Archive for the ‘vintage’ Category
Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

When my mom got married, the “rainbow wedding” was so in vogue. Asking your best ladies to don different colored pastel dresses was all the rage. Somehow, the different-but-similar look can still be pulled off quite well if you have a good eye & know where to find just the right kind of frilly, flouncy 1950s party dress.
A glance at these and my, oh my, bridesmaids or otherwise, who wouldn’t love to jump into one of these & head off somewhere exciting in a pink Cadillac convertible? They’re from the etsy shop of The Ritzy Rose, a design-minded gal from NY who moved to Ohio (whereas, I grew up in Ohio then moved to NY) & now pursues many passions incluing her online store. She’s just getting started on etsy; I can’t wait to see where she goes. Three of my favorites are below: a First Dance penant flag for the flower girl to carry; a vintage brooch bridal bouquet; and a vintage pink silk chiffon 1950s party dress. (Too big for me or it would already be sold…)

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Monday, August 23rd, 2010
Always a fan of “use it at the bridal shower/rehearsal dinner/wedding then use it back at home” concept, I nearly fell over when I opened the latest NapaStyle catalog to discover this jumble of vintage silverware stamped with a monogram. A 20-piece set (four place settings of a fork, knife, teaspoon, salad fork & soup spoon) of vintage monogrammed silverware, now clean, polished & perfectly mismatched into a set that’s as one of a kind as any family who uses it.
As the copy reads… “Just like your guests, each piece is one-of-a-kind, brought together by a single, elegant, unifying mark. A perfect gift for weddings, anniversaries and housewarmings, choose one initial and we’ll have it cleanly stamped on the handle of each piece. The utensils are genuine silver-plated and up to 90 years old – gathered from estate sales, vintage markets and antique stores all over the US and Europe.” Sold. I’ll photograph the full set when mine arrives so you can see! $169 for a 20-piece set. {Tip: Sign up for their newsletter & receive $10 off your first order.}
From the same company & also wedding-ready, authentic vintage utensils from the 1920s and ’30s sold as vintage silverware by the pound. Search no more for the ideal tableware for your vintage-style wedding celebration. Extra sets make splendid gifts after the big day, tied together with French ribbon & a letterpress card. Order more than one set of personalized silverware to combine your first initials with your last. Dreamy!!!
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Wednesday, August 18th, 2010
Recognize that vintage tea stand with the pink butterfly on top? How thrilled was I to see it featured on etsy’s front page last Friday morning? We’ll be adding more to the shoppe very soon, just in time for the holidays…
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Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

Salvaged mason jars have been hugely popular for rustic weddings for a while now. They do have an obvious yet practical charm.
We usually see them spilling over with blooming wildflowers or gleaming en masse filled with crushed ice & watermelon lemonade.
This time, they’re twinkling a soft yellow-orange above, set against a turning sky like fireflies at dusk.
Not to fuel a trend, but lovely is lovely.
And these we couldn’t resist.
Straight from the wholesome midwest & ready to hang; $38 for six upcycled glass jar lanterns, string of lights & hooks by treasureagain on etsy.
Posted in green, vintage | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, August 4th, 2010

