Last Saturday was our best day in the history of thrifting. Ever.
See this amazing chair? (It's even amazing from the back, all leather and wood, but I didn't get a photo of that part, so you'll have to take my word for it.) We've named it the "Man Chair". Awesome. ($50 estate sale steal of a deal, and that's only the beginning)
Now, back to our best day in the history of thrifting.
The weather was perfect, the newspaper was full of yard sales in our favorite part of town, and there was even a neighborhood wide yard sale going on. (We actually were so busy elsewhere that we never even made it there!) There also was an estate sale scheduled just half a mile from my home.
That's what I want to share today. The real highlight of our day was the estate sale.
Reno doesn't seem to have near as many estate sales as Portland, at least from my point of view. I find that estate sales are hit or miss, and the fact is, the concept seems a bit depressing to me, shuffling through someone's belongings because, well, they're dead, you know? So, they're now gone, and their family sees no reason to keep any of the stuff. I find it especially bothersome when there is a walker and a potty chair displayed out there for sale. Pul-eeeze people, donate it to hospice, for gosh sakes. That's what I would want my family to do for me. I also don't want my family to purchase my walker or potty chair, if I need them, from a yard sale, although my family might think that was appropriate since I am an avid junker...hmmm, food for thought. No. I am quite sure. No yard sale potty chair for me, thankyouverymuch.. (Hello-- family? I hope you are reading this.)
Anyway. Enough about my plans concerning elder care equipment for my golden years. Back to our best day in the history of thrifting.
The Navigator and I arrived at the estate sale in time to encounter a bottleneck traffic jam on the dead end street where the estate sale was being held, and people coming out in droves with the most amazing treasures. We scurried in to find the most breathtaking items we'd seen in..well, forever, I think. Among them was this sofa. Totally Brocade Home style, which both of my daughters are completely ga-ga over.
We sat on the sofa. Heaven. Called the Maid-of-Honor (she lived within driving distance so it was the logical choice) She trusted our judgment, as we are seasoned pro's at this thrifting game, and we bought this beauty for an absolute steal, without her laying her eyes on it. Look at that detail.
Even the cushion is shaped to follow the lines of the sofa. Fabulous.
The maid-of-honor made it down from the lake and yes indeed, she did love the sofa, so all was well. The folks running the Estate sale even commented that the Maid-o-Honor looked great just sitting on the sofa. Clearly, it was meant to be.
She then got the above "Man-Chair" (perfect for the handsome boyfriend to relax in when he is visiting the Maid-of-Honor) to go with the sofa, as well as a nice Brocade style pale sage green chair to round out the room.(Mona Fleasa is modeling the chair, and showing off her new "pixie" haircut. Sssshhh! She hasn't seen herself in a mirror, and we don't plan on letting that happen for a good three weeks or more. It's sad, really)
Just look at the beautiful woodwork on all these pieces. Truly works of art. We were told by the estate sale people that the owners of the home owned a high end furniture store in town many years ago and that is why there was so much wonderful furniture. Wow. Lucky for us.
So, now the Maid-of-Honor had the living room covered, and her place at the lake would surely look Brocade-like, so she. was. thrilled.
We decided to take a lunch break to deliberate, and then go back to the estate sale, which had closed for a short while, (a gimmick, I think, to make you want to buy things you do not need) set to re-open at 2:00, with reduced prices.
We headed back to the sale and waited in line for the re-opening with nearly half off pricing. The Maid-of-Honor ended up adding the home's formal dining set to the purchase. Gorgeous. (again, look at all the detail!That is all crewel embroidery work done on each and every chair cushion!)
She will make some changes to the fabric on the cushions on the chairs, since the Brocade Home look is more dramatic and hip, and not traditional cottage as these cushion show. Then, the Sewing Queen will re-invent the cushions into pillows or something and they will have new lives too. (See? it's a win-win)
Once we have the rooms all finished up with the accessories and such I will share before and after pictures. Trust me, it will be worth the wait.
*sigh* Thrifting. It's a beautiful thing.
