Fox Solo's Drew Michael Scott Unveils a Retro Collection in Collaboration with Joon Loloi, Offering Thrifting Enthusiasts Expert Advice on Antique Shopping
Catch the allure of Round Top, the massive antique bazaar in Texas that lures both seasoned traders and vintage enthusiasts. It's where you go when you're after something imbued with character - like designer Drew Michael Scott who sought a complete collection for his collaboration with Joon Loloi here.
Drew, better known as @lonefoxhome, returned to Round Top to source pieces for the second installment of his vintage collab with Joon Loloi. Their debut collection drew inspiration from historical references, but this time, the past is the product.
So, you might ponder, how does one conquer the confusion at a bustling market like Round Top? Haggle strategies, a wishlist, or barging in blindly, right? Wrong! Drew's already done the legwork. Whether you're scourging for a collection or simply hunting for a standout piece, his tips apply. Consider this your thrift shopping guide, flavored with his wisdom.
First and foremost, toss FOMO out the window. There's no way you'll see everything at Round Top. "You'll see incredible pieces with 'sold' tags, and vendors you'll never see. That's just the way it is! It means it wasn't meant for you," Drew says.
He recommends making a loose list of booths you want to visit, but take the scenic route. These markets stretch for miles, so stop by a few along the way. The same applies outside the fair circuit - compile a roster of shops to hit and let curiosity lead the way.
When it comes to items on your list, keep it general. "Never go vintage shopping with something too specific in mind; you'll always end up disappointed," he says. "Instead, maintain a list that's more general. You might not find a 300-year-old French Rococo gilded mirror, but if you keep an open mind, you'll leave with something exciting!"
Style is the supreme filter in any bustling, item-flooded environment. "I love and am inspired by so many pieces, but I'll pass on them if they don't fit the style of my home or my online store. Just because something is beautiful doesn't mean it's right for you!"
Snap photos of anything that catches your eye, sift through them later, then go back for the pieces you want to buy. Try walking the opposite way through the store for a fresh perspective - you'll likely spot things you missed before. Drew also advocates for starting a pile at the register, adding to it whenever you find undeniable 'yes' items.
So, while Round Top could be your destination, Etsy (Drew's favorite secondhand furniture store) is just a click away. But the easiest way to thrift like a pro? Get your hands on Drew's capsule collab with Joon Loloi.
Here are Drew's top picks:
A vintage stool can anchor a sculptural vase or a chrome accent, creating an unexpected but balanced display. A petite dish adds just enough narrative to a space, perfect for an empty shelf or distracting from a mass-produced piece. Slightly off-kilter candle holders are a refreshing diversion from stereotypical versions, offering a fraction of the cost of artisan-made sets.
Drew was particularly enchanted by an anatomical sketch, signed, matted, and framed in wood. He delved into Joon Loloi's archives to find a hand-patterned throw pillow, one of a kind and perfect for giving a neutral armchair or armeless sofa some bite.
Old pieces are often higher quality and have a unique feeling that modern ones can't replicate. There's something special about knowing they've already lived a life or two before you get to carry on their legacy in your own home. And, yes, they may have some dings, nicks, and scratches, but that only adds to their charm. "It's hard to describe exactly what vintage pieces bring to a room that new ones can't, but they definitely have more soul," Drew shares.
And so, the hunt continues as we embark on an epic journey through the romance of Round Top, one vintage find at a time.
- In Round Top, the famed antique bazaar in Texas, Drew Michael Scott, known as @lonefoxhome, sources vintage pieces for his collaboration with Joon Loloi, intending to create a collection infused with history.
- Drew's second installment of the vintage collaboration draws inspiration from the past, transforming it into the product itself, making shopping experiences at Round Top more meaningful.
- Building a list of booths to visit in Round Top and taking the scenic route will lead to serendipitous discoveries in your vintage shopping adventure.
- Despite the bustling market, it's essential to maintain a general list of items instead of focusing on something too specific, as you might end up disappointed.
- Seek items that complement your lifestyle and home decor, ensuring that each piece aligns with your style vision, even if it's a beautiful but inappropriate find.
- Leverage technology to expand your vintage shopping experience, exploring options on platforms like Etsy, while appreciating the unique charm and soul that old pieces bring to your living room, fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, and other aspects of your lifestyle.