Every time I go into a thrift store, I check the luggage aisle.  I’m looking for fabulous vintage luggage, but usually I find tacky 80’s and 90’s luggage instead.  I’ve heard mythical stories from those who have found great vintage luggage at Goodwill or other thrift stores, but it has never happened for me.

Then, it happened.  A vintage Samsonite.  Right there in the luggage aisle.  Not only that, but it was half-off day!  I grabbed that suitcase and proudly hauled it over to the cart I was sharing with my friend Meggan with a huge grin on my face.  “Look!”, I proclaimed, “it’s a miracle!” and she said “It’s a thrift store unicorn!”

I also picked up a few other goodies that day.  Another metal box to paint, some MCM glassware, a cute vintage watering can, a cast iron door stop and more.  I always grab decent lampshades when I see them.  This one was in great shape and only 75 cents.  How do you pass that up?

The next day Meggan emailed me.  She had spotted a pair of vintage suitcases on Craigslist.  Not only that, but they were in my neighborhood and in the right price range!  It was like a unicorn trifecta.

Mr. Q and I promptly ran over and picked them up.

And then, a couple of days later, Meggan texted me from Goodwill.  She had spotted yet another thrift store unicorn!  A vintage Samsonite, and she was willing to nab it for me.  Woo hoo!  She is now a bonafide unicorn hunter.

My collection of vintage suitcases is growing.  Some vintage suitcases are totally meant to be left alone.  Like these three.

I use these as props in my furniture photos, and also just as decoration in my home.

Meggan has this stack of vintage luggage at her house, and these are also perfect as is.

But the suitcases that I have been stockpiling are destined to be painted.  Potentially even by you!

Stay tuned later in the week when I announce my upcoming Painted Suitcase class!