Carmen and Ginger

Valentine's Day "Free" dom!

2012-01-29T19:28:00.000-05:00

We were so excited at Carmen and Ginger to be asked to participate in a Valentine's Giveaway along with eight, yes, EIGHT OTHER sellers organized by Lady Jane Vintage! If you are already drooling over the items in the photo above, get right over to Lady Jane's Facebook page and follow the simple steps to be entered in the giveaway! It is only open for one more week and the one lucky winner will receive all the items shown above. Yup, ALL of them! Just click here for all the details. (be sure to open the comments and read the very first one from Lady Jane.)

We realized we have plenty of kitschy pink and red vintage items for the upcoming holiday, so we have been gathering a number of items to share with you this week, ready to be purchased and shipped in plenty of time for the holiday!

We'll have clothing, jewelry, bags, and some other goodies. All in lovely pinks and reds!

And if it is some actual vintage paper valentines you are looking for, take a look at my mom's shop Find Me A Memory. She has sold a number of these incredible valentines recently, but, have many more in inventory and seems to keep adding items every other day!

Don't Be Alarmed Valentine from FindMeAMemory

Pair of early mechanical Valentines from FindMeAMemory

Merchandeersers

2012-01-02T19:36:00.004-05:00

Sorry to be so lax in posting of late! As you know, Facebook has been great for business but has also kept me from my "less comprehensive" posts here on the blog, which in turn, has left me looking for "more comprehensive" posts to make here, which do not come together quite as fast! That coupled with my beginning a full time job December 1, with an hour's commute each way, has seriously cramped my blogging style!

I had planned to do this "deer post" for a while now; I even had 75% of the images ready to go for the past month! But, time eluded me so here I am, on my last day off before returning to work, finally getting to this post. The point, you see, was deer. Deer are all the rage right now. One of the big trends in popular culture is nature, and, in turn, woodland animals, of which deer are extremely popular on their own. As I gathered my Christmas items, I realized I'd picked up two pairs of deer in my travels. While I sold the top pair in a flash, I decided the bottom pair might be more valuable to me as merchan-deer-sers than in sales, so I put them to work!

These deer easily sold some earrings and elves, and are still workin' it in the shop hawking Santas, brooches, and, some winter-related goods like boots, hats and blankets!

Snowland Boots still for sale at Carmen & Ginger!

Of course, I am far from the first to see the benefits of deer merchandising on Etsy: nor will I be the last. It is no secret: deer figurines can have the amazing ability to make anything look more cute, natural and woodsy in a flash!

Wood Slice Ring from Ixela

In fact, deer have become so popular that they are not just used to merchandise on Etsy, they are right now one of the hottest items, in about as many forms and formats as you can imagine!


1. Deer Photo from ALPhotography

2. Deer Sculpture from ANeedleInTheHay

3. Deer Wall Decals from QinQinDecal

4. Deer Pillows from Nakeddecor

5. Vintage Deer Cardigan SOLD in less than 2 Hours at Carmen and Ginger

1. Deer used in art photography has been a trend for a little over a year now, with these tiny deer and antique cutlery from ALPhotography especially clever!
2. I love how ANeedleintheHay flips the deer merchandising on it's head by using trendy vintage boots to merchandise the brass deer as similarly trendy and relevant!
3. Irony drives the popularity of trends with a different take on the traditional mounted deer over the mantel; while there are many out there, this affordable yet striking arrangement from QinQinDecal is especially effective!
4. NakedDecor's graphic pillows perfectly mix modern with tradition.
5. At Carmen and Ginger we jumped on the bandwagon when we spied this vintage 1970's cardigan on the rack! It sold in less than two hours to a trend-spotting regular customer in Vermont who we happen to know wore it with pride over the New Year holiday weekend!

With all this popularity of deer and effective merchan-deer-sing, we asked ourselves, "What else can these deer help us market?" The public loves a trend and can be sold on anything if presented the right way. We missed the boat on Beanie Babies and Madonnas-on-Toast, there must be something we can use these guys for to bring in a little cash as we head into the new year. How about a dirty coffee mug belonging to a soon-to-be-famous blogger?....

Maybe THE BEST generic box of tampons EVER?

Behold the MYSTERIES of the catnip and spittle covered cat toy artfully placed on vintage luggage "thrifted" from the neighbor's trash....

The possibilities are endless...see us on Etsy and eBay soon....

A Little Holiday Music

2011-12-10T10:48:00.002-05:00

I officially began the Christmas season at my house last week by breaking out the Christmas CD's as I cleaned the house in preparation for decorating. Who knew that talking about CD's would make me look old? Hell, I am not even going to mention the great music I still have on tape and LP that I need to convert to digital to enjoy it!

I am further going to date myself by admitting that although I enjoy the holiday music of the 30's, 40's and 50's the best, I traditionally kick off my personal listening by a blasting of The Waitresses "Christmas Wrapping." from 1981. I cannot explain my love for this song aside from the fact that it is just so eighties and reminds me of my youth. Plus, I saw The Waitresses live one night in 1984 at The Ritz in New York City so I have a soft spot for this short-lived but talented and catchy girls band.

After The Waitresses, I typically reach for either of the two Brian Setzer Christmas CD's. Although I knew all the covers (about 85%) on these CD's by the original records, regardless of how obscure, this band ROCKS and these CD's are a delight year after year!

Some harder-to-find vintage R & B as well as this crazy-ass CD from Accordion Cafe are always on my list. The former is a no-brainer; talent + sincerity + vintage = winners! And the latter, well, you have not lived until you have heard their tango arrangement of "We Are Santa's Elves" from the Rudolph claymation special.

If you are really into the Christmas Cartoon music, I believe this is part two of this CD set. Personally, I cannot listen to most except annually pop this one in for the Heatmiser Frostmiser songs from The Year Without a Santa Claus.

Looking for a good mix to keep in your car or pop in when company come over? Starbucks has actually done a good job with releases over the past few years. Pink Martini is a contemporary band with vintage flair. The other two compilations include a lot of vintage goodies you do not find in other compilations, especially the "Soul" CD which had some recordings even I did not have before.

Every year a listen to Duke Ellington's rendition of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite at least once or twice. Warning: there are moments during this recording when Johnny Hodges' playing and the orchestra's jamming has me dancing uncontrollably around my living room. Make sure your shades are drawn or you might embarrass yourself.

A must-have recommendation for your collection? This classic from Ella. Every song is masterful and beautiful. From the jolly to the sublime; her version of "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve" will have you mesmerized.

Thanksgiving Best Wishes!

2011-11-24T09:49:00.002-05:00

Personally, I have a pecan pie in the oven as I am typing this and, although my ingredients did not have nearly the cute expressions as those above, everything seemed to go swimmingly and nothing went awry. To those of you cooking, baking, hosting, or traveling this day, I wish you all the best!

If you are cooking, I hope your artistry shines!

Here's wishing any family squabbles stay to a minimum!

I wish you extremely satisfied guests!

...and at the end, I wish you lots of help cleaning the kitchen!

A Moderne Table

2011-11-13T17:54:00.001-05:00

We know you are trying to do it all this holiday season - cooking, hosting, traveling, gifting - and that you also want to do it in vintage style! To aid you, here at Carmen and Ginger, we are ready to list some items to take you right through the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and right on into the Christmas season!

Need to go from the oven to the table (then maybe right to the fridge?) how about one of these two awesome mid-century covered casseroles with matching warming stands? Just add a candle or some sterno and you are ready to go!

Want to look especially festive at the table? Add one of our colorful vintage tablecloths or a whimsical salt and pepper shaker set!

There's room for both kitschy fun and traditional splendor at Carmen and Ginger's table!

Mid-century? Yup, we've got that. All these items - and more!- are coming to Carmen and Ginger tonight and tomorrow; in plenty of time to be delivered to your holiday table.

Owl be 'owling about Owls on 'Owl-loween

2011-10-31T14:22:00.002-04:00

I typically post about something on Halloween, so, decided this year to post some of my great old owl cards. I cannot recall where I found these. Some, I think, came as a gift in a bundle from my mother, while I have picked up others here and there. Only one is an actual "Halloween" card, one is actually a Christmas card, and most are advertising cards. They do all, however, look great together! The graphic at the top of this post is the Kenton Baking Powder logo on the back side of the three Baking Soda cards below.

An actual Halloween postcard! No idea where I found this as they are just so hard to find. If it was given to me as a gift I apologize for my forgetfulness!

Unsure of the origins of this one; the Barn Owls are lovely and the background actually die-cut out.

The two above appear to be the liquor drinkers and teetotalers both touting Halifax C & B Co's Fine Biscuits and Confectionery.

Although the bottom is very different in style from the humorous nature of the top two, all three of these are from Kenton Baking Powder.

Yet another lovely die-cut around the owl and branches. This one also from a Halifax business; the W. Taylor & Co. Boot and Shoe Store.

And lastly, a Christmas card. Looks more like a Halloween card to me! But a lovely sentiment, and, as usual, you will be seeing many more Christmas posts on this site very soon.

The Hat

2011-10-26T19:40:00.002-04:00

I am a fan of the new NBC show, "Prime Suspect." Of course, being the American version, it is faster-paced and does not have nearly the depth of the British series starring Helen Mirren. As far as network cop shows go, however, I am enjoying it. Let's just hope it does not go down the "every-criminal-is-a-grueseome-serial-killer" path that so many other shows succumbed to and lost me (think: Law & Order Criminal Intent - Oh WHY?) But I digress. I am here today to talk about the hat. You know, THAT hat.

It's not that we are opposed to hats on Maria Bellow, or, her character, or, that we even dislike this particular hat. We dislike THIS hat on HER head. It's too small. The proportions are all wrong. It looks odd. I presume they are trying to make her character look "tough" but it is just distracting. She is a good actress. Wait, a VERY good actress. She can play tough, in a hat that actually fits. Really.

For example, here is Jennifer Aniston wearing a men's styled (or small vintage men's?) fedora. It looks great! She is only two years younger than Maria, and, also has long blond hair. The two are beauties for sure! Why does this look so much better? It is the right SIZE for her head! The hat is right, and, more importantly in a fedora, the brim is right.

Look people, Maria can rock a HAT! Here she is looking equally stunning in a kicky beret, vintage straw number and even a softer-styled Fedora that FITS! Get the woman a new hat and let's move on.

Urban Vintage Bazaar Vendors Confirmed!

2011-10-17T22:55:00.003-04:00

We are pleased to share with you the twelve vendors who will be participating in the November 5^th Urban Vintage Bazaar at Brown University!

Antiques in the Attic

A “vintage veteran” Diana has owned and operated her brick and mortar shop for years on Pontiac Ave. in Rolfe Square, Cranston but is no stranger to taking her goods on the road. Look for amazing costume jewelry, holiday collectibles, housewares and other unique gems! (Rumor has it she will share her space with another area “vintage veteran” – you’ll have to come by to see!)

Find Me a Memory

Yet another “vintage veteran” and another Diana; she is also no stranger to the antiques and collectibles business having sold in group shops and on-the-road at vintage events like this one for years! She is also the first person to tell me about this “new thing” eBay 15 years back, where she was savvy enough to start selling back in 1997! She will bring some select clothing and jewelry along with antique and collectible books and art to this venue. Visit her on-line any time at Find Me A Memory and The Library Cat.

Gypsy

The women of Gypsy refer to themselves as a “Roaming Resale Boutique” which means you can ONLY find them on the road at events such as this one! While they have a somewhat regular gig at SOWA Vintage Market, they are constantly updating their inventory with vintage and previously-owned fashions with an eye towards hard to find and hard-to-fathom-in-your-hands! designer goods at breathtakingly affordable prices! Check out their schedule here at Find Gypsy.

Guess What I Have

Those of you who miss the days when This and That Shop was a fixture on Wickenden Street will be so happy to see Mayra’s smiling face at Urban Vintage Bazaar! You will remember her as the sales person who usually helped you check-out but what you probably did not know is that she also sold her goods in the shop and has an amazing collection of items to share with you at this event! You can visit her on-line shop any time at Guess What I Have, but, visit her at the Bazaar for fresh vintage goods - clothing, jewelry, accessories and funky housewares - she has not even shared with anyone yet!

Nimco

Unassuming academic and mom by day – incredible finder of mid-century chic items any time she goes hunting! Nimco has one of the most amazing collections of mid-century goodness – especially enamel – that I have ever seen! Luckily, she has no more room at her own house, but, her finding skills continue to enable her come home with goodies that she occasionally shares at pop up venues such as this one. Consider yourself VERY lucky….

