Timeless Design

From my first foray into vintage clothing until now, I've loved the classic yet fun designs of Vera Neumann. For a few dollars, I could instantly make my bland outfit bold and sassy using a scarf from her collection.
Stunning Orange Vera Scarf, Available on Rubylane

Vera began her business in her NYC apartment alongside her partner & husband George Neumann. This first foray was placemats which they sold to the B. Altman department store. Her patterns were an immediate success thus encouraging Vera to try different items, such as tablecloths and other kitchen ware. In the 1960s, she began designing her fabulous scarves.

Vera for Anthropologie

What an inspiration to women entreprenuers! From her humble beginnings to her amazing success, Vera is a wonderful story of how one woman (and her husband) can make it!



Vera for Anthropologie

Vera combined colors in new and exciting ways - Certainly not your grandmother's scarves (unless you have an uber hip grannie and thus I salute you)!
Whimsical animal Vera Scarf, available here

Anthropologie has now commissioned the Vera company to make some exclusive items for their stores and catalogues. Anthro is my favorite store and it only makes sense that they too appreciate the Vera designs.


Lovely Poppy long scarf, available here

Even Vera's signature is artistic and refreshing... One of her icons is the lady bug, which she chose as her trademark to symbolize "good luck, long life and happiness."

I personally feel Vera's designs are currently under valued. Many are available online for less than $10. An original piece of artwork for $10- What a bargain! I believe her vintage items will become more valuable in the up coming years, especially since savvy stores like Anthropologie are taking notice of Vera designs.

Here's hoping you find a Vera treasure in your thriftin' forays...

Resting in Peace

One of my favorite things to do when in an older city is visit their graveyards. Today, this may seem a little strange; however, in the 19th century, this is exactly what these resting places were arranged for. A movement to make graveyards more appealing and a place to wander happened in the mid 1800s. This transition started first in England and then became the norm here in the states. The cemetery became a place where you would take a leisurely stroll, much like a park. As one meanders through the paths, specific iconography can be seen. Common elements such as flowers and angels abound.For instance, an open flower typically means the deceased was older while a small bud represents an early death. Wheat sheaves refer to the "pruning" of God's chosen ones (think of the wheat and chaff dichotomy). Stumps and wood are generally associated with Masonic members. Lambs represent the young and innocent.

There are several interesting books on this topic. I specifically recommend Stories in Stone: The Complete Guide to Cemetery Symbolism. The pictures are wonderful, and the text is very interesting.

I hope you've enjoyed this little "stroll". Hopefully you'll now take more than a passing fancy to the graveyards when traveling to a new city.

All photographs used in this post are from Oakdale in Wilmington, N.C. I highly recommend visiting this cemetery - It has some of the best carvings I have seen outside of Vermont and Massachusetts.

Pandora's Box

I have a confession to make... I'm a huge fan and hoarder of antique jewelry boxes - The jewelry can come or go but it's the boxes I must have!

Some of my favorites are European, such as the leather one from Berlin; however, the purple hued from Ohio is the closest to my heart - I'm a velvet girl. Another favorite is the leather ring box from Lynchburg, VA- So neat and tiny!

When I buy these, I always say "It's for display" but then I hide them in my office so that only I can see them... For what happens when someone asks the inevitable question "What would you take for this?" With that, I'd have to claim "Your first born child"! A "little" dramatic but you get the picture.
I have no idea what possessed me to collect these little gems... I just know that my heart sings whenever I find one. Recently, while shopping at Gresham Lake Antique Mall, I found a big stash for sale (as if someone was cleaning out their obsession). So many boxes, so little time. I must have bought at least 4 and went back to ponder over several more!
Another aspect of these boxes is their advertising appeal. What a great way to keep your store in someone's mind. Every time they open the box for that special piece of jewelry, they will remember you and your other merchandise. A valuable lesson for all retailers - The packaging and presentation can add significant face value to your product.

So, what makes your heart skip a beat? What collectible do you secretly (or not so secretly) hoard?

A Toast...

Thought I would share some lovely old wine labels from my collection. So elegant and refined, don't you think?
The colors are especially vivid; They would make lovely collage pieces ...

bits of this... and bits of that...

This past weekend, Laura and I did our 2nd show together in the front "parlor" of Ornamentea. We've been working for weeks to get the right items for our crafty clientele and I do think we succeeded! Many of our regulars came alongside new friends...
I decided to go random with my half and make it look delightfully eclectic (just like Moi). I used a variety of lifts and props for interest - Notice Aqua Girl and the adorable vintage doll furniture. A close-up of a fabulous little purse and a pair of antique spectacles- Both of which sold!
More randomness - Lots of buttons, lace, postcards, and books all waiting to be used as a medium in wonderfully quirky artwork. As always, buttons continue to be the #1 seller at our shows. Buttons are great because they come with a "built in" attachment, be it a molded or applied shank. They make great earrings and charms. Additionally, they can liven up a dull outfit. Simply remove said boring buttons and use vintage beauties instead!Now it's time to tidy up my booth at Gresham Lake and get to working on my Rubylane and Etsy shops. Ah, such is the life of an obsessive antiquer!

*Be sure to check back mid week to see new stock in my online stores!*

Past Lives

Sometimes looking at an old photograph can bring back the most poignant of memories. Maybe your crazy Uncle Vern or your beloved baby cousin Prudence... Whatever the case, many of us collect old images simply for the sheer delight. Let's meet the above little miss... Wearing her best dress and made to look like a true living doll. Her French background makes her all the more intriguing and wonderful. Her clothing probably weighs more than she does!
Take this little boy for instance ... What is his story? Did he just get a proper suit or perhaps a new pair of spectacles. He wonders, "What will my friends think? Will they pick on me or accept me for my new attire?" "Will I be picked last for the sport teams now?"
Last, but not least, we have the rebellious flapper with her short bob and cloche. What a fabulous fashion statement! Just think how she felt walking down the streets in the 20s, a new powerful presence exhibiting what women can and will do.

I hope you've enjoyed meeting some of my friends... I love studying images such as these and I'll be posting more as time goes on. I also have some great wine labels to share so stay tuned:)