To You, From Me

When it comes to valentines, vintage is always better.  

J xx

Blackbird Vintage

It's official. I'm in love with a boutique called Blackbird Vintage located in the Distillery District.  It showcases everything that vintage is loved for:  character and nostalgia.  I was in heaven perusing through the Christmas baubles, vintage vignettes and strategically placed antiques.  Everything in this shop is a vision - you'll want it all.  It was vintage with an edge.  L.O.V.E.  For more on Blackbird Vintage, click here. 

J xx

Storefront

The Man of the House

Majestic Antlers

Vintage Christmas Tree Toppers

Vintage Vignette

Cameo Love

I adore these earrings I picked up on a recent trip to Vancouver.  Since then, I've been spotting all things cameo and lusting hardcore!

J xx

C A M E O S

Crush Cul de Sac

Ebay

Pinterest

Inspired Design

Erie Basin

Just Look and Be Amazed

Sugar Sack

When I found this old Redpath cotton sugar sack at a flea market back home, I knew I had to have it because it was such a great piece of vintage advertising.  So, I got rid of my defective wall clock and replaced it with my sugar sack.  I stapled the sack to a 15" x 30" art canvas and voila!  Well actually it wasn't that simple; I had to meticulously tug and pull the fabric in order to staple it into place.  But the time and effort was worth it.  It looks exactly how I'd hoped!

J xx

Old Finds

Found this baby on Etsy and had to have it.  You may think this is a rusted piece of junk, but this antique detergent container from the 40s is every bit as chic as the French lady it features.  The maker is El Camino Petroleum Co. 1946, Los Angeles, California.  I couldn't find any info on this company, which likely means it's long gone - which makes me love it even more!

Then I scored this vintage 50s Hand-i-Sift flour sifter made by Androck from a flea market back home.  Good old dad bought this one for me, convinced the lady to drop the price and voila - all mine!  Plus pops also bought me an old Redpath cotton sugar sack which I'll show you soon...once I'm finished doing what I'm doing with it.  Stay tuned!

J xx

Caboodles Comeback

In honor of Caboodles making a comeback (it's true!!!), I call upon my fellow ladies of the '80s and propose that you get your girlfriends together and have a 'blast from the past' slumber party! Play Dream Phone, rent Sixteen Candles, swap makeup from your Caboodles cases and this time - drink cocktails!  Before you end the night, share your favorite passages from the original Sweet Valley High book series. Which Wakefield twin did you idolize?  Jessica...definitely Jessica. Click here to see the 1991 Milton Bradley commercial for Dream Phone.

J xx

Retro Dive Girl

This is pretty spectacular. How cute are these Retro Dive Girls from Cottage & Bungalow?! They remind me of The Jantzen Swim Girl Icon which I've always loved! These hand-painted and distressed divers come with hanging hardware and as shown here, look so charming in a cottage bathroom - or any bathroom that dares to be this much fun! I'm sold!

J xx

Halston Heritage

Oh, Sarah. Why am I not surprised you are the chosen one. Because really, anyone with a pulse would ask you to head up their label; they know you come bearing the style aspirations of millions of fashion hungry women. This isn't so much a smart business move, as it is plain old common sense.  Sarah Jessica Parker has been appointed Chief Creative Officer of Halston Heritage, a contemporary fashion and accessory line inspired by iconic beauties of the '70's. Here's Sarah wearing two of the gorgeous frocks in scenes from the upcoming and widely anticipated Sex and the City 2. Genius, right? The disco-chic collection exclusive to The Bay is available now. No word yet on the price range; though, many would argue price is of little significance when a piece of 'Carrie' is at stake.

J xx

Match Striker

A match striker. Beyond a matchbook, who knew such a thing existed and could be transformed into a lovely decorative object such as this one. These baubles hold your matches and have a rough patch to strike a match on. I did some research and found that match strikers are highly collectable items.  And let me tell you, there are some really funny looking antique ones that can set you back upwards of $200. Apparently they were once common objects used at home and at work, but are now largely a thing of the past having been replaced by gas lighters. Nina Campbell has modernized the match striker with her hand blown glass collection. Pretty little things, aren't they?

J xx

stoRE envy

I found this fantastic, unique, wish-I-would-have-thought-it shop called RE, located in Corbridge, Northumberland, England.  I don't know why I get myself excited about a shop I'll likely never step foot in, but at least they have an online shop I can visit. I just love the concept for this store! Shop owners Simon and Jenny categorize their products by "REcent finds, some raRE or REmarkable, some REcycled, some REscued and REstored.  And the name RE? It's a found object itself. Two large metal letters bought in a Paris flea market" hang as the storefront sign.  Of course! How charmingly serendipitous.

J xx

Be My Valentine

Image: Two Crazy Crafters

Gone are the days of valentines with simple illustrations, sweet messages of love and silly jokes that make us blush and say 'golly!' Nowadays, your choice of valentines is limited to the highest grossing pop star or animated feature film. Don't get me wrong - Miley's 'way cool' and Buzz Lightyear is the most high-tech 'space ranger' I've ever seen; but giving a Miley valentine to a Selena Gomez fan is a surefire way to find yourself in a pickle when the bell rings! Needless to say, I miss the simplicity of vintage valentines. Click to Indigo.ca to purchase vintage-style press-out cards by Golden Books if you do too.

J xx

A Very Vintage Valentine

I am inspired by this lovely 1930s Valentine's Day card, one of many antique greeting cards that my father has collected from flea markets and antique dealers. The best part of buying a lot of old greeting cards is the handwritten messages you might find still legible inside the cards. To a collector this may reduce their value, but to a romantic it increases their worth exponentially!

What is it about all things old-fashion that make me feel brand new? I can't put my finger on it... I get this feeling of exhilaration that can only be compared to first love. Those butterflies and that feeling of not giving away too much too soon.  The sweetness of cotton candy, those pretty decorative edges, that watercolor dreaminess.  Ok, so I think I've answered my own question.

Valentine's day is the perfect occasion to wrap up something old-fashion and give to your loved ones. Buying antique goods may require a fair bit of research and effort, so if you lack motivation or can't find the time, consider purchasing modern items with an old-fashion aesthetic.

J xx

My picks: (from left) Williams-Sonoma, Message-in-a-Cookie Cutters, Cavallini & Co., Carte Postale Vintage New York, and Anthropologie, Monochrome Dinnerware.