2014 Vintage Purchase(s) #15: Furniture Galore

November seems to have a been a big month for vintage/antique purchases. Earlier in the month, I had bought two vintage daydresses and 1936 toaster. Since moving into my new apartment (which is in fact and old 1920s building), I've been looking for more antique decor. On my must-have list was a dining bench and a mirror to go with my art deco dresser. Well, indeed I found them at an antique store in San Mateo (with very reasonable prices). 

The mirror has to be from the early 20th century (Edwardian?). I did a few of the tests that date a mirror and if true, then it could date back to the 19th century. I don't think it's that old, though, especially for the deal that I got. It also looks as if it was once part of a dresser as observed by a hole on the bottom. Regardless, it looks great hanging above my dresser.

My parents brought me a kitchen table they found at their local second-hand shops. I doubt it's antique, but it was still cute enough to put in my kitchen. It came with only two chairs, so I was set on finding a bench. It was hard to find one with the correct length. Most are over 4 feet long. I needed one at just beyond 3 feet. What I found was an old piano bench. The seat lifts for a compartment that stored sheet music. It doesn't match the table, and I'm at odds on whether or not to paint it. What I will be doing, though, is making the bench softer by adding some foam and  wrapping it in antique linen. Stay tuned for that one.

After buying these two pieces, my mom happened upon an old quit. She thought it would go very well with my bed. Indeed it is beautiful. Upon inspection, it's quite obvious that this was done by hand. Imagine the time, effort and dedication to creating such a beautiful piece. My late grandmother also made quilts. As I admire this work of art, I'm brought back to the summers and winters spent at my grandma's house in California's Central Valley. I miss her.

The crocheted quilt is my grandma's creation.

Speaking of my grandmother, I asked my parents to bring up her old cabinet. I wanted something nice (and antique) to store my printer and printing supplies.

The last item below was something of an "upcycled" project. As I was researching DIY benches, I came across some photos of old cabinets doubling as both an end-table and dog house. The more typical style was the hexagonal shaped cabinets. My grandmother also had one of those at her house. I believe one of my cousins has it. I searched several thrift shops and estate sales before finally purchasing one at the San Bruno Salvation Army; it was only $7.50! I removed the doors and stained the wood. Then I placed DaisyBell's bedding before she hopped in and napped away. I think it suits her well.

Since it is Christmas season, I purchased a small tree from one of the tree farms in Half Moon Bay and placed it atop the cabinet.

For now, I am holding off purchasing any new furniture. I think I'll start looking into more vintage linen. Stay tuned.

2014 Vintage Purchase #14: More Day Dresses

I couldn't help myself. I said I was only going to look, but you see such cute vintage dresses for the right price! I had to have them.  

Yes indeed, it's that time of year again! The biannual Alameda Pointe Vintage Fashion Faire. Vintage sellers from around The Bay Area descend upon the Michaan Auction building to both showcase and sell their inventory. My favorite sellers were there: Skirt Chaser Vintage, Chick-a-boom Vintage, Hot Couture, all of whom I've purchased from in recent years (though with Skirt Chaser, I've purchased from the lovely Ms. Christina since her e-bay days over 10 years ago). I was bummed not to see another favorite seller; Roads Less Travelled. (Where are you, Tracy?) 

IF I was going to purchase anything, it would only be day dresses. I have so many evening dresses, but I can't wear those to work. I did catch myself eyeing evening attire and forced myself to move along. Then I spied a 1930s dress. It's so delicate and of course it has its flaws, but it would be hard to spot unless you really looked closely (when purchasing vintage clothing, I usually do). It is very sheer, so this requires wearing a slip.

And of course the lovely Christina from Skirt Chaser knows how to dress her patrons. I tried on a few dresses, but passed on them since they were a little big on me. I could always size them down, but with so few vintage clothes available for larger girls, I feel like I'm do a disservice. Then she brought out this cute Mexican peasant dress. I love the embroidered roses at the neckline and the silver ric rac stitching at the hem. It's definitely 1940s since it has the metal side zipper. 

