Make Mine Eclectic

Bad Thrifter

June 3, 2009 at 12:45 pm (Inspiration) (antique, bad, buying, decor, decorate, find, flea, home, house, hunting, junk, market, old, purchasing, reprupose, retro, reuse, shopping, store, thrift, thrifting, thrifty, used, vintage)

It’s true, I’m just not a very good thrifter.  I try, I really do.  But I often come home empty handed and disappointed.  First, a cute picture, and then the reasons I’m a bad thrifter- use them as reverse tips! 🙂

This was the only thing I was interested in after two thrift store stops yesterday.  I am probably the only person who even thinks these are cute.  But, I did think they would be a neat retro touch to a little girl’s room.  I was actually so attracted to them I almost bought them just to save for the day when we might have a little girl’s room.  But, that seemed waay too far away, so I left, once again, empty handed.

The reasons why I am a bad thrifter- things not to do:

1.  I get disappointed and discouraged.  I know very well that thrifting is about enjoying the hunt.  I know very well that I need to relax and enjoy my time going through all of the junk on that dig for the perfect treasure.  But, sometimes I am in a hurry to snatch something up and get upset when I  don’t find anything that strikes me. 

2.  I am not open minded.  I go into thrift store and flea markets with an idea of what I need and what exact items I am on the hunt for.  Once I stop looking I know I will eventually find something like that, but until then I need to have an open mind and keep my eyes peeled for unexpected finds. 

3.  Sometimes I am just not creative.  I see the items only exactly what they were meant for.  I know that so many treasures can be repurposed, but often I forget to look at an item itself, and not its intended use.  More interesting things can be noticed when thinking creatively.

4.  I do not go often enough.  I sometimes feel that on every trip to the store I have to leave with something.  This should definitely not be the case.  This hunt could take multiple trips.  If you stop back often you will eventually happen upon the perfect find.

5.  I forget that value is irrelevant.  I find myself on a hunt for some treasure of great value.  This is rare, and I know it.  I need to remember that I am on a hunt for unique things that I love and want to surround myself with, not things with fancy brand names. 

6.  I need to remember to enjoy myself.  I know perfectly well that this is a hobby.  It probably won’t make me rich or famous, so I need to be doing my thrifting for me.  If I forget about everyone else’s opinions I will enjoy my trips and eventually have unique and personal items. 

Although these are things not to do, they are a good list of things to keep in mind when thrifting.  Now, if only I could take my own advice.  Can you think of any other thrifting tips?