Tag Archives: thrifting

THE UNICORN OF COFFEE TABLES

Everyone has that thing on their thrifting radar. Lived-in leather shoes have been on mine lately. Instead of adding more articles of clothing to my wardrobe I found that when I slowly expand my shoe options, I naturally wind up wearing more outfits I love but avoided reaching for because they felt incomplete. A pair of sleek black cowboy-esque boots, chocolate brown square toe mules with a block heel, and a black timeless above-the-ankle boot have filled the gaps in my closet. You can never go wrong with interchangeable basics that carry you through multiple seasons. I’ve been sliding into the mules a lot lately. Soon I can ditch the socks and go bare-heeled.   

Then there’s the item on your wishlist that you subconsciously look for but never expect to find. It’s at the center of your radar like an illusive bullseye. Under normal circumstances the perfect piece would take many man hours scouring on Facebook Marketplace or originate at a rare estate sale. Months or years can go by before it crosses your path. The process can’t be rushed. 

Furniture is a rare purchase for me. We lugged our wobbly table and collapsible nightstand across the country. Both are preciously wabi sabi but not exactly special to look at. We’re lucky to have started off with the essentials. Our cabin came with a basic wood bed frame, dresser and a futon couch (an infamous style choice that I go more in depth about here: https://wordpress.com/post/thewobblytableblog.com/1838). The deck included a picnic table and lounge chairs handcrafted by our landlord. 

The bones of our home have plenty of character. Between the wood-paneling and beams, yellow and brown 70’s floral tile kitchen, stone mantle behind a wood burning fireplace and the bold avocado-color tub in our bathroom, it didn’t take much to make the place cozy. 

We haven’t replaced or amassed furniture because 1) we didn’t really need to and 2) the limited space. The center of our living room was an exception. 

Near the dressing room at my regular thrift spot, a beautiful mid century modern coffee table was tucked in a corner. My radar alarm sounded off. In another life it could’ve been one-half of a pair of end-tables. Some hats and a scarf were strewn on top obstructing it’s shiny wood finish. Like a paleontologist digging for bones, I happened to be the lucky one to notice the uniquely carved legs and the potential underneath the clutter. A quick google search informed me of similar Lane Alta Vista pieces that retail for upwards $1k. At $25, I knew I had to act fast before I could get Jordan’s approval. I didn’t mind that I’d be carrying it up four flights of stairs by myself. The sore back would be worth it. 

Jordan returned from a work trip pleasantly surprised with the living room upgrade. Despite its crazy affordability, it still felt like a big adult purchase. We never owned a coffee table in our previous places together. For years we used our window sill behind the couch to perch books, mugs and other odds and ends. Permanent coffee stain rings have become a part of the wooden ledge like our fingerprints on the cabin. 

I love the asymmetrical lines and extra book storage. A delicate gold trim runs along the surface which give it a slightly sophisticated feel like a subtle nod to old Hollywood Glamour. I visualize the table sitting on the set of Mad Men accompanied with a dirty martini and crystal ashtray as jazz plays in the background. It can’t be far off from how it spent its hay day. 

Finally, a statement piece that holds its own in the cabin.

THE UNICORN OF WOOL KNITS

There’s something nostalgic about being in the presence of a quaint mountain town. A landscape of tall trees and rolling hills hug the cluster of local mom and pop shops. As a visitor passing through or a resident running errands, the charm still catches me off guard from both perspectives. Like many small towns, our downtown is only made up of one street. An absence of big box stores and chain restaurants makes the area feel frozen in time.

The local thrift shop is one of the most easily identifiable places in Felton. It’s difficult to miss a big red barn with a banner of flags wrapped around the marquee. Childhood flashbacks of a carnival attraction come rushing back whenever I pull into the parking lot.

Abbot’s Thrift is my North Star. It’s situated within walking distance from the post office and library. In the summertime the Farmer’s Market is sandwiched in the heart of everything much like Stars Hollow. I’d make a whole afternoon of it.

I’ve come to count on the familiarity of being greeted by the sleepy resident cat and quirky employee working the register as you walk in. As much as I appreciate the occasional Goodwill and Sunday flea market, they can’t compare to the cozy shopping experience of Abbot’s. It keeps me coming back time and time again.

What stands out most in the organized clutter is their extensive library nook. Multiple shelves are catalogued by genre and alphabetized by author’s last name. Rumor has it they have a librarian on staff. Unexpected categories dedicated to crafting, sports, and parenting put even some bookshops to shame. I like to think locals share a similar pride in keeping it tidy as our small way of preserving the town’s crown jewel.

Aside from books, I usually keep an eye out for interesting mugs and jackets- particularly from the 60’s-70’s.

While perusing Abbot’s something is bound to catch my eye. On my last visit, I had taken only a few steps from the entrance when a Southwestern pattern woven in earthy tones was screaming out to me from the rack. Immediately upon grabbing the cardigan off the hanger I felt the weight of the wool- the sturdiness proved to be far more than pretty looks. It would properly keep the cold at bay and last years of wear fully equipped with roomy hand pockets to properly dig into and a hem falling perfectly above the knee. We hit it off immediately. I held on tightly and proudly as I roamed the other aisles as if hanging onto a secret. Jordan was the one who noticed it was from Pendleton which simultaneously excited me and made my stomach drop.

The price tag was missing. My gut told me it was well above the frugal thirty dollar budget I allotted myself. Pendleton is known for their quality textiles with jackets and blankets priced upwards $200. I was convinced I’d lose her as quickly as I found her.

To my surprise the unicorn of wool knits came out to SIX BUCKS. Less than the cost of a carton of berries from the farmer’s market next door. Thrift hobbyists can understand the natural high of a price slashed down to a quarter of what was expected. 

The cardigan and I met just in time to enjoy the last few months of Winter. She fits in perfectly with my closet, like she was here all along – somehow even complimenting the multiple patterned rugs in our cabin. While flowy dresses and short sleeves will be on heavy rotation these days I patiently await the adventures we’ll pick back up come October.

I often imagine what kind of life thrifted items had before crossing their path. Part of the fun is digging up clues from their past to give more context. Unfortunately the sewn in tags didn’t supply the year or style number. I couldn’t find it on their website either. Naturally I gave it a story of my own: The wool knit lived out it’s golden years with a painter who drew inspiration from their worldly travels. When not getting lost in far away places, Felton was home base. They referred to Abbot’s as their North Star too. In another life we would’ve been fast friends.