Used Friday: Garage Salin'

Katherine from Back Garage (and Vintage Bazaar co-genius) is having a garage sale this weekend!  If you've seen her online shop, you know she'll have a bunch of awesome treasures in store.  We both live in Humboldt Park which means you better get there before me if you want the good stuff.  The flyer mentions something about grilling...could it get any better?!

If you want more vintage goodies, Back Garage and Cushion Chicago are having a warehouse sale.  I currently want everything in the picture!

Happy garage sales!

Used Friday: The Salvation Army

I've been searching long and hard for a good thrift store since we moved to Chicago.  Yes, people have recommended stores like The Ark and Village Thrift, but none of them matches the low prices that I'm used to back in Boston or Ohio.  I want REAL thrift store deals!  Unfortunately, it's been hard to find them here in the Windy City.  I blame it on the hipsters, but that's another story.

Just when I was about to give up on my thrift store search, I stumbled upon the Salvation Army on North Ave (Humboldt Park).  It's a huge building with three floors of hidden treasures.  Major score!  There's no train that goes out there, but you can easily hop on the bus or drive down...I always find street parking on the block.

The first thing I do when I go to the Salvation Army is hit the basement.  It's FULL of furniture.  There are 2 main rooms each with a second room off of them.  When you walk down the stairs, the first thing you notice is the smell.  It's definitely not a pleasant one.  Don't get discouraged, just push on because there are goodies ahead!

I wanted to take this couch home so bad and reupholster it but alas, our apartment is full to capacity!

The first room has books, couches and  lamps with a side room showcasing suitcases, large toys, and more.  Keep going and you'll be in the main furniture room which features isle upon isle of furniture stacked on top of each other.  Need a chair?  They've got plenty.  The whole back of the room is packed with every type of chair you can imagine.  There's even a second side room with baby furniture, bed frames and such.

Cabinets, desks, dressers, hutches, tables...whatever you want, they've got it.

So many chairs!

These theatre seats have been here for awhile.  I wish I had a use for them.  Maybe someone with a home theatre setup will take them.

Such a great selection of mirrors.  Just remove the dresser attachments from the one on top and you've got the perfect mirror.

These tables are SO adorable but we don't have any room.

DISCLAIMER: I'm pretty sure there's a serial killer living in the basement.  This isn't based on anything other than the fact that I have an irrational fear of dark spaces and always assume someone's out to get me.  I keep my basement trips short if I'm by myself and I stay out of the side rooms altogether...the basement is usually kind of deserted and every time I go there alone, I have this feeling I'm going to be dragged off to some dark corner.  Still, the furniture selection's so good, it's worth it :)

The main floor is loaded with clothes.  I'm not the most patient person so I rarely buy thrift store clothes...the time it takes to sift through the racks is dizzying to me.  Still, if it's your thing then you'll be happy to know there are enough clothes here to keep you searching for hours!

Multiply this space by 3 and that's how many racks of clothes they have here.  I wish I was patient enough to look through them.

The top floor is my favorite place.  Here they keep all the housewares and electronics.  It's not the largest bric-a-brac section I've seen, but they always have something good, like the vintage Pyrex bowl set I got this week.  I still can't decide whether to keep them or add them to the store.  We'll see!  Unfortunately I don't have pictures of the upstairs...I'm afraid of falling through the floor so taking pictures is the last thing on my mind.  I get in, and get out!

DISCLAIMER 2: I have a panic attack every time I go to the second floor.  Literally.  I'm terrified of heights and greatly distrust physics and man-made structures.  The slightest slant or weak floor board has me going nuts.  While the rational side of me is sure the Salvation Army will be around for years to come, I still have a serious fear that the sloping, creaking floors that move under your feet are going to come crashing down any day now.  There are ALWAYS kids running around upstairs, scaring me half to death each time I take a step.  This just goes to show you how much I love the finds there...I'm willing to risk my life just for a few minutes of browsing around!

What are your plans this weekend?  Any thrifting or garage sales?

