enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

Dresser1MugsRugFindsDresser2 Adventure Dresser3

The biggest news around here is that I have totally and completely caught the thrifting bug. There is a used bookstore not too far from our house that Ellerie and I walk to a few times a week. They sell odds and ends (like vases, toys, bowls, etc.) and I love to browse and see what's new.

At Play! last week, I talked to my friend Katie about her thrifting adventures. Inspired by our conversations, I decided to drop by a few of the local thrift shops this past weekend while Paul watched Ellerie. I figured if parking was decent and the selection was at least interesting, these could be fun field trips for us once a week.

I walked into our local Salvation Army on Sunday afternoon and it was packed. People were swarming and hardly anything was left on the shelves. I somehow squeezed my way to the back where the furniture was stored and saw amidst a bunch of stuff, a gorgeous wood dresser standing on it's side. I nearly fell over. The color. The drawers. The LEGS. Totally obsessed. I texted Paul a photo, and gave it about two seconds to land before calling him frantically.

The dresser was marked $300 but it was half-off day so I was able to get it for $150 (and no sales tax!) which to me felt like a great deal (though I know there are plenty thrifting experts out there who find amazing stuff for like a buck fifty). The condition is not flawless, but it's in great shape overall.

It's in the entryway now and it's working there, but I can see us transferring it to the bedroom eventually. (I've got a long way to go before I get the bedroom figured out.) I know we'll make use of the drawers in the entry but this (obviously) would be ideal for clothes storage.

No matter where we put it though – this may just be my best thrift find ever. Thank goodness she fit in the car.

ps. the rug in the entryway is this one from amazon. The other stuff in these photos are some of my random finds from these past few weeks. Clearly I'm having a romantic relationship with anything wood, ceramic or brass. Also, fifty cent mugs are going to bankrupt me.

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40 responses to “around here (dresser edition).”

  1. Johanna Avatar

    I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again: Such a beauty, Elise! What a great find, and what an inspiration to go thrifting myself. I am always a bit intimidated by thrift stores – I wonder why? Maybe it is the thickness in the air of all the stories that aren’t mine, but entwine around me as I linger …? (I looked that one up – entwine – and hope it somehow makes sense. If not – poetic license. Okay, I looked that one up too.)

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  2. Toni From Avatar

    Awesome score Elise. I think it looks great in your entry.

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  3. Jodi Avatar

    GORGEOUS!!! Great find!

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  4. Elethea Avatar

    WOW! What a great find. I’m a regular thrift store shopper myself. Welcome to the club 🙂

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  5. shay Avatar

    This looks awesome! Love it.
    We just recently moved a small dresser with 6 drawers to our entry way, which is by the door we come in and out of many times a day. I started storing pool towels (for my hubs, on the way to the gym), dog treats and plastic sacks, and all manner of winter accessories. I’m sure you don’t need gloves and hats too often in SD, but I bet you’ll find uses for those drawers soon enough!

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  6. Paula Avatar
    Paula

    Wow…what a deal on a fantastic find! You done good!!

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  7. Traci Avatar

    So beautiful! It looks like a West Elm find. And I’d be happy with that price, too.

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  8. Michelle Avatar

    I have an antique dresser in my living room (that my TV sits upon) –I use the drawers to hold sheets, duvet covers, etc.
    That dresser is very “you”!

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  9. Tiffany B. Avatar

    What a great find! It looks great in the space. Thrifing can be a lot of fun if you go with the flow. If you want to find something you will never find it. That is what happens to me anyway – haha. Have a great weekend!

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  10. kate Avatar

    The dresser is such a nice piece.
    I love your mugs, I’d thrift just for them.
    Do any of the thrifts you frequent have a funky (frankly, unwashed) smell? I’d do it more, but the smell.

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  11. Cynthia H Avatar

    That’s what I was going to say! The price is pretty awesome too!

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  12. Elise Avatar

    Surprisingly not bad! 🙂

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  13. Janell (Nell's Vintage House) Avatar

    You’ve caught the bug indeed – it’s a hard one to shake, once you’ve got it.
    Also…I know you don’t know me from Adam, but BUT we’ve got babies close in age and I’m always looking for a thrifting buddy. If you ever want to some thrifting company, or to meet another local mom let me know.

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  14. Janell (Nell's Vintage House) Avatar

    Also, 150 for that dresser is a great price. $300 for something you love, is useful and makes your heart sing is also worth it.

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  15. Ihilani Avatar

    Spectacular! I used to thrift a lot in high school, and definitely want to get back into it. In recent months when I’ve gone I’ve found some amazing mid-century modern pieces that I had to pass up because I have no need for it. Makes me happy that you bought this. I’m living vicariously though you…

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  16. Diana Avatar

    This is fabulous! The legs are to die for!
    xo
    Diana
    http://unusuallylovely.com

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  17. Jessi Avatar

    Welcome to the club! I can’t believe you it took you so long 😉 That is a beautiful find and it looks so great in that spot. There are some really great spots in SD. I recommend sticking to the smaller, no name stores. Prices are better and usually selection is too. Happy thrifting!

