Shop Local, Part I

I'm not really participating in the holidays this year, I decided to give myself a break from all the stress. I had no intention of shopping on Black Friday, but I found myself wanting to go out.  So I made a very wise decision, and shopped local.  I think we should all make more of an effort to support the small business owners in our community, not just during the holidays, but all year long.  In fact, I've been making more of an effort to support artisans and local business owners in decorating my apartment.  Believe me, once you start shopping local, you lose your taste for mass produced items. They look too common, and cost too much.

I had the pleasure of discovering The Bomb Shelter on Black Friday.  This place is totally fun, and you can find something completely unexpected for your place, at a reasonable price.

I can't believe this is in East Akron!  It's a cool neighborhood after all.  The place is huge!  15,000 square feet.  I was so fascinated, I did my best to see everything.

When I walked in the door, I was greeted by a large neon letter, a bitching car and an alien wearing a Christmas ribbon.  Far out.

There are interesting objects everywhere.  The place is big, and there's a lot of stuff, but it's well organized.

My brother and his family need this light for their mantel.  It might appear under their Christmas tree, but shhh...don't tell them.

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Fabulous one-of-a-kind propeller table and lamp created by Damon Drummond, one of the proprietors of the shop. If you're into found objects, there are many industrial remnants that would work perfectly as sculpture.

I kept wishing I had a loft to decorate.  This flood lamp would be perfect in an industrial loft, and is reasonably priced.  I have to go back and get some photos of coffee tables.  If you are in the market for a new coffee table - this is the place for you!  There are many interesting and unique coffee tables and at reasonable prices.

For some reason I fell in love with these cement planters.  I'd love to have one for my balcony.  Kinda heavy, though, not sure how I'd get it upstairs.

There are tons of vintage marquee letters!

And vintage stereos!

The vintage TV section is amazing!  My nephews would love this place, I hope to take them here on their break from school.  I can't wait to go back!  I did buy a little something, stay tuned to see what it is.

Window Shopping, Vol. I

I mentioned in my post below that I shopped at Sweet Lorain in Cleveland yesterday.  I just had to show you a couple of sofas that I fell in love with.

Dig this two piece orange sofa!  Gorgeous!  I love that corner.  I love mid century modern.  This would look so fab in my place.  At $750 it's reasonably priced, it's sturdy and well made.  They just don't make them like that any more.  But it's not in my budget.  Oh well.  I'm sure it will sell quickly.

Look at this deco sofa and chair.  So cute!  Love the shape.  Love the low sale.  I can imagine stretching out on this to watch a movie.  Of course, I'd fill it with lots of pillows.  Also dig that coffee table and that standing lamp.  I might have to go back for that lamp.

Good Things are Happening in Cleveland

Vinyl is enjoying a resurgence.  Many new bands are producing their albums on vinyl records, and a lot of the classics are being remastered.  Of course, vinyl never lost its popularity among pro-analog audiophiles.  So whether you are new to vinyl, or a die hard vinyl fan, you will be excited about the opening of this new store in Cleveland.

 

The store is being run by three of the coolest guys I know:  James, Kendall and Tony.  Tony is a long-time friend and is responsible for the vinyl section.  He's the most knowledgeable guy in Cleveland in the genres of 60s music, San Francisco music, sunshine pop and psychedelic. There's lots of other cool things in the store  too, including vintage clothing, jewelry, cameras and furniture to name a few.  Stop by to say hello, buy something unique for your pad or just hang out!  Hope to see you there!

 

I want these mod tiki-inspired cups.

That's my Beatles poster above the counter.  It's not for sale, but it's worth seeing it's so awesome.

 

Here's my gratuitous plug - that's my mid-century inspired painting in the background of the window.  It is for sale.  Also notice that mannequin - isn't it the coolest?  I want it!

Thrift Thursday!

Do you ever find yourself hoarding money?  I do.  When I get fearful.  I really haven't been spending money lately.  Luckily, I like to keep my place simple and clutter free.  But sometimes you have to spend a little to keep the flow going.  Such was my justification when I went to a couple of garage sales recently.  I've been doing a little Spring cleaning lately, so there was definitely room for a couple of new vases.  And I like to support the neighbors, so I think of it as tithing.  Oh gosh, there I go trying to justify treating myself.  We all deserve a treat now and then.  Here's some of my new loot.

