Better the second time around.

In the film Annie Hall, there’s a scene where Woody Allen says to Diane Keaton’s character, “Love is too weak a word for what I feel. I luuurve you…”  This is how we feel about vintage. We luuuurve it.  Nicole and I have said before, and I’m sure we’ll say it again, the excitement of a cool vintage find gives us a “lady boner.”

Going vintage and second hand not only helps the planet by reducing waste, it’s a way to add soul and originality to your home and wardrobe.  Scared of a little mid-century modern molded fiberglass or acrylic?  Come on!  Something 50 years old doesn’t “off gas” people!  Here in LA there are some unbelievably expensive vintage clothing stores because celebrities know the value of showing up in something that no one else will be wearing!  However, these vintage finds, be they clothing or home furnishings, don’t need to break your bank account.  This week Nic and I donned some thrift-worthy duds and headed to one of our favorite vintage furniture shops “453 Modern Vintage” on south Fairfax.

Nic wore a pair of second-hand denims, and we both sported some vintage 1980’s blazers. (Tres “MiamiVice.” Nic was Crockett I was Tubbs)

Staci Cain, the shops fabulous and chic owner, sells fantastic vintage furniture and tchotchkies (pronounced “CHACH-kees”) at prices that won’t make your pits sweat when you ask “How much?”  Staci’s shop also does amazing affordable re-upholstering, which is how I came to love her.  She recovered two vintage chairs I had found for a mere 25 dollars each, and when her work was done they looked like pricey designer wingbacks.

One of Staci’s frequent shoppers is interior stylist Emily Henderson who regularly shopped at Modern Vintage for the first season of her HGTV show “Secrets from a Stylist.” I am now officially OBSESSED with Emily Henderson! Look up her blog, it’s definitely worth subscribing too.(AFTER you subscribe to Society Finch of course!)

Maybe it’s because I am approaching 40 (Mercy!) but I am becoming more comfortable and compatible with things that have a little age and sophistication to them. What’s better than a sofa with a story? A table with a tale? A chair with a criminal record?  Gang let’s dress in something fun, and hit the second hand shops this weekend! You might find an old piece that brings new life to your home.  Nothing wrong with being old, nothing at all!

*Check out more photos from our trip to 453 Modern Vintage on our Flickr page.