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  18. Kelly Libby Avatar
    Kelly Libby

    I love thrifting…and felt unsure of myself at first. How much is this sweater? is it okay if I try it on in the isle? are there dressing rooms? Does this look good on me? I get how you may be freeling. So…my advice: if you’re feeling nervous or unsure of yourself, how about bringing an ipod of your favorite source for music/news along with a hot tea or coffee, and just browse and enjoy your “me time”. Saturday mornings and sunday afternoons are always packed with people at my local store. Maybe try out a weekday morning to start. : )

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  19. Kelly Libby Avatar
    Kelly Libby

    I wish I lived near you. I’m in Boston. Freezig cold, sub zero, Boston. brrrr.

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  20. Martina Avatar

    When I saw the first picture on instagram I was so jealous!! That is an amazing thrifting find! My big problem is fitting anything like that into my crazy small car. Love the random assortment of treasures you’ve thrifted now!

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  21. Elle Avatar

    Inspired by seeing your dresser on instagram, I decided to pop into the Salvation Army closest to us.. I guess it’s considered the Point Loma one. Dangitall… they didn’t even have any mugs! Ha! Not the best, but I’ll keep looking. San Diego has to be teeming with good finds. I imagine Palm Springs has the best though.
    I’m hoping I find an amazing mid century sofa for 75$ one day and have an amazing story to tell as I beam with pride. You should be very proud. Gorgeous find and great work!!

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  22. Tina C. Avatar
    Tina C.

    Ditto what Janell says. :O) (except my babies are a bit older (3.5 & 1.5)

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  23. Tina C. Avatar
    Tina C.

    Such an awesome deal on that dresser. I usually go to a thrift store once a week – I’ve been going to the big AmVets off pacific highway lately, it’s a drive, but wednesday almost everything they have is half off. The last time I went to the Salvation Army nearest me I almost walked away with a gorgeous mission style coffee table, but it was too large for the space I had.
    If you ever want to meet another local mom let me know. 🙂

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  24. Debbie Avatar

    So glad you found such a great piece. Price is perfect! We have always thrifted. If you go often, you can find anything you need. The problem is finding things you don’t need :). If you really love something, get it. It won’t be there next time. If you love it, you will find a place for it. Young children’s clothing is often almost new as kids don’t wear it out as they grow so fast. Have fun!

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  25. elise blaha cripe Avatar

    🙂 sounds good! Just clicked through and I’m obsessed with that oil painting you had to walk home!!

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  26. elise blaha cripe Avatar

    I think I’m going to have to put together an event for san diego moms who love to thrift… 🙂
    I’m going to seriously work on this.

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  27. Ana Avatar

    SUCH a great find!! And a steal, too. A piece like that would sell for quadruple the price up here in the bay area. Score!

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  28. michelle t Avatar
    michelle t

    Cool piece. Like it a lot. Michelle t

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  29. Renae Avatar

    Love the thrifting bug! It’s the best… once you’re hooked – well good luck! Love the piece you found!

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  30. Nora Avatar
    Nora

    I just want to thank you for your blog, Elise.
    I read it every day and it is so refreshing and up lefting. I am 50, 51 next month and starting a new way of living now that my 7 kids are grown and on their own now with families of their own. they are truely a blessing to me and my husband and their great lives they live. Im so proud of them. We are retiered military after 29 years in the air force. We were both born and raised in So. CA but have chossen Colo. Spgs. as are home now. We love it here. You really inspire me to try some new things and my life is not over now that the kids are gone, thank you for that. I’m a big scrapbooker and sewer too. Im really looking forward to seeing some of your new projeect you talk about. Have a great day….oh I love thrifiting too. We have great ones here. But again thank you.

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  31. Welcome Home Taylor Avatar

    This is such an awesome find!! I wish I could spend more time thrifting, but between work AND school both full-time, I hardly have time to breath. You’re a lucky gal!
    xoxo
    Taylor
    http://www.welcomehometaylor.com

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  32. Kelly Avatar
    Kelly

    That is a serious score! I have been DYING to find a dresser like that! Seriously I look at least once a week and have been completely frustrated by the selection in San Jose where I live. Congratulations! Nicely done!

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  33. Lesley Avatar

    Oh my WORD what a glorious find! I am quite envious. We are looking for a mid century credenza for our TV without much luck. Congrats on such a hit! 🙂

    Like

  34. Kathy Martin Avatar

    Thrifting is a favorite past time of mine! Awesome score! Now you must try a flea market! 🙂

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  35. young Avatar
    young

    Amazing find! Thanks for sharing!

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  36. Erica Avatar
    Erica

    I am so unlucky when it comes to thrifting, but after seeing your dresser post on Instagram I decided to check out craigslist in my area (tiny town MN) and scores a dresser for $40 almost exactly like the this one. (It’s a nine draw one instead of six) I was over joyed! You are an inspiration!

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  37. Kristy Avatar

    What a beautiful dresser! I’m on a hunt to find something similar. It looks great in your entryway!

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  38. creole wisdom Avatar

    What a great piece! I love that it fits with your aesthetic so perfectly 🙂 Thrifting is super fun, but it’s always hit or miss and you never know when you’ll hit.

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  39. Miranda Avatar
    Miranda

    Are you kidding me with that dresser??!! Amazing find! I’m not even going to try to pretend I’m not insanely jealous. 😉

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  40. Yvette Avatar

    Sweet find! I am looking for some mid century pieces locally too. Hope to get lucky too.

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