Photograby By:
Tara Dunn Photography
I’ve always had a thing for thrifting—who doesn’t love a good bargain? My journey started with secondhand clothing in high school, but it truly took off when I worked at a furniture consignment store just before heading to NAU. That’s where the magic happened: they opened a thrift store stocked with “leftover” treasures—name brands like Ann Taylor and Banana Republic—for a flat $2. Yes, really. It was retail heaven on a shoestring budget, and I was hooked.
Fast forward to my post-college life in corporate event planning, and that little thrift shop became my weekly ritual. My coworkers used to joke that I never wore the same outfit twice—and they weren’t wrong.
But as life evolved, so did my thrifting obsession. Moving into my first apartment, then buying my home in 2020, my attention shifted from fashion to all things home: furniture, decor, storage baskets, throw blankets, pillows—you name it. And when you pair that with my career in design? Let’s just say… I’ve got a healthy little stash of too-good-to-pass-up finds with no official home (yet). But I mean—how do you leave behind a perfect vintage lamp or handwoven throw when it’s practically begging for a second life?
Over the years, I’ve uncovered some incredible gems—and that thrill of the find? It never gets old. You know the one: when something is so good and so cheap you wonder, do they even know what this is? That’s the magic of secondhand shopping.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
Go in with zero expectations. No list, no agenda—just trust the thrifting gods to guide you.
Be consistent. The more often you go, the better your odds.
Find your spots. Different areas offer different vibes—some stores are goldmines, some are misses. Get to know your local gems.
Professionally, I adore sourcing secondhand for staging and styling. Yes, I’ll splurge on a $30 vase if it speaks to me, but I love the hunt for soulful, layered pieces that bring warmth and personality into a space. That “lived-in” feeling is the heart of how I design—Styled for Living isn’t just a tagline, it’s a philosophy. I want homes to feel curated, but comfortable. Beautiful, but real.
So, consider this your gentle nudge: give secondhand a chance. There are treasures out there just waiting for a new home—and the money you save? Honestly, part of the thrill.
