Thrifted Treasures: Where to Shop for Fabulous Secondhand Finds

Y'all know how much I love to go thrifting. The thrill of the hunt gets my heart racing and my blood flowing! If you know, then you know thrifting is like treasure hunting. It's a fabulous and cost-effective way to decorate your home, revamp your wardrobe, and load up on all the supplies you need to entertain glamorously. If you're looking for the best places to uncover hidden gems, here are a few of my favorite spots!

Thrift Stores

I always start with my local thrift stores. I personally like the stores that support my local community (i.e., The Assistance League Thrift Store or Out of the Closet here in LA). My tips for thrift stores are to go often, make friends with the sales associates (they'll surprise you with additional discounts from time to time if they know your face), and sign up for any rewards programs and text alerts so you'll be one of the first to know about sales.

These stores are all about community. I not only shop at my local thrift stores but also donate to them. It's a lovely circle of community that I support from both angles.

Stocked shelves at one of my favorite LA thrift stores, Out of the Closet.

Estate Sales

On the weekends, EstateSales.net is my friend! I always find the best listings on that app. What I love most about a good estate sale is the opportunity to also tour a vintage home. Most of these sales are in homes where the owner has lived for 40+ years. You're looking at some authentic treasures and getting a chance to peek at interiors and architecture you don't see in today's world. The sad part is that in the LA, the home will more than likely be sold to the highest bidder after the sale and torn down. This estate sale might be your last chance to look at vintage history before it disappears!

Online Marketplaces

At night, before bed, chances are I'm lying there scrolling through Facebook Marketplace. I love to see what others are posting for sale. Honestly, I scored the lease on Marketplace, but I know some friends who have really found some treasures there. My friend Claire even found her house on Facebook Marketplace. Yes, her house! Even if I don't make moves on any of the pieces I see, it's a great place to look for inspiration and to get ideas.

Estate Sales shopping on a weekend are my favorite!

Flea Markets and Swap Meets

Flea markets and swap meets are filled with vendors showcasing a diverse mix of goods. There are antique dealers, handmade artisans, and unique curated secondhand retailers. In LA, there's a Flea Market schedule. The Rose Bowl Flea Market, one of the most popular, takes place the second Sunday of every month. I love strolling through flea markets, looking for unique accessories for my home and closet. With a coffee in hand, it's a great way to spend a weekend morning!