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What's Left

Who I Follow on Instagram to Learn What to Thrift (Part I)

The accounts I turn to when I need some pre-thrifting inspiration

Virginia Chamlee's avatar
Virginia Chamlee
Jun 25, 2025
∙ Paid

Probably the most frequent comment I get, when I thrift something super valuable, is: “How did you know what that was?” It’s followed closely by the similar, “I would never think to buy that.”

Here’s the thing: I am constantly learning about antiques and vintage. What I pass on this week might be something I jump for next. Sometimes, it’s about value (there are certain brands I just always say “yes” to) and sometimes, it’s because the item feels very “now” (i.e. it’s something I think I could easily sell on Chairish + something I would personally buy if I saw it at a high-end antique store).

A huge part of how I know what to buy is because I have curated a list of exceptional vintage dealers and resources on Instagram. These are accounts I turn to again and again — because I want to see what they’re selling, and buying, so I can maybe find it, too.

Many of these are obscure or smaller accounts but they have such an exceptional eye (one that resonates with my personal aesthetic) that I think they are masters of their domain, so to speak.

PS. For this month’s paid subscriber giveaway, I’m gifting a big set of my favorite summer beauty products — including my favorite body oil, my go-to eyelash serum, a full-size bottle of this hand-blended, best-selling scent and several other odds and ends. All paid subscribers are automatically entered, but you’ll get another entry if you like or comment on this post.

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