May 2010 Archives

Hey, if 25 cents can buy me something this gorgeous, I guess I shouldn't nitpick about grammar. A vintage trivet is always welcome in this home!

Found: some little thrift store, next to a great greasy spoon restaurant in Tucson, Arizona. I can't believe I don't remember the name of this joint - I'll update as soon as I have the mental capacity to do some name recall.

[Photo Credit: Delicious!] 

I picked this up at last year's Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend. What's that? Oh, you're making me blush! No, I wasn't a participant, but I did wear a lot of glitter to blend in. My boyfriend and I happened to be in Vegas that weekend - talk about a fortuitous booking! We were at The Orleans Hotel & Casino the same time this fab event was going down. We noticed something was amiss when there seemed to be an unusual amount of Bettie Page-type gals at the pool. Never a bad thing! Leave it to us detectives to get to the bottom of this case. Needless to say, we felt very lucky to happen upon all these gorgeous gals. As if that wasn't enough of a score, I also grabbed this beautiful vintage gold daisy pin at one of the event's booths. I like to put vintage pins on a simple chain instead of pining them to my clothing. Makes for