NJ Nan’s Antiques

Nancy has an eye for beautiful items - a talent she luckily uses to share her finds with you! In fact, we met as I was drooling over some of her fantastic holiday pieces as she stocked her space at a local antiques mall. No stranger to taking her wares on the road, she will bring vintage jewelry, housewares, linens and books to the Bazaar on November 5^th!

S & M Salvage

This couple is no stranger to collecting vintage or doing live events, but, they are just getting their vintage items out for the first time as S & M Salvage at our venue! What does this mean? Two people with awesomely cool, and totally FRESH vintage stock of industrial items and lighting among other things for the first time at the Urban Vintage Bazaar. How can you resist? I cannot wait to see what they bring!

Shoppe Pioneer

Natalie opened her store, Shoppe Pioneer, on South Main Street earlier this year and it is already making a big splash in the vintage and fashion scenes of Providence! Although her shoppe is in the heart of the RISD campus, she will travel ALL THE WAY up the hill (RI inside joke) to Brown to show off an exclusive selection of her vintage and re-sale designer goodies for you!

Studebaker Hawk

We really, really wanted to have a “record guy” at our event and are lucky to have one of the best, Studebaker Hawk! Some of you may know him from his DJ-ing skills, others may know him from his appearances selling at the Rock and Roll Yard Sales and the rest may simply be friends with him on Facebook as the guy has more friends on Facebook than anyone else I know! Check out his page here, or, send him a friend request as I am sure if you want to be his friend (and who wouldn’t?) he will accept! We can’t wait to see - and hear! - the vinyl goods he shows up with!

The Red Velvet Shoe

I know no one else who is as careful and meticulous with her vintage items as Michelle from The Red Velvet Shoe. She only buys the best and only sells if items are in impeccable condition and merchandised to perfection! Warning: beware of getting sucked into her booth for hours as once you start looking you just can’t stop! She will bring her classic clothing, accessories and jewelry, but, is also bringing some fun linens, books and records and I, for one, cannot wait to see what she has! You can see what she is up to – selling on-line or in-person, or, musing about the vintage world- on her blog, Tales of a Vintage Wardrobe.

Vintage Haven

I’m not quite sure how Deb from Vintage Haven does it, with spaces at several local antique malls, participation in a number of pop-up events and even selling at the local outdoor flea, she still has miles of inventory to share with you! (did we mention she also works full time?) She has not only amazing energy but a great eye for vintage and antiques, and will be bringing a terrific assortment of clothing, jewelry and accessories, along with vintage linens, lace, buttons and patterns! Her stuff will have you drooling as she has a special affinity for textures and colors that will have you swooning in awe! Oh, and have we mentioned yet she is also on-line? Visit her any time at Vintage Haven.

Carmen and Ginger

I will be bringing an assortment of vintage clothing, accessories and jewelry with an emphasis on funky coats, leather jackets, day dresses, fun, colorful brooches, necklaces and earrings and handbags galore! I will have items for both men and women – mad men, rockabilly, groovy, mod, and disco trends will be well-represented. I will likely bring along some mid-century pottery and serving items as well, just to keep you surprised and wowed! You can visit me any time at Carmen and Ginger.

Urban Vintage Bazaar

Saturday, November 5

12:00 Noon - 4:00 PM

Faunce Hall/Lower Level

Brown University

Intersection of Brown and Waterman Streets

Providence, Rhode Island

Free Admission/Indoors

Harvard Flea POSTPONED!

2011-10-14T16:35:00.000-04:00

The Harvard Flea Market has been postponed from tomorrow, Saturday, to SUNDAY! This means we will have a nice sunny dry day instead of a windy day in the mud, yay! Same hours, hope to see you there!

The 40th Annual Harvard Flea Market

The Bromfield School, Route 111

Harvard, MA

(postponed one day until...)

Sunday, October 16, 2011

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

www.harvardfleamarket.com

Carmen and Ginger LIVE This Weekend!

2011-10-13T10:20:00.007-04:00

We will be LIVE in Massachusetts this coming weekend; Sunday, October 16th from 9 - 4 in Harvard, MA (postponed from Saturday, due to rain and wind) at the 40th Annual Harvard Flea! This is a beautiful flea market, in the rolling hills of rural Massachusetts, surrounded by changing leaves and autumn vistas! About an hour from the Boston/Cambridge area, Providence, RI, Concord, NH or Springfield, it is a short drive on Route 111 from either Route 495 or Route 2. So get out this weekend to an awesome flea! Get your pumpkins and apple cider en-route (or, if it were me, I'd hit the flea first so I did not miss anything!) There are portable toilets on the field, and, indoor toilet at the school right next to the field. Many food vendors (several that sell out first because the food is so good,) and over 175 dealers selling vintage goods! Need I say more?

I snapped this photo a couple of years ago of my parents shopping at the flea - I think it makes sense to show it here so that you can channel their plaid-in-autumn New England style for your own visit!

This image is from last year, when I went just to shop. Wondering if it is worth the trip? Think again! (and this only looking at half the field!)

If you have read my blog before, you have heard me lament that all the nicely merchandised, girlie, shabby chic, industrial type shows like The Farm Chicks always seem to be in other parts of the country. Well, I am hoping to bring a little of that aesthetic to my booth this Saturday! (just ignore the U-Haul parked in back and we'll be fine)

I will have oodles of vintage linens - especially colorful aprons! - mostly every day with a few holiday included, all priced from $1 to $10!

I will bring my wreaths handmade from vintage ornaments, my stockings made from vintage barkcloth and an assortment of vintage Christmas linens, decor and antique items, like these amazing German cast iron tree stands, as well!

I am still madly trying to get everything priced and packed, but, have snapped a few pics to give you an idea of the goods! There is a TON more, including vintage linens, aluminum serving trays, vintage bread boxes, round travel cases, patterns, industrial chic items, even a great antique green painted pirate's chest! (Now you know why I need the U-Haul!) It will be amazing, trust me! I am about two rows over from the food, near the wide side aisle. Look for the colorful aprons hanging on the clothesline. Please stop by and say "Hi!" as it will be great to see you!

The 40th Annual Harvard Flea Market

The Bromfield School, Route 111

Harvard, MA

Sunday, October 16, 2011

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

(Note rain and wind have postponed this
one day from the originally planned date)

www.harvardfleamarket.com

Vendors Confirmed!

2011-10-12T00:42:00.001-04:00

Sorry I have been a little "off the grid" this past week. I have been madly planning a vintage event for this fall in Providence, RI and I am proud to announce that all vendors have been confirmed as of tonight! I will be posting many more details about this as the date draws near, but, for now wanted to get the word out there. (Plus, I will be live at an event this coming Saturday in Harvard, MA so am still madly planning for THAT! - will do a post as a reminder on that one by Thursday...)

Urban Vintage Bazaar

Saturday, November 5

12:00 Noon - 4:00 pm

Faunce Hall; Lower Level
Intersection of Brown and Waterman Streets

Brown University

Providence, RI

www.urbanvintagebazaar.blogspot.com

Lassie Come Home!

2011-09-27T23:09:00.002-04:00

It's been a while since I blogged and I apologize for the delay! The display on my laptop suddenly stopped working and it made it quite impossible to do anything creative for a couple of weeks. I replaced what appeared to be the broken part with no change, so, subsequently purchased a new monitor and now my laptop is at least a working desktop. I have been catching up on things over the past week, and, am finally back to blogging!

At Carmen and Ginger, we are ready to start listing our annual dog listings! Last year I highlighted the Terriers, and, specifically, Skippy the dog. This year, I decided to highlight Collies, and, of course, Lassie! Geez, I wish I'd thought to call Lassie earlier, 'cause she would have been right on my computer problem!

Elizabeth Taylor was only 11 when she was brought in to replace the original actress scheduled to play the role of Priscilla in the 1943 film Lassie Come Home. According to IMDB, her wages for the film were less than half the dog's wages!

It drives me crazy when people post things on the internet that are simply copied from someone else's page. There is no shortage of histories and wonderful anecdotes about Lassie on the internet that people more knowledgeable than I have have taken the time to compile. Wikipedia is a great place to start because their Lassie page has some great facts and links to send you off in a million other directions! Of course, Lassie, although gone for decades, still has her own web page, full of images and historical facts!

Rudd Weatherwax, Lassie's owner, trainer and lifelong friend, works with Lassie and another dog on set.

I would encourage you to read about Lassie on the web as the story is almost as remarkable as the Lassie stories themselves! The original Lassie, Pal, was given to the trainer when he did not work out as a pet. The trainer had actually given him away to someone else when he learned that the Eric Knight Lassie novel was to be made into a movie, so, he took him back and they stayed together for about 17 more years! Also, incredible is that Pal was originally a stunt double for the movie, but, caught a break that made him a star! I will paste this short (and properly attributed) quote from Wikipedia's page for Pal because the story is just that great;

During the course of filming, a decision was made to take advantage of a massive flooding of the San Joaquin River in central California in order to obtain some spectacular footage for the film. The female collie was still in training and refused to enter the raging waters created by the flood. Weatherwax was on the site with Pal and offered to have his dog perform in a five-stage shot in which Pal would swim the river, haul himself out, lie down without shaking the water off his coat, attempt to crawl while lying on his side and finally lie motionless, completely exhausted. Pal performed exceptionally well and the scene was completed in one take. Weatherwax said director Fred M. Wilcox was so impressed with Pal during the sequence that he had "tears in his eyes." In response, producers released the female collie and hired Pal in her stead, reshooting the first six weeks of the filming with Pal now portraying Lassie.^{(courtesy of Wikipedia)}

Lassie was destined for stardom and fans were not content with just the movies! Television was inevitable and the first of several versions of the series began in 1954 with Pal playing the role of Lassie in the two pilots and his son, Lassie Jr. taking on the role after that. Surprisingly, although Lassie was always written as a female role, the character was always played by male dogs. Remarkably, the part of Lassie has been played by Pal, or, a direct descendant almost exclusively - aside from one short-lived contract dispute - for the past six decades!

Although I grew up as a child of the seventies, the opening I recall is this earlier one from the original version of the show - a classic! When my husband learned I was writing about Lassie, he said to be sure to highlight her heroic nature, and, there is no shortage of heroic images of Lassie, especially in the comic stories!

Lassie saving a deer from drowning!

Lassie bringing the medical supplies!

Lassie saving a man from drowning!

Lassie saving the boy from a bear attack!

Lassie saving a cat from a burning building!

My husband had mentioned a scene with a mountain lion. While I could not find an actual mountain lion scene, I did recall this great parody which, I think was from an advertisement for dog food? Always worth a chuckle...

And if you want a bit-o-memorabilia for yourself, there are lots of great Lassie and Collie related items on Etsy right now. Here are a choice few:

Great Coloring Book from ManateesToyBox

Lovely Brooch from JennyLooms

Lassie Golden Book from SunshineBooks

Majestic Bookends from MySweetiePiePie

Another charming photo from Maclancy

Kitschy fun from VoltaVolta

Collie meets mid-century barware from Luola

And coming this week from Carmen and Ginger? We have dogs galore! Not only Collies, but Scottish and Wire Haired Terriers, oodles of Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, and many, many more! We have figurines, jewelry, linens, housewares, paper goods; you name it, we've got it! All photographed and ready to go. For now, we will leave you with a taste of the Collies:

Large and gorgeous chalkware bank.

1950's Flannel Collie Doll Blanket

Majestic Collie Figurine

and many more amazing dog items!

Fall Fashion in Full Swing!

2011-09-11T11:03:00.000-04:00

We have been madly listing items for you in the shop, many from the post below are already there, many more coming this week or later in the month. (Some already sold!) Right now we are focusing on bohemian and hippie-styled goodies from the 60's and 70's with an emphasis on leather, suede, boots, bags, jackets and funky print dresses! As always, coordinating jewelry, belts, gloves and scarves abound! We know you are getting settled at school, getting your kids off to school and adjusting to the weather shift (and are likely in denial that it is getting cooler, as are we!) But this is reminder that we've got the goods you need, once you feel that nip in the air, all in one place...

There's a Nip In the Air

2011-09-05T22:24:00.005-04:00

...and frankly, it feels pretty good! After this hot and muggy summer, a little crispness is a welcome thing. The warm weather does always seem to fly by so quickly here in New England, but, as much as I will soon miss getting dressed by selecting two items; fall brings with it the promise of being a little more fashion-forward again! I have finished poring over the fall Vogue and Glamour mags, and, want to share some fall trends, and, how Carmen and Ginger will help you sport them, beginning this week!

