If you’re like us here at the Style File, you’re always on the hunt for new elements that match your wicked sense of style. We’re big on only adding things that reflect who we are. In fact we’ve been known  to do without until we find that perfect piece. (Although we do see the value in buying things like sofas and beds sooner rather than later. Sleeping or sitting on the floor for extended periods of time just doesn’t fit our idea of comfort.)

We’ve all got pieces in our home we happened to stumble across. You know the kind of things I mean. That lamp you found outside your first apartment building, or the vase you brought home from a trip to the shore. Because style is such an individual thing, we don’t find special accessories at the average retail outlet.

So how do you improve your chances of finding those gems? You know what we’re going to say don’t you? You shop, of course—but not at your ordinary haunts. We’ve found that the odds greatly increase if you work in some regular visits to flea markets, garage sales and craft fairs. But even then, finding jewels among the junk can be tough. We asked our staff to share some tips and tricks they’ve learned when out on the prowl.

Before you go, make a wish list of items you’d like to find—an art piece for the entryway, a bedside table for the guestroom or a container for pet food. Be sure and measure the area where you want to place the new item. There’s nothing more frustrating than finding the ideal antique barrel for the pet food, only to get it home and find it doesn’t fit in that perfect spot between the dryer and the wall.

Put together a foraging kit that includes your wish list, a tape measure, pencil and paper, fabric or paint swatches for color matching, a simple floor plan of the room (especially when searching for large furniture items), a tote bag and rolling cart as well as plenty of cash (with lots of smaller bills) since many vendors won’t accept checks or credit cards.

Arrive early so you have a chance at the best variety of merchandise. Or pop in near closing time, when there’s less selection, but better deals. Oh and make sure you’re dressed comfortably. Wear shoes made for walkin’ and dress to fit the weather at an outdoor sale.

Stick to the larger events in your area or at least regular events. (Often, the smaller the event, the less likely you are to find something you value. Three tables in a parking lot really don’t make a flea market.) We found a few big name markets like the World’s Largest Garage Sale, Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market and the Renegade Craft Fair with a quick web search. Look for similar events in your locale. Smaller communities often have monthly flea or antique markets, but you might have to become a “regular” to get the best stuff.

Now go forth and shop. And when you find those really great pieces that fit perfectly in your home, take a few minutes to share them with us on our Flickr site. Because the story of a great catch is always thrilling, even when it’s someone else’s.