Thrifty Thursday • Hampden Junque

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Hampden Junque

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address : 1006 W. 36th St., Baltimore, MD 21211

hours :  Thursday - Sunday: 11am - 4pm 

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Hampden Junque is one of my favorite spots in the Hampden area of Baltimore.  Before moving back to Texas, Andy and I went exploring for vintage in Baltimore and found a treasure trove on W. 36th St.  I've shared photos from Avenue Antiques / Ideal, Denova, Dreamland, and David's on the Avenue, before.  These are all amazing spots for vintage/thrift and I can't even believe that they're all within walking distance!  Seriously, if you like old stuff please go to Hampden!

Each of those shops has something a little different that sets them apart, but Hampden Junque is truly unique.  It's tchotchske heaven!  They've got tons of old toys and all the knick knacks you could possibly want.  Check it out!

It's a small space, packed to the gills with curios for every type of collector.  I'm a sucker for vintage toys and cat figurines so it's no surprise that I spent an inordinate amount of time in this shop.

Hampden Junque has limited hours, so be sure to stop by on the weekend.  And they only accept cash, so keep that in mind.  The woman at the counter was very nice and hung on to our purchases while we went to get cash to pay.  I'm so bad at never having any!

Every angle of this shop is filled with bits and bobs and things from your childhood that you totally forgot you loved SO MUCH.

If you visit Hampden, let your inner collector go nuts and visit Hampden Junque!  There's literally something for every single person ever.  We even picked up a couple of things in these photos!  They had shelves full of cats...there was no restraint.

Austin City-wide Garage Sale

A few weekends ago, Andy and I decided to visit the Austin City-wide Garage Sale.  I'd come across it while doing all my vintage and thrift googling and I couldn't resist.  Happening once a month in Austin, the Garage Sale is a collection of large and small sellers from across the area. You'll find great collections of furniture, toys and vintage clothing -- there's a little bit of everything! Very much like the DC Big Flea, the event is in an large, indoor area with the displays ranging from small vignettes of antiques to folding tables with mountains of old cameras.  There's stuff to see in every direction!  I didn't have my real camera with me, but I couldn't resist taking a ton of photos to share.  Take a look!

So much stuff!  As always...it's best to just dive in at one side and make your way through.

I'm not sure how different the vendors are from show to show, but this show featured a vendor with tables and tables of linens, quilts, fabric, purses, you name it.   They all varied in price and condition, but if you dig, I'm sure you can find some treasures.

Some of the booths have especially great displays.  It can really help frame the objects in your mind and get you thinking about how they can fit in your life. For instance, seeing the lockers with that chair it make me think about how great would those lockers look in a sitting space. With a fresh coat of paint they would be a great conversation piece!  You could even store seasonal decorations in them!  Dangit.  Now I really want lockers.  I love a good display! 

We were eyeballing this record player so hard.  It was one of those credenza players...super mid-century...super gorgeous.

And so much Star Wars!  Andy and I were like O_O when we found this booth.

Those are original figures!!!  The price tags made me want to pass out, but it was so cool to see them.  It was like a mini Star Wars museum in the middle of a flea market.

And so many cameras!  I wish my mom was there so she could've identified all of them.  There were some that I'd never seen before!

So fun!

Another shot to give you the scale.

This booth had some amazing luggage and clothing.  See that Creature from the Black Lagoon costume?  So good.

It cost $5 per person to get into the garage sale, but I think it's well worth it.  There's tons of vendors with a variety of goods and even if you don't find anything, I always think it's fun explore.  I think we'll definitely make this a regular stop.

Thrifty Thursday - Thrifty Chicks Vintage

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Thrifty Chicks Vintage
website / facebook 
address : 6701 N Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78752
hours :  Sunday - Saturday: 10am - 6pm

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This week, I stopped in Thrifty Chicks Vintage on N. Lamar.  I've passed it a few times and with an exterior like that, it was just a matter of time before I had to go in.  The inside of the shop is just as bright and colorful as the outside.  Orange walls and cool stuff everywhere.  They've got furniture, jewelry, home decor and clothing...a little of everything.  When I walked in I was greeted by the owner and told about the sales.  It's such a welcoming and friendly place!

It's a big space with two floors and the upstairs is filled with clothes.  There's also a really cute children's space that pretty much had my whole childhood on one shelf.