Yesterday I picked up an adorable vintage card from a little etsy shop called Vintage Arts Supplies. Now you can visit it, too…
I know my Sweetie would love to find one mailed to his office or left by his razor. But ephemera like these others from Marsh’s shop also make treasured save the dates, thank yous, or ”Will you be my bridesmaid?” notes.
These reclaimed blasts-from-the-past are eco-friendly, too. Add ribbons, buttons, glitter & your own sweet sentiments.
They’re just a few dollars each, no more than a store-bought card. And someone has carefully stored them all these years just for you. The feel, the scent, the old-fashioned artwork… there’s nothing like sending (or receiving!) a little vintage card.
Posted in green, vintage | 1 Comment »
Monday, August 2nd, 2010
One of the best things about our new vintage tea & cupcake stands is that you can use either of the 2 tiers of a 3-tiered stand to create a smaller display in a more everyday size.
Say you & hubby are having an afternoon snack some Saturday. Well, why not serve it up on vintage china?!
The other day I decided to indulge in Nilla wafer sandwiches with lemon frosting inside. They looked quite happy sitting there on a two-tier cake stand, assembled with just the top and middle plates of a 3-tier stand.
One thing I discovered, though, that has nothing to do with vintage china tea stands at all: Nilla wafers make no mention of vanilla on the box! Not real vanilla extract, not vanilla beans, not vanilla-esque flavoring or otherwise. I’m still filled with shock & awe.
Truly, it was dismaying. I moved on to adding Nutella between the wafers to cheer myself up.
If you’re a fan of s’mores, you may also have noticed lately that the Honey Maid graham crackers are NOT the same recipe we all remember from growing up. Is nothing sacred? Does nothing last? At least vintage china stands will remain the same year after year, no matter what you serve upon them.
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Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

We’ve just added a few new vintage clutch purses to the shoppe, so it seemed like a good time to showcase them together. No fashionable 1950s girl would have left the house for a special evening out without a beaded handbag at her side. Over the past year, we’ve featured bridal-beautiful bags from Germany, Belgium, France & Japan — some of the most popular places of origin for these collectible accessories. Artisans of the era hand-beaded intricate designs, usually over the entire clutch, which was often handmade as well. The craftsmanship shows; the quality can be felt when you carry one. For vintage-inspired weddings, beaded handbags are a not-to-miss touch that marries well with any gown. They pair well with jeans after the big day, too…
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Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

We agree with Erika Firm of Delphine Studio. Our handcrafted vintage tea stands are not only a special touch on the table for cupcakes & treats, but on the vanity for macaron soaps too! Look at this sweet little pairing on her blog today.
As a talented eco-conscious artist with a cult following for her lettpress lovelies (some our favorites are her lamb and fawn gift tags/place cards), we’re thrilled she chose to feature this stand.
It’s still available as of this morning… see the 3 tiers of decadent, gilt-edged European china on Alice Finds a Cobalt Room blue cupcake stand, $145.
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Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

I’m not the only one who loves the retro touch of His & Hers pillowcases propped up on a nicely made bed. Room Service Home catalog presents this 300 thread count version in a modern script font. As much as I like the look & feel of a pair of crisp cotton vintage embroidered pillowcases with a crochet edge, I have true affection for this updated version of the classic as well. Made in India, His and Hers pillowcase set, $49.
If you are in the market for the real deal, we just added this authentic pair: a Mr. & Mrs. pillowcase set for the vintage-honeymoon-style boudoir.
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Monday, July 12th, 2010

At the risk of becoming unpopular, I freely admit I am not a fan of the “trash the dress” trend. Seeing beautiful gowns in water & mud & paint, even when done artistically in amazing photographs, always leaves me a little sad. With the eco-movement in full swing—not to be hip, but for our planet’s survival—I’m still surprised to see bridal gowns forever retired after just one wear. Absolutely, each bride is entitled to do as she pleases and what feels good & right to her surrounding her wedding and beyond. For me, though, I say. “Save those dresses!” These vintage confections are just seven reasons why. If they had been trashed, no one would ever have the exciting chance to slip them on again… If you act fast, some might still be yours next.
Clockwise from top left: Vintage 1950s blue oragandy party dress with lace, net and tulle; Vintage 1970s hippie-style white Mexican dress with lace inserts & bell sleeves; Vintage 1960s Jackie O.-style shift dress in light pink with silver & white diamond detail; Vintage 1950s white chantilly lace gown with Gone With the Wind style & lace rosettes; Vintage 1960s flapper-style dress with lace bodice, dropped waist & chiffon skirt; Vintage 1960s chiffon Greek goddess gown with pleated skirt, rhinestones & beading; Vintage 1950s tulle & blue chantilly lace strapless gown with silk velvet bow.
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