New Platform, Old Passions with Catch My Thrift Tbay

By Kelsey Raynard

“A good imagination can breathe life into everyday objects” is the motto of our latest thrifter, Donna Carroll. While many of the local accounts we have featured are fairly new in the world of secondhand shopping, Carroll says she has been thrifting, collecting, and chasing yard sales since the mid 80s. However, this is the first time she has ventured into the world of Instagram with her newest passion project, @catchmythrift_tbay.

Carroll explains that her recent decision to downsize from a house in Dryden to an apartment in Thunder Bay brought her to the realization that it was time to let some of her (many) treasures go. “With so many thrifting stores and opportunities in Thunder Bay, I thought, why not join the resale sector?” she says. 

To Carroll, thrifting is not just about the thrill of the hunt to find the perfect vintage piece; ultimately, she says, secondhand shopping allows you to pay tribute and respect to both the item you are collecting as well as the people who have loved it before. “There’s something very rewarding when finding a treasure that meant a lot to someone. […] I think it means a lot to people that you love it as much as they have enjoyed it. Keep it going.”

While Carroll may be new to the world of Instagram, her aesthetic and taste in decor could not be more on-trend. With everything from brass, vintage wood pieces, and wicker to pressed floral embroidery, @catchmythrift_tbay embodies the natural, bohemian trends of today. Her latest collection of earthy-toned decor provides the perfect transition into fall.

Up top, you will find a Danish wooden magazine or record holder—classic 70s tunes not included ($35). Next, Carroll has found the accent piece of our dreams: a large rattan foot stool/side table for $60. Can you say #bohovibes? On top of this you will see a vintage leather and cork ice bucket—the ultimate party piece ($22).

Next, Carroll has a number of small decor items that are sure to pop in any space. First, we have a floral hurricane candle holder ($25) beside a set of two perforated brass votive holders ($14). Keep all your napkins in order with a pressed floral glass napkin holder ($25), or a ceramic mushroom napkin holder ($15). For the perfect centrepiece, Caroll has found a mid-century modern wooden fruit basket ($20). Vintage, indeed!

Showcase the last of summer’s blooms in the gorgeous art deco pink ceramic vase ($30) and keep your library collection stacked in style with a set of unique onyx horse head bookends ($40). On the left, you will see a glass and rattan hurricane holder with a pillar candle ($25). Lastly, Carroll has a fun-yet-functional wooden drying rack in the perfect shade of honey brown ($32).

 

Make sure to follow @catchmythrift_tbay to score one of these items and to see what other vintage treasures Carroll has to offer.