Vintage Tips: Jen Trahan
You know how we all have that one friend who is absurdly good at finding vintage and antique gems? For me, that is my friend Jen! She is insanely good at finding amazing pieces and partnered with a friend to sell them on their instagram account called Good Behavior. If you live in the NY area, definitely follow them! I found my super unique rattan desk through her (and then paid A LOT to have it shipped out to LA, ha!).
IN HER OWN WORDS…
Hi, I’m Jen! I’m a Brooklyn based photographer and one half of Good Behavior, my latest vintage furniture venture/covid-pivot!
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THRIFTING?
I’ve forever been the Craigslist queen! Before Craigslist though, my mom and I used to go thrifting around Palm Springs when I was growing up. I then got even more into it when I purchased a house upstate. Having the parameters of trying to find cool, unique pieces that were secondhand was a really fun challenge. There’s SO much out there.
WHY DO YOU LIKE thrifting / antiquing FURNITURE & DECOR?
I love finding things you wouldn’t typically in a store. It’s a really fun treasure hunt!
Tell me more about your strategy and how you find such amazing pieces!
Consistency is key—I look every single day!
What do you look for when you are browsing?
I have a list on my phone of key words. I start at the top and work my way down. If I’m in a rush, I look based on location and set my mileage super low. I am often searching for cane, rattan, teak, etc.
Any specific types of items you frequently like to look for?
I really trust my gut—even if I see something that seems outside of our typical Good Behavior branding. If you love something, I really believe you can make it work in your home.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL SPOTS?
I love Hoppe Shoppe—it’s a really nice curation of new and vintage pieces. Alyssa, the owner, does an amazing job of sourcing from local and up and coming artists. For furniture, I love Home Union in Williamsburg. It has such a different vibe than Good Behavior, but I really admire how they’ve grown and what they’ve done. And of course, I can’t resist hopping into a thrift store— Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ONLINE SPOTS?
Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace! I’m addicted, ha.
ANY TIPS FOR THOSE LOOKING TO START ANTIQUING / THRIFTING?
Trust the process! Some days we’ll go out to source and come back with almost nothing—it happens! Other days, we have to ask shops to hold things and come back the next day with a trailer.
FAVORITE PIECE YOU'VE FOUND?
Recently I found this hand carved hutch from the 1920’s. It was so so beautiful—I knew I’d probably regret selling it, but it went to a good home. I’ve learned to be better at letting things go—in the world of furniture there’s always something amazing around the corner!
YOUR DREAM PLACE TO GO ANTIQUING / THRIFTING or a dream piece you’re looking for?
I’d love to go antiquing in France—I have friends who have been and they have found the most amazing things. As far as my dream piece, I’m not sure I believe in just one! The perfect piece goes along with the space it inhabits.
Thank you so much Jen! Be sure to follow her at Good Behavior and check out her upstate properties here and here.