It was definitely a nice score out of Alameda Fashion Faire especially after such a disappointing showcase at the Vintage Expo two weeks ago. I'm already looking forward to the May 2015 Faire.

2014 Vintage Purchase #13: Toaster

I needed a toaster, I bought one. Of course, most of my purchases are antiques so let it not be a surprise that I acquired a 1930s toaster.

It is fairly light but definitely powerful. I plugged it in and the burners fired up (so to speak). I dropped in two slices of an English muffin; they came out perfect.

The toaster is stamped Nelson Machine Manufacturing Company. I researched the company and found that it was founded in 1931 out of Ohio. The company first began making irons and sold it for one dollar. Due to its popularity, the manufacturer went on to make low cost, small electric appliances such as toasters, waffle irons, popcorn poppers and coffee percolators.  These appliances were sold at Sears Roebuck, Woolworths, and five and dime stores. 

The company no longer exits today, but their appliances, though made inexpensively, continue to thrive today.

Home Sweet Home

So I moved, yet again. Though I loved living in the hills amidst the deer frolicking outside my window, I just couldn't put up with my cousin's psycho-bitch girlfriend (and that's putting it mildly). All was well and good in the beginning until she started spending the night practically every night, using up the utilities that I pay for, and complaining about my decorating and my having the master bedroom. Seriously? Is your name on the lease? She is incredibly disrespectful and treats people horribly. But I put my foot down when she snapped at my mother, who was visiting me one weekend. I told her straight out that I didn't like her, she isn't a good person and she's fake. I love my dear primo, but it was time for me to move on. 

And on I went. This time, NO ROOMMATES! I knew it would be a bit of a struggle finding a nice place within my budget. I did not want to go back to San Francisco; I'm through with in-law living. Nor did I want to live in a large apartment community; too many intrusive rules. I strongly considered Half Moon Bay as it is very peaceful, but it's too remote. There are only two routes to get to and from and there is hella traffic.

I wanted a community that was close enough to San Francisco but still a nice suburb. As luck would have it, a really nice apartment popped up in Burlingame and within my budget.  I love that the apartment building is small (only 10 units) but the individual unit is pretty big; 500 square feet. The best part: it was built in the 1920s and it still has its vintage charm. I knew it would be perfect to house my antique furniture and vintage clothing. I applied and was immediately approved. Yay!

Here are a few snapshots:

It actually works! That is, to buzz people in the building.

Many older homes from the early 20th century have a cove for the telephone. 

Outside the restroom is a changing area. It houses my antique vanity.

This is the only outlet that is original. I love the design.

Nice light fixture in the hallway

I love the arch!

Old door knobs throughout the unit

Now this I love. A built in ironing board in the kitchen.

I am only half a block from one of Burlingame's shopping districts. I don't have to drive anywhere for anything; there are restaurants, grocers, pharmacies, salons, etc. And Caltrain is just a short distance to commute for work. Love it! It reminds me so much of San Francisco's West Portal neighborhood (the only SF neighborhood that I like); a throwback to simpler times. Burlingame is definitely a neighborhood that I want to stay long term if not for the rest of my life.

2014 Vintage Purchase #12: Sconce

My apartment is in an old Mediterranean-style building erected during the 1920s. My unit has retained its vintage charm with built in vanities, telephone hutches, old tiles and arched ceilings. So naturally, it is a perfect fit for me considering my large vintage wardrobe and antique furniture collection. One thing I've been looking for is antique lighting (and I'm still looking for a small, antique dining table).

My friend, Burnie, works at an antique/vintage clothing store. When I shop there, he kindly gives me a 10% discount. He usually contacts me whenever "new" inventory arrives; specifically clothing from the 20s-40s. The last few times I went, I noticed this great sconce. I asked him about it and he told me that there were originally two sconces but the buyer preferred to purchase one. They were kinda pricey; after all, it is from the 1930s. Whenever I went back to the shop, I kept staring at it admiring its artistry. I finally made up my mind to purchase it. The sconce is absolutely gorgeous, and the pictures below just don't do it justice.

Now to find the right spot to gloriously shine bright.

Vintage Fashion Expo - Fall 2014

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