I am SO excited to share this post mostly because I had no idea so few people knew about the treasure trove that is instagram shopping! As I shared previously, I'm a firm believer that homes that feel homey always have a combination of new and old. I totally get it, however, that it's pretty intimidating to scour your local Goodwill and dedicate time to stalking estate sales when you're not really sure a) what you're looking for b) what this stuff might actually look like when it's cleaned up and styled and c) what you should be paying for it!
Enter my salve for all things vintage accessories - INSTAGRAM SHOPS. These little gems are highly curated mini-markets of the best vintage finds. Many of them also photograph items in a well-styled environment so you have some idea of how to use the pieces as well. And the best part - they are really reasonably priced!! Check check check!
How to shop: Usually you comment with your email and zipcode to purchase and the seller will shoot you a PayPal invoice inclusive of shipping. Easy peasy. See something you love but someone already snagged it? Comment "next" to be next in queue. These sellers are also normally open to hunting for things for you - it's totally kosher to comment and ask them to keep their eye out for you! One other tip - the accounts tend to function as "flash sale" sites, so to get the best selection, I watch for their posts about when they plan to host a sale and then I set an alarm in my phone to remind me. I also copy my email address and zip so that I can easily copy/paste it into the comment field to secure first dibs :) Instagram has been wonky with comments lately so be sure to triple check that your comment made it through!
These are the best accounts I've found so far, but I'm ALWAYS on the hunt. If you know of any good ones I'd love it if you left them in the comments!
Who they are: The Market is the instagram arm of their other account, @UpcountryLiving, described as "Your destination for classic design and lifestyle inspiration from a southern point of view." I think the Market reflects that perfectly. This account is probably my favorite insta-gram only boutique. It's highly curated and consistent and I think the prices are very reasonable. I've ordered more than I probably should :)
What to look for: Their selects are southern-traditional-meets-saavy-vintage-flair. I keep my eyes peeled for great brass accents, designer vintage fabric, and ART. They also seem to find some nautical/New England inspired pieces from time to time. If you like something, snap it up quickly as the good stuff gets snapped up quickly!
#2: Mate Gallery
Who they are: If Mate Gallery was an instagram-only shop I would legitimately go bankrupt. Based in Montecito, California, and owned by my dear friend Matt Albiani (whose is also an insanely talented photographer based in the West Village - we met when he shot for vineyard vines!) and his partner Ron. Matt and Ron bring the very best of East Coast nautical to life via Mate Gallery, a real-life dreamland of vintage goods perfectly merchandised with new classics like sailor shirts and top-quality softgoods. Mate Gallery is a physical store + website, but you can also shop their goods on instagram. You have to give them a call or email to purchase if the item you want isn't on their website but I do it all the time - I snagged the vintage sailing prints you see above our bed from their store after I saw them in a post.
What to shop for: Nautical everything and vintage specialties! They curate the best of beach, from giant lobster claws in vintage glass cloches to the most perfectly worn 1970's Wrangler Chambray shirts. And of course - photography! They feature both Matt's original work and fantastic vintage art. Want to see their goods in real life? Check out Matt's charming West Village apartment (originally seen in Domino Mag :).
Who they are: Self-described "vintage enthusiasts" this Dallas-based instagram-only account is a dream come true for lovers of anything blue and white! I'd call it modern-traditional meets trendy vintage goods at a good price. I just found this shop a few days ago but already snagged a pineapple bowl and the experience was flawless!
What to buy: Blue and white everything! She seems to have a knack for chinoiserie as well as pineapples and brass. The account is well curated and seems to be updated often. This is my my new fave to watch!
Who they are: I haven't purchased anything yet but it has a ton of potential. They specialize in "vintage and eclectic accessories and home decor" but I did a quick search of their Etsy profile and can confirm that they have A+ traditional taste :) I'm sure I'll snag something from them soon.
What to Buy: Blue + white accessories and brass. Hit them up for ginger jars before you try TJMaxx to start collecting pieces with character and charm. They also have a solid selection of trivets, candlesticks, trays and bookends. Since I've never shopped with them before, let me know if you do and what your experience is like!
(UPDATE: Just bought a bowl from Pepper Leigh - that didn't take long!)
Hope you enjoyed this little tip - but remember who gave you the heads up if we're every bidding it out over a pair of killer bookends someday soon!! ;)