Ask and you shall receive, the first rule of successful thrifting. My friend Ursula (Assistant Curator of Latin American Art) and I saw that rule demonstrated to the nth degree the weekend before last when we went out exploring together. Our main objective: find the best, most outlandish white elephant gift for the staff holiday party. We're both new at the museum and there are so many ways to make an impression on your coworkers. You can dress really nice and wear a jacket and tie to work everyday; tell jokes in meetings; take food to work (I do!). But, I decided to make a statement with a gift. Something from the thrift store. Something unique. Something perfect.
I could have shopped all day long, but the moment I stepped into the Top Drawer Thrift Store and turned to my left, this lovely "lamp" stared back at me and I knew that I'd found the perfect gift. It was the most traded at the party (three times, the limit set) and the recipient seemed very happy to be going home with it. Imagine, it could go on a bar or might even inspire an entire thematic decor. Martini anyone? Ursula also found a great gift--a vintage puzzle called Ego Buster with hilarious photos of perplexed men on the top.
Ursula ogles the Pyrex. So much....heaven!
More Pyrex displayed prominently in a case--U. bought the one on the far left, front.
We got spirit, yes we do! We hot spirit, how 'bout you?! U. and I both seem immune to the whole UTexas spirit, but she couldn't help donning this hat in at attempt to reverse her situation. Strange enough, a women in line in front of us was buying it. No joke. Swear on Pyrex.
A really gorgeous can opener, which I didn't buy, paired with a scary doll and iced tea maker.
Beyond the gifts, we found a lot to be happy about. I purchased a chest for my grandmother's silver--the one that came with it was a little tight--very nice shape, with a dark read interior for only $4. Also found a divided wood tray and some glasses at a great price. More glasses? I resisted the Pyrex, didn't I? You can't expect me to buy nothing...
Ursula found a perfect lamp and some plates that were absolutely sweet.
I could have shopped all day long, but the moment I stepped into the Top Drawer Thrift Store and turned to my left, this lovely "lamp" stared back at me and I knew that I'd found the perfect gift. It was the most traded at the party (three times, the limit set) and the recipient seemed very happy to be going home with it. Imagine, it could go on a bar or might even inspire an entire thematic decor. Martini anyone? Ursula also found a great gift--a vintage puzzle called Ego Buster with hilarious photos of perplexed men on the top.
Ursula ogles the Pyrex. So much....heaven!
More Pyrex displayed prominently in a case--U. bought the one on the far left, front.
We got spirit, yes we do! We hot spirit, how 'bout you?! U. and I both seem immune to the whole UTexas spirit, but she couldn't help donning this hat in at attempt to reverse her situation. Strange enough, a women in line in front of us was buying it. No joke. Swear on Pyrex.
A really gorgeous can opener, which I didn't buy, paired with a scary doll and iced tea maker.
Beyond the gifts, we found a lot to be happy about. I purchased a chest for my grandmother's silver--the one that came with it was a little tight--very nice shape, with a dark read interior for only $4. Also found a divided wood tray and some glasses at a great price. More glasses? I resisted the Pyrex, didn't I? You can't expect me to buy nothing...
Ursula found a perfect lamp and some plates that were absolutely sweet.