Vintage Tag Sale Finds

Today we went to a few tag sales, which we hadn't done in some time. They were interesting sales, one was the estate of a 102 year old woman who ran a farm locally. She traveled extensively, and had some great finds. The house, basement and garage were stuffed to the gills, and the sale had actually started yesterday! Another was a family with many years accumulation. I've got a bunch of stuff in the dishwasher, but here is what I did manage to photograph.

Large framed French fashion print -- I have quite a few smaller ones so they will look nice grouped together. A small framed Picasso print, a rusty old toolbox, a fab faux leopard hat that came with the hat stand and I was able to snag another hat stand as well!

A 1930s peach silk teddy, unworn! (The lighting makes it look pink, but its peach.) 

A silver mink stole in perfect condition -- goes great with my hair!

60s tote, it has snaps so you can make it into a smaller size.

Same tote opened to full size. Love the colour combo! 

And for the old lady with a back injury and bad knees, a 60s heating pad that still works!

I have a whole bunch more, mostly glassware and housewares, some interesting tea cups and little bits and bobs which I will photograph after they've dried. I also got some fantastic vintage 30s-50s freestanding metal cabinets. Since I've been trying to do small renovations to my kitchen, I may wind up ripping out some of the hideous cabinetry and use them there instead! So look forward to more pictures this week! 

Also, if you fancy a ride up to the' burbs, I'll be doing a flea market at the local historical society the weekend after Labour Day. Its always a great sale, with a variety of vendors, mostly vintage and antique and I'm hoping I can move some of my clutter out! I have so many fab vintage items I no longer use (most have been replaced) as well as some fantastic vintage clothing. If you're interested, please feel free to email and I'd be happy to give you directions as its quite easy to get to from the train station or by car. (punk.glam.queen at gmail dot com) Hopefully this will give me a leg up and I can get my Etsy shop going again as I did really well in the past! (But then got too lazy... wish they would come up with an easy shipping calculator!) 

I hope you had a great weekend, besides hitting the tag sales today, I hit a church rummage sale on Saturday and found some interesting things as well! 

XXX

Jet

Swirl Dresses -- First Ever Frock On A Friday!

After seeing so many gorgeous frocks, I've decided to do a "Frock on Friday" on occasion. My first post is on the ever popular Swirl dresses. I hope you enjoy!


Swirl dresses have bcome enormously popular lately, but one doesn't know is that back in the 40s the dresses were made as a wraparound apron! Yes as popular as they are today, they were considered house dresses back when they first came out -- quite stylish house dresses none the less!





Here is a photo of my 1940s Swirl dress, still as vibrant as the day it was made. Comfy cotton makes it the perfect summer dress!





This is my other Swirl dress, it has a cute collar, and ruffles around the sleeves and along the bottom hem.







I tired to take a close up of the ruffles but they didn't show too well.







You can see the ruffles at the bottom a little better.

I'm not sure if this one is from the 40s or 50s, but I've owned both close to 30 years, toss them in the washer and dryer and they never fade! They simply don't make fabrics like they use to!

One of the things I love most about Swirl dresses is that they have pockets. I'm a sucker for pockets, and won't even consider a coat unless it has pockets!

XXX

Sunglasses Vintage and New

I finally got around to unearthing my vintage sunglass collection and thought it might be nice to show them here. Most I've had since the late 70s to mid 80s and I stupidly used to sell brand new unused vintage sunglasses to flea market vendors -- oh how I wish I had them now! I also included a few of my fav pairs of newer sunglasses as I wear them so much (don't trust the UV protection on the really old ones.)


Here's a group shot, I'll break down my favs into smaller pics.


These are probably my favorite because they belonged to my grandfather who died when I was just 4. They're "Cool Ray Polaroid" in a classic wayfarer style, tortoise frame. I don't wear them as often as I'd like out of paranoia -- today I realised in about 2 years they will be certified antiques!


Look at the fab carving and crystals on these 60s French sunglasses! Tres jolie!


The colour isn't showing up properly but these are purple metallic wayfarers from the 60s!


I can't believe I never wore these fab 70s shades! That's going to be rectified immediately!


These 50s sunglasses have fab light blue glitter along the top!


Here's another pair I never wore (what's wrong with me?) they still have their tags and are French made, from the 50s. Can't you just imagine someone like Brigitte Bardot wearing these on the French riviera?


