There are very few people who I can shop with. Truthfully, I don't shop but maybe a few times a year anyway, but when I do it's often alone because I like to get in the zone; the zone that let's me envision how I will turn other people's junk into perfect treasures. Let me tell you about the "One Step Up From Junk Plan" with a bonus if you're near to Vancouver, WA. The one person who also "gets the vision" is my dear and longtime friend Lauren. Everyone agrees she's had the most incredible homes because she knows how to turn an old space, a bland space or a worn out this-needs-a-lot-of-attention-pronto space, into a room (or entire house for that matter) that would end up in a magazine article. Lauren and I could talk for hours just about IDEAS. Junk ideas. Antique and vintage ideas. How to refurbish it all ideas. I got to thinking about how so many people just love Lauren's style and, yet, if they saw any of the individual vintage things from her home at a garage sale or thrift shop they would simply see it as junk and walk away from all that potential. That's fine, of course. However, the capability to envision vintage things or junk things as refurbished treasure is very valuable. Thrifted items are typically dirt cheap. For example, I recently found a leather sofa and matching chair for $40. I'll admit this was an exceptionally good deal, yes, but keep in mind I did have to spend a few hours cleaning and treating the leather after I brought it home. The price to refurbish this thing was well worth it. We get it. If you're one of those people who has zero interest in refurbishing anything, whether it's big like a sofa or small like a lamp, then you might be a perfect candidate for what I call the "One Step Up From Junk" plan. The plan goes like this. Other people, the ones with "the vision" I mentioned earlier, can do the dirty work and you'll reap the rewards. REWARDS of the "One Step Up" Plan: You'll get the magazine look for hundreds of dollars less than you'll pay at Target, West Elm, Macy's, or the fancy home shop downtown. That's it folks. The only reward you need. SAVING MONEY + HAVING A MAGAZINE-WORTHY LIVING ROOM. One of my favorite places to shop is called My Friend Lauren's House. This is not a joke and, no, unfortunately it's not open to the public. That's because it literally is Lauren's house, but I am happy to buy, or even take, things from her collection. If I'm not shopping junk piles I'm looking to her house for the best of the best. I'm sorry if you don't have a friend who can offer similar benefits but. . .I have good news. Lauren recently opened a brick and mortar version of her shop Freckled Flowers. Her shop is downtown Vancouver inside Main Street Vintage, at 1817 Main St Vancouver, WA 98660. Wanna look around before you go? You can get a feel for what's available here on Instagram. She's always on the hunt for new merchandise so you'll always find something new when you visit or shop her Instagram account. Below is a glimpse into what she's got! So. . .everyone likes a sale, free appetizers and fancy beverages, right? Ok then! This Friday, August, 5th from 4-7pm you can get 20% off store wide at Main Street Vintage. It's First Friday in downtown Vancouver so there's going to be a lot of fun stuff happening- the best day of the month is First Friday! It's filled with creativity, friends, great art, great food and inspiration. Lauren and I like a lot of the same things, but we do have slightly different styles overall. If you know me and have seen my home, or my Instagram account @clarkandphome, then you can see for yourself how shopping the junk piles around town can result in a unique style for your home.
Lauren and I both do junk and our houses are definitely different (and NOT shabby chic!). Compare it to @freckled_flowers to see what I mean! Until next time! Lindsay
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