This is a super fun space and I even left with a fun stool that I'm planning on revamping for the kitchen.  I need to find some sparkly teal vinyl...

Here's photosssssss...

My favorite things about this photo are the crocheted flower pillows.  I need that pattern STAT!  I'll make them in shades of pink and they will the best ever.

I'm crossing my fingers that the moon landing embroidery is still there.  It would go so perfectly on our space wall!

Oh look...heaven!  Upstairs, there's a whole wall of patterns and fabric.  I could've gone through ever single one.

This little lady was a like a shining beacon of pink glory when I walked in this upstairs room.  Still kicking myself for not snatching it up on the spot!

I'm a sucker for vintage embroidery.  Those teeny tiny perfect stitches were just gorgeous!

This is a very cute shop and I'll definitely be stopping back in!  There's some furniture I've got my eyes on...and some art...and some kitchenware... ^_^

***If you've got any shops you love, or own, that you'd like to feature, just shoot a note over to becky@thepinksamurai with the name, website/facebook and why you love it, I'd love to take a look!!!***

Thrifty Thursday - Dreamland

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Dreamland
facebook / instagram 
address : 1013 N Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201
hours :  Monday - Thursday: 11am - 8pm | Friday - Saturday: 11pm - 9pm

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Today's shop is back in Baltimore.  I visited when they were in the Hampden area, but since then they've moved to Mt. Vernon.  Their location might have changed, but their selection is still the same, and still awesome!  I'd love to get some updated shots of the new space, because their instagram feed makes it look so fun.  But for now...here's some shots of the old location.  Carrying most clothes, accessories and jewelry, it's a great stop if you wear a lot of vintage.

Finding shops that specialize in true vintage clothing can be really difficult, and this one is just a fun gem to keep on your list of must-visit places.  And let me know if anyone goes to visit the new place!

***If you've got any shops you love, or own, that you'd like to feature, just shoot a note over to becky@thepinksamurai with the name, website/facebook and why you love it, I'd love to take a look!!!***

Thrifty Thursday: Second Hand Store

This shop was one I just happened to pass during my first trip to Burnet Rd. and I added it to my second trip list.  When Aunt Debbie and I were poking around town, we stopped in to take a peek.

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Second Hand Store

yelp
address : 7305 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78757

hours : ??? - will update when I find out!

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When we stopped in, the owner was really nice and said they were a junk shop and everything as everywhere.  At first you look and think it's just a normal second hand store, but then you see all the awesome deco furniture and realize the dates on these pieces are a lot old than you're used to!  Everything was spread out and there's three separate rooms filled mostly with furniture.  If you're looking for unique pieces to add to your home, I would definitely stop by this shop.  Now! Pictures!

The front room is very full, and I recommend a couple of walk-throughs since you'll inevitably pass up some some really cool stuff.  I walked by a second time and noticed so much more! 

Left and bottom right are from this amazing deco dresser!  They were into chevrons before pinterest existed :P

Need any chairs?

Left is a wonderful deco dresser that is in need of good make-under and right is a sewing table!  No sewing machine, but the table is just gorgeous.  It needs a little love, too, but it's got such great bones.  

If you're in the market for a good DIY project or need some fun furniture, or are looking for props for a vintage shoot or wedding, I would definitely stop by Second Hand.  Their prices are more than reasonable and the owner is very helpful.  I'd love to know if you stop by and what you found!

/// If you've got any shops you love, or own, that you'd like me to feature, just shoot a
note over to becky@thepinksamurai with the name, website/facebook, address, hours a few things that make it awesome, I'd love to take a look!!!

My Favorite Estate Sale Resources

I frequent estate sales.  Now that no longer have a day job, I have more time to go exploring check out places I wouldn't normally have the time to visit.  I thought, since a few people had asked where I find out about all the sales I visit, I'd write post and share my resources!

There's a great post called Estate Sale 101 over on The Dainty Squid, and I think she did a phenomenal job of summing up what estate sales really are and what to expect when you go to one.  Definitely hop over there and see what Kaylah's got to say. I do have to almost disagree with a bit of her advice though, because as much as I love the deep discounts that a lot of people offer on Sunday's, I like to scope it out and make sure to snap up anything I know I'll really want earlier in the sale.  Then, for the things that are just fun to have, I'll wait till Sunday and late Fate decide if it's meant to be.  It really depends on if you're going for something specific, looking for something that catches your eye, or sourcing for resale ^_^ Now...onto the super secret sources!

