Blog & Social

Appearing on the Fresh Ideas Stage Friday, March 28 at 2 pm and Saturday, March 29 at 12:30 pm

Many of us enjoy shopping for secondhand goods, but Virginia Chamlee has become a thrifting superstar, finding such bona fide treasures as a Goyard trunk worth upwards of $10,000 (scored for $90) to a floor-length vintage Christian Dior cape (a $10 Goodwill find). Her savvy searching has helped to stimulate interest in thrifting, whether it’s shopping at a Goodwill, an estate sale, or anywhere used items are available. Her Substack newsletter and Instagram are filled with her amazing finds and tried-and-true tips, which she’ll share more about when she presents “How to Thrift Museum-Quality Art, Designer Furniture and More” with show visitors, followed by a meet-and-greet. 

We asked Virginia to tell us more about herself, and some of what we can expect from her appearance at the Southern AZ Home Show in Tucson:

What are your top furniture thrifting tips?

Go as often as you can, look for maker’s marks to determine how well-made a piece is, and don’t buy something that’s broken (you will never fix it). And be patient - curating the perfect pieces for your home takes time, no matter where you shop. And this is especially true at thrift stores, where you often stumble on items so unique and exciting it sparks new ideas for your space. You might not find exactly what you're looking for with just one trip to the thrift store but what better excuse to keep going back?

What tool should every homeowner own?

A tape measure! I have one in every room of my home and one on my keychain (so I can ensure it’s with me at all times).

Wallpaper: love or hate?

I personally love wallpaper because it can make a huge impact in a small space (like a powder room) or completely change the vibe of a larger bedroom. Plus, if you get tired of it, it can be removed fairly easily.

Best décor or home improvement app that folks don’t know about?

Substack! While it isn’t specifically a home decor app, it’s a social media platform that hosts hundreds of incredible newsletters - including many by home decor experts, including myself. Mine is called “What’s Left” and it comes out every Thursday and Sunday. I have city shopping guides, roundups on my latest thrift finds, and interviews with other experts.

Best home purchase for under $100?

I have smart lights in every room of my home and love that they can be set to timers and easily change the ambiance of a space.

What’s your favorite paint color?

Benjamin Moore, Soft Satin

What is your favorite room in your home?

I love my kitchen. I cook all the time and I designed it so it would be spacious and have storage space for all my gadgets.

Favorite kitchen gadget?

My De’Longhi espresso machine.

Are you a fan of the Marie Kondo method? 

I am a fan of the Marie Kondo method because the more items people let go of and donate to the thrift store, the more for me to find :)

Do you have any pets?

My dog, Holly, is some sort of hound-boxer mix. She is lanky and energetic and incredibly sweet. She’s my best find ever, a rescue who was born near the holidays.

What’s your favorite part about speaking at a home show?

I love getting to visit and explore new places and connect with other people who love home design and thrifting as much as me.