Trend #1 - Faux Fur

I do not shop at the mall much - even when I DO have money to spend! - but during last week's power outage my husband and I headed over to see a movie and I spotted this trend in just about every store window. Faux fur! A reading of the September issues confirmed this as well - it is all the rage this fall! And from Carmen and Ginger? Well, feast your eyes on these items coming this fall:

1950's Faux Fur Trimmed Wool Jacket

1960's Faux Leopard Coat


1960's Crushed Velvet with Faux Fur Trim

Trend #2 - 1960's and 1970's Inspired Easy Breezy Dresses

Who does not love this trend? Colorful, comfortable, washable and sexy! How often do those words describe the same thing? This is why these styles are so popular with vintage enthusiasts, they last and layer year after year, melding with other trends and continuing to enable your wardrobe to be both one of a kind yet trendy! And from C & G?:

Tell me this bright pink coral dress does not look just like the Mulberry green dresses above? And that sweet little peplum with added belt? Perfect for office or evening!

Love the colors and sexy sheerness of this one - deadstock with tags!

Trend #3 - Leather

Of course, leather never goes out of style - especially for fall! What we love about this season's trends, however, is that there is a lot less of the coloring, coating, quilting, and bling of leathers of recent seasons and just more, of well,...leather! We love leather more in it's natural form and that is how you are seeing it this season. In clothing, coats, bags and shoes, you are seeing more natural colors and textures and simplistic lines. It is harking back to the late 1960's early 1970's trends and there is nothing we love to sell (and, personally, wear!) than this type of leather. What we will be offering:

Amazing Ivory Leather trench and 70's patchwork suede hobo.

Supple leather jacket with terrific topstitching.

1960's pilgrim style boots with killer metal loop accents!

Classic Coach Messenger perfectly aged.

Can you rock this suede vest and snap skirt?

Trend #4 - Color

This may sound silly, but, when you think about it, fall is often quite devoid of color. You typically have caramels and plums and forest green, but, brights? Not every season. This season it is back with a vengeance; some 80's inspired, some 60's inspired but all of it designed to keep you on your toes and get you noticed! We noticed the trend and will offer these items heading into fall:

An assortment of colorful bags.

Bright gold faux fur 1960's cap with satin bow.

Not just suede - PINK suede!

Outstanding Orange 1960's Hat for Fall

Trend #5 - Reptile

Animal prints often dominate the fall lineup, (last year leopard made a big return!) but we were a little caught off-guard by the amount of reptile prints we saw! Bags, jackets, shoes, coats...it was everywhere and in every color! We have a few pieces, and, will be especially on the lookout for more as we continue to find great items for the shop. For now:

Reptile bags - both real and faux!

Trend #6 - Tweed, Houndstooth, Plaid and Textures

Classic treatments of these fall staples abound this fall. Black and white houndstooth and tweeds, classic plaids and all other ways of these classic staples are seen. These classic patterns and textures pair perfectly with the bright colors, thus making them a perfect fall couple. We are supporting this trend with:

1960's Large Print Plaid Wool Cape

Just one of several tapestry bags in wonderful textures.

Trend #7 - Hosiery

Hosiery is making a big come-back this year in many forms. First, because of Kate Middleton, evidently pantyhose are making a come back. Here at C & G, we have not worn pantyhose since 1999 and have no intention of starting again. Tights are always a trend, and, for us, a lifelong addiction! What we loved seeing for this fall, however, is a return of socks. Yes, socks! Socks were everywhere; at ankle height, at knee height, peeking over boots and wrapped down over them. We love this trend, and, although our age may make the ankle length a little tricky, look forward to showing off our knee-socks this season, albeit likely over a pair of tights. For you from us:

A selection of vintage 1960's and 1970's NOS hosiery.

Perfect 1970's Candies to showoff the trend!

We also like this trend for extending your 1970's Brazilian peep-toes into fall...

Trend #8 - Mod

What vintage seller does not love a return of this trend? Clean lines, classic shapes resilient fabrics and from a decade where cuts are forgiving and finds in good-condition possible! We always have some mod items in all categories at Carmen and Ginger, in fact, if you click here you can see what is currently available! Coming for this fall:

A selection of mod 1960's shoes.

1960's one-piece wool shorts jumper and 1980s (does 1960s) white boots.

Simple shape and lines with toggle closures give this a wonderful 1960's mod look.

With regard to when these hit the shop, we start listing fall clothing items in the shop this week. We will begin with lots of hippie-influenced Boho items including leather bags, boots, shoes, coats and many dresses. As typical, we layer our fashion between other listings so keep watching for an entire week of men's fall fashion, plus, one or two more weeks of more women's listings over the next two months. We have much much more inventory coming than we can possibly show in this post! Follow us on Facebook to see advance listings and to know exactly what is coming!

We want to mention two more trends before we go. First, we were underwhelmed by the Banana Republic "Mad Men" line. In fact, we were not even compelled to photograph it. If it helps generate interest in vintage (as the show has done for several years now) great! But, to release late 1950's shapes when the show is moving deeper into the 1960's seems out of step. Lastly, there is one more trend we were VERY happy to see return: flare pants! These flatter everyone, and, we are so, so, happy to see them back.

C'mon Irene...

2011-09-01T18:57:00.000-04:00

I usually think of candles as a luxurious item. Something to light when I have a party, want to set a mood or have company coming over. But this week candles have become a necessity. Hurricane Irene came blasting through here Sunday morning, knocking over trees and taking out power lines and transformers as she passed through.

Thankfully, none of the fallen trees fell on my house or property, and, the lasting effects have been lack of power only. I have family members who have also lost power for days, and, in Vermont, family living in the hardest hit areas told me half the town ended up underwater or washed away during the storm! Loss of power is an inconvenience for certain, but, thankfully it is still summer here and not hot enough to need AC or cold enough to need heat. I live in the city and am able to walk to the public library to juice up and connect the laptop to the internet and it is from there where I am posting this today. We can thankfully walk to restaurants and grab ourselves a frozen yogurt as we did last night.

Finding "D" batteries was a challenge but I finally came across some two towns over today as back up for our flashlight and the ever-present radio that keeps me company during the day! We have enjoyed time with neighbors and it has been fun to break our routine. But, I did want to get a few things done this week, Irene, and, you have set me back. Since I wanted to let my readers know I am still out here in the blogisphere, I decided to post a few pics to document the past few days.

Cutest storm moment: waking to find Carmen intently staring at something. What that "something" was? A scared squirrel that had taken refuge on one of the windows on our covered front porch.

Least "cute" storm moment: the tree that narrowly missed my neighbor's car and snapped a telephone pole in half taking out an electrical transformer at the same time. The whole house shook and the squirrel was not seen again!

Clean-up and construction crews are the neighborhood's form of entertainment and any time one of them shows up (and they have shown daily, in a variety of forms, for the past five days) we all pepper them with questions about what is going on and when we are getting our power back. Needless to say, they try to avoid us be pretending to be engaged in cell phone conversations and such. National grid is now predicting we will not have power returned until this coming Sunday.

The kitchen just gets SO dark, SO early when you have no power! We've eaten about anything we could salvage from the fridge. Eating out will likely happen through the weekend which, although possible, is getting more costly than we'd expected.

Office supplies: Lighter, candle, lantern. What's on YOUR desk?

Candles in the bathroom not for ambiance, but, so we can still floss.

The hottest commodity in town. Now that I think of it, I should have bought two more packs of these and re-sold them on the street corner back in Providence!

Milk sits in a bed of freshly-changed ice so we can enjoy some cereal in the mornings.

Thankfully gas, so, have been making coffee via the range top and a lighter!

No messages this week.

Luckily I have a backup travel alarm.

The hardest thing to live without!

The upside? Everything that happens after dark seems romantic...

The Art of Clutter

2011-08-27T19:34:00.002-04:00

My husband calls me a "hoarder" which I adamantly deny. Not only can you easily walk through my house, everything is usually put away in it's place, be it a cupboard, closet, or box. Now, it is true that the cupboards, closets and boxes are numerous, and are stuffed to the gills, however, I am not a hoarder.

One thing I am supposed to be (besides a vintage seller and blogger) is an artist. I am trying to get myself back into the swing of creating, so am happy to show a recently completed piece here (see top pic). My medium is "mixed" and although I left for art school doing highly detailed technical drawings, I graduated cutting, pasting and building in much the same way I enjoyed working on creative projects in my youth! I see this as a credit, not a criticism of my undergraduate school, The School of Visual Arts. I loved the place, had wonderful professors, met fantastic friends and was truly inspired and encouraged.

It is precisely because I work in collage and mixed media that I have so many things tucked away for years in my studio. I especially enjoy working with old objects with great graphics, patina and history, so, if I find something good, I squirrel it away!

One of the things I liked about this recent piece I completed, is that I used a number of items in it that I had had for years. I had these objects rattling around in my brain with regard to how they'd be used, but, I let them all come together with this piece. The vintage spinning game board, tin litho tambourine, even the chinese game (which I purchased "new" in 1985 and is now "vintage!") have been hanging around just waiting to be used. Here, they meld perfectly. I also decided to snap pics as I put this project together. I do not usually document my process, so I thought it was about time. Above you can see how I begin: I basically go through everything I own, pull out anything and everything that I think might work in the piece, and start laying things out to see how they work together.

Actually beginning to glue objects down is the hardest step of all! Once I get going though, I typically work pretty fast.

This project involved a lot of carpentry - cutting, drilling, clamping, screwing, and nailing! - here I am clamping the bottom section into place to make sure it lines up the way I want it before painting it.

Many steps, waiting, consideration and clutter is involved while the whole thing is in process.

More clamping of the final, painted section to the board. (The nozzles are weight for gluing.)

...and once again...the final piece! This will be included in a juried show in Pawtucket, Rhode Island that runs through September and October. I'll post the details and link here when I have them. If you wish to see more of my work, click here.

Related to this artwork, and, the fact that I have collected many, many items over the years is this 1950's writing book. I knew I wanted to use some images that related to children in school learning to write. I thought I had something somewhere, and, sure enough, in between two old geography books on the shelf was this little gem.

Dating to 1954, this book from Whitman had everything I was looking for plus more! The lessons were perfect, and, because certain pages were relevant to the message of the art, I used even more than I'd originally anticipated. Also, I love the fact that the book was completed. The actual child's writing in graphite added a quality I would not have been able to duplicate with my own hand.

I snapped some photos as I flipped through the book as I wanted to be able to share them here with you!

Ted gets such great "boy" gifts that are classically 1950's!

While dutiful daughter Betty runs womanly errands to the store for mom.

At least it does show Ted helping out mom too!

Classic roles and imagery for sure - but perfect for my project! I hope you enjoyed this little tour of the art, the clutter, the process and the writing book.

Industrial Awakening

2011-08-16T17:17:00.000-04:00

Ok, so, if you read this blog regularly (which of course would be easier if I posted more regularly!) you might recall that last spring (sigh, yes, it was really that long ago) I posted about a trip to the Flea and was excited to have found this pair of Lyons Industrial chairs for $30 for the pair:

I had high hopes for the chairs as part of our kitchen remodel project and although it took 15 months to follow-through, I am pleased to share the results!

As part of our kitchen remodel - which is part 1930's, part industrial in style - we had been eyeing Lyons Industrial chairs for the project. We liked the industrial aesthetic, and they were related to, but, much more affordable than, the vintage chairs seen all over the design magazines of late (see example below).

Love these but they retail for $250 - $350 new; the distressed versions above on the higher end! And good luck finding them truly vintage.

As luck would have it, I found this pair of the Lyons chairs at a flea market last spring. We had not necessarily planned to paint them, and had planned to just order then in gunmetal color. Finding them second-hand however, a little roughed up, gave use the courage to paint them, and just look at how they came out!

One of the reasons it took so long to get these into the kitchen was because we custom-built the table so that the chairs would just perfectly slide beneath it and stay just below the surface of it so that the "table" can continue to function as a primary counter/work surface in the kitchen. (Note: the slate top will be replaced with something slightly larger and with rounded corners on the open side once we have the funds. For now, this one works.)

So now, for the first time since moving into this house five summers ago, we can actually sit and eat in the kitchen!

1940's Kem-Tone Color Chart

2011-08-10T22:20:00.000-04:00

I was looking for something earlier today and in a pile of papers came across this tri-fold brochure from Kem-Tone. I have NO IDEA where it came from or how long I have owned it so do not even ask. All I know is that I have seen a lot of buzz about authentic color choices for mid-century homes of late, especially on the great Retro Renovation Site and Facebook pages. That got me thinking that I should get this scanned and up on the blog so that it can stay here as an on-line resource. I am guessing this dates to the 1940's (Kem-Tone was first offered in 1941) because of the hair styles and clothing styles of the women on the front and the back (not shown - yet!) of the pamphlet. It is not dated, but, a code suggests 1944 may be possible. If you want to read more about the origins of this product, click here.

I have uploaded this large enough so that you should be able to click then click again to zoom and read it easily. Also, feel free to download as needed/appropriate. I do not own the image, it is owned by Kem-Tone.

