’s Backpack

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For those of you not from Minnesota Dayton’s was Minnesota’s big local department store until the early 00’s when it bought Marshall Fields (and became Marshall Fields) and then was bought by Macy’s. The  Dayton’s also started your favorite big box store, Target. Anyway back in the day (aka early 90’s…) they gave away backpacks to Kindergarten Classes. I’m not sure if it was all of Minnesota or just Minneapolis Public Schools but either way when I spied this backpack it was a serious throwback. I don’t think this is the pattern I got when I was in kindergarten, I think kindergartners a few years younger than me got these specific ones, but I do remember seeing them around. I remember boys got like a blue orange and red bags and girls got pink and blue ones. I also remember that I had THE coolest iridescent pink backpack and so I didn’t really use the Dayton’s one much. But when I saw this in the Halloween section of a local thrift store  I knew I had to share.

9. 1960’s Wedding Dress

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I find vintage wedding dresses to be super cool. This one from the 60’s caught my eye in the Halloween section of a local thrift store. A blogger I used to follow found her wedding dress (a vintage 50’s dress) at the thrift store way before she ever was even engaged or in a relationship with her now husband and so I always like to look through the wedding dresses at thrift stores.  It’s fun to do because there can be some seriously hideous (80’s) ones and you never know if/when you’ll find the perfect vintage wedding dress that fits you like a glove for some possible wedding in the future that may or may not happen. And now I sound crazy.

10. Cheap Mid Century-ish Display Cabinet

 

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I liked the idea 0f this display shelf more than the actual unit. It looks cheap and I’m pretty sure it’s cheaply made. But i did have elements I liked like the grass cloth background and funky curved spindle.

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thrift

5 Fall Trends To Find at the Thrift Store

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It’s fall!  While to some that means pumpkin spice lattes, Halloween, and falling leaves to me it means it’s prime thrifting season. Why? you might ask. Well it’s Halloween season at the thrift store and Halloween is the time of year when they bring out all the awesome unusual and/ or vintage items they’ve amassed all year. Since it’s officially prime thrifting season I figured I’d show you some trends you can easily find at the thrift store this Fall.

1.Camo

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I’ve been seeing Camo jackets around for awhile and they are the easiest thing to thrift, especially around this time of year.  So before you peruse your local mall, hit up your local thrift if you’re in the market for a camo jacket.

 

2.Velvet

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Velvet was a big trend this fall and you can find a ton of it at the thrift store. You can find velvet blazers, dresses, skirts or tops that fits your style and your budget.  Thrifted items are a great way to try new trends as they let you try them with out investing too much money.

3.  Turtle Necks

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You can find turtle necks at literally any thrift store, just stalk the sweater/ long sleeved shirt section and you’re bound to find one that fits your fancy. Good for layering under slip dresses or your favorite summer to fall sleeveless dress a turtle neck never goes out of style.

4. Block Heels

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Block Heels are a practical and stylish trend this fall. Luckily you can find a ton of block heels at the thrift store. Shoes from the 70’s and 80’s have a similar silhouette and are a plenty at the thrifts. These Salvatore Faragamo block heels where found in the Halloween section of a local thrift store.  Be sure to check every section so you don’t miss out on any hidden gems.

5. Flair (pins)

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As you probably know I’ve been searching the thrifts for some cool flair for my denim jacket.  It’s the perfect place to look and has incredibly affordable prices. You can find all sorts of unique pins and brooches to adorn your favorite piece of outwear or just spice up your lapel.

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