The Thrill of the Hunt: My Favorite Places to Shop Vintage

I love shopping vintage! I remember watching the Nate Berkus Show on television almost 10 years ago and seeing a lady from Kansas City talking about vintage shopping in the Kansas City West Bottoms and I was immediately intrigued. I ventured down the following month and was so surprised to learn that the neighborhood had so much more to offer than just haunted houses! Ever since then, I’ve been a fan of all things vintage. Having things in your home that aren’t in every other person’s home from your typical big box stores makes your space feel collected and full of character. I love it so much that I started using the hashtag #ihavethisthingwithvintage. Typically, things that are “antique” are over 100 years old. For that reason, I use the term “vintage”. When I want to add a vintage touch to a vignette or wall in my home, here are some of the first places I look.

FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE

I always start here if I’m looking for something specific because of the large selection. I put in my search terms (be specific) and always choose local pickup because I hate paying shipping. I check back frequently when I’m looking for something specific, and if the price is right, I message the seller immediately because good deals go fast!

I had to drive 30 minutes, but for $30, it was well worth it to snatch up this stunning mirror! *This card catalog belonged to my husband’s Granny. With a fresh coat of paint, it became one of my favorite things and contains many of our craft supplies!

LOCAL SHOPS & VENDORS

I love shopping local and supporting the Kansas City community. Local makers do so much for our city! Some of my favorite local shops and vendors are Jami at Earthen Vessel (iamearthenvessel on Instagram), Bella Patina (bellapatinakc on Instagram), and Re: (remporium on Instagram). Of course, local thrift stores are a great place to browse as well.

This brass bowl was my most recent purchase from one of Earthen Vessel’s sales on Instagram Stories. I used Brasso on it and it’s currently holding our Christmas tree slices from all of our real trees.

Most of the vintage mirrors on my mirror wall are from local shops in the West Bottoms. The largest was a steal from Bella Patina 8 or 9 years ago. I’m taking it to my grave.

ETSY

Etsy is a great resource if you aren’t able to find what you need locally and don’t want t wait. I hate paying for shipping, but sometimes you come up empty-handed everywhere else and find exactly what you’re looking for there.

POSHMARK

I just recently learned that Poshmark has homegoods in addition to clothes. I took a look and while they have vintage goods, I think you definitely need to modify your price range when searching because it looks like things can get expensive.

Where are your favorite places to shop vintage? If you have any favorite local vintage vendors or shops, I’d love for you to share with me!