 A couple of vintage toys.  I believe the pig is German.  The girl is from the Avon It's a Small World collection.  I think they are adorable.  As you know, that's my thing.  Toys.  And - oh yeah - vases.

I spotted this horribly neglected and very dusty canvas, and at first thought it was a painting.  Turns out it's fabric.  There is label on the back which says "Cherry Blossom designed by Sue Titcher."  My intent was to add paint to the fabric.  I've always wanted to do that, kind of build up a pattern on fabric by adding texture.  However, it looks like I have a buyer for the print.

Red candle holder and two matte green vases from the McCoy Floraline collection.  I may have a buyer for the two pieces of McCoy.

I don't smoke, but I love the atomic shape of vintage ashtrays.  This one is especially interesting as it has a place to store a pack of cigarettes.  I will probably keep a cute lighter in the compartment, I love candles and my lighter never seems to be handy.  It has an interesting mark on the bottom.  It doesn't appear to be the maker, but rather signed by the owner, which I find charming.  All this loot cost $20.00 and I will probably make a profit on the print and the two vases.  Not bad.  What about you dear readers?  Have you found anything interesting at your local garage sales?

Inspiration is Everywhere, Part III

Today in my travels I came across these pieces at a wonderful store named Sweet Lorain. The lovely new owner was very patient with me, he let me play and rearrange. It was great fun. If I were rich I would have bought all these pieces. They would look great in an atomic ranch. Oh well, they are now part of my virtual collection. I adore the Italian inspired day bed and the mod turquoise lamps. I also adore the coffee and end tables. I am not familiar with this style. They were a very light weight laminate. If you can identify the designer of these pieces, please email me.

Out and About, Vol. I

Last weekend I felt well enough to explore some antique shops. Hooray! If you are reading this blog, please take a moment to contemplate a day without physical pain. If you're not in pain, you might take it for granted. But I am here to tell you, that a day without pain is a joyous thing indeed. Tomorrow, if you wake up and you feel no pain, remember to feel grateful.

Don't hate me because I have a beautiful bag. A day of thrifting necessitates carrying a lovely bag. This one fit the bill just right. With my matching silver ballet slippers, I was just too cute.

First stop. My favorite vintage store.

They always have the best dressed mannequins. Dig that hot pink dress and orange shoes.

They have great pottery.

I've been looking for a good reading chair. I love the high back of this one. And I love the color. Those pillows look great with the purple. I don't like the wood on the arms, though.

Second stop. There's a new store in town called Big Fun. They buy and sell old toys. And they have a whole lot more - ahem - fun stuff.

They had a ton of cool stickers.

The ceiling was painted by local artists.

And two cute guys work there! The guy to the left has the most bitchin' dreads down to his ass. I was totally tempted by a Gary Baseman lunch box, not sure why.

Third stop. A new antique store. The guy has a fantastic collection of pottery. Needless to say - I was in heaven.

The big blue vase is a student piece. The speckled white ones tempted me greatly. But they are not really my aesthetic. But still, they are gorgeous...

Fourth stop. Pier one. Where I forced SNL to buy a ceramic bird for her bedroom. I felt very strongly that she needed it.

See what I mean? Isn't it cute? It was made in Vietnam.

I bought a cute little wooden box to keep my pink chopsticks in. Every girl needs pink chopsticks.

A trip to the vintage store

I went to my favorite vintage store today! It's always such a treat, so when I need a pick me up, that's where I go.

They always have plenty of pottery and art glass, so it's heaven for me.

Look at this beauty that was hiding in the back. Love it! An orange sofa would fit right in my place.

And dig this Eastman print.

And yellow art deco teapot. Never seen one like it.

I've been feeling like I need to add yellow to my decor.

So I broke down and bought one of these yellow pillows. It's been a long time since I bought myself something.

Even the bag they put it in was a work of art!

Here's the pillow at home in my living room with a couple of my new paintings. Now I am on the hunt for a purple velvet slipper chair, because this room needs a touch of purple. Surprising how much color I'm using these days. It sure does become addicting.