Chic and Cheap: Unique Thrift Store Finds for Your Wardrobe and Home

Want a guaranteed shopping adventure? Check out a couple of Santa Rosa’s best thrift stores on Piner Road.

Sonoma County hot air balloons! Mugs and dishes at Redwood Gospel Mission Thrift.

Want a guaranteed shopping adventure? Check out a couple of Santa Rosa’s best thrift stores on Piner Road.

Sonoma County hot air balloons! Mugs and dishes at Redwood Gospel Mission Thrift.
Sonoma County hot air balloons! Mugs and dishes at Redwood Gospel Mission Thrift.

The Redwood Gospel Mission Thrift Store is a great source for furniture, clothing, and artwork. Prices are reasonable and the staff are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.

At Pick of the Litter, expect well known brands in addition to lots of new pet items and a robust section of books and linens. Shoppers can even sneak a peek at cats awaiting adoption.

Statement shoes, Pick of the Litter.
Statement shoes, Pick of the Litter.
Wine country finds, Pick of the Litter.
Wine country finds, Pick of the Litter.

Don’t go with an agenda, searching for a specific item. Instead, embrace the adventure and be open to possibility. Thrift store shopping is a fun (often inexpensive way) to support your community and causes you care about.

Vintage, hand painted chromolithograph prints, some over 100 years old, $4 each at Pick of the Litter.
Vintage, hand painted chromolithograph prints, some over 100 years old, $4 each at Pick of the Litter.

I enjoy thrifting without a “wish list”. For me, it’s all about exploring and making discoveries. From excess inventory (new items from local stores) to furniture, framed art, vintage and collectibles, you never know what you’ll find.

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Summer time purses at Redwood Gospel Mission.
Summer time purses at Redwood Gospel Mission.

With a little imagination (and inspiration from Pinterest), items can be upcycled and given a new purpose. Chalk paint and spray paint are a thrifter’s best friend. Ornate, gold frames take on a new life when painted white or a bright color like turquoise. Ceramics and vintage tin cans are perfect for planting succulents.

Enjoy the adventure!

Explore the gallery below for inspiration… 
Photography by Amy Schaus

Picnic basket with plasticware, Pick of the Litter.
Picnic basket with plasticware, Pick of the Litter.
Summer hats, Pick of the Litter.
Summer hats, Pick of the Litter.
Wicker desk for bedroom/boudoir, transform dark wood with chalk paint makeover, Redwood Gospel Mission
Wicker desk for bedroom/boudoir, transform dark wood with chalk paint makeover, Redwood Gospel Mission.
Vintage patterns make cool wrapping paper, Redwood Gospel Mission.
Vintage patterns make cool wrapping paper, Redwood Gospel Mission.
Vintage Chips and Dip set, complete with pink flamingoes, Redwood Gospel Mission
Vintage Chips and Dip set, complete with pink flamingoes, Redwood Gospel Mission.
Buttons for assemblage craft or sewing project, Pick of the Litter.
Buttons for assemblage craft or sewing project, Pick of the Litter.

The Redwood Gospel Mission Thrift Store, 1821 Piner Road, Santa Rosa
Pick of the Litter, 1701 Piner Road, Santa Rosa