[Photo collage by Diana Durkes of me & my finds at the Hermosa Unique Thrift Store. Yes, I DID buy that off-white coat with the luxurious fur collar, it's in near mint condition!]So about a month ago Diana Durkes, the writer of The Garage Sale Warrior blog, contacted me about doing an interview/going thrifting with me. I was very flattered at the request (as a former journalist I'm used to being on the other end of things), especially since her blog is part of Chicago Now, an experiment that the Chicago Tribune initiated a few months ago.
Article here: Thrifting with a Thriftaholic
We shot some emails back and forth and finally decided on starting out in my neighborhood and meeting at the Village Family Discount in Bucktown. While this 2-story store is massive, it is usually pretty crowded and VERY disorganized. We didn't spent too much time there but I did find a little tapestry purse from the 1950s and several packs of unused wrapping paper from the 1970s (am stocking up for Christmas!).
After the chaos of the Village we decided to get ice cream at Margie's Candies, my favorite place for milk shakes & sundaes-- it's been around for over 70 years and still retains an old fashioned soda shop feel with worn booths and seashell-shaped dishes. Over our ice cream we decided to hit a store that neither of us had been to before-- the Hermosa Unique Thrift Store on Diversey
As per usual I hit the kitchen/housewares section first and quickly found an earthenware owl mug, a heavy duty cast iron grilled cheese toaster meant for a campfire, and an atomic ashtray/candy dish (not quite sure of its original use).
Buoyed by my finds I quickly tackled the purse aisle and dug out the above wicker and faux leather bag (1960s?) and pristine white gloves with the gold tags still attached.
It seemed like someone had dropped off their old unicorn collection (as a child of the 80s I have a soft spot for them) as I counted at least a dozen figurines in the store.
I also came across a large collection of vintage souvenir plates, I snagged the Walt Disney World plate and Diana grabbed the Niagara Falls plate. The person who donated the collection had also traveled (or at least had items from) Colorado, Florida and Washington, D.C.
A very groovy pillow that kind of matched my dress. While I'm open to buying most items used, one of the things I don't buy from thrifts are pillows (unless they're washable). So sadly this was left behind.
Both Diana and I were tempted by this massive knitted afghan that was large enough to fit a double-sized bed. I can't imagine how long it would have taken the knitter to make it, the roses are quite intricate.My favorite section of the store was the expansive jewelry collection-- it was housed in 3 cases! Tons of pins and brooches and a smattering of rings, watches, necklaces and bracelets. Unfortunately it took nearly 20 minutes to get help at the counter, there's a bell to ring for service and we rung it several times before anyone came over. :( I ended up buying (shown in the first photo collage) a strand of 1950s beads, two sets of pins in the shape of horses and roller skates, a sweater clip and two brooches. Prices on jewelry can run a little high but are still much lower than what you'd pay for the equivalent new pieces at a place like Urban Outfitters or Anthropologie.
Overall we had a great time and I discovered a new store to add to my list of junking places in Chicago. I wish we'd been able to hit more stores but that might be part 2 at some point, probably some thrift stores in the Northern part of the city.