I’m always looking for new friends to go shopping with. You would think that would be pretty easy, but I’m still trying to make friends in my new city with girls who like to do the same things I do….not shopping at the mall, but the antiques or thriftstores or junk places. I wish you all lived near me! One friend from church, my floral design friend, Angie, does like to antique and look at junk, so she and I went out this week to a fun antique mall that I had never been to before. Lots to look at, they really had some good looking things in there.
I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, but have had in my mind for awhile that I’d like to find an antique chest of drawers to go in our master bedroom. I showed you the black yardsale piece that we’ve been using for 3 years now which is way too small and not very nice, but I knew I’d find something eventually and for a decent price. I spotted this French piece and it’s gorgeous, but at over $1000, way more than I wanted to spend or could afford to spend.
Right next to it was this beauty. A traditional mahogany chest on chest in great condition AND the price was decent AND it was 20% off AND they offer 60 day layaway. I think I can do that. It has an English look to it and looks to be Chippendale to me. It stands 52″ tall and is quite a large piece, with dove-tailed drawers. 
So, I went back the next day with Judy (see below) and put it on layaway. Two more payments and I’ll bring this baby home. I know you want to know the price and since I usually blurt those things out anyway, I’ll tell you…with the 20% discount, it came to $390. Now how’s that for a deal? I think it’s great myself. I’m mixing it with a late-1800’s French armoire that we already have in the room and I’ll be sure to do a post when it’s in place.
It’s a beauty and I think we are really going to enjoy it. If you have never shopped for antiques, I’d highly recommend that you try it. I used to think only rich people could afford antiques, but I found out that this little myth is simply not true. Anyone can afford antiques (even if they are 100 years old and true antiques) and you can afford many vintage pieces a lot easier than buying new pieces. And, personally I would much rather have an old piece than a new piece anyday. They just don’t make furniture like this anymore. Classic, traditional style never goes out of fashion. This chest is probably from the 40’s or 50’s. We’ll get back to this discussion in a minute. So, moving on around the store….
This is a huge French buffet.
Pretty blue and white dishes.
I thought these needlepoint chairs were really pretty.
And how about this aqua tole platter and aqua bowl….yummy colors! So that was one fun day from last week. The next day, my new friend Judy from Gracious Southern Living came up for the day and we had such a great time! We’ve been chatting online for almost a year now and again, it was like meeting up with an old friend. 
Judy likes to talk decorating as much as I do and we did not shut up for about 6 straight hours. Here we are at lunch at O’Carr’s with their famous chicken salad and fruit plate.
We went to Cahaba Heights for a little antiquing. Judy is a very fun person and I’m so glad I got to meet her finally. I know we will meet up again. She’s very warm, friendly, and Southern all wrapped up in one.
We had a great time strolling around…just looking at all the fun stuff out there. Judy picked up a pretty iron candelabra for outside and carted it home in her VW bug.
We both loved this green wicker in the shop, Treasures in Cahaba Heights.
More blue and white.
Loved this pretty bunny and bird vignette.
Wow, I love that chest! You are so lucky to have found that. I also loved the tutorial on the queen anne chairs. I had never heard of liquid sandpaper before. I will have to see if we have that here in Australia.
Hi Rhoda, Thanks for visiting my blog and for the comment you left. I am loving your blog! I hope my china cabinet turns out half as beautiful as the furniture you have painted.
Take care,
Eva
Rhoda,
I love every thing you posted about on your antiquing trip.
Sorry so late stopping by to thank you for my delicious prizes. I hope you got my TY note.
Hugs,
Sue
Love your new piece Rhoda. I love buying antiques too. I love the history of an old piece.
I like eclectic. I like mix and match to. I am not a matchy matchy girl. I agree, it is far more interesting to mix.
Wow! what a great find in that chest!! I love old and I like some new – my taste, if I have any, is very Eclectic! I love all those blue and white plates!!! You and Judy looked like ya’ll were having a blast!!!
Bless…
Donna
Hi, Rhoda! I love it when folks post pictures like this…I just sit and “shop” in my mind…because I find dozens of treasures in these photos. I love, love, LOVE your new chest! When you whispered the price…I almost, LITERALLY, fell out of my chair. GAAASP! Don’t you love it when you get deals like that??? It’s like, you just can’t hardly make it out of the shop for fear they will realize how much of a steal it was!! At least, I know I have had moments like that! I always shop antique malls, thrift stores, etc. In looking around my home, it is hard to find objects that came from regular stores. Most of my furniture and definitely all of my “stuff” has come from antique shops. I am just not attracted to new stuff. I would love to live near you because I would love to have a like-minded companion on shopping trips! ;o) Have a wonderful day!
In love with everything I saw. Gosh what fabulous antiques.
Yeah, I just covet that tray!
Jennifer
Love your blog. You ever get the chance to come to Pa and I will take you shopping in the gazillion antique store they have here!
What a visit. I love everything in your pictures. There is no place here in K’ville,N.C. that offers such lovelies. Your garden is to die for. You are such a creative person. Wish you were my neighbor.
Thanks for sharing.
Lilly