Antiquing

I'm always looking for new friends to go shopping with. You would think that would be pretty easy, but I'm still trying to make friends in my new city with girls who like to do the same things I do....not shopping at the mall, but the antiques or thriftstores or junk places. I wish you all lived near me! One friend from church, my floral design friend, Angie, does like to antique and look at junk, so she and I went out this week to a fun antique mall that I had never been to before. Lots to look at, they really had some good looking things in there.
I wasn't looking for anything in particular, but have had in my mind for awhile that I'd like to find an antique chest of drawers to go in our master bedroom. I showed you the black yardsale piece that we've been using for 3 years now which is way too small and not very nice, but I knew I'd find something eventually and for a decent price. I spotted this French piece and it's gorgeous, but at over $1000, way more than I wanted to spend or could afford to spend.
Right next to it was this beauty. A traditional mahogany chest on chest in great condition AND the price was decent AND it was 20% off AND they offer 60 day layaway. I think I can do that. It has an English look to it and looks to be Chippendale to me. It stands 52" tall and is quite a large piece, with dove-tailed drawers. So, I went back the next day with Judy (see below) and put it on layaway. Two more payments and I'll bring this baby home. I know you want to know the price and since I usually blurt those things out anyway, I'll tell you...with the 20% discount, it came to $390. Now how's that for a deal? I think it's great myself. I'm mixing it with a late-1800's French armoire that we already have in the room and I'll be sure to do a post when it's in place.
It's a beauty and I think we are really going to enjoy it. If you have never shopped for antiques, I'd highly recommend that you try it. I used to think only rich people could afford antiques, but I found out that this little myth is simply not true. Anyone can afford antiques (even if they are 100 years old and true antiques) and you can afford many vintage pieces a lot easier than buying new pieces. And, personally I would much rather have an old piece than a new piece anyday. They just don't make furniture like this anymore. Classic, traditional style never goes out of fashion. This chest is probably from the 40's or 50's. We'll get back to this discussion in a minute. So, moving on around the store....

This is a huge French buffet.
Pretty blue and white dishes.
I thought these needlepoint chairs were really pretty.
And how about this aqua tole platter and aqua bowl....yummy colors! So that was one fun day from last week. The next day, my new friend Judy from Gracious Southern Living came up for the day and we had such a great time! We've been chatting online for almost a year now and again, it was like meeting up with an old friend. Judy likes to talk decorating as much as I do and we did not shut up for about 6 straight hours. Here we are at lunch at O'Carr's with their famous chicken salad and fruit plate. We went to Cahaba Heights for a little antiquing. Judy is a very fun person and I'm so glad I got to meet her finally. I know we will meet up again. She's very warm, friendly, and Southern all wrapped up in one.
We had a great time strolling around...just looking at all the fun stuff out there. Judy picked up a pretty iron candelabra for outside and carted it home in her VW bug.
We both loved this green wicker in the shop, Treasures in Cahaba Heights.
More blue and white.
Loved this pretty bunny and bird vignette.

It's always fun to meet up with another blogger, so if you get a chance to meet bloggers in your area, do it! Judy, so glad you came up. We will definitely do it again!

Now, back to that antique discussion. What do y'all think about buying older things? I know many of you like me enjoy buying antiques over new. I have been buying older pieces for about 20 years now and here's what I've learned over the years. I love to mix old and new pieces for a well-traveled look. When I go into a house with all brand spankin-new stuff, it just looks like everything was bought in one day from the local furniture store. I think it's so much more interesting to collect those older pieces and add them to your home as you find them. I do actually love some of the new trends out there, like Pottery Barn and some of the other catalog companies, but I would not want a whole house of Pottery Barn or anywhere else. Love to browse their catalogs for ideas and inspiration, but I always go back to my Traditional style when it comes to furniture.

And I'd rather have older pieces instead of going down to any new furniture and paying much more for much less quality in a new piece. I doubt I could get much of anything for $390 at a new furniture store, so for me, I'll stick to the old stuff. Most of this new stuff is particle board & stapled together. What about you....how do you shop for furniture? Old or new or a mix? I do love a mix myself. I usually buy new when it comes to upholstered pieces. If there's one thing I would recommend for you younger girls who are just starting out and furnishing your home, shop the antiques stores and see what you can find. You'll be amazed at what you can get used for probably much less than what you'd pay brand new and you can bet the quality will be SO much better in the older pieces. Antiques malls are full of great looking vintage pieces and with the economy like it is now, it really makes sense to buy older.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this one, so feel free to share ideas and opinions!