A New England Summer Road Trip

2011-08-08T23:17:00.000-04:00

About a month ago, my friend Janet and I were invited to a one-of-a-kind event in Vermont. Her niece, a vintage-lover herself, had wowed the judges at a Shelburne Museum fund-raising event with her spectacular vintage hat. The prize for such distinction? A private gallery tour for she and a group of friends to the Fashion Exhibit currently on display!

That's the winning hat on the left!

The invitation included not only the tour, but, hanging out with a fantastic group of women before and after the event. The catch? Everyone had to wear vintage. Wait? What's the catch?

A road trip from Rhode Island to the coast of Lake Champlain in Vermont was planned forthwith, and, we decided to make the best of the five hour drive. We left early enough so that we drove for a couple of hours before stopping for breakfast with the locals at a little place just outside of Manchester, New Hampshire. Luckily for us, we grabbed the last table, ate a fab breakfast and had time to take a walk through the little farmer's market nearby before heading back on the road. Evidently they grow a lot of garlic in the area, and the market was full of it! (I probably should not admit this, but I'd never seen garlic with the stalks on before.)

The market was at a former railroad station. I had to pose for a goofy tourist pic - I am on the campaign trail here - VOTE FOR VINTAGE!

Janet and I both gravitated towards these spectacular handmade soaps immediately. Not only were they beautiful and smelled wonderful, but, the woman selling them (who also makes them of course!), Sheryl, was a delight! We spoke to her a bit and bought a bunch of soaps. (Only problem - which to choose?) You can buy them too and you do not even have to travel to New Hampshire. Just visit her shop on-line at Clayton's Way Farm Soaps. (and a big PS: If these soaps are the secret to Sheryl's looks I am using them DAILY!)

The local shelter had a table set up and these three pups for adoption! Holy cuteness! If we had not been headed to Vermont I do not think I could have left without one! Do not fear though, one of the three had already been adopted by 8:30 that morning and I doubt the other two would stay at the shelter for long.

After the market we hit the road again; heading north up Route 89. After a while we realized we were both thirsty, so, seeing a gas station not far from an exit ramp, we pulled off for some bottled water. Wait? What was that we saw? A sign for an Estate Sale pointing down the road from the gas station. We got our water and headed sign-ward.

That's Janet booking it into the sale ahead of me... Ok, I admit it, I made her walk ahead of me for this shot. What excitement!

Every time I look at that top picture I think to myself "Wait, did I look at that?" I love sales like these, don't you? Stuff everywhere, most priced but not necessarily organized. We dove in with gusto!

As with most good estate sales, it had a little bit of everything. From large, unusual and beautiful pieces of furniture, like this art-deco styled curved glass cabinet....

...to a box of unopened cans of paint that looked like they'd been in storage since 1967.

What did I find? Oh, just this little Heywood Wakefield side table/cabinet for $15, that's all. (happy dance). The pegs to hold the adjustable shelf are with it, I had simply removed them all as we were getting ready to pack this into the trunk.

What else? An instant collection of 1950's game boards (for the shop), 1966 Twister, some vintage game pieces for my collages and the perfect "Strangers on a Train" eyeglasses, complete with one lens cracked. Creepy or what? These are going in the shop. Someone will replace the glass, and, that mid-century abstract patterned eyeglass case is killer! For all above? $3.

Janet looking the stylish urbanite in her vintage 1970's caftan in the Vermont countryside!

You might think we were done at this point, BUT, au contraire! After that little set-up you saw in the first pics, there was an entire barn of stuff across the street!

Truthfully, the barn was more interesting than full, but, what a treat to just be able to walk inside a gorgeous Vermont barn like this! Look at those rafters! Oh, and that three-piece rattan set in the foreground? $25 for all. Thankfully we did not have my Jeep or I would have been cramming it inside and making Janet ride on the roof rack.

The barn did not disappoint when it came to great "stuff" to look at. One item of note: this mid-century deco-styled Whitman's Chocolates store display. How does this even get to a barn in the Vermont countryside? You gotta love an estate sale!

The barns are more carefully crafted than the birdhouses in this neck of the woods but they each have their beauty and their charms. So, with our loot in hand, we gleefully head back towards the highway until....

Yup, I got pulled over for speeding. In my defense, it was a rural area that transitioned into a thickly settled area right after coming over a hill where a speed trap was waiting. In my post-estate finds exuberance, I was a little lead-footed. I tried to be as polite as possible (and not let the officer see that we were documenting the event for the blog) and thankfully, I got a warning. Phew!

Once we we ditched the coppers, it was a short drive to our hotel in Burlington. We showered, changed and zipped up to Shelburne to meet our hostess and the rest of the women who had been invited on the tour. All were dressed in fantastic vintage and vintage-inspired outfits! Even the two women who were each in their 9th month of pregnancy dressed to the nines; one even managed to find a true vintage dress for the occasion! Here is the group walking through the endlessly beautiful grounds of the Shelburne Museum to the exhibit gallery.

Some of you may have already seen this dress posted on Facebook when I found it for my friend Janet. It fit her perfectly and really shows off her curves! Doesn't she look great with all her matching accessories? Vintage fabulous!

I chose a 1960's ensemble so that I could wear my resurrected chiffon dress (thought I'd ruined it but saved it!) with an Evelyn Varon hat I'd bought from another Etsy seller last year and had not yet had a chance to wear. Coupled with my cherry red 1960's bag from Savers, I was ready to go! (I went with contemporary shoes because the day required too much walking for risk of pain...)

I could not take photos inside the exhibit hall, but, here we are heading into the building with our guide. If you wish to read all about it and see some pics from the inside, click here. For you fashionistas, one especially nice section of the exhibit revolved around seven antique bodices that were given to FIT students as part of a competition to see who could design the remaining ensemble to match the bodice. Each was given a budget of $300 and the finalists selected were all on display in the exhibit. For more details, read here.

Here is the complete group of women who participated in the tour. Our hostess is in front in the Hawaiian dress and killer red t-straps! What fun I had meeting these women. They all seemed to be very friendly that day, I wonder how they will feel about me once they see I've plastered their lovely faces and pregnant bellies all over the web?

This crowd does not take a bad picture! The docents were beside themselves that the pregnant women turned down the shuttle-bus ride, but, we were all enjoying the breezes and fresh air at this lovely location.

Next we were off to the Inn at Shelburne Farms for over-priced drinks and lively conversation on the lawn overlooking Lake Champlain. Seriously, does it get better than this?

Several of us were able to stay for dinner. We were seated in this elegant dining hall at the inn, the former agricultural estate and summer residence of one of the Vanderbilts, with grounds designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and now a place on the National Historic Register. The food served here still originates from the active farms on the property. To read more about the history of the place, click here.

Me and Janet; the road trip partners in crime.

The next morning we returned for brunch with Janet's niece, our hostess who arranged the whole trip. We were able to walk through the gardens and appreciate the beauty of this location one more time before heading homeward.

To break up the drive home, we stopped at a large antiques mall in Quechee, Vermont. It is located right near the gorge and is a great destination if you are in the area. There is also a wonderful Farmer's Diner at the same location. We'd planned to eat lunch there but were both too full from brunch!

Just love this photo.

(Tay, this is for you!)

I really wanted this Irwin Whizzer Fan in the box - great graphics!

There were many many things at the mall I would have liked to buy, but, I limited myself to only three things. An antique Japanese print for my husband (put away to be framed before Christmas) and two 1940's brooches for the shop.

Janet agreed to stop by and surprise some of my family in Vermont who live very close to Quechee. They were good sports about us dropping in unannounced, but, I am not sure how much their good nature will last when they see I have plastered their photos all over the web as well. We'll see....

Janet took a photo of all of us - so great to see everyone!

A gorgeous quilt in-progress by my cousin Jeannie...

A quick pat of the dog and we were on the road again....

After a fun but short visit we were back on the road for the long drive home. What fun we had in a short period of time! Thank you to Kimberly for putting everything together and Janet for putting up with me!

A stunning quilt made by my cousin Judy.

Putting My Hand Back in the Cookie Jar

2011-08-04T18:31:00.000-04:00

Back in June I finally posted about my cookie jar collection here on the blog. At the time I mentioned I did not actually have a cookie jar reference book, and, no sooner had the blog post gone live then The Complete Cookie Jar Book by Mike Schneider arrived in the mail from my friend Jill as a birthday gift! I accidentally opened it early, and mentioned it on Facebook, which was lucky, since evidently my mother had already bought me the same book as a birthday gift as well. (at least two people read my blog...) My mother said she had just received the notice from Amazon that it shipped when she saw the photo on my FB page - oops! So, being the thoughtful person she is, she returned that book and found me the American Bisque Collector's Guide by Mary Kane Giacomini instead! What great friends and family I have!

One of the first things I set out to do was to identify this cookie jar lid I found for a few dollars several years back. I thought it had a great look to it, and, it appeared to be an owl, however, I could not find the matching piece anywhere on the web. The cookie jar book enabled me to identify it as a Sierra Vista piece. If you have a bottom and want the lid, or, have a bottom you want to sell let me know!

Speaking of Sierra Vista, having the book in hand made me less confident about my identification of my train cookie jar. As you can see above, American Bisque made one that looked almost identical as well! I climbed up on a ladder and checked the bottom of my jar which is indeed marked "California." Not "Sierra Vista California" as the one is noted as marked in the book, but, simply California. So, the identification is not certain, but, I am fairly confident it is properly attributed.

Having the books in-hand also enabled me to update some misinformation within the original post. For instance, I own two of the cookie jars seen above, and, had identified the one in my post as a "Dough Boy." These jars are in fact marked as "Oscar" jars and I had correctly attributed them to RRP Co.

I believe the "Dough Boy" name stuck in my mind because I had seen a soldier jar, in the style of the
"Brownie" shown below identified as a "Doughboy." These round-bottomed jars with matte surfaces are still a point of contention with jar collectors. For years it was thought these jars were RRP Co. like the Oscars. New information, however, suggests they are American Bisque. The debate roars on!

Brownie Cookie Jar - RRP Co.? or American Bisque?

I also made several other corrections to the original post based on researching within the books. The jar I refer to as "Hey Diddle Diddle" is referred to formally as the more well-known "Cow Jumped Over the Moon" by the author. I identified the Peter Pumpkin Eater as 1959, the Rocking Chair/Dalmatians as 1961 and the Brown Cow as early 1950's. The Brush Humpty Dumpties are known as "With Cowboy Hat" and "With Beanie" so I have updated accordingly. Likewise, the Elephant jar I have is distinguished by his Sailor Hat as opposed to the Baseball Cap perched on a similar AB jar. My cat jar has a name, "Fluffy" and the AB Owl is known as the "Collegiate Owl." I was also a little off calling my "Milk Wagon" a "Cookie Truck" which is actually the name of a different AB jar. My biggest mistake, however, was in using the term "Brush McCoy." This is a term I picked up years ago when I first started collecting art pottery. It was generally understood at that time that Brush was also McCoy Pottery. According to Mr. Schneider's book, however, McCoy and Brush ceased partnership in 1925, so, the combined names may be seen on early pieces but after that date they are two companies.

The most recent news is that last week I acquired a new (old) jar! I rarely buy more jars these days, and, it is not something I look for, but when an adorable and mint American Bisque Bear is sitting on the shelf at the Salvation Army I take notice! He was marked $34.99. Sort of high for a "thrift score" but he was in great condition, super cute, and, my cut-off is $35. He came home with me, I cleaned him up, scooted some of the existing jars to the right, scooted some others to the left, placed him in there and my husband never even noticed.

A Family That Thrifts Together...

2011-08-01T18:27:00.000-04:00

...sticks together? Not really sure. All I know is that for as long as I can remember, I have led a thrifty life. I recall from a young age heading to rummage sales, church thrift shops and annual holiday sales with excitement. In a recent post, I already mentioned the euphoria of a glittery used tutu when I was about five or six. Later, I would be thrilled to find components of my Fisher Price toys, clothes for my Barbie or Dawn Dolls, or horse-related items. When I was a bit older, I would scour the book racks in anticipation of 25 cent Nancy Drew or Dana Girls mysteries I had not yet read. Of course when I was that young, I was not heading to these sales alone, I was headed with my mom.

Thrift shopping for my mom is also a way of life. Having grown up coming out of the depression on the young end of four brothers and four sisters, thrift was necessary! When she and my dad were starting out as a young married couple in the 1960's her thriftiness helped outfit their home and keep them stylish on a budget. When headed into the recession and energy crisis of the early 1970's with two kids, she kept us with "new" (to us!) clothes and toys through her thrifty and skillful hunting skills. Now that she is beyond child-rearing, she is still putting her thrifty skills to use by finding things for herself, her family, her home and her two Etsy shops; Find Me A Memory and The Library Cat.