These are vintage YSL cat eye sunglasses I found on eBay last year. You can still find them as the seller in Canada has a stockpile of them, and I might even wind up with another pair as I wore them to death last summer!


Newer acquisitions -- on the bottom are Alexander McQueens purchased last year, and the top are some Gucci shades I adore for hiding my cheekbones which have gotten sun damaged from sticking out ):


These are some older Gucci shades, I love them as the quality is amazing and they last forever!


How fab are these 50s huge cat eyes? Love them!


No vintage collection is complete without some crazy hippie half shades!


Sylvester! Need I say more?


These 50s shades were my favs for years. Also French made, and I had them in a gorgeous blue too. Sadly the lenses are too scratched for wear now ):

I hope you enjoyed my little collection! have you any fab vintage shades to share? I'd love to see them!

XXX

Vintage Picnic Find

Since it was so warm last Monday I decided we'd have a BBQ and our first al fresco dinner on the patio. I really just wanted an excuse to use the unused vintage picnic set I had picked up off eBay at the end of last summer and had yet to use! It's from the 70's and quite cleverly put together so that everything fits in an easily transportable little container. You need to add the few extras like vintage tablecloth or place mats, napkins, and maybe bigger cups along with your feast. I'm quite enamoured of it, and mainly took the pictures so that I could figure how to get it back together again! It's quite a puzzle! At under $20 including shipping I was very pleased, as I couldn't find something near as innovative on the market today!


This is how it looks all bundled up. The cart it's sitting on was picked up a few years ago at a rummage sale for under $5. It's from the 60's and collapses for easy storage in the garage during off season. Quite useful next to the grill for keeping everything to hand, as well as moving the cooked food out of the way.


Top off, revealing the first layer.


1st layer reveal -- dinner plates in front, in back is a bowl & stack of glasses, to the front of that is salt & pepper shakers.


There is a large serving bowl in front, which was taken off the top revealing the cutlery (still inside main bowl with handle.)


Remove cutlery to find the last layer which are the little dessert bowls in front. The bottom part with handle becomes another serving bowl.


Close up of the clever little salt & pepper shakers and the lovely vintage shaped cutlery and cups.

There you have the whole set! It's going to get loads of use this summer when we hit the pool and bring our picnic lunch or have a BBQ dinner after swimming. Ahhh warm lazy summer days, I can't wait!

XXX

PS for those of you who are interested, there were tons of these very sets on eBay for a variety of prices. I went for the unboxed set -- at a lower price -- as I'd never use it. I think I found them by searching for "vintage picnic set" or similar.

Glorious Glasgow

I do understand that for some the title of this may seem a bit (or even a lot) off character, as Glasgow has had the misfortune of being labelled one of the more undesirable Scottish cities to visit. However, last February I fell in love, and since I was on a solo holiday I decided I needed to visit again to explore a bit more. It was every bit as charming this visit -- if not even more so with the amazing blossoms everywhere -- that I know this is a city I will visit over and over.

Such blossoms,they were so enormous and vibrant!

The Punk Glam King took the Punk Glam Princess to Florida to do the whole Disney/ Universal thing, and since I wilt in the heat I was seeking more temperate climes, especially after our recent heat wave in NY. I wasn't disappointed, and even seemed to have brought some NY sunshine which made for a lovely visit.

First order of business after the warm welcome back to the luxurious Blythswood Square Hotel and Spa (full follow up review to follow, they deserve a post of their own), was a joyful reunion with Queen Michelle. After catching up, we hit the beautiful ancient streets of Glasgow for a lovely wander about and of course just a wee bit of shopping had to be fit in!

One of Glasgow's old buildings with a fantastic metal peacock sculpture atop.

A close up of the peacock sculpture.
Later that evening Prince B met us at the hotel bar for drinks, where I enjoyed great conversation with both Prince B and Queen Michelle. I don't think I really wanted the night to end between the lovely bar and the good company!

Spooky iPhone photo of Prince B and Queen Michelle!

Queen Michelle and I at the lovely Rally bar at the Blythswood Square.

The next day was my reunion with Queen Marie, and all three of us Queens hit the town running! So much fun was had wandering the markets, stopping for a tea (or in my case coffee) breaks and just laughing and enjoying each others company. My prize for the day was two large pieces of 50s barkcloth for a mere £3! There's enough for me to redo all my patio cushions as well as my front porch love seat if I use a coordinating solid for one side. I know it sounds rather dull, but here this would have cost me $50 at the very least!

