It’s been a busy week, so welcome back. Today I wanted to show you some of the stuff I bought at the Country Living Fair last weekend and my trek through the Hudson valley antique places, and share with you my two favorite rules for shopping for vintage.
First off, let me just say, there is a part of me that follows no rules. Like, I just do what I want. But honestly, I was a very obedient child. And since both of my beloved parents have passed, who can dispute that?
I am also a good citizen, so no one is getting crazy and not following laws around here (however, I have TP’ed my fair share of houses). My rule breaking extends more in the design world. But here we go with some crazy rules!
Rule 1: If you love it + can afford it, it should be yours
This rule supersedes any prior rule of ‘already having enough’. Who thought of that anyway? Sounds like a bad idea to me, borrrrrring. But the caveat is obviously “affordability”. I only ever buy what I can afford. I don’t believe in debt, so when I am waving my credit card around in reckless abandon, it is only because I actually have the funds saved to pay for it when the bill comes. So that is like a “sub-rule” (is that a word?)
That is one of the reasons I LOVE VINTAGE! Sure, you can go crazy and spend way too much, but also, if you develop your eye, you can get some really good crap for cheap. And frankly, you would be correct if your brain ever goes to “they just don’t make things like they used to.”
When curating that comfortable home, the one that looks fabulously lived in and storied, adding vintage will get you on the fast track to a great look. So buy what you love, what catches your eye, what is meaningful to your life’s story, and what will get you excited every time you look at it.
Do not ever stop to ask yourself “where will I put this?” That’s a rookie mistake. If you love it, like really looooove it, you will find a place for it. Probably near all the other stuff you really adore.
Rule 2: Make a shopping list, then don’t follow it
I know, I make total sense, don’t I? What I mean is, if you are looking for something specific (as I was) make your list. Then you have to not stick to it, because if you only go thinking about something like ‘wool Pendleton blankets’ then you will be sooooo focused only looking at textiles, that you might miss that gem that you could love.
So I keep a shopping list in my pocket (at a big show) if I am wanting something specific, and then I just go and enjoy. Because I need the wind to take me to things I may have overlooked if I was being so crazy and focused.
I know this has happened to you….like the one time you go to the mall looking for a certain dress for an event, all of the sudden there aren’t any in sight. You are looking too hard. So let the mood lead you to what will make your space or wardrobe unique and more “you”. Get what you want/need, but stay open to the amazing!
What I found at the fair
Okay, last week when I went, I had my little list in my pocket. Here’s what was on it:
- brass candlesticks
- butter pats
- English stuff
What I don’t need? Throw pillows, because I have waaaayy too many. But when I find a really good vendor that makes really nice pillows from cool vintage textiles, stuffed with new down inserts, I always indulge a bit. So I bought two pillows. This also became great filler in packing my box I would bring everything home in. So it was an easy rationalization.
Accomplishing things on the list
So I hit the jackpot on some really cool brass candlesticks for decent prices. I got a good variety on the size, and the skinny one with the large base (in the middle) would become an excellent weapon if I ever found myself face to face with a home intruder. It is incredibly solid and heavy!
The fat ones will be good for pillar candles, and I was excited to get a good mix to use all over the house. This place seems like it might really want some romantic candlelight in the winter. I always try to give the house what it wants!
I only found 3 butter pats. Not sure why they are suddenly so hard to find, so if you live in an area that has an over abundance, let me know! I may need a road trip!
The main event was when I found my “English stuff”. First, meet Harry and Sally. Larger than they look, about 12-13 inches tall.
Hubby took one look at these, and this was the conversation:
Hubby: What are these? Me: Dogs (yes, I am snarky). Hubby: Why? Me: Why not? Hubby: Ummmmm. Me: They’re Staffordshire dogs. Every English house needs a pair. Hubby: Oh (seems confused) Me: Dude, you’re English, that’s why.
Hahaha! I do love them soooo much! The dogs and hubby.
The other English stuff I found was some small pottery, silver plate serving flatware, and a proper Victorian era teapot (only $22 due to the repair on the spout, but I never mind imperfections. None of us are perfect.)
Adding to my current collections
I also bought floral vintage art (see the picture in last week’s post), breadboards (love the one that is bread shaped), a wood box with brass details (only $14), and a brass spoon for the rail.
One of the shops that I stopped at after the fair, was super dirty and gross. Everything was covered in dust. Sometimes those places are fun and you can find bargains. Other times they are just gross. But I do gross. So I found a cute little silver plate bread tray for $7 and a nice little wicker demijohn for $5.
Both got soaked and cleaned up in the hotel bathtub that night. All the dirt can stay behind in New York, no need to bring any of that home.
I know I am forgetting a few things, but all in all, I call it a success. Later I will often put a little sticker on the bottom of an item, once I am home, so I remember where I bought it and when. It’s all about the story, like picking up pebbles and shells along the beach. Everything makes its way home.
Projects at home
All week I have been working on finishing up the sunroom/dining room. I was doing the paneling and all the trim and got everything dialed in. I am still working on the window seats for that whole back wall.
Also waiting on the contractor to show back up and hang the drywall sheets on the ceiling, which will get plastered for that English beam and plaster ceiling look. Then we can paint and hang some light fixtures!
The front door got some trim love too. More pics to come. I really need to have a caulking and fill party so I can get painting again and start styling everything. Living with too many things undone is getting old (insert heavy eye roll here).
Shopping therapy
The weather is changing, so I have been living in sweatshirts. I love this one. Bought it bigger in gray and that dark green, so it’s like one you borrowed from your slightly hot boyfriend. I don’t have one of those, but it could be from my slightly hot hubby. I wear it nonstop with my favorite pants that are always on repeat. Have you bought a pair yet? What are you waiting for?
It’s time to bust out the slow cooker and start making those low simmer all day meals that make the house smell delicious! If you need a new one, guess which designer made some adorable ones? Always a classic! I love the blue and white one, of course.
And guess who is back at your favorite big box store? This is a long awaited return and her products have lasted for decades. Lord only knows how much I bought the first time around.
Okay friends, that is it for me this week. What do you think of all my finds from the fair? What would you have brought home? Tell me in the comments below.
I’ll be back next week with more progress! See you then.
