Over the weekend, Erin and I headed over to our favorite 3 story Salvation Army to stock up for fall. It was about a month ago that I was there with Maggie, loading up for her new apartment. On that September day, I found a fabulous lamp for her place and about a million other goodies. So many things, that when we hauled the bags out of the store to the car, I forgot to take the lamp. Left it on the counter by the register. Arghhhh. Even worse, it was late that Saturday night that I realized it was still there. Not sure if I would have gone back, but by Monday that was out of the question and I just chalked it up to my over-excited, over-the-top collecting ...too much...and next time, pay attention! But it was such a cool lamp.
This trip, this past Saturday, Erin and I hit the motherlode of vintage clothes for her and again, headed to the counter with way too much stuff. Vintage cowboy boots for $5, suede circle skirt, Anthropologie-style-blousey chiffon patterned tops, 60's arygyle jersey tunics, the 80's goddess skirt (above) and so much more. While I'm paying I remind Erin to make sure I don't forget anything when we go...and the checkout lady says, Yeah, your lamp is in the back. Really! Mine? For real? The one from a month ago? Yes, it is, it is there waiting for me with a big SOLD sign on it. O, joy! I was sure the very next person who spied it waiting there bought it after I left it behind. The counter lady winks at me and says, You are a very gooooood customer. You don't come every day, but when you do.....Big smile. Me, too. Okay, I love it there! And isn't that the cutest lamp with the stem wrapped in rattan and a near perfect shade loving its new home in Maggie's place? Yes, we are all happy now. Even my new BFF at the cash register. xoC
I love that lamp! I love thrifting. My youngest daughter works part-time for a designer boutique. The thing that is a riot people come in and want to know where she purchased some of the really darling sweaters I've found in Goodwill ha ha. When my son left home I loaded him up on all kinds of really neat things I found here and there. He lives in a very old shabby chic apt. built in the early 1900's. When I went there after he moved in I said how much I loved the place it felt so homey. He said "Yeah yours!" Ha ha Great finds.
Best,
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | October 11, 2007 at 02:57 PM
What a bummer to lose that treasure but sounds like you had a great score with the clothes :)
Posted by: Felicia | October 11, 2007 at 03:26 PM
I plan to go thrifting on Saturday. I have my list ready as I know just what I am looking for, and I am anticipating my trip and very excited. I have three places I plan to visit, and hoping I walk away with a big smile.... I love your lamp, it is quite lovely. Enjoy.
Smiles...
Beverly
Posted by: tea time and roses | October 11, 2007 at 03:45 PM
All those finds and such great customer service ! No wonder we all adore thrift stores...
Posted by: K. Winch | October 11, 2007 at 04:20 PM
a good day to buy a lottery ticket...
I love it when good things like that happen!
love.
Posted by: suzi finer | October 11, 2007 at 04:49 PM
Love me a black shade ... tres chic!
xox D
Posted by: dede | October 11, 2007 at 06:51 PM
That is so cool! We must make a date to get there one of these days. I was planning to take your class at Tinsel Trading this weekend, but my cousin is coming to visit with her new baby...afraid new babyness cancels out tinsel fun!
Posted by: Loretta | October 11, 2007 at 07:51 PM
See, it really does pay to be nice to people. Isn't it lovely that she put that aside for you.
Posted by: dawn | October 12, 2007 at 08:00 AM
Three stories! Sounds like heaven!
Posted by: Diane Duda | October 12, 2007 at 10:08 AM
what a great story!
Posted by: Crystal | October 12, 2007 at 10:15 AM
To be recognized by thrift store workers, ahhh... true sign of a life well lived, in my humble opinion!
Posted by: judy | October 12, 2007 at 01:44 PM
Very cool story about the lamp! Love that skirt! My daughter is a regular now at the thrift store by her apartment, which is so funny, as years ago (a young teen) she wouldn't even get out of the car when I stopped at the thrift stores! Now she calls to tell me the great finds she finds! Don't you just love having daughters??
Posted by: *Heidi* | October 12, 2007 at 02:42 PM
I love that they know you so well, and kept the lamp for you!
I'm trying to avoid the thrift stores, but you've tempted me to go treasure hunting again. Wish we could go together!
Posted by: Mrs.Staggs | October 12, 2007 at 02:51 PM
Hi Charlotte, I would of thought I had died and gone to heaven if I saw a 3 story Salvation Army. I stumbled into your blog from who knows where. I have been reading most of the afternoon. Loved reading your blog. Come visit me sometime. Have a great weekend. ~ Lynn
Posted by: Lynn | October 12, 2007 at 05:51 PM
Hi Charlotte, I would of thought I had died and gone to heaven if I saw a 3 story Salvation Army. I stumbled into your blog from who knows where. I have been reading most of the afternoon. Loved reading your blog. Come visit me sometime. Have a great weekend. ~ Lynn
Posted by: Lynn | October 12, 2007 at 05:53 PM
How totally great, there is nothing that makes my heart beat faster than a good thrift store. (the ones around here are no longer "good"!)
How happy your lamp must be to finally be home with you!
Lidy
Posted by: frenchgardenhouse | October 12, 2007 at 10:04 PM
Hi:) Love your blog!!! what great finds -- where is the 3 story Salvation Army -- I live in lower westchester would love to check it out. Wish I could be at TT tomorrow in NYC -- maybe next time -- please say there will be a next time so hard to find workshops in this area. Have fun!!
Posted by: kelly | October 12, 2007 at 11:50 PM
Oh, I love happy thrifting stories. Sounds perfect!
Posted by: amanda | October 13, 2007 at 02:15 PM
Awesome score!!!! Don't you just love days like that? XXOO, Beth
Posted by: Elizabeth Holcombe | October 13, 2007 at 08:48 PM
Wow! What a nice thing for that cashier to do! I haven't checked out the Salvation Army here yet. I will have to do that soon.
I enjoyed visiting your blog!
God bless.
Terri
Posted by: farmlife4014 | October 14, 2007 at 04:35 AM
LOVE this "happily ever after" ending to your thrifting adventure! Oh how I wish I could go shopping with you cute girls! The lamp is WONDERFUL - thank goodness it patiently waited for you! And a three-story SA? Be still my heart!
xo,
Kim
Posted by: Daisy Cottage | October 14, 2007 at 08:16 AM
So sweet of her to save the lamp! There is nothing better than a good deal!
Posted by: Robin~Thrifty Miss Priss | October 14, 2007 at 10:01 AM
Great finds, Charlotte. And what a WONDERFUL story! Loved hearing it. :-)
Posted by: jen | October 14, 2007 at 10:19 AM
and maggie has a VERY nice apartment, I see.
Posted by: jen | October 14, 2007 at 10:51 AM
Hello~ I am new to your blog and happily discovered you via Kim's Daisy Cottage blog. The game board that you gave to her is just wonderful! How sweet of you!!
Your thrifing treasures are wonderful. I am always intrigued when reading about things that others have gathered at thrift stores. I love to thrift, too. Someday I am going to go on a thrifting road trip!!!! Sounds like fun, huh?
Have a lovely day!!
Becky
Posted by: Sweet Cottage Dreams | October 14, 2007 at 11:43 AM
a perfect mother-daughter activity...sounds fun!
Posted by: julie (jane's apron) | October 14, 2007 at 09:51 PM