Salvation Army
4141 West North Avenue 
Chicago, IL 60639

Used Friday: The Windy City

Vintage Wooden Desk (Chicago - Pilsen)
Price: FREE!!

Free 1950's desk. Get it now.

You may also like: 60's Glam Desk

Orange Lounge Chair (Glenwood, IL)
Price: $175

What a fun chair! I think it would look even more fun if you painted the wood frame but that's just me. Fabric seems to be in good shape.

You may also like: Funky Wieland Unimold Chair, Retro Reclining Chairs

Record Cabinet (Chicago)
Price: $195

This little record cabinet is simply adorable. I wish I had the space.

Ceramic Tiles (Shaumburg, IL)
Price: FREE again!!

If you're a DIY-er with a tiling project on your hands, this posting's for you. They have over 6 boxes of tiles leftover and they're giving them all away for free!

Mid-century 4-Drawer Dresser (Batavia, IL)
Price: $95

This wooden beauty is full of potential. Keep it as is or grab a brush and transform it into a masterpiece. For inspiration, click the Kroehler link below.

You may also like: Kroehler Mid-Century Highboy, 2-Toned Bedside Table

Red-Glazed Entry Table (Hyde Park, IL)
Price: $60

What a fun table. It's pretty affordable considering the poster painted and glazed it themselves. Gives me a great idea for our entryway.

Vintage Record Player (Chicago - Humboldt Park)
Price: $100

Okay, I'll admit this post is for MY record player! We love it to death but we just don't have the space. I can't wait to see it go to another retro lover.

Mod Bookcase (Chicago - Lincoln Square)
Price: $295

Display your favorite acessories, use it as a sideboard, or frost the glass and turn it into an entertainment center.

You may also like: Drexel Sideboard

Retro School Desk (Chicago - Roscoe Village)
Price: $20

This would look great in a loft, office, entryway, playroom, etc. Plus it's a steal at $20.

You may also like: Orange Metal School Desk

Used Friday: Color Color Everywhere!

A few colorful vintage finds to brighten up your weekend!

Clockwise from top left: Gas Station "2" Sign, $18 (Lackluster Co.); Norleans Bowl, $6 (Granny's Thimble); Metal Button Collection, $20 (Orit Dotan); Red Purse, $6.50 (Cheeky Vintage Closet)

Toolbox, $20 (Ask Alice Vintage)

Rainbow Striped Bathing Suit, $22 (Dirty Birdie's Vintage)

 Clockwise from top left: 1980's Microdex, $8 (Half Pint Salvage); Olive Green Planter, $18 (Callooh Callay); Houndstooth Decanter Set, $32 (Vintage Zen); Pyrex Bowl Set, $39.95 (Lagelle); Eyeglass Case, $14 (Ephemera And More); Purple Pumps, $27 (go XO)

Used Friday: New vintage additions

This Used Friday I'm sharing a few odds and ends that I've recently photographed for the vintage section of the Apt528 Store.  So far, there are only a few vintage items listed but now that I have my "photography studio" setup I can add many more! 

First off, a little photography DIY.  Yesterday I built my macro light box, or mini studio as I like to call it.  Actually, I made TWO light boxes!  The first one was made using directions from Jen Kiaba's photography blog.  It's super easy, you just cut holes in the sides of a cardboard box, cover them with tissue paper, cut a piece of posterboard to use as your backdrop, and use desk lamps for lighting.

The first light box

The box turned out too small and flimsy so I went to Staples and bought the biggest moving box I could find.  I found new directions online (can't remember the website) that suggested cutting up old tshirts or other fabric to cover the holes instead of tissue paper so I gave that a try. I made the box sturdier by making smaller holes.  Even thought this one was stronger than the first light box, it still wasn't big enough.  It would be easier if there was no top so I could take overhead and angled pictures.

The second light box

A photo taken with the second light box and edited for a "vintage" feel.  Alarm clock available at the Apt528 Store.

Which is why I decided to skip the light box altogether and just take overhead shots of some of the products on top of the poster board.  It was much easier and the pictures turned out just like I wanted!  I'm going to make one more Staples run to buy one of those tri-fold boards kids use for science projects.  The board will give me a white background so I can take shots like the one above without having to worry about my messy workroom showing up in the background.  As an added bonus, the tri-fold boards are easy to store as apposed to the light boxes which take up space.

