A favorite thing of mine to do on a Sunday is to borough-hop and browse vintage houseware shops. Yesterday’s adventure included visits to a few favorites, so I thought I’d share. Let me know what you like to shop secondhand for, and any favorite stores or websites!
I’m giving this a try - I have a love/hate relationship with ILIA’s Super Serum Skin Tint (I find that it pills and the dropper makes for a messy UX, but it has a great shade range). So far I am liking this new RMS launch - I was a little skeptical of the color match before blending (my shade Cameo seemed a twinge orange out of the bottle) but it sat nicely and is a perfect product for weekend errands - high SPF, skincare benefits and nice but minimal coverage.
First stop: Irving Farm
Happy to report I’ve somehow recovered from my coffee aversion. I try to be good about making my own during the week so that the occasional pilgrimage to Irving Farm feels like a treat 😍.
It’s essential to be caffeinated for a treasure hunt. Cold brew with oat milk aka lightning in a bottle from your favorite coffee shop, is there a better buzz?
Vintage Thrift on 3rd Ave between 22nd and 23rd St is my favorite place to shop for quality vintage furniture, artwork, housewares, lamps, and rugs. It has the feeling of shopping a high end boutique. It also has a great clothing selection. Proceeds benefit the United Jewish Council of the East Side.Note - if planning a visit, it is closed on Saturdays for the Sabbath.
I wanted to take a set of these 1970s chrome chairs with taupe microsuede home with me 😩. They were in amazing shape and only $475 for the 4 (that’s $120 a chair - good luck finding anything mostly plastic and made in China for that price 🙃).
Vintage Thrift does a beautiful job with merchandising which makes the shopping experience feel creative and fun.
If you’re buying stemware new what are you even doing. :) Most vintage glassware was made in Italy, Germany, Austria, Scandinavia or here the US. The craftsmanship and attention to detail (not to mention the quality of glass) is much higher than what you can get today, at a fraction of the price. I also love to fantasize about the interesting dinner parties these oldies were privy to.
I always find great coffee table books here. There is always an art book (or five) that wants to come home with me.
Intermission: subway ride
Spotted this dashing fellow in red while underground.
Speaking of red, I am obsessed with these sneakers - I’ve never had a more comfortable pair of shoes (Sambas included!!) nor have a received more compliments. They even look chic blurry against the floor of the G train.
I met India at our friend Isa’s new bakery, Welcome Home! It was standing room only for good reason - the baked goods were as delicious as the corner spot’s overall vibe. Located in Bed-Stuy, it’s 10000% worth a visit.
Baguettes secured (they came hot from the oven 🥲) and a moment for the stools and floor.
Mirth is my favorite vintage clothing store in the city. Located in Greenpoint, the highly edited collection focuses on neutral staples (meaning it does all of the work for you). I’ve found little black dresses, blazers and staple knits here. It also has an amazing selection of vintage Levis in incredible condition - I scored my favorite 501s from here.
The store feels like an aspirational walk-in closet. This is my wardrobe, I live here, these are my pretty things.
I loved the detail on this tank top. Hard to believe I’ll be tan enough to wear pastel ever again 🫠.
A Brooklyn staple with two outposts, Dobbins St constantly has a rotating selection of fairly priced vintage furniture and home goods. It provides great references for third party delivery services, which makes buying bigger items here easier than other spots.
I also find it regularly has a good selection of framed wall art. Most of my art in my apartment is from secondhand stores. I like my walls having personality. :)
And sometimes it has dreamy, apartment sized antique rugs for reasonable prices. I loved this one which was in great shape and I think it was around $375.
And I thought this Picasso print would be so sweet for a bathroom!
Yesterday’s loot:
The fabulous Remarkable Private New York Interiors published in 1990 ($15), two hand-painted Japanese butter knives ($6 each), a silver deco-ish 5’ x 7’ photo frame ($10), and a pair of cobalt glass matchstick candle holders ($16).
Goodbye:
Okay that’s all, thanks so much for following along! Until next time.
Putting vintage thrift on my list!!!!