Three happy shopping Queens in front of one of the markets!

Tea and coffee break for the weary shoppers!

Goofy iPhone shots, as you can see the time difference and my refusal to slow down is catching up with me!

Gosh I really treasure these silly candid shots so much, they reflect all the fun we were having!
The remainder of my stay the Queens were ever so gracious and drove me around the city to all their favourite vintage haunts. Of course we fit in a wee splurge at Primark which is the only place on earth where I can purchase a pair of jeans off the rack, without trying them on and have them fit perfectly. I have an extremely hard time finding jeans due to my very small waist and hate that bloody waist gap I find in brands both inexpensive and high-end. How do they do it?? It has never failed to amaze me!

Shot from a parking garage of the city.

The city of Glasgow has such charm, I feel its sad that most decide to forgo visiting for other cities. There has been so much urban renewal, with lovely pedestrian malls that house beautiful old buildings where you'll find all sorts of shops with various price ranges. Wandering the streets alone on my last evening (after practically causing a scandal at the hotel, as apparently this is something a single woman shouldn't do -- um, I'm a New Yorker, lived in some pretty rough neighborhoods, and since I believe I can handle myself anywhere, I can!) I was quite melancholy, thinking of the next time I get to visit this lovely city.

I know my wonderful return visit to Glasgow has to do with the amazing Queens. They are two of the most creative, talented, gracious, fun, and beautiful women I'm proud to call my friends. It sounds trite but I feel so blessed to have them come into my life and treasure their friendship the same as those of friends I've had for many more years!

In a few days I'll write more about my second leg of my journey to my second home, London.

Cheers!

New Items Up on My Etsy Shop!

Read all about it here: http://shopideefixe.blogspot.com/2009/10/new-items-up-on-etsy.html
Loads more to come this week (I hope that guest room needs clearing!)

Cheers!

Reminder: Shop Idee Fixe Sale Ends Soon!

Just a quick reminder that our 20% off with FREE worldwide shipping on Shop Idee Fixe ends on Tuesday, 30 June at Midnight EST. So don't hesitate to take advantage of this great offer by mentioning the code "Rhubarb" today!

Kate Spade Knightsbridge Scarlet bag in Caramel, Brand New $135, Discounted price: $108

1970's Nina Ricci Sunglasses $50, Discounted price: $40

Gucci Mules Size 6.5 US (also fits size 6 US) $80, Discounted price: $64

So pop over and see all the goodies we have at great prices, and get buying today to take advantage of our sale!

Cheers!

Shop Idee Fixe SALE Plus 20 % off Code and FREE WORLDWIDE Shipping!

I really need to clear out my overrun house so I've decided to lower prices and have a sale. If you go to my Shop Idee Fixe blog, you be able to use a code for an additional 20% off the sale price. The code is: Rhubarb. (Its an old joke.) And for the time being I am throwing in FREE shipping anywhere in the world. Unfortunately at these prices I can't promise Priority shipping in the US, but I'll try my best. Same rules apply, first comments get the goods, and paypal only. So buy quick before it all goes! The sale is on until 30 June, so shop now before its gone!

Coming this week, loads of great vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories. I may even post some funky housewares that need new homes!

Cheers!

Shop Idee Fixe!

The time has come to finally do some de-cluttering. This stuff is doing me no good whatsoever sitting in bins when someone else can be using and loving my finds. So I've opened up a new shop at: Shop Idee Fixe as a former vintage vendor as well as insane collector you'll find a myriad of goodies to suit just about any style -- from vintage, to designer, to housewares. Here are are a few things going up on the site this week:

Casadei Suede boots with organza embellishments

Miu Miu Biker/ Engineer style Boots

Prada square toe Mary Jane's

Vintage Gilly style suede shoes

Coach Green leather wallet

All items are authentic brands as stated. Over the next week I plan on adding more clothing and some housewares. My house is literally overrun with things I need to pass on, so pricing will be excellent. I'm always happy to find good homes for things people will love and use, rather than making a killing!

One more note, I'm happy to take your consignments if you feel a need to clear out -- call it spring cleaning, but I've got to make room for new goodies to make their way into my home!

Cheers!