old flames vintage: 2011

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!

9/20/11

Where feminists go to cringe...

Love it!

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.

6/23/11

Back in Action.

So it appears that it's June. And June is almost over. How did that happen?! It's been a busy month-ish here at OFV. I've been bringing the theatre season to a close, finishing up freelancing gigs and the like. My summer projects have been a little too farmer's market-oriented (have you made garlic scape pesto yet?) and less flea market-oriented.

But now, a story...

There is this filing cabinet. This beautiful, dark green 1960s(?) filing cabinet in perfect condition. It lives in the basement of a theatre. Sometimes I visit it, put things in it, make extended plans about smuggling it up the stairs, across the stage, through the loading dock and into my car without anyone noticing. Sigh.

But wait! Driving down Western one sticky June day, I spotted my filing cabinet (well, just like it) sitting on the sidewalk in front of the quirky, surprising Stop Look. I did a U-turn on Western (did you catch that? a U-turn. On Western.) to snatch it up. A baffled boyfriend, stubbed toe, minor car upholstery damage and a deep clean later, my studio is a paradise of vintage organization.

More stories of the perils of vintage shopping to come.

5/16/11

Post-Vintage Bazaar Post!

Saturday was so much fun! Great folks, a delightful space, plenty of cool objects from some really interesting vendors. It was so lovely to meet a new bunch of vintage-minded folks, and see some pretty hats and things go to happy new homes. I'd love to see some photos of you in your new hat or glasses, or sipping your morning coffee that great gold cup! Send 'em my way: oldflamesvintage@gmail.com.

See you at Randolph Street this summer!

5/9/11

A tune for you.

I was shopping at Ragstock yesterday, and the cute boy working in the basement was playing some pretty great old tunes. This one was my favorite.

Just a few more days!

Today I started packing up dishes for Saturday's Vintage Bazaar. There are so many cute things for the kitchen! On deck for packing: fabric + notions, accessories (skinny ties! hats! handbags!) and the famous yellow ironing board. I can't wait to see y'all there!

Oh, and the lovely gals at The Vintage Bazaar were peachy enough to do a vendor profile on me. Check it out!

4/21/11

Tap Yo' Toes!

4/18/11

Gadgets!

I really like being in the kitchen, and I'm always up to some new project. As an adventurous cook and compulsive baker in a tiny kitchen, I try to keep my gadgets and single-purpose tools to a limit. But then I find something charming like an orange peeler with a painted wood handle and I just have to buy it!