ESTATE SALE RESOURCES!

1. EstateSales.Net - This is one that Kaylah mentions, too, and I have to say that it's my favorite.  It's consistant and you can get emails sent to you that show sales in your immediate area, or any area you'd like.  When I was up in Virginia, I had it set up to show me everything in Maryland, DC and Virginia. Even the stuff that was far away, because they also have photos that accompany the sale info, so you can see if the sale is worth a longer trip.  Brilliant.  I planned out 5 trips in one go last Friday!  There were actually a couple of people that I saw at multiple places.

2. EstateSales.Org - This site is similar to the first, though not quite as user friendly.  If you're a power-thrifter though, you'll want to add this one to the mix because it's got some different sales that .Net might not have.  It also pulls in some sales from Craigslist.  Which brings me to my next resource...

3. Craigslist - Though .Org pulls in sales from Craigslist, I always like to go to the source.  There's no link for estate sales in particular on the Craigslist home page, but you can just search "estate sale" and it will pull up lost of stuff.  Always check the dates!  You don't want to get stoked about a place and drive all the way out only to realize it was last week :P

4. Google - Yerp.  I'm sure you'd never think of this one on your own, but just googling "estate sale Austin" brought up lots of local dealers who are the ones that actually put on the sales.  Going directly to the source can help you get on their mailing lists and know everything they're up to.  The great thing about the first two sites are that they aggregate everything for you, but that also implies that each business is going to put each of their sales up on those services.  If you want to be extra thorough, go to the source.  You might even get to know them!

I hope these are helpful!  Remember to always be respectful of other's homes (sometimes you get to see some real time-capsules!).  And I never take photos at sales, also out of respect.  I always wait till I get home to share my finds with instagram :P  Do let me know if you find any treasures! I'd love to seeee!

Thrifty Thursday: Out of the Past

I'm finding that Burnet Road in Austin is a treasure trove of thrift shopping in Austin.  I might just spend a whole day there just making sure I find every shop!  Today's shop is one I'd been wanting to check out for a little while and I'm so glad I got take a peek yesterday.

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Out of the Past
facebook
address : 5341 Burnet Rd., Austin, Texas 78756

hours :  Monday - Saturday: 10am - 6pm | Sunday: 12pm - 6pm

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Out of the Past is full to the brim with everything you could possible imagine.  I was overwhelmed by how dense it was and immediately knew I'd be spending a lot of time here because I want to see absolutely everything!  The prices are reasonable, the owners are nice and I promise you can find absolutely anything you're looking for here.  I'll let the pictures do most of the talking because there's no way for me to accurately describe this shop!

When you first walk in, you'll be all, "OH MY GOD!"  And that the proper response.  It'll take a minute for it to really sink in.  Then you'll want to spend the rest of your life in there looking at every little thing.

I think I might need that clock.  Also, confession, most of the pictures I took were just to record the things I wanted to go back and get :P

In the back they had a ton of old comics on this shelf (that's got two sections this size) and in short boxes on a tall shelf around the corner.  From what I could tell, they're mostly 80s and 90s.  Not in any order, but that makes the hunt that more satisfying when you find what you want ^_^  

How precious is that glass?!  Andy and I have a running joke about not needing any more glassware or dishware since we bought everything for our wedding.  And I have a major weakness for vintage glassware and dishes.  But we got rid of a lot of it for the move...so....

Lots and lots of jewelry here, too!  They got a bunch of mesh bags that were very deco, think Gatsby, and gorgeous!  I couldn't get a good shot of them, but trust me.

They have so many toys, too!  It's like they found all your old toys and put them on display ^_^

STAR WARS!  Tons of original toys in glass cases that were impossible for me to shoot.  I need a polarizer! 

I absolutely love this shop and will be going back as soon as I'm done writing this to get a present for Andy!  If you don't hear from me in a while, I'll be lost in the shelves having a vintage overload ^_^

/// If you've got any shops you love, or own, that you'd like me to feature, just shoot a note over to becky@thepinksamurai with the name, website/facebook, address, hours a few things that make it awesome, I'd love to take a look!!!