Thanksgiving is over and the shopping season has begun. Most of my friends and readers now shop online. A few are brave enough to face the department store crowds and get to see what they are buying before they purchase it. Where do I shop? I balance my holiday shopping between small local merchants and – don’t’ tell anyone – what I will politely refer to as ‘resale shops.’ The truth is out. I am addicted to thrift shop shopping. It’s the thrill of the hunt. You don’t know what you are looking for but there is a chance you might find it. Somewhere waiting for me under piles of junk is that one of a kind, wonderful, unexpected something that for only $2.00 can be mine.
I have a passion for baskets and thrift shops have the best baskets in town. I am not talking about discarded Easter baskets. Thrift shops have antique baskets, sewing baskets, baskets for books, baskets for toys, baskets, baskets and more baskets. Last week I stood in front of a display of baskets and thought, “I want them ALL.” If I buy them all, I can resell them at flea markets! I will be a dealer in fine wicker, a collector, a basket connoisseur! It was more than I could stand. Since I was walking, I left with what my arms could carry. I now have a porch closet filled with wicker baskets. My adult children look worried when I display my wonderful wicker wares. They are thinking, “Obviously, mom is now nuts but maybe we can get her to join a book club.”
The key to successful thrift shop shopping is to revisit the territory often. If you visit the thrift shops often, you will quickly learn which ones offer the best price on particular items. There is one shop that sells crystal and fine china at dollar store prices. There are also boutique thrift shops but frankly honey it’s not worth it, the church and charity shops have the best clothing bargains. It is difficult to explain, but once you pay $5 for a designer bag, or skirt or whatever (I have bought Oleg Cassini whatever) there is no going back. You will never pay retail again. If you have no pride and love a deal, you will not only wear Missy’s clothes, you will be thrilled when you find them.
On Book TV, I heard a presentation by an author who wrote The Obsessive Mind of the Collector. When does a thrift shopper turn into an obsessive collector? For me it was a Saturday at about 3:00 p.m. It also happens when you stop buying for yourself and start thinking “Who can I give this to?” I found myself rummaging through boxes of old dress patterns. Old dress patterns? I stopped sewing years ago. I don’t have a sewing machine. The answer is obsession. I can justify obsession. It takes you mind off of reality and totally embraces you. Anything that absorbs your total attention is relaxing. You become lost in the moment. And remember, this is a hunt and should be categorized with other hunting sports like fishing or animal hunting. Visualize shoppers going out before dawn in camouflage clothing, armed with shopping bags ready to bring home the big one. Today, I could be bringing home the ‘big one’. Since I am walking, it can’t be too big.
When I return exhausted, take off my designer shoes, close my eyes under my natural feather quilt, and turn off my imitation Tiffany lamp; I smile. I have a closet full of wicker baskets. Let me think…who would appreciate a rare antique basket as a special Christmas surprise?
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