One of my favorite things about thrifting — and one of the reasons I love this series — is getting to highlight the finds of other people. What someone notices, picks up, and decides to bring home from a thrift store says a lot about how they move through the world. It reveals what they value, what catches their eye, and what they’re willing to live with — not just admire from afar.
This month’s story comes from artist Ellen Mote, and it’s a particularly good one. Ellen thrifted a full set of Mauviel copper pans — the kind of object that’s aspirational, beautiful, and undeniably well-made, but also meant to be used.
I love this find not just because of what it is, but because of what it represents. Maintaining vintage items doesn’t have to be a quest for perfection. Social media has a way of making you feel perpetually behind — like your home is never finished enough, polished enough, or worthy of being seen. But there’s another way to live with beautiful things: you can use them daily, let them age, let them show wear, and still love them deeply.
Sometimes it’s enough to own one beautiful object, cook with it often, and resist the urge to make it look brand new! Patina isn’t failure. It’s evidence of a life being lived.
On to The Best Thing Ellen Ever Thrifted.
“Four years ago I was visiting my parents in a suburb of Houston, Texas when I casually went to a little thrift store. I walked through the cookware section, which is typically quite sparse, and came across a set of genuine Mauviel pots/pans.
My heart started racing while I tried to casually walk to get a cart. Initially, I only saw two or three, but once I had my cart in hand, I discovered seven pots/pans, including a double boiler. They were already marked really low, and everything was half off.
I ended up getting the set for less than $50, plus a copper Boden tea kettle.
Four years later, we nearly exclusively cook everything with these pots and pans. I don’t have them on display in my house now due to the size/layout of our kitchen. But I’d love to one day.
I don’t polish mine either, and that’s a choice. As a mom of three, I’m aware my life isn’t Downton Abbey and I don’t need to pretend it is, so I go with the lived-in look.
There is something special about knowing you are a part of the legacy of an item you thrifted. It brings me so much joy to think about all of the nourishing meals that have been cooked in these pots before me, and all the friends and family that have been nourished through them in my own home. And I hope the story doesn’t stop with me.”
Huge thank you to Ellen Mote for sharing this wonderful story! For reference: a seven-piece set of Mauviel would easily set you back more than $1,200, even used. As an aside, I will say I once got a bunch of Mauviel at a Home Goods (this is more than a decade ago — HG used to be full of insane finds!) My grandmother also gifted me some which is so special. I use my Mauviel copper roaster every Thanksgiving and Christmas.
For more from the Best Thing I Ever Thrifted series — including the finds of John Derian, Sex and the City stylist Molly Rogers, and Vogue’s Lucinda Chambers — head right this way.
ODDS & ENDS
Lazy Jamie is one of my best discoveries of 2025. I love my cheese knife set and think the citrus squeezer would make an incredible gift. Even better: I have a code! USE CODE VIRGINIA15 for 15% off
Me+Em’s newest collection is outstanding. I adore this belt bag, which can be worn in a number of ways, and this bias-cut dress. And this short-sleeve take on a quarter zip is so great.
Random but QVC has really good beauty products and many are currently on sale! This pro-collagen marine cream is one of my faves and they also sell the Nu-Face facial toning device (and it’s currently more than $100 off).
“Patina isn’t failure. It’s evidence of a life being lived.” A+, 💯! I love evidence of the former life of things. What a glorious find! I love copper, so warm and welcoming.💕
Thank you, Virginia!
I recently found that double boiler set at my thrift store, the exact set. I had no idea what it was, but I knew it was well made and special. I’m so glad I grabbed them for $18! What a dream to find a whole set!