My mother's house is a vintage and antique wonderland! When she reads Country Living and Martha Stewart Living she does not say "Wow, what great ideas, I will copy those!" she says "Hey - that looks like my dining room!"

Not only is her home filled with vintage treasures, but, her studio, where she organizes, photographs and packs all the goodies she sells in her on-line shops, is a lovely space filled with light and vintage goodies that looks like it's right out of Real Simple or off of Apartment Therapy!

That vintage picnic tin above holds an assortment of vintage cards and papers that she likes to include as extra goodies for her customers along with their Etsy purchases.

So where does she, and I, and many other collectors and resellers find these lovely items? Well, at places that look like the photo above! Places with piles of stuff, bad lighting, lots of junk, but, a few goodies here and there. Last Friday, we headed out with a plan to hit as many area thrift shops as possible in the south shore region of Massachusetts where she lives.

Unfortunately, the first on our list was closed to get ready for a sale (forgot to take a photo), we passed by the second because the last time we went the guy blasted political talk radio at full volume throughout the entire store until we needed to flee screaming, and the next was closed because no one was there to open the store yet by noon (also forgot to take a photo). So, instead of breaking for lunch we started with lunch. And what a lunch it was! Classic turkey sandwiches from this awesome place, eaten in the car, with something to wash it down. Yum!

I had one last 30% off card about to expire so of course the local Savers was on our list! We headed there after lunch and my mother immediately got to work.

Here I am, supposedly helping my mother, and, as I come around the corner behind her I hear her gasp aloud as she totally snipes, I mean, grabs, I mean, picks up this antique mixing bowl in front of me! Have I mentioned here before that I collect antique mixing bowls?

Right near the cookie jars in my kitchen is this selection of antique mixing bowls.

And in the next room over, I have more yellowware atop a built-in cabinet and the first matched set I ever found ($1 each, yard sale!) behind glass within the cabinet.

I even keep my cat's Greenies pill pockets and medication in an antique bowl on the kitchen counter!

But I digress...by the time I recovered from my outrage and missed-mixing-bowl stupor, my mother was practically already turning down the next aisle to snipe me on something else!

The truth is, I have plenty of bowls and I was glad she made such a fun find during our outing! If I had said I wanted it, she would have handed it to me, or, set it aside for me as a Christmas gift. As it stands, you will likely see this in her shop soon, so, keep watching if you love it!

My mother's best shop finds of the day; the mixing bowl and this vintage "Star" pattern 1930's Hall teapot in mint condition.

The bowl required an overnight soak in hot soapy water and some elbow grease the next morning...

...but will be a prized piece in your collection if you are the lucky one to grab it from her shop!

By far though, the thrifty find that made my mother smile the widest was this stunning embroidered jacket she found at a little thrift shop we stopped at between Savers and home. It is incredibly beautiful and well made, exactly her style and a perfect fit!

I found a few things at each place as well. My found items were all to sell, none for me.

My hands-down best find was this DVF 1970's wrap dress in a bright yellow Ginko leaf pattern and with short sleeves. This is already laundered and will be in my shop very soon...

At the same shop as the DVF (and my mother's jacket) I also found this lovely Shadowline nightie!

And from Savers for me? A sexy disco dress still with all original tags, Collie figurine for my dog listings (coming this fall), mid-century clutch, and mod 1960's abstract drapes!

New Banner and Brand Revival!

2011-07-25T17:51:00.000-04:00

I just premiered the new Etsy banner in my shop and decided to test it out on the blog as well. What do you think? My husband thinks maybe it is "seasonal" and I should do a version for the cooler months. Do you agree? I thought the other image was a little stale, and, wanted something with a little more color and that was a little more "fun." Hope you like it!

Seeing Double

2011-07-24T17:02:00.000-04:00

A month or so ago I noticed this painting at the local flea. A still life, not especially remarkable, except for one detail: I already own the same painting.

By a different painter, of course, but the subject matter is identical! At first I thought they were in the same still life painting course, but, they would also have had to be sitting side by side as the object angle and placement is the same. Are these paintings copies of a famous painting? If so I do not know the painting copied. Or, did two best friends sit side by side and paint the same subject only to have one painting end up at a yard sale and another at the flea? Or, did a local artist paint the same motif over and over perfecting his or her technique for decades? In any case, my painting cost me $10 at a yard sale and I like it better than the other, which is priced at $28. If anyone has any other insight, or, comments, please share!

What Is Brimfield?

2011-07-18T16:43:00.000-04:00

What is Brimfield? Brimfield is a flea market that takes place in Brimfield, Massachusetts three times each year. From the main information page, this quote is the best simple summary:

The Brimfield Antiques Show is the largest outdoor antiques show in the world, with over 6,000 dealers and 130,000+ visitors during the course of the week. While it is convenient to refer to it as "The Show", it is actually comprised of 23 fields, owned by "Promoters", who lease spaces to dealers from all over the world. The Show takes place three times a year, usually around Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day.

Having grown up in Massachusetts, in a "collecting" family, I have been to Brimfield beginning at a young age. I am not an addict though. I head out once in a while, if I am in the mood or looking for something specific. I am often asked by people "What is Brimfield?" so, during a visit last week, I decided to put together a little photo essay of it all for you. Of course, my images are slanted towards what interests me, but, it IS my blog, so, that's the way it goes!

No matter what, Brimfield is a long day. With over 6000 dealers it simply cannot be shopped in a single day. I usually drive up and park for one day and see what I can during that time (we were there from 8 - 6 last Friday) but others make overnight reservations and I often hear stories of specialty dealers and groups of friends who head up for several days or the entire week! If you are lucky, you will have blue skies, no heat and no humidity. We had the first and last of those three and with hats and water did just fine.

Being in New England, Brimfield is old farm tools and weathered wood.

It is places to sit and places to step.

It is Arts & Crafts antiques and artisan's crafts made to mimic antiques.

It is considering a selection of small imported Buddahs and being watched over by a very large one.

Brimfield is unexpected objects of beauty.

Brimfield is digging through piles for hidden fabric gems.

It is also breathtaking merchandising of hard to find items, paper labels intact and being able to shop a Willendur Lobster Tablecloth off the rack!

It is a place where 7' lamps have leaves.

...and a place where life can literally be a carnival all the time!

Taking time out for lunch and a nap under the coolness of a tent or stand of trees is highly recommended!

Brimfield is vintage coats and celebrity sightings.

It is one place where sticky snacks and antiques live side by side in harmony.

Brimfield is Rosbro and Paper Mache candy containers, Evergleam Pom Pom Trees and Color wheels and giant Santas and Sleighs no matter which time of year you attend.

Brimfield is lots of walking, lots of traffic and lots of carrying stuff around.

It is a place where men's socks and wire hangers are objects of true beauty.

(Last Friday at least...) Brimfield has the best selection of vintage gliders ON EARTH.

GypsyShop pops up at Brimfield!

Brimfield is a place where you are happy to get up before dawn, where red barns co-exist with fur coats, and, where bumping unexpectedly into friends is surprisingly common.

At Brimfield you can buy a glider, a tablecloth, a Del's or a throne. Or just feel like King and Queen for a day.

Thrifty Gift

2011-07-11T10:37:00.000-04:00

I post a lot of hunting and finding on here, mainly with regard to collecting and my shop, but, not so much about thrift-shopping as a regular activity of daily life. Part of this is because this blog was basically begun to support my shop, which by Etsy's selling rules starts at 20 years in the past and before, and part of it is because I simply take thrifting for granted.

I have always been a thrift shopper, and, some of my earliest memories are of attending the Temple Beth El rummage sales in Quincy, Massachusetts in the 70's with my mother and filling a bag for $.50! Her greatest memory from that sale is a Loden coat she wore for years, but mine, being quite young, is the crinoline tutu with sparkles that I found there and wore for "dress up."

My thrifty nature continues to this day. I rarely buy anything new for myself at all (with regard to clothing and accessories) and if I do, I head into a discount store like Marshall's and still try and find something I need on the sale rack! Walking into a department store or retail boutique and buying off the rack at full price is simply not a part of my life, and, even if you see this blog, find my writing to be stunningly poignant and offer me a six-figure salary to blog for your upscale clothing line, I will still find time to hit Savers each week!

My inspiration in writing this post is two-fold. First, I realized that some of the younger and talented fashion bloggers out there like Style Symmetry, Sammy Davis Vintage and Looking Fly On A Dime are not only advocating for a fashionable life, but, for embracing thriftiness; a trend that I certainly want to support! Also, I realized that I had put together a "thrifty gift" for my young friend Theresa, a recent graduate, who is both appreciative of vintage goodies and a good sport about her face being plastered all over the web.

Theresa has a decidedly wholesome, all-American look, and looks great in red, white and blue. I therefore decided to build her a gift that reflected the red, white and blue trend popular in the early 70's that has been seen reflected in contemporary fashion magazines this summer.

One of the first items I found was this fantastic second-hand blue canvas bag. Not vintage, but, with a timeless design and in like-new condition! I love the thick white rope details giving this a decidedly nautical look. The bag became her gift bag, and all other gifts went inside it.

I wanted to make sure she had some true vintage 1970's items in there, and what perfect way to add these vintage touches than through accessories? The awesome mod scarf shown earlier in the post is one of them, along with a red, white, and blue chunky beaded necklace, cascading white bauble clip-on earrings, a vintage enameled flower scarf clip that can be worn as a scarf clip, dress clip, barrette or brooch! And finally, the last find to complete the outfit; adorable vintage nautical themed charm bracelet above!

Dresses are a tough thing to buy for others, but I decided to take a risk on these two beauties. As any thrift shopper will tell you, often times the reason an item ends up on a sale rack or donated to a thrift shop is because the sizing is way off from reality. These two dresses, in fact, were each marked a size Large, however, I tried them both on and was certain they were more like mediums if not small to medium! I know that Theresa is a smart girl, and, confident about her killer body, so, could handle wearing a dress erroneously marked "Large" for style's sake when in fact, the dress, like her body, was no where near a large size.

The result? Theresa is a fashion "do!" Not that she needs me for that, but, I'd like to think my gift was up to her standards. Ah...to be that young and lovely again.... Wait, I was never quite that lovely, but, I had my eighties moments...

OK, now for the breakdown. Theresa, if you are reading and do NOT want to know how little (heh heh) I paid for your gift stop here. For you fashion-hungry thrifters out there who want all the nitty-gritty details of thriftiness, read on!

All items were purchased at Savers. About 80% of them were purchased during my 50% off Saver's Card pre-sale members event last weekend, and, a couple more were found when I had a fully stamped Saver's 30% off card. The details:

Purchased for 50% off:

Polka Dot Dress: $9.99

Gucci-copy dress (found with tags): $7.99

Mod Scarf: $1.99

Necklace: $4.99

Earrings: $2.99

Bag: $6.99

Purchased for 30% off:

Scarf clip: $.99

Bracelet: $2.99

Total with all discounts: $21.30

Am I good or am I good?

Have A Very Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T11:20:00.001-04:00

A Weekend of Summer Outings

2011-07-03T19:17:00.000-04:00

'Tis the weekend to spend outdoors, and, I would be doing just that if I did not come down with a nasty summer cold that has prevented me from doing much of anything besides sleep and tap away on the keyboard. Sigh. If I am feeling better tomorrow, the fourth, I plan to catch some fireworks and see some friends so cross your fingers for me. In the meantime, I have scanned some images of people having fun-in-the-sun and enjoying the outdoors a la Independence Day style from decades passed....

I am a sucker for a good vintage chair and have been collecting them for years! Love the aluminum webbed chairs in the top photo, and, this awesome lounger in the bottom photo. From 1960 and 1962 respectively, also love the smiles on these women enjoying the outdoors!

Cute couple but I admit I am coveting that side by side metal garden chair - wow!

Love the slight stiffness of this girl's pose for the camera.

Grandpa, laundry on the line and metal garden chair...ahhhhh

Coveting the matching chair and round table in white and some fab retro color I'm sure!

Love this woman's face, probably caught eating something. Now I will post the poor woman for all eternity on the web.

I truly love vintage metal garden chairs the most. I have many, and have found them here and there, often one at a time for years. I love to restore them and drag them all over the yard all summer. Sometimes they get destroyed again, but, as long as my "stuff" gets used I'm happy. I paint mine red, yellow and green...and like to paint the arms and legs a contrasting creamy white as they were often originally and as seen above.

Oh man, I'll have what he's having! (And look at that little girl's butt in the background - too funny!)

Nothing beats a picnic with family and friends in the park!

I want to be there!

