recycle the past
January 11, 2010 
2 Comments
On occasion I will find something fabulous at a consignment shop – something I could not possibly afford even when marked down. My last purchase was at the swanky Turnaboutshoppe in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where I scored an amazing black Chanel jacket for a mere $400. I will wear that baby for the next 10 years, easily. My latest deluxe acquisition, however, happened unexpectedly this weekend at the DC Big Flea Market, a large antiques and collectibles event held three or four times a year in Chantilly, Virginia. I went looking for a lamp and came away with a gorgeous alligator bag for $100. I’ve been dreaming about buying an exotic skin handbag for a while, but at over $4,000, I knew even Santa wasn’t going to make that happen.
One antiques dealer had a sign prominently displayed at her booth: Antiques are Green – Invest in the Future, Recycle the Past. So, dear readers, before you plunk down that credit card for your next luxury-must-have at a boutique or department store, consider auctions, consignment shops, and yes, even an antiques show instead. You’ll save gobs of money while reusing what’s already here.
From left: Madison Avenue Alligator Handbag, Charles Underwood, $4495; Alligator Frame Bag, Brooks Brothers, $5500; Gretchen’s latest, DC Flea, $100
About the Author
I have great success buying estate and vintage fine jewelry. This is the ultimate way to recycle! I have bought contemporary jewelry at greatly reduced prices as well as stunning jewelry from the forties, fifties and sixties which would be very expensive to duplicate today. Fine jewelry can be repaired or restyled as well.
Sherry,
Yes, buying gently pre-owned jewelry is also the way to go! One of my favorite shops in the northeast is Fancy Flea Antiques in Lexington, Massachusetts. They have tons of estate and vintage pieces at great prices. If you’re looking for something specific, give them a call. Also, their lay-away plan allows one to acquire fabulous things inch by inch.