Green the Season: Buy Second Hand, Vintage, Antique

The thought of getting a gift from Goodwill probably doesn't appeal to most. I know you're thinking "Used bra? Worn out shoes?" But buying second hand means so much more than that. Walking down south Broadway here in Denver one can hit up the coolest Goodwill store ever -- complete with hardwood floors and rockin' music -- or a plethora of other stores to buy antique books, vintage clothing, fine antiques, kitchy decor, and funky dishes. There's something for everyone with no new manufacturing impact involved.

I hit up an "antiques" (and I use the term loosely)  mall called the Brass Armadillo last week. It's a huge building where hundreds of antiques dealers have booths. I could have backed a truck up to this booth because I have an obsession with vintage Pyrex...

But in the end I headed to Goodwill and scored these two dishes with covers in perfect condition for under $6.00 (instead of the $18 - $25 each they were going for in the antique mall)! It may require some hunting and multiple trips, but there are plenty of great items to be found second hand. If you don't have the time for multiple trips, try an antique mall or store where someone has already done the "picking" for you.

And if you're in Denver, be sure to visit my mom's store Patina Antiques & Home which won 5280 Magazine's Reader's Choice Award for best home accessories!

Here are just a few of my thrift store finds...

My lovely cake plate

My dishes...vintage Corelle

Vintage Pyrex refrigerator dishes to use instead of plastic.

This skirt and necklace

I think I could quite possibly do all of my Christmas shopping second hand. Hmm...smells like a challenge for next year.