Take a look at some of the new products I shot with the poster board for the vintage section of the Apt528 Store.

What do you think?

Tech Woes

I've only posted once in the past week.  It's not because I'm lazy, it's because my computer has been going bonkers for the past week.  Since Friday, the computer hasn't stayed on for more than 30 minutes.  Most of the time it doesn't turn on and when it does, it shuts down minutes later while I'm in the middle of something.  Mega frustrating.

After dealing with this for a week, I headed out to Best Buy and bought a new laptop yesterday.  It's a Toshiba Satellite like our old one so it was easy to get used to.  Still, I hate getting new computers and having to reload/download all your favorite programs and whatnot.  Transferring my files has been the biggest pain.

Anyways, I'm back up and running now.  And you'll be proud to hear that I also got a new camera!  After almost three years of horrible pics on the blog, I finally upgraded to a Sony Cybershot DSC-H20.  I've only used it a few times so far but it's so much more advanced than my old clunker camera.  Tonight, I'm going to build a lightbox to shoot some product images in for Vintage 528.  The current pictures are horrible!  I got the directions from an Etsy blog post.  I've never used anything of the sort before but it's supposed to disperse the light more evenly and help amateur photographers like me look a little more professional!  I'll let you know how it goes.

Used Friday: My New Scale

I FINALLY bought a kitchen scale! 

We're value shoppers and usually end up buying huge packs of ground beef at a time.  Trying to divide the beef into 1lb. portions to freeze is always a hassle...I know my guesstimates are wrong most of the time.  Which is why I need a kitchen scale to do the measuring for me. Of course, there are tons of scales on Etsy and Ebay that weigh small amounts of about a1lb, but I wanted a 25lbs. scale that I could also use for weighing meat for my 3lb. chili or use for weighing packages.

Which is why my search has dragged on forever.  Trying to find a 25lbs., multi-purpose, vintage scale that actually works and didn't cost a fortune was so hard.  But now, months later, it's done!

It's not as bright and colorful as I would have liked but I'm still happy.  I might paint the bottom a different color one of these days but for now, it will definitely do the trick!

Used Friday: Buy This Now

Love.  This.

If you're anywhere near Arkansas, get it now.  Unfortunately, the posting isn't for the exact couch in the picture but for a black, 2-seater version.  Either way, you're getting an AMAZING deal at $40.  Get it NOW!!

Oh, and make sure to check out this cute little shop, Brick House Vintage.  I wonder if they'd let me live in their store...

Used Friday: My New Sectional Obsession

There's one great craigslist find that I can't get out of my head.  Today, I'm dedicating the whole Used Friday to this AWESOMELY AMAZING sectional in Chicago.

This is the vintage sectional of my dreams.  If it was in Boston, I'd by there right now picking it up.  I've been searching for a sectional for two years now.  My ultimate dream is to own a vintage piece, though they're hard to find and can be expensive to fix.  My second choise was the Ikea Kramfors, which is now discontinued.  I was starting to give up hope that I'd ever find a sectional.  Until now.

This sectional is in pretty good condition and was recently reupholstered, though not professionally.  It still looks good though...better than anything I could ever do!  It has good bones which means it won't cost too much to have it professionally upholstered.  Based on the quote I got for another piece I liked here in Boston, I'd say they could revamp this piece for a cool $1000.  Not bad!

We're going to Chicago Memorial Day weekend to look at apartments (we're moving there this summer so any tips on good n neighborhoods to live in are welcome).  Wouldn't it be awesome if somehow this sectional was still available when I was there so I could snatch it up!?!

Garage Sale - Sectionals

Since I can't get my hands on an Ikea Kramfors sectional, I'm shopping around Craigslist to see what else is out there.  Thankfully, there's a lot to choose from.  Here are just a few great sectionals for under $400.

