9/22/11

So it's come to this, has it?

At Sunday's Vintage Bazaar, I talked with a lot of buyers and collectors with the "Oh, I shouldn't!" or "Where would I put this?" woes. And I empathized, because that was me not too long ago. Then I figured I'd start my little business and start selling some of my fabulous things- won't Dad be proud?. But then I realized I now have a purpose to buy all those things! My collection grows faster now that I know I have an outlet and adoring fans... So, as of yesterday, Old Flames Vintage inventory moved out of the second bedroom and into a proper storage unit. And I must admit, it's a bit of a relief to have some space back. And I think I have just about the most adorable storage unit on the block!

9/19/11

Also...

Congrats on your first ever hat purchase, Liz! Hope you'll have fun wearing them!

All Washed Up

Thanks to all those who braved the weather at yesterday's Vintage Bazaar! It was an adventure, for sure, but I'm thankful that everyone remained in good spirits. Stay tuned for the next OFV appearance...

9/15/11

Loot!




So my folks are in the auction business, and I've inherited a certain collector's mentality (well, my boyfriend would call it a compulsive hoarding habit, but that's beside the point). My folks are also moving, which means the keep giving me all of their stuff. Which is kind of awesome. But with each Honda Fit-load of treasures (EVERYTHING fits in that car), I see the doubt in the eyes of my boyfriend. "Where are we going to put all this stuff?" "You mean this awesome collection of vintage valuables that I'm sentimentally attached to?" "You know what, I trust you, you always make it work..." So the last two days have been all about making it work, finding a home for my fun new things. I decorated a window with interesting smalls... my mom's old pie birds and some funky carved bottle stoppers. I hung some pots! And some vegetable crate labels! You, too can find a home for new treasures, so get collecting. And see you Sunday at The Vintage Bazaar!

8/18/11

An Americana Moment




This is the Miner-Dunn located in the Hammond, Indiana area. It's for real the cutest little vintagey diner without being all chrome seats and tacky uniforms. I think part of what I love about vintage is the authenticity and sincerity that surrounds it. This place isn't trying to be clever or kitschy, it's just sort of stuck with what works... for the last seventy five years. Love it.

7/16/11

Whoa Mama!


So I went to visit my parents last week, and they did that thing where they try to send you off with everything from your high school yearbook to leftovers to that extra set of dishes. My parents being auctioneers and collectors, I usually don't mind. While sorting through some boxes in the barn, I found this beauty! It was my great aunt's hamper, apparently... Now I remember my Aunt Margaret's religious art and baby blue toilet seat covers, so it was fun to picture this eye-popping enamel in the mix. I just love the idea of something so utilitarian; a hamper or a garbage can, getting such fun design details.