Cool Collections #1

When my brother came up for a visit back in November, we took many strolls through Boston and one day came across this window display at Allsaints Spitalfields on Newbury Street.  We thought it was pretty interesting so we snapped a few pictures...

(all photos compliments of the very talented DPG)

This installation is made up of dozens of antique sewing machines displayed in rows across the plate glass windows at the entrance of the store.  Even if you weren't aware that the store was there (which we weren't), this display definitely gets your attention - much more than a few well-dressed mannequins ever could.   I think Allsaints has created this same window display in other markets so they surely must have the lock up on all vintage sewing machines on the planet.

Here's a couple more images from A Proper Bostonian who was lucky enough to catch the "installation day" back in 2010.  Imagine this sidewalk chaos would soon yield such perfect uniformity!  I could definitely get wrapped up in a project like this and I guess that says a lot about me...

And just for kicks and because my adopted hometown looked particularly charming on that November day, here are a few more photos from our walk.  Thanks, D!

GILT HOME

Sorry for the hiatus!  I've been super busy lately hitting all the local flea markets and antique shops looking for the very best items to put in the shop - stay tuned!  In the next month, I hope to unveil a new look for the shop with a great introductory batch of inventory ranging from furniture, to lighting to art work - all local vintage finds.

Sometimes, I look to some of my favorite contemporary retailers to see all of their fantastic offerings (many of which are reproductions from another era) because it really inspires me on my next flea market outing.  Chances are I will find something very similar but with the unmistakable charm of a one-of-a-kind vintage piece.

There are so many to choose from, but today I've really enjoyed pouring through Gilt Home.  They are reliably on-trend with their products and the range is pretty great.

Some of my favorites today!

VINTAGE INSPIRATION

This spread is from a long past Lonny issue (April/May 2010) but it is still one of the most inspiring home features I've ever come across.  This home is located in Houston and is owned by graphic designer, Ashley Putnam - who is coincidentally also from my hometown of Baton Rouge.

I've gone back to these images many times simply to look at all the wonderful vintage items that Ashley has clearly been collecting for some time.  For me, it's the one-of-a-kind lamps, bowls, artwork, accessories and furnishing that makes this house so great.

Let's take as stroll, shall we?

The white bamboo lamp up top is great and you can never have enough mint julep cups, right?  More bamboo notes in the coat rack and, of course, a little home bar loaded with vintage wares.

I love the eclectic mix of artwork all through the house.  I see art like this stacked up in thrift stores all the time.  I also really like the antique secretary desk doing double-duty as the bar.  Definitely a clever idea.  

Even the red lacquer bathroom seems to be loaded with vintage charms.  And, I love the blue and white ticking on the dining chairs - looks like it's been there forever, right?

The graphic wallpaper in the master bedroom is by Ralph Lauren and adds a bit of drama without seeming too dark and I totally appreciate the mismatched lamps in there.  And, last but not least, the kids' room - just perfect and is a bamboo table?

couture color

A few color inspirations by way of your favorite luxury brands...

PS - I'm working on a new product (coming soon to the shop), inspired by that very distinct orange as seen below.  Check back soon!

Set of [2] Vintage Campaign Dressers

Vintage Set of Mid-Century Campaign Dressers

22.25" H x 24" W x 17" D

[ SOLD ]

I first saw this sad-looking pair out front of a local thrift store huddled together in the pouring rain!  It really was such a sad sight and the store was closed so...I turned around and just put them in the back of the car.  Kidnapping seemed like the right thing to do under the circumstances?  But don't worry, I did pay for them eventually.  It's a long story, but I've never worked so hard to buy something before.

These were made by Dixie and are in great structural shape, despite what looked like several years of neglect. The first thing I did was carefully remove and polish the hardware, then went about the usual repairs - smoothed out the drawer tracks, replaced a foot and sanded and filled in a few minor nicks and dents.  It was primed, painted with 3 coats of a high-gloss black paint and then finished off with 2 coats of water-based polyurethane, which will help extend the life of the paint job considerably - no scratches or chipping!

After yesterday's post, you may be wondering why I opted for black?  It was quite an identity crisis - I seriously considered every color of the rainbow.  In the end though, it was the hardware that steered me to black.  That hardware is really great and it makes quite a statement so I just figured, why compete?  I definitely think it was the right choice - these dressers are glamorous and sophisticated and will fit in anywhere.  I will be sad to see them go!

A bit about campaign furniture

Campaign-style furniture has been super popular for a few years now and I'm still not tired of seeing all the wonderful transformations.  Of course, some people have compared them to "Skittles".... but I really think these pieces can stand up to any wacky color your heart desires.

Originally, this type of furniture was created for the British army in the 1800's purely for utilitarian reasons - it could be taken apart, easily traveled with and then quickly reassembled at their next destination.  That's why you see the recessed handles (easier to stack) and brass-bound corners (sturdier).  But then came the swinging 60's and Hollywood Regency!  Hooray! That's when furniture companies such as Henredon started reproducing this look just because it was shiny and pretty.  And, aren't we glad they did?  Finding these vintage pieces today is pretty difficult and people are always scouring craigslist for them, but you never know where something might pop up.....

Stay tuned for a success story and a chance to make one (or two) your very own....

Vintage Crystal Decanter

More bar talk...

While certainly not mandatory, a few liquor decanters can really change the game.

How about this little guy?

Crystal  Liquor Decanter

[ $20 ]

What I love most about this vintage crystal decanter is its small stature - just 5" tall without stopper (7.5" with) and only 3" wide.  Adorable.  The corners are elegantly beveled, the crystal is thick and clear and the stopper is decidedly festive. 

** As with all things vintage, there are a few disclosures....there are 2 chips around the mouth of the bottle (see below) and the shaft of the stopper has some minor chipping, as well.   Accompanying story about that wild party you had when it was chipped, sold separately.  

Bar Accessories

How hard can this be?  Wouldn't we all feel better if we had one waiting at home after a long day?

Clock-wise from top left apartment therapy, pinterest,

yoursouthernpeach, notetoself

So, in honor of all things bar, I'll be adding a few new accessories to the shop to get you started.

First up....

Brass Quatrefoil Tray

13 3/4" x 10"

$40

The shape of this Asian-inspired tray is perfect and would be just the thing for corralling bottles or glassware on your new bar!  And, if you look closely at the engravings, I think they're in love.  Isn't that sweet?  

Set of [2] Natural Horns

Set of [2] Natural Horns

$30

New to the shop!

This set of natural horns has been treated with a satin varnish to bring out the beautiful colors, as well as to add a protective finish.  They each measure about 8" in length and 2" wide [at opening].

Wouldn't these look great displayed on a bookshelf, mantel or coffee table?  Maybe...perched on a stack of books or in a bowl?  The possibilities are endless....

New Orleans Iron Grate

New Orleans Iron Grate

$50

I found this piece at an antique store in New Orleans and just thought the colors and the graphic shape were too interesting to pass up.  I'm not exactly sure what it is??  Possibly it was used as a grate of some kind inside the home?  Or maybe it was part of a classic New Orleans-style wrought iron gate?

The green and red you see are paint remnants that remain very vibrant despite its obvious age.  The other surfaces are definitely rusting and [in some parts] flaking, but that is definitely where the charm comes in, as well.

I can see this hung on the wall just like any other work of "art" myself.  But it could certainly add some visual interest propped up just about anywhere.

Measurements:
14" x 8 1/2" x 1"