1950's Turquoise Sectional (Tucson) - $75

SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLARS!  Can you believe it?!  For less than $100 you can snatch up this awesome vintage piece.  The description doesn't mention the condition but for that price, you can buy a slipcover, have it reupholstered, or (if you're brave) reupholster it yourself.  If only I lived in Arizona.

Tan Microfiber Sectional (San Jose) - $400

Now all your guests will have a seat!  Best of all, if there are any spills, the microfiber can be easily cleaned.

Red Microfiber (Ewing, NJ) - $450

I know it's above $400, but I think it's worth the $50.  It's barely used, in awesome shape, and comes from a clean house. 

Fagelbo Sleeper Sectional (Los Angeles) - $350

In addition to being a nice modern sofa, this sectional pulls out to become a sleeper.  Great for small apartments.

Forest Green Crate & Barrel Sectional (Clarendon Hills, IL) - $400

Great condition, short money.  Buy it!

Garage Sale: Lounging Around

I heard on the news that snow's already starting to fall in parts of the country. That means the start of cozy nights in while the temperatures outside slowly start to dip. So grab a book, fire up the games, or snuggle in with a nice cup of tea.

Clockwise from top: Atari Game System, $375 (Cozy Studio); Orange Enamelware Mug, $9.50 (Birdie1); Set of 3 Popcorn Bowls, $12 (White2); Nancy Drew Vol. 1 & 2, $18 (Handsome Raven); Popcorn Maker, $19.99 (Nostalgic Treasures); 1970's Handmade Afghan, $19 (Renaissance Professor)

Garage Sale

Thrifty Thursdays have officially ended. Don't worry, I'll still be here to help you find great second hand goods but this time under a weekly post titled Garage Sale.

Garage Sale will run on Fridays and feature finds from Craigslist, Etsy, and Ebay. Enjoy!


Ikea Fusion Dining Set (Boston)
$60

The Fusion set retails for $299 at Ikea, but you can get it here for only $60! The chairs tuck under the table which is perfect for small spaces.


Mustard Yellow Chair (Atlanta)
$20

What a bargain! For just $20 you get a great mustard yellow chair that's perfect for use in a bedroom, home office, or foyer. It seems to be in pretty good condition too.




Mid-Century Dining Set (Boston)
$150

I want this set. I love the vintage dining room furniture I already have but I just can't pass up these chairs...they're gorgeous!


White Leather Sofa (Carrollton, GA)
$300

This sofa is great for any retro-inspired home. Coming in at 8ft long, it's sure to hold all your guests during the holidays. It's in pretty good condition for now but if you have the money (or the skill) you should probably reupholster it when you get a chance.



Boomerang Corner/Coffee Table (Houston)
$50

Corner tables can be awkward when laying out a room but I think this one is worth the trouble! You could even use it as a coffee table if you have the room.

Thrifty Thursday Review: Thrift Shop of Boston

Thrifty Thursday Review: The Thrift Shop of Boston

I'm a frequent shopper of the Thrift Shop of Boston and figured it was about time I share it with you. Located in the middle of Roslindale Village, the Thrift Shop of Boston is run by the Home for Little Wanderers, a charity organization that provides help and care for at-risk kids.

Pros: It's a small space but they really get a lot in there without it being crowded. Great for vintage items. We've found great cameras for our collection, some dating back to 1918. We were also able to find salt and pepper shakers from the 60's (we'd been looking for the past year!), dressers, records, and household items.

Cons: Not a good place to go if you're looking for more modern decor. Somehow the store hasn't left the 70's, which is great if you're a retro lover like me but not so good when you want something a little more trendy.

Perhaps the best part of the Thrift Shop is that 100% of the money goes straight to the Home for Little Wanderers organization. How can you say no to that!


Thrift Shop of Boston
17 Corinth Street, Roslindale, MA 02131
617-325-5300
Open: Mon- Sat: 9:30 am - 5 pm

Craig's Helper Helped Me!

Thrifty Thursday's just got better. For me anyway!

