Thrifted Elegance: Exploring Curated Treasures with Virginia Chamlee

Welcome to another installment of our Guest Curation series! This week, we're thrilled to have Virginia Chamlee, a renowned People Magazine writer and the author of the best-selling book, Big Thrift Energy, as our guest curator. Virginia's journey into the world of vintage and secondhand items has been nothing short of fascinating, and we're excited to share her curated picks from our online auctions. But first, let's delve into Virginia's background.

Meet Virginia Chamlee

Virginia Chamlee's career is a blend of words, vintage finds, and artistic endeavors. As a People Magazine writer, her storytelling prowess has captivated readers worldwide. Her best-selling book, Big Thrift Energy, compiles years of experience sourcing vintage pieces for A-list celebrities and designers. This literary gem has garnered attention from major media outlets, including NBC News, Architectural Digest, and The Washington Post, and earned a spot on Elle magazine's list of the "50 Most Stylish Coffee Table Books."

Beyond her literary achievements, Virginia is also an accomplished artist, with her works available at Chairish and Anthropologie. Her artistic touch has graced commercial and residential projects, including iconic spaces like Bergdorf Goodman and the green room at Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Virginia’s AuctionNinja Picks

Virginia's keen eye for vintage treasures is evident in her curated picks from our online auctions:

1. Novelty Lipstick Handbag

2. Ciliana Villegas (B-1962) "Femme Assise"

3. Janna Ugone Table Lamp

4. Monies Brown Oblong Earrings by Gerda Lynggaard

5. MCM Kromex Ice Bucket, Metal W. Wood Accents

6. Antique Terra Cotta Cat Sculpture

7. Mid-Century Dining Chairs

8. Pair of Italian Bookends

9. Vintage Model Photography Book Under World, Kelly Klein First Edition

10. Man Ray Photographs with 347 Duotone Plates

Each item tells a unique story, reflecting Virginia's eclectic taste and deep appreciation for the artistry of the past.

Q&A with Virginia

We also had the opportunity to sit down with Virginia for a brief Q&A session, gaining insights into her passion for vintage and secondhand treasures:

What got you interested in secondhand, vintage, and antique items?

I have been shopping vintage as long as I can remember, and was introduced to the world of old stuff via my grandmother, Joy, who raised me from the time I was two months old. We would spend weekends scouring thrift stores, live auctions, and estate sales for treasures.

What are the one or two things that you always find yourself bidding on/looking for when shopping secondhand?

Abstract art and interesting seating are among my favorites.

What's your absolute favorite item ever purchased at an estate sale or online auction?

I have an antique Goyard trunk I scored for under $100.

Any tips or advice for online auction or estate sale newbies?

Be patient and take your time sorting through listings and narrowing down your search.

Virginia's journey through the world of vintage is not only a testament to her love for storytelling but also a celebration of the unique and timeless pieces that can be found through online auctions. We thank Virginia Chamlee for being our guest curator this week and for sharing her insights with our community. Stay tuned for more captivating perspectives from our guest curators in the Collected Perspectives series!

Written by:

AuctionNinja Staff

December 20, 2023     Updated 09:12 AM

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