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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Tap Yo' Toes!