I think I have posted these guys before, but, I love the suits and the tablecloth being used outdoors - classic!

Hangin' with friends on the hood of the Chevy, 1960

Who does not love an outing at the park? These photos just capture than essence of summer, eating outdoors and spending time with family and friends during those endless warm days...ahhh.....

These photos of a summer beauty pageant are all dated June, 1946 and came from an album of photos I purchased a while back. I love the outfits and hairdos! I especially love the photo of just the legs, and, adore the crowd photos. Whoever took these was a great photographer.

No matter what your plans are this weekend, I hope they involve metal garden chairs, vintage tablecloths, friends, family or food - or, if you are truly lucky - all of the above!

Parade watching...

Cat's Eyes and girlfriends - what's better than that?

A Flea Market Primer

2011-06-29T22:20:00.000-04:00

I am a long-time lover of flea markets. I suppose I get it from my mother who began taking me along with her at a young age. Everyone in my family collects something, so, it was natural that I would become both a collector and a hunter myself. Flea Markets are something I look forward to, miraculously get out of bed early for, and plan ahead for weeks and months to attend! When I arrive I have a rush of adrenalin, and typically stay in good humor throughout the hours I spend there. I like looking for stuff, finding stuff, talking to people at the market and talking about what I've found once I leave. Odd, I know, especially considering how frequently I write about the filthy local flea that I attend most frequently!

One thing that keeps me interested is the fact that you never know what you will find on a given week. Last week, someone had this great 1960's juke box!

Boxes of stuff that look like it was in someone's basement, garage or kitchen drawer for the past 60 years are some of my favorite things to poke through.

Sometimes tiny objects of beauty appear among the junk.

I love just looking at objects from the past that represent another time. I would not buy this vintage lawnmower, but certainly appreciate the beauty of its streamlined design.

I decided to share some basic flea market tips with my readers as I realize there are things I find easy, or, take for granted that for others remain a mystery. People often tell me they do not understand how flea markets work, where to find them, how to prepare, how to bargain and how to know what they are getting. Of course, many of these answers are subjective to an individual's expectations and what is offered on a given day, but, I will plan to address some of the major topics below.

What is a Flea Market?

Photo of Farm Chicks Flea courtesy of suebees-karensue.blogspot.com

If you read magazines like Country Living and Martha Stewart Living, you might think all flea markets look like Farm Chicks or the Country Living Fair. All sugar plums and lolly pops wrapped up in pink bows and housed in vintage atlas jars. Ha! I wish I had a flea market like that in New England. My weekly flea market merchandises like this:

And I am not ashamed to admit I found some good stuff in there! (and I am up to date on my Tetanus shot.)

Truthfully, flea markets take many forms. From the weekly local flea to the monthly regional, to the annual state flea, there are many to choose from. I am lucky enough to live an hour's drive to Brimfield and, although I do not need to attend it each of the three times a year it is open, I do find it a fun occasional excursion especially when looking for something specific, like architectural pieces for my historic home. Personally, I am not a fan of the permanent "Flea Markets" you see in this area, usually in former mill buildings and usually selling the same junky stuff and new icky stuff week after week. I do not consider those as Flea Markets. To me, a Flea Market is something you cannot attend any old day; only some days, or, some times of the year, or, once a year. This adds to the mystique! Living in New England, my local Flea Market season is from about April through October. My friend who owns Pumpkintruck likes to torture me with tales of attending outdoor Flea Markets all winter in sunny California (Grr!). A Flea is usually a gathering of different sellers, all set up in their own unique ways. Some fleas charge admission and sellers merchandise things in beautifully enticing arrangements with actual price tags. Others have a mixture of new and old, clean and filthy and you never know what you are going to find.

Booth at Brimfield, July 2008, specializing in Chocolate Molds.

Personally, like attending some local events sponsored by civic or social organizations that typically happen once or twice a year. These events usually have a mix of frequent and new sellers. Overpriced goods and fresh bargains. Pretty and rustic. I also simply enjoy being outdoors in the New England spring and fall, as each season offers its own regional and seasonal flair such as fresh plants or pumpkins to bring home along with your vintage goods.

The type of flea markets I am going to focus on here have three primary attributes. 1) Not neat 2) Most items not priced and 3) Sometimes intimidating sellers. The reason I am focusing on flea markets in these categories is that a) 90% of all flea markets have these attributes and b) If things are neat, priced and being sold by cheerful sellers, who needs advice?

How To Approach the Day

1. Arrive early. Everyone who is anyone arrives early and if you arrive late you will find most of the good stuff gone and half the dealers packing up their stuff by 9:00. Just set that alarm, pre-set the coffee machine the night before and get the hell out of bed! Arriving early can also be practical for other reasons; summer fleas typically start off nice and cool and quickly turn hot and oppressing by 10:00 am.

2. Don't look at what other people have already purchased. You'll make yourself crazy.

3. Dress practically and comfortably. This means practical shoes (PLEASE no heels ladies!) and even in the summer I often opt for boots as opposed to sandals otherwise I come home with filthy dusty feet. Layers make sense. Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses are all practical in the summer.

4. Come prepared. I usually have one or two fabric totes in my own bag when I start. Dealers may or may not have bags and bringing your own just makes things go faster and more smoothly. BRING CHANGE. You would think dealers would come with change but many do not. Having exact or close to exact change makes transactions go much more smoothly. Dealers can get cranky when you whip out a $20 bill to pay for a $1.00 item, and, it makes it doubly awkward when you whip out a $20 to pay for an item you just bargained someone down to $4 from $7 on.

To cart or not to cart? That is the question. Some people think carts peg you as a "dealer" or hardcore collector, but, they can be practical at a large sale where your car ends up miles away. Your choice, just don't forget you have it as I often do when I use it!

5. Choose your friends wisely. I have a couple of friends and family members who I can easily attend flea markets with. This usually means we completely part ways as soon as we walk through the door. Shopping together with someone else seems like fun, but, can be distracting, or, even bad for business if you are buying for resale (i.e.: friends who point at the one item you are trying to be coy about and loudly ask in front of the seller "IS THAT THE TYPE OF ITEM YOU SELL?") or can cause friction in friendships when you both reach for the same item at the same time ("Get your mitts off, wench, I saw that 1981 Journey Concert Tee first!") I usually go it alone.

6. Remember to eat and pee. As with any event that traps people in a temporary space for several hours, food is usually limited in its offering and high in its price. Sometimes you can get great local fare for a song at seasonal events, but, find out first what your options are. If in doubt, pack a lunch and water with you. And if your only toilet will be a porta-potty at the end of a 20 minute line, you may want to skip that extra large coffee on the drive over!

Money

Money is an important consideration when you plan to attend a flea which is why I am giving it its own section here.

1. Bring Change. We already covered this in the section above. This advice applies to dealers as well but since you cannot control them you need to take the initiative.

2. Don't Flash Your Wad. Bad for bargaining and all around in poor taste. Plus, can be unsafe. I usually wear pants or shorts with secure pockets and keep a selection of my smaller bills, coins and one twenty in there. This allows me to easily pull a small amount of money out of my pocket for transactions. Keeps it quick and discreet. If I purchase a big ticket item, I will go into my bag and get my wallet for the big bills. I then put the change back into the pocket. While we are talking about bags, I always use a backpack type bag for the flea. Frees my hands and keeps it pick-pocket free...just sayin'....

3. Have a Budget. Personally, I have a bad habit of finding, finding, finding stuff at the flea. Unfortunately, I do not have endless pockets to finance this, so I find that deciding my budget for the day in advance helps me stay focused. Sometimes you find THE PERFECT ITEM, like a Jacobsen Egg Chair for $50 and you only have $32 left. In that case, it is OK to hit the ATM, or, break into that "In case of Egg Chair break open" envelope at the bottom of your bag. In other cases though, try to budget, trust me.

4. Bring cash. This is so fundamental it seems to go without saying but please keep in mind that unless you are buying a cute set of throw pillows made from pink chenille and old feed sacks at the Farm Chicks flea, your sellers are likely cash-only. If you want to shop, you gotta play by their rules.

Value

One of the most common questions I am asked when people find out or know that I am a dealer is "How much is this (insert ANYTHING here) worth? My answer, which drives people crazy, is, an item is worth what someone will pay for it. It is true, however, that IS how much something is worth. On-line dealers often use past sales on eBay when trying to gauge how much to value something for resale. They look at items that sold, and what they sold for. They do NOT look at what someone is asking for something. Because Etsy items do not show the sale price once sold, I frequently have other sellers ask me what a sold item sold for. I am always happy to help, and have asked the question myself in the past.

If you are buying for resale, know your market. For instance, I took a photo of this nice old crock at the flea last weekend (above). I do not specialize in this type of item and have no idea if it it worth $10 or $100. Because of this, I stay away. It is not in my own area of knowledge and having knowledge is a good idea when you hit the flea for resale. Knowledge, discretion and focus are your friends.

If you are buying for yourself, value is not as much of an issue. You should buy what you like and pay what you think is fair. If you are buying as an investment you should do your homework, certainly, but, if you are buying simply because you like something and you have the money to spend why stress? You are there to have fun. This cookie jar above is a great example of educating yourself. Because this jar was cold painted (over the glaze) most of the details are missing. Is the $30 price tag a good one or not?

Photo courtesy the Complete Cookie Jar Book, by Mike Schneider.

It just so happens that my new Cookie Jar Book has just this same cookie jar featured in its section on condition. According to the book, the jar is valued similarly with missing paint as opposed to with most of the paint. The jar above is missing even more than those pictured in the book, which are valued at $60 each. If the Flea Market jar is in good structural shape and the only damage is the cold paint loss, $30, or, maybe bargaining to $25 would be a good price if you are a collector. If you are a reseller, I'd say to steer clear unless you find this guy for $10 or less.

Always take time to check condition, take measurements and confirm your interest.

I err on the side of being cautious and conservative and I still make mistakes. It is highly unlikely that fantastic item is going to bring the $100,000 at auction you are imagining, so, if it is more that $10 I'd make sure you know what you are buying before parting with your money. Buy books, research items on-line, read articles and educate yourself as much as possible if you are planning to collect or resell.

I looked at this pair of twin 1940's chenille bedspreads twice. I know this dealer and could probably have had the pair for $5. Although I like challenges of cleaning, I was not certain I could reduce, never mind remove these stains, so, I passed.

How To Bargain

Of all the things people tell me they are intimidated about at the flea, bargaining is number one. Do you always bargain? Sometimes? When you do how do you do it? I will attempt to answer some of these questions below.

1. Be respectful to the dealers. I know flea market dealers can be a tough lot. They have tattoos, they drink and smoke cigarettes, cigars and pot while selling, some will not get out of their cars, they swear, some lie, some talk your ears off, some ignore you. At times, it can be tough to be nice to them. BUT, keep in mind that this is often their livelihood, they found the stuff, packed their van the evening before, drove an hour, tried to sleep in the vehicle for a couple of hours before setting up at 4:00 am and now you are dickering with them for a $1? Wouldn't you be drinking, smoking and cranky too?

Cool dealer from the weekly flea I often swing by a few towns over. He brings this box truck full of stuff weekly. It is a family affair as his wife and son are both unpacking, setting up and bartering along with him weekly. As I took this shot and chatted with him, his wife made sarcastic comments the whole time - priceless! They are nice people and have very fair prices and I always try to be as kind as possible to them.

As I prepared this post I asked several dealers what they did and did not like about the Flea Market. They collectively said pretty much the same thing, they loved the people and the interaction and disliked people who were rude. So, if you are planning to barter, be nice!

2. Chit chat. You don't want to talk a dealer's ear off if they are trying to sell, but, I find that a little friendly banter, and, light hearted flirting in jest can go a long way with getting a good price. It is sort of an off-shoot of the above advice. Be friendly. Last week I was looking through a dealer's boxes and noticed he had several display cases of jewelry and coins that I figured he actually wanted on the table in front of him. As I found them, I handed them to him and he was grateful as he'd become very busy while still unpacking. When I asked him for a price on two books he said "$5 since I'd helped," he wanted to give me a good price. See, be nice.

One of the two books purchased for $5 at the booth mentioned above? Just this First Printing 1962 edition in the slipcase of Ted Saucier's Bottom's Up, that's all...

3. Don't Show Your Hand. I'm all for being nice and everything, but, don't be silly! Bartering and bargaining is a game between you and the seller. It is possible to play it without being sleazy. First of all, never act like you really want something. If you see a great yelloware seaweed design bowl you do NOT say "Oh wow, how much for that great seaweed bowl?" You say (indifferently), "How much for the old mixing bowl?" At which point, the dealer may say something like "The seaweed bowl? Thats (insert extremely high price here)." Or, they may feel you out and throw out a price. At that point you may pick it up, look it over, discuss a hairline with your friend in earshot of the dealer and either a) make a counter offer, or b) put it down and keep looking. This is how the bartering begins. No matter what, you want to play it cool.

