To be truly fabulously frugal, you should know about The Elegant Thrifter, Stan Williams. Stan is a New York—based lifestyle journalist who has written for Maxim, Latina, and American Express Executive Travel, among other publications. A native of Independence, Missouri, and a graduate of the University of Missouri—Columbia Journalism School, Williams documents his favorite finds on his blog.
In his book, “The Find: The Housing Works Book of Decorating with Thrift Shop Treasures, Flea Market Objects, and Vintage Details,” Stan talks about the treasures of home décor abound at flea markets, thrift shops, and garage sales, and how you to be sure you’ve found a good treasure. In The Find, Stan Williams and some of today’s most clever style makers, including Simon Doonan, John Derian, and Real Simple’s Kristin van Ogtrop–all diehard devotees of New York City’s Housing Works–show not just what to look for, but also how to look at an object to identify a great piece. The trick is to see beyond nicks and wobbles, color and intended purpose and to focus on potential. For example, a vintage leather trunk encased in Lucite works as a stunning coffee table. Pages from old books wallpaper a foyer. A cushion fashioned from a baseball diamond’s home plate makes a garden chair comfortable.
These tips offered in “The Find” are great strategies for those just getting into vintage, consignment and flea markets, or who have years of expertise in shopping for these treasures. Consider giving “The Find” as a gift this holiday season to your friends who are passionate about elegant gifts of thrift.
You can learn more about Stan’s book, including where to purchase “The Find” on his blog http://www.theelegantthrifter.com/
Stan.jpeg
Leave a Reply