Every time I write Thrifty Thursday and Apartment Wanted, I have to individually search the various the furniture and apartment pages of each different city featured on craigslist. It's a VERY time consuming thing which is why I've kind of backed off lately. But no more slacking from me now that I have Craig's Helper. Craig's Helper is a search engine that lets you browse ALL of craigslist - from Boston to Stockholm - in one simple search. Things couldn't be simpler.

Look for more Thrifty Thursdays and Apartment Wanted posts starting this weekend!

Summer Cooking

With Memorial Day comes the start of everything summer. That means outdoor parties and backyard barbeques. In my case, it means front porch barbeques.

This past Friday was Jerome's birthday. In celebration, we had a few friends over to celebrate. But before the fun could begin, I had a lot of work to do to get the porch in party shape.

1. Lighting
Most times, adding festive string lights and tiki torchces is the easy way to transform an outdoor space for a party. If you only have a porch, like me, torches aren't an option. Neither are string lights if you don't have electricity on the porch. My alternitive, solar powered outdoor lights. Normally, you'd stick these around the edge of your lawn or walkway. Instead, I filled planter boxes with soil and rocks to hold the lights. Now for $40 I have eight, earth-friendly lights to keep the party going long into the night.


2. The Grill
Many cities have rules about the use of gas and charcoal grills on porches or rental spaces. One way around it, buy electric. My old roommates had the George Forman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill ($70, Lowes). Like the original Forman countertop cooker, this grill is great at cooking and is easy to clean. If you're willing to spend a little more, check out the Perfect Flame Dual Purpose Electric Grill ($200, Lowes). With extra cooking space and fold-down prep tables, this is a great grill for anyone planning to host a few BBQs this summer.




3. The Silverware
If you're looking to impress without making a mess, try First Impressions Plastic Silverware. It's just like regular, stainless steel silverware until you pick it up and realize how lightweight it is. Jerome's family used it for an event. I was truly convinced it was the real thing. His mom ended up giving me a pack...you know you're in when your future mother-in-law gives you the good silver!

If you're looking for a green (in color and eco-friendliness) option, try Diamond's Renew Dinnerware made of 100% recycled plastic. Even the box is made of recycled materials. The silverware features a unique cut-out design on the handle that uses 10% less plastic than normal disposable flatware. I don't know about you, but I'm all over any green idea that also allows me to party in style!

*Renter's Tip: Nowadays you can get everything from champagne glasses to dishes in paper or plastic for easy disposal. Many options look like their real counterpart. If you don't find what you're looking for at your local grocer, check online, at the wine store, or at a party supply store.

4. Flooring
A nice way to spruce up any porch party? Add a rug! Not only will you give the deck that comfy, warm feel, but you'll also provide a nice place for guests to hang out flip-flop free! I used a rug to cover up some paint marks and give the porch some style. Make sure to keep the rug away from the grill and any open flames! Pottery Barn's Palm Leaf rug ($99-399) is my favorite...gotta love a little tropical flair!

6. Furniture
Outdoor furniture is a must for any summer soiree. My tip, go for something out of the ordinary. Can't afford to get anything special? Don't underestimate the power of paint. Krylon makes a paint just for plastics that will transform your ugly white plastic lawn chairs into colorful pieces. If you have wood or metal furniture, make sure to use a paint that keeps the rust out and protects wood. If you're still looking for the perfect chair, don't forget second-hand options. Craigslist is full of people practically begging you to take their patio sets off their hands. They're usually in great condition with little work needing to be done. You can find anything from cool picnic tables to cool retro chairs. We were able to get our metal cabinet for free on craigslist. With a couple coats of spray paint, it's now the perfect place to store our grill accessories.

5. The Little Things
Now that you've got everything else you need for a party, it's time to add the important thing: decorations! Lanterns, candles, sconses, and outdoor fireplaces are great options. Hanging plants are great for summer, though be careful to read the care directions before buying anything. I bought a gorgeous Fuscia plant and didn't realize till I got it home how difficult it is to take care of. For color mix in a few bowls of lemons or limes or put out frozen berries. If you're looking for some real fun, add a few glowsticks to the ice chests for a neat glow that looks great bouncing off the ice.