Girls Gone Wild
I'm curious. How many of you will be going to this weekend's Farm Chick's sale or Spokane Symphony Associates Upscale Sale in the company of friends? Do you hunt in a pack or are you a solo stalker, preferring to troll the aisles alone?
What's your treasure hunting style?
I've been covering antiques and collectibles for the paper for years. (I started this blog in 2004.) I grew up in the business, raised in a family of collectors and dealers. While still in high school I sold vintage clothing to theater companies and collectors around town. When my children were small I had spaces in antique malls in th city where I lived. Over the years I've had plenty of chances to observe the behavior of show-shoppers and it's always interesting. I've noticed a few "types":
Girls Club: Shopping a sale or flea market isn't just an outing. It's a celebration. The day starts with a car full of girlfriends and a big breakfast, followed by coffee-to-go and sweet rolls in a bag. Arriving early is all part of the plan. Armed with caffeine, sugar and all the latest gossip, time spent standing in line passes quickly.
Honey do: Hubby comes along. You held the flashlight for him last Saturday so he could find that pesky rattle under the hood so, by golly, he can follow you to the antiques show and sale this weekend. Besides, it's nice to have someone to carry your stuff to the car. This year, however, once he gets a look at the Farm Chick's new Man Cave (decorated by Concept : Home) he might encourage you to shop a little longer.
Undercover (junk) lover: She forgot to set her alarm clock. She didn't have time to shower. By the time she rolled out of bed it was too late to get all gussied up so she put on a baseball cap and her biggest pair of Jackie O. sunglasses and hit the road. Disguised, she glides right by friends who are distracted by pretty things.
The competititor: She wants it and it drives her crazy if you get it first. She prefers to go alone, without the distraction (or competition) of friends. She'll take it right out of your hands if she thinks she can get away with it.
The bag lady: She comes prepared to haul a lot home. She's wearing a fanny pack so she can reach her money, cell phone and lipstick without having to stop and rumble through a purse. She's got a little cart with wheels and has two crushable tote bags for the extras. She left the compact at home and borrowed a truck. She's wearing sensible shoes and cargo pants with extra pockets.
The appreciator. She rarely buys but when she does find a treasure she knows what she's buying. She doesn't get caught up in the frenzy. She takes her time and usually spots a bargain overlooked by the hard-chargers.
Whatever your technique, from lone wolf to girls gone wild, I hope you have a good time at the Farm Chicks show and wherever else you decide to do a little treasure-hunting this weekend.
(Drop me a line and tell me about your finds.)
Cheryl-Anne Millsap is a freelance columnist for The Spokesman-Review. She can be reached at catmillsap@gmail.com