2014 Vintage Purchase(s) #16: Decor

After missing the last three Alameda antique shows, I finally made it back. I was actually concerned that it would be cancelled due to the recent rainfalls, but the weather was very kind today.

This flea market is HUGE. I would say that it's about a three mile walk if you meander through every single row, all the way to the back (and I always do). Because of the myriad goods available, you need to know what you want to buy. At least that's my method. I stick to a "to buy" list and won't let myself purchase anything else. However, if there is something else I like, I make a mental note of it. If I don't find what I'm looking for, then I'll purchase it at the end of my first walk through. I do that because what if later down the line I find what I want, and I've already blown money on something else? Of course, I run the risk of not finding anything on my "to buy" list and whatever it is I found earlier may have been purchased my another buyer. To that I say, "If it's there when I get back, then cool. If not, then it wasn't meant to be."

I've been looking for the following: an antique hand mirror, bathroom wall decor, McKee salt/pepper shakers for my kitchen and any vintage linen for my dining table. 

And here is what I found:

I finally got my hand mirror that hails from the 1940s. It is silver, has an Art Nouveau design and is quite heavy. These tend to run for at least $75 whether it's at a flea market, brick/mortar store, or online. I got this for $15. Why it was so cheap, I don't know. It's in very good condition. But I won't complain.

I really wanted some old wall art for my bathroom. I was looking for mermaids, and this seller had them, but she was charging $35 each piece (and there were 3 in the set). These two pictured above was price at $30 total. Considering that my restroom is green, I decided to buy them. There is plenty of wall space left for me to find other wall art. I want to say this is from the 1950s, but the girlie fish has a hairstyle that emulates the 1940s. Hmmm...not sure. It is definitely a heavy ceramic.

Overall, it was a good antique hunt in Alameda. Though there are a few weekends left in the year, it's quite possible that these may be my final antique/vintage purchases of the year. There will be fewer estate sales due to the Christmas holiday. But we'll see what the small antique shops have available. Until next time...