Celebrities at Garage Sales

It’s often presumed that celebrity shopping revolves around the latest and greatest in design, fashion and expensive luxury comforts for these widely-recognized professionals and icons. But what about second-hand shopping? Do they even consider this as an option? Turns out some do, and love it! We recently interviewed a couple of celebrities who are passionate about yard sale shopping and usually seek out the ones that are selling unique collectibles. Here’s what they had to say about their passion of garage sale shopping:

Constance Dunn, Presentation Specialist and Author of “Practical Glamor” is a massive proponent of thrifting, garage sailing and flea markets, I speak to men and women about increasing the glamour quotient in their life no matter where they are in terms of age, budget or position. When I was delivering newspapers and mucking out horse stalls as a teenager, for instance, I put the same level of energy into my presentation as when I was earning a lot more a bit later in life as an analyst in Los Angeles. Here’s where smart second-hand shopping comes in, and yes, she says “it’s actually a sport!”

What types of items or events attract your attention?
Constance says “I say always think like a marketer when it comes to selecting events. Ask yourself: What types of people and wares do I think will be at this event? Are they wares that I want? Hint: Always aim high and go to events that hold the most promise for attaining super-quality goods. You don’t need any more junk in your life.”

Do you shop garage sales or flea markets seeking specific items?
Celebrity Rock Star and TV Icon Anand Bhatt says “Yes!” “But usually planned though. I often see a sign for a garage sale or flea market and check them out.” “I shop garage sales and flea markets whenever I can to get vinyl records for my vast collection.”

Constance Dunn says, absolutely! “Successful second-hand shopping requires a unique discipline. You must be able to focus like a laser beam on ferreting those–and only those–items that adhere perfectly to your current needs. And those needs should be listed on a piece of paper, not just floating around in your head! Just because it’s designer and cheap, cheap, cheap doesn’t mean you must adopt it and bring it home.”

How do you choose which events to shop at?
Dunn says “Events with high quality items, vintage items, unique but usable items. I don’t need another pair of khakis or a dozen white t-shirts. But what I’d love is a new silk kimono, or a pair of beautiful mesh vintage gloves for the summer, or an exceptional pashmina wrap. Oo-la-la!”

Bhatt says, “I shop by total impulse. Most of time I’m driving somewhere and I see a sign, next thing you know I’m turning my car to find the sale!”

How do you feel about garage sale or flea market shopping?
“Both garage sales and flea markets are absolutely fun” says Bhatt. “There is an adrenaline rush when I find a collector’s item at a sale!”

Dunn says “it’s practical glamor incarnate, provided you can recognize quality and are restrained in spending your money on only those items that will enhance your authenticity and attractiveness.”

Heads up at your next garage sale, you never know when you might spot a celebrity on the lookout for their own next treasure!