I paid $15 for this little pile. It was way more than I wanted to pay, and I was frustrated that the dealer would not bargain, but, mentally adding up the potential resale and the fact that a couple of items would be gifts I decided to accept and he won the bluff.

The best story ever about "showing your hand" took place a couple of years ago at Brimfield. My husband and I were walking into a booth that had some nice, older estate pieces. Nothing was priced. As we walked in we heard a loud GASP. We turned, and the gasp was followed by a young woman dressed nicely enough to show she had money to spend (another no-no by the way!) approach a table outside the booth with her arms outstretched loudly proclaiming "THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR!" We almost died trying not to laugh. The dealer, with deadpan expression stood up to walk outside and interact with the customer. That crystal punch bowl had just gone up $200 in price.

Want that pennant for a song? Act indifferent.

4. Buying more than one item is a better bargaining position. If you get a price on one thing, it is a tougher bargaining position than if then ask for a price on another and throw out a suggested combined discount. For instance:

"How much is this hat?
"$8"
"Great, thanks. And how much is that scarf over there?"
"$4"
"Would you consider $10 for the two?"

That type of simple exchange usually will get you somewhere. That is pretty typical bartering 101 for the Flea.

These great garden tools were all together in a bucket. Instead of asking one by one, I held them all up in my hand and asked for a price: $3 for all. Deal!

5. If the dealer gives you an "in" take it! Often times you will ask a dealer for their price and they will answer "I was asking $25." This is usually an indication that they are willing to either a) bargain if you buy more than one thing, or, especially if later in the day b) accept a lower offer on that one item. If a dealer phrases their answer this way, feel free to counter-offer on the spot. (PS: Dealers are often quite willing to bargain much more freely on larger pieces at the end of the day when they do not want to pack them and take them home again.)

Every time I passed these guys told me I won the "prettiest customer award." Since I turn 45 this week and am not so hot, I wanted to say "You should really stop drinking in the morning." But since I had a feeling they WERE actually drinking in the morning I just said "Oh, thanks, you guys need more sleep." Too bad I was not interested in anything they had for sale.

6. The walkaway. One of the hardest things to do if you are really interested in an item but don't want to pay the asking price is to simply walk away. This drastic measure can at times work. Of course, you are playing double or nothing because if it does not work, and, you obsess about the item and return, you are making it clear to the dealer that you really really want that item! If it works for you, the dealer may call out an even lower price, or, agree to match something you offered as you walk away. I once had a dealer chase me two aisles down to meet my offer which I then agreed to. Risky, but, can work.

I passed by this giant tin the first time without even asking the price. When I passed by again later, I stopped to take this photo and she told me it was $5. Five dollars? Dang, I took it home with me.

6. Know the Language. Bartering and bargaining is a battle of gentlemen and gentlewomen. Try not to insult the person you are bartering with and you will get much further. If the dealer tells you the price is $5 and you counter with $1 that is insulting. Countering with $3 is much more reasonable. I considered a badly stained tablecloth a few weeks back and the dealer wanted $5. I countered with $3 and she came back with $4. My response was "That's not a bad price if I were buying for myself but I am unsure of the stains and can't go more than $3." We were at an impasse and I walked away. I felt fine and she felt fine. If I'd said "Oh, come ON, it's covered with stains!" She probably would have raised the price to $8 because I was being a jerk! As I walked though the flea last week I overheard a dealer answering what sounded to me like an extreme low-ball offer. He said "I really appreciate your kind offer but I simply cannot go lower than (price)" Wow, what restraint! Now that's being gentlemanly!

My first purchase of the day and best bargain: this mannequin for $10. It was the only female torso when I walked up and I bought it immediately. When I passed by a few minutes later, half the male torsos and a set of legs were gone. By the time I left, not one of the store displays were left. I was glad I grabbed her when I did ! (6:30 am)

Hollywood card rack in original box. Super fun to put in my Etsy shop when then weather cools. This was one item in that $15 pile I showed above.

Awesome mid-century Manhattan Skyline cufflinks. Also in the $15 pile.

Resources

One recent post from a colleague that got my own butt in gear to finally finish this one, was this recent post on "Six Flea Markets Worth Visiting" from Sammy Davis Vintage. She not only gives great info on the six, but, encourages readers to add details on others making it chock full of great spots all across the country!

Country Living Magazine created this useful guide to Antique Shows which actually includes mostly Flea Markets with dates and links and photos galore...

A couple years old so check the links but a good summary at Budget Travel.

Another article from a couple of years back but lots of anecdotal info at CNN America's Best Flea Markets.

United States too limited for you? Here is a link to the World's Best from The Travel Channel.

A great composite site. Check all links to ensure they are up to date but a great starting point from anywhere in the US!


My hubby at Brimfield. He never reads this blog so will have no idea I've used this less than flattering photo of him.... (he's way hotter than he looks here!)

All content and images copyright 2011 Christine Francis Barta unless otherwise noted. Please feel free to link to this post but please do not borrow content without proper credit since I worked pretty darn hard on it, thanks!

To Market To Market

2011-06-24T19:53:00.000-04:00

So, I spied this nice basket on the top shelf at the consignment store that I tithe to, and thought "Wow, that's a nice old basket." It's also quite large, which may not come through in the photo, but what surprised me was what I saw in the bottom which was this:

Since this looked too good to be true I thought "Is this a reproduction?" But, it obviously is not. Once home, I looked it up on the web, and, although I found two references to similar baskets, I cannot access the images that originally accompanied the posts, so, cannot visually confirm. One or both referred to it as a "market basket" suggesting that they would have been inside the store for shoppers to use. I suppose this makes sense, given that stores still have baskets in them for us to use while shopping. Has anyone ever seen a similar style basket from the same time period? I love it, but cannot decide if I should keep it or sell it...hmnnn.....

Summer is here!

2011-06-21T23:20:00.000-04:00

I love how people look the same in beach photos no matter what the decade. Swimsuit styles may change, hairstyles may change, beach gear may get more advanced, but, really, all you can do is sit and smile!

C is for Cookie

2011-06-19T15:27:00.000-04:00

Today I had planned a very long and comprehensive how-to blog. It was to be full of helpful tips, useful information and humor. It involved the Flea Market, so when I arrived there at 6:00 this morning to find it was canceled for another event with no notice to anyone the humor, especially, never mind the helpful tips went out the window! I had been planning, however, to post about my cookie jar collection so that is what I will do today. They were all where they were supposed to be at 6:00 am and very cooperative with my taking their photos.

I resisted cookie jar collecting for many years. They are so colorful and engaging, but, they can get pricey and they are so darn BIG. Also, not everyone is as enthusiastic about cookie jars as you may be. They have something of a "cutesy" stigma. You may share with a friend or colleague who thinks your Heywood Wakefield is cool, that you also collect cookie jars, and you see them inhale sharply, look sideways and start to step away. The flip side is that your friend's cousin Sandy hears about your collection and wants to talk endlessly about her collection of handbag-shaped cookie jars she has been buying off the QVC for years.

I collect what I like, and, what I like date mainly from the 1940's and 1950's, and hail from makers such as American Bisque, RRPCo and Brush McCoy. I am the first to admit there are MANY ugly cookie jars out there. Both new AND vintage; common AND collected. As with any collection it is personal. As a visual example, here is a summary of my reactions to three Humpty Dumpty cookie jars:

Frighteningly awful.

Awfully frightening.

Oh my God, I never thought I would find one of these in person! It is only $35, I am going to die with happiness. Let me not wet myself with excitement as I carry this trophy to the checkout counter.

Now, you may or may not agree with me, and, could possibly have just the opposite reaction. (My condolences if the latter is true.) Collecting is personal, and, varies greatly even among collectors of similar items. I collect on aesthetics, not, to complete a name or brand or series as some other people do. If that works for them it is fine with me, but, it is not how I collect. Some comfort, as odd as it may seem, in justifying that my collection has some sort of "valid" aesthetic value lies in the overlap between my own collection and that of Andy Warhol. While even he has some jars I would not touch with a ten foot pole, he also has most of my favorites, so I feel an aesthetic and cultural kinship with him in some way. (Plus, I met him once, but that's another story...)

Part of the Warhol Collection

American Bisque Pig in a Poke

For me it all started with this little Pig in a Poke above. Found for $15 at a local shop about 11 years ago when I had not been long in Rhode Island, he was the tipping point. I had zero, then, I very quickly had a collection (I define a collection as three or more of something...)

American Bisque Magic Bunny

Not long after the pig I found the Magic Bunny at the local Salvation Army. They wanted $45 and his head has been broken off and glued back on, but, I wanted him so badly I paid that and have been perfectly happy ever since! (As a side note; if you are planning to break into my house and steal my valuable collection don't waste your time...I have an extensive collection of minorly chipped, cracked, repaired and decidedly NOT mint potteryware!)

RRPCo Hey Diddle Diddle or The Cow Jumped Over the Moon

One of my favorite jars in my collection is this beautiful original "Hey Diddle Diddle" from RRPCo (Robinson Ransbottom Pottery Company.) My husband purchased this for me for my 40th birthday, about a month after which we moved into our current house. I only got to look at this guy for about a week before he was packed away for four years! I am finally enjoying him now... If you like him, be aware that this popular design has been reproduced many times. He should be the colors above, and, believe it or not, there is a legitimate version with gilded paint as well! Reproductions are often misleadingly marked "McCoy" (not RRPCo) or in odd purple or too bright color schemes. Here is an article about the topic with links to other resources if you are interested.

RRPCo Hootie Owl and Brush 1959 Peter Pumpkin Eater

It's hard to pick favorites as I like them all for different reasons. Above, a "Hootie Owl" from RRPCo was a find in a shop near where I used to work for $35. I think my husband paid a lot more for the mint and hard to find "Peter Pumpkin Eater" from Brush as a gift at Brimfield for me!

I have quite a few, and, now that they are all on display I rarely buy more. I did find that cute little Dalmatian Jar a few weeks ago at the Flea that I showed on Facebook, but, other than that, it will take something really fun and special for me to keep adding. I think the $45 jar was the most I ever paid. I typically pay $15 - $35 per jar, with some as low as $3 - $10. It just makes it more fun to find a great jar somewhere that needs a bath but looks great cleaned up, than to pay a ton of money on-line for someone to send you something. At least for me. And I have bought a few on-line. I used to troll eBay on major holidays that people had items ending when no one was on-line. I would grab them for a song. But I only did that a few times and no one is ever not on-line anymore! Buying on-line is still a great option for people who do not have the time or the inclination to go poke through dirty stuff at flea markets and shops, so, I will provide some links at the bottom of this post as well.

Most of my collection:

Left to right: American Bisque Cheerleader Corner Cookie Jar (missing lid); Magic Bunny; Brush Humpty Dumpty with Cowboy Hat; Pig in a Poke; American Bisque Collegiate Owl; Abingdon Cookie Time; McCoy 1961 Rocking Chair (Dalmatians); Early 1950's Brush Cow with Cat; Hey Diddle Diddle; American Bisque Fluffy The Cat.

American Bisque Clown; Brush Humpty Dumpty with Beanie; American Bisque Chick in a Tam; Sierra Vista Train; American Bisque Kittens and Beehive.

Early RRPCo Oscar; American Bisque Elephant with Sailor Cap; Hootie Owl; Peter Pumpkin Eater; American Bisque Boy Pig with Scarf; American Bisque Milk Wagon; American Bisque Puppy in a Pot.

Whew...that's almost all of them. I actually do not own any cookie jar reference books so, if I have mislabeled anything send me a comment and I will update my post, thanks! Below are some links to some fabulous (in MY opinion) cookie jar finds currently on Etsy:

American Bisque Pig from MosaicGirl on Etsy

A different "American Bisque" Cookie Truck from MuggseyandMae on Etsy

Regal Humpty Dumpty from GoodLookin on Etsy

Oh, and one final note: Brush marks are sometimes raised, sometimes incised. Often the word "Brush" is used and and sometimes a graphic of a painter's palette is used. The marks sometimes do not say Brush, but, usually give a numeric code with the letter W followed by numbers, and, USA. McCoy and RRPCo are usually raised or impressed marks into the bottom of the jar. Abingdon is usually printed in block letters with U.S.A within a rectangle. My Sierra Vista piece simply says "California" in block letters along the bottom. American Bisque often has the letters "USA" raised or embossed into the body, along a bottom edge, but the tell-tale sign (they are never marked "American Bisque) is the wedge-shaped bottom you can see in the last photo below:

Happy collecting!

