As reported, my first Austin thrifting experience was a bit of a letdown. However, I was not dissuaded from my mission and with perseverance as my moto, endeavoured to try again. A couple of weekends ago, I made the rounds to Goodwill, Savers Thrift Department Store and the Top Drawer Thrift Store. I'm pleased to report that my thrifting mojo has successfully made the move to Austin resulting in the discovery of several wonderful things and several new stores.
My first stop at the Goodwill resulted in several keen finds...
This open vegatable from Noritake had a lovely pattern, but was heavily damaged so I passed.
Ah, the mushroom motif (MM), even in the fair city of Austin. I imagine that had I begun sereral years ago, I could have an apartment furnished entirely with MM. Collect it now, it won't last forever.
A conundrum. Do I need more dessert plates? I picked this beautiful stack of ten plates up and put them back down at least three times. Plain white, with a silver band that is still in very good shape, they're classic Noritake. I kept thinking to myself that I didn't need them, but they were only $.59 each. I picked them up one last time and headed for the door.
At Savers, I found these great plates and a single bowl by Block China from Portugal. The pattern is Sextet. I've always been a big fan of the Block designs and this one, indictative of the Eurotrash style that graced the pafes of Metropolitan Home in the mid 1980s, is the next wave of collectability. There was also a stack of saucers, but alas no cups. The checker said someone had just been in and bought a giant set of it. I know that faced with that decision, I would have done the same and don't really need yet ANOTHER set of dishes. Personally saved, I congratulate the finder out there, and will enjoy my small set.
The big-eyed ceramic child motif. I would love to have a giant collection of these gracing little shelves on my wall. The photo reminded John of a Madonna song: "she's gonna keep her baby, ooh, oh, yeah..." I didn't purchase this lovely specimen, although I was tempted.
A pipe in the shape of an ashtray. Clever.
The Top Drawer Thrift Store is everything a thrift store should be AND they have a great sign to proove it. Lots of wonderful finds, including Pyrex that I didn't buy.
Two dessert/salad plates by Ben Seibel for Mikasa were too beautiful to leave behind, though. If only there had been a couple of dinner plates.
Summary: Thrifting in Austin is going to be alright.
My first stop at the Goodwill resulted in several keen finds...
This open vegatable from Noritake had a lovely pattern, but was heavily damaged so I passed.
Ah, the mushroom motif (MM), even in the fair city of Austin. I imagine that had I begun sereral years ago, I could have an apartment furnished entirely with MM. Collect it now, it won't last forever.
A conundrum. Do I need more dessert plates? I picked this beautiful stack of ten plates up and put them back down at least three times. Plain white, with a silver band that is still in very good shape, they're classic Noritake. I kept thinking to myself that I didn't need them, but they were only $.59 each. I picked them up one last time and headed for the door.
At Savers, I found these great plates and a single bowl by Block China from Portugal. The pattern is Sextet. I've always been a big fan of the Block designs and this one, indictative of the Eurotrash style that graced the pafes of Metropolitan Home in the mid 1980s, is the next wave of collectability. There was also a stack of saucers, but alas no cups. The checker said someone had just been in and bought a giant set of it. I know that faced with that decision, I would have done the same and don't really need yet ANOTHER set of dishes. Personally saved, I congratulate the finder out there, and will enjoy my small set.
The big-eyed ceramic child motif. I would love to have a giant collection of these gracing little shelves on my wall. The photo reminded John of a Madonna song: "she's gonna keep her baby, ooh, oh, yeah..." I didn't purchase this lovely specimen, although I was tempted.
A pipe in the shape of an ashtray. Clever.
The Top Drawer Thrift Store is everything a thrift store should be AND they have a great sign to proove it. Lots of wonderful finds, including Pyrex that I didn't buy.
Two dessert/salad plates by Ben Seibel for Mikasa were too beautiful to leave behind, though. If only there had been a couple of dinner plates.
Summary: Thrifting in Austin is going to be alright.