New to Vintage Shopping? Here’s How to Get Started

If you’ve never set foot in a secondhand or consignment shop, welcome! This is where nostalgia meets sustainability, affordability, and style. At Legacies, we want you to feel comfortable and have fun browsing our gently used furniture, luxury items, and jewelry, so you can make the most of your experience. For more than 30 years, the volunteers at Legacies Upscale Resale, located in Hyde Park Plaza, have helped Cincinnati shoppers discover high-quality items for their home and wardrobes.

Why is thrifting so fun?

Any thrifting maven will tell you: shopping for treasures in resale shops can be addictive. One minute you’re traveling back down memory lane, admiring a set of vintage china, the next you come across the perfect necklace for a special occasion, or turn the corner to find a piece of furniture or décor that you just can’t leave without. It’s the thrill of discovery, and once the thrifting bug gets you, you’ll understand what all the fuss is about.

Getting into the swing of things

We all seem to know someone who picked up the most incredible deal on a vintage item or found something exceptional or rare, but finding a gem isn’t always as easy as it looks. As with most things, it pays to prepare a little. Here are some things to consider before shopping, so you come home with items you truly cherish:

1. Stay focused and learn when to walk away: We get it, there are a lot of unique items at prices that might make you want to stuff your shopping cart full. But how will all of these items really integrate into your home? Arriving with a simple plan can make a big difference in helping you target what you really want. You may also want to create a wish list of items you know you want to purchase, whether it’s a particular designer, collectible item, or style that speaks to you.
2. Know where to go: It goes without saying that not every resale shop focuses on maintaining a stock of quality items. Upscale vintage and consignment shops like Legacies focus on furniture, jewelry, and home décor with enduring style, appeal, and materials that last. Instead of spending all day hunting through a mountain of goods, look for a store with curated, thoughtfully arranged items to dramatically increase your odds of finding something special.
3. Start small: You don’t have to be an expert in retro furniture or have plans to redesign your whole home at once. Start with some vintage ornaments, glassware, or other decorative items to add warmth and character to your home. Once you see how it looks and feels, you can try expanding to larger items or statement décor.
4. Inspect finds thoroughly: Did you find the vintage armoire of your dreams, or a beautiful lamp that completes your living room? Give items a thorough look over. Are hinges, drawers, and moving parts in good working order, is upholstery intact, and is furniture sturdy? Make sure electrical items operate as intended and have cords without fraying or signs of stress. While a little wear can bestow character, decide whether any repairs are within your ability and desire to remedy.
5. Be persistent: Seasoned secondhand shoppers know that you have to visit frequently and stay open-minded. Inventory can change daily, and the perfect finds often appear when you least expect them. Have some time on your hands? Go ahead and drop in: you never know when it will be your lucky day!
6. Take your time: Learn to enjoy the wander. The more you explore, the more likely you are to bump into a one-of-a-kind item. Plus, it gives you time to savor the nostalgia and stories that come with vintage furniture and jewelry.
7. Enjoy the feel-good factor: Not only do secondhand finds add character to your home, but many vintage stores (like ours!) donate proceeds to charity. Your treasure hunt also helps reduce waste, so you can feel great about every purchase.

Stop by Legacies, and see what’s new

Shopping for pre-loved home furnishings at Legacies is a great way to begin your thrifting journey. Here, you can have a relaxed, fun experience that’s even a little surprising. From luxury items like handbags and timepieces to high-quality artwork, antique and contemporary furniture, décor, and much more, we are committed to offering high-quality consignment items for our Cincinnati community. Come visit our Hyde Park Plaza showroom, which has over 10,000 square feet of display area, and see if your next treasure is waiting for you!