Note: I made some corrections to this post and published an addendum post on August 4, 2011.

All In A Day's Work

2011-06-17T14:23:00.000-04:00

Dear blog readers, please accept my apologies for being sparse with the blog postings of late! As you may know, I started a Facebook page to help promote my business and man, is it eating up my time! It's also super quick to post a pic on Facebook, as opposed to blogging, so, I am trying to find the right balance in supporting both venues. I am planning another comprehensive "how to" blog very soon, so, to keep your attention in the meantime, I will post this little visual story about some items I purchased (and did not!) today.

The little Pucci-inspired drawstring bag I show at the top was one of several I spied stuffed into plastic baggies and hanging on the wall at my favorite local consignment shop. They were so neat and clean at first I thought they might be new, but, looking at the design and construction of them I decided to take a chance, take them home, and see if there was anything inside that might reveal their vintage origins.

What I found was even better than I'd hoped! Each of these bags sports a fabric tag with the 1960's Trifari logo on it! I cannot find others like them on the web. I presume they were probably given to retailers for packaging something specific, like a necklace and earring set. (Each set has one long and one smaller triangular bag on the same drawstring bead closure) Has anyone ever seen anything else like this? Any idea what might have been packaged in these? They are just so groovy I cannot wait to offer them in my shop! (I found ten, will likely sell individually...)

Just for the record, I did not buy everything I saw today! For instance, I know these super-cheesy giant printed 1970's towels would probably be very popular in my Etsy shop...but...I just could not do it!

Poodle charm bracelet with green rhinestone eyes, and, awesome Tiki fabric? Hell yeah, those came home with me!

Fun-In-The-Sun Giveaway!

2011-06-08T17:13:00.000-04:00

While we have participated in giveaways and fund-raisers managed by others before at C & G, this is our first ever giveaway we are sponsoring on our own blog, shop and facebook page! To make your summer complete, we are offering this fabulous mint rattan bag with applied flowers and beads along with a lovely coordinating silk scarf! Both date to the 1950's and are sure to make your summer of 2011 the best EVER!

What do you need to do? Simple! Follow the steps below and you will be entered in the giveaway....
Step 1: Like our Page on Facebook
Step 2: Post a link or photo on our FB page of either
             a) your favorite item you purchased or saw in our Etsy shop or
             b) your favorite blog post from our blog.
             Tell us and our fans what you like and why!

It's that simple! The giveaway begins today and runs through midnight EST, next Sunday June 19th. This gives you ten days to "like" us and share what you like about us to be entered! Each entrant will be assigned a number and I will use a random on-line generator to determine the winner. Each participant will be counted only once, but, feel free to post as many times as you like on our page! The winner will be announced Monday, June 20th.

Summer of 1974

2011-06-05T15:59:00.000-04:00

The weather is suddenly and finally gorgeous after a loooooooong New England snow-filled winter! I am wearing shorts, spending time outside and thinking of nothing but summer! I have started listing summer tablecloths, barbecue items and swimwear in my shop, so decided to do a little post with a nod to the latter.

One-pieces did exist in the seventies, but, in 1974 the bikini ruled supreme! Colorful and fun, the early 1970's were all about being natural and fresh and free!

Women's magazines in 2011 are not only touting sunscreen as a must; they are debunking sunscreens that over-promise and describe exactly how to ensure you will completely protect your skin.

In 1974 we "buttered" ourselves like turkeys on Thanksgiving!

Of course, the first "self tanner" was QT (Quick Tan). Although the people in the photos look happy, the product was known for the tell-tale orange color your skin would turn when you used it!

Cornsilk cosmetics were new and part of the natural botanical cosmetic and beauty trends of the early part of the decade. I love this woman's outfit. So retro, yet, looks just a contemporary collage student!

We were obsessed with "lightening" and "highlighting" our hair. Pure lemons were shown in magazines and were also popular in hair products at the time. (Could not find an ad for "Sun-in" but certainly recall spraying it before headed to the beach!) A lovely, blonde and artfully highlighted pre-Charlie's Angels Farah Fawcett hawked Schick hair care and styling products. RIP, Farah.

Rainbows were everywhere in the seventies so it makes perfect sense that we would see them on this fab bikini pair from 1974! Drooling over these vintage beach fashions? Just take a look at Etsy to see some fantastic items that YOU can buy!

At Carmen and Ginger, we have started listing our vintage swimsuits this weekend! The 1970's black and white beauty above and the 1970's DeWeese below will both be listed in the next twenty four hours after this post!

Can't wait 24 hours? Well then hop on over to Etsy to check out these awesome finds currently available!

JC Penny Polka Dot Delight from TiddleyWink on Etsy

The most adorable DeWeese from CairParavelVintage on Etsy

Lovin' color? This bikini from thegroove on Etsy is for you!

Flea Market Frenzy!

2011-05-30T08:54:00.000-04:00

First of all, let me apologize to my regular blog readers for being somewhat sparse in posting of late. I had the show to do, I had homework to complete and I must admit, since starting the Facebook page my attention has been pulled in many directions at once! My master plan - as it is shaping up - is to use the blog for longer, more intense, funny (debatable!), reporting and resource-based posts, while I use the Facebook page for more sneak previews, conversations, questions, debates and links to other FB pages, current events and articles.

With that said, I offer you a ~~long-winded~~ comprehensive blog about the Flea Market Frenzy I experienced this morning! I had not been in a while and this morning I decided to get up early and have a blast...and I did! This post includes photos of things I did not buy as well as many, many items I bought both for the shop and for me! This covers the Where Do You Find That Stuff? , What Do You Keep? and "Things I Did NOT Buy" categories quite nicely! I am starting (for some reason not quite known to me...) with this bike. A little web research dates it to 1979 when is about the time I would have coveted it! What a little gem! Hope it went home with someone...

As a little proof that I really did get up this morning and be at the flea by 6:00, I snapped these photos of a) my car clock at 5:46, and b) the road deserted on the way to Dunkin' Donuts. Wow, not sure I have ever seen these two things before...

For further proof of how early I was up, I sat next to this DD menu board for 5 minutes before giving up and driving to the window. Get this...they WERE NOT OPEN YET! Yet another first. I almost panicked, but then remembered I live in Rhode Island, and drove about 1/8 of a mile to another Dunkin'.

I had actually never been in this Dunkin' before and thought they had no drive-through until I got close. The Drive-Thru [sic] is in this creepy concrete tunnel at the back of the building! Remind me not to stop by after midnight...

Back on deserted roads again to the Flea! A hub of mini-vans, filth and cigars...I mean, treasures!

Within minutes I'd handed over cash and returned to my car with my first load of filthy stuff. (It cleaned up well though...see later in this post...)

I know I have shown these dogs in my blog before because they are so darn cute! The black one is disabled and cannot walk, so, the white one is happy to ride around with him so they can see the sights and meet people together! This little sweetheart in the back is new. The couple who owns the other two dogs is fostering her from a puppy mill until she gets settled and is ready to find a new home - how sweet is that?

Ok, anyone who knows me knows I have a little "thing" for kitschy vintage Christmas items. This blow mold of Santa in his sleigh was at least 3 feet long and awesome! And they only wanted $5! And he was still there when I left after 3 hours! I took this photo as further proof to my husband that there ARE things I do not buy...really!

The above three items are all things I DID NOT buy, but, ironically, they were all being sold by the same guys from whom I bought, like, 87 other things! Evidently these four guys had cleaned out an estate the day before and just had truckloads of gems! (the Santa was their's too!) Every time I passed by, they had unpacked more, and I handed over more money! Luckily, they were right near my car... (and reasonably priced!)

Can you imagine a new-millennium mom putting her child into a metal swing with metal chains???? Neither can I! But kids survived these things for years (though I admit, a few lost digits probably helped form some of today's regulations.) Regardless of all that, this was made by Graco (who made the very new plastic swing I helped locate for my friend with a newborn two months ago!) but I think the graphics on this one from the 1950's are even better!

Before I drove home I turned around and snapped this pic inside my Jeep. Do I provide a full virtual experience or what?

Ok, now for the gallery of items I DID buy...

The estate sale was chock full of dog and cat items. Although I am more a "cat person" I find that vintage dog items sell better so I snapped up these gems!

I looked at a lot of hats today but this is the only one I plunked down cash for. A Lilly Dache...

This person must have collected watering cans because they were everywhere! I picked up these three. The two at the top are tin litho from Chein. One is missing a handle but is still cute as can be! In fact, the illustration on that one looks just like my mom as a young girl! The bottom one with the yellow silhouette is actually the largest one.

You'll see this amazing item in my shop next November for sure! A "Crystal" tree, in clear hard plastic, that assembles to about a foot tall with tiny little glass ornaments hanging from it! Includes ALL pieces, the matching candle holders and is in the original 1940's/1950's box. Wow!

I've never met a Soure bag I did not love! This beauty is no exception. Remarkable condition and design - it looks like it was made yesterday. It is, however, over 40 years old...

Oh my! Gorgeous 13" Manhattan pedestal cake plate in mint condition! I've offered this already to a woman who purchased a set from my mother for her wedding. If she does not want it I will either sell it, or, keep it! A beauty!

Oh deer! By finding this pair of mid century flocked deer I feel like I have been given the keys to Etsy city! I can now take artsy photos of my items with cute little deer placed artfully beside them! I will ditch my "models" and rely on the deer, who, for some reason also unknown to me, seem to work for oodles of Etsy sellers! If that does not work, I will simply take artsy photos and sell them instead.... Ok, I'm getty a wee bit snarky here. These deer will likely be sold next November in my shop... (But really, what's up with the deer and Etsy thing?????)

Now when I think of cute vintage deer THIS is more my style! Hard plastic Rosen Rudolphs. Complete on a lighted stand! (and I do have that second tree; just needs to be glued back in place). Oh my, I think I may need to keep this one and the one below. See, I already own one of these Rosen candelabras, with Santa at the center and two white deer flocking him. I have never seen others never mind having found two others in the same day!

This pair of photos is going out to my friend Christine at Diary of a Mad Antiquer and Salvage Chic fame who recently posted about people who believe vintage = haggling. Read her hilarious post (and others) here. Dear buyers, I love you, (and 99.9% of you are incredibly appreciative and understanding about pricing!) but, just look at what this stuff looks like when found! Now granted, it is not all this extreme, but, this is not so uncommon. We dealers (yes, I can call myself that!) have to get up at 5:30, dig through crap, flirt with 63 year old guys, haggle a price, drag stuff home, hide it from our husbands, inventory it, clean it, research it, photograph it, describe it, pay to list it, pack it and ship it to you. This is not rocket science but it does take a fair amount of diligence, patience, the ability to ignore a LOT of junk and hard work to pull off! Oh, and by the way I am probably keeping the item above. I know I have a replacement Rudolph here somewhere...that's just how I roll...

Am I crazy for buying these late 1960's banks for the shop?

My most expensive item of the day - a whopping $20 (though purchased with other items) - for this Weller Jardinière for me! It is huge, at least 10" across, and looks worse in the photo than in person as the flaws are front and center. 1920's art pottery for a bargain - love it!

This fabric is a mystery to me. Appears "mottled" sort of faded, but is a big long roll and is the same throughout. I'm thinking this may be fabric used to create the seat of the old wooded sling style deck chairs? It is heavy cotton and hemmed on both sides of it's narrow width; about 30 inches. Any ideas?

I look through a LOT of boring and drab portraits to find one sassy chic like this to add to my "models." MEOW!

My friend Michelle at The Red Velvet Shoe is styling an upcoming disco event so asked me to keep an eye out for some disco duds. These two pairs of shoes both came from the same woman who wore them in the 70's. Only problem is - they are tiny! She wore about a size 5. They are AMAZING just to look at though, are they not? Those boots are all soft blue leather and go up to the knees! The back heels rise 6" off the floor!

A day at the flea would not be complete without some vintage tablecloth finds!

Mid-century silk scarves? Check! We've found those...some with the original tags!

A later morning find - these three 1950's/1960's swimsuits! (the Jantzen tag is from the one at the far left.)

Every Scottie tie tack I have been lucky enough to offer in my shop has sold to a happy customer, so, how could I leave this incredible assortment behind?

I love finding lots of things that are so "flea market" in nature. Like a stack of unused 1960's hair nets or highway maps - love them!

And last but not least, this giant reverse painted lighted advertising clock for me. $10! Needs to be rewired and have the hands added but I like projects. My husband also liked it which is a plus! I've been looking for another one of these since my Elsie the Cow clock fell off the rotted wall at my old apartment and shattered into a million reverse painted glass pieces...

So all told, I spent no more than $100 on all items above minus the $20 jardinière...now THAT'S a good day at the flea!