Ever since 2012 when Macklemore laid down truth about vintage swagger, I think everyone hopped on the bandwagon and I got left behind.

I don’t know about you, but whenever I see people successfully haul vintage clothes or designer labels all I can think is ‘how?’ Whether at an antique thrift shop or Goodwill, my only luck is usually finding dusty lampshades or a headband from 2004. Worse than that is getting back in my car and feeling like I just walked through somebody’s dirty laundry.

Basically, I don’t know how people find things at thrift stores.

But I’m not ready to give up on the idea. I think I’ve just been searching for the wrong things.

Yesterday, I decided to try not shopping for that cool vintage blouse a beauty blogger wore on Instagram, and avoided anything that wouldn’t survive a laundry cycle on regular tumble. Instead, I looked for memorabilia, accessories, and decor (starting off easy).

My friend, Georgiana, and I headed to one of the few vintage stores in town. Being a rookie at this, I didn’t realize it was a cash-or-check-only kind of endeavor. BIG MISTAKE. But lucky for your eyes I snapped some photos and stacked enough pennies in my parking coin collection to afford a three dollar pin.

Check out that Clinton pin above the remnants of my coins. pretttttty cool!

proof that coins are still worth something

I’ll be coming back for you, Bill

For my first round of thrift shopping, I’d say it wasn’t too bad. I’ll definitely have to practice and develop an eye for vintage pieces, but until then I’ll just pat myself on the back for the effort and good intentions.

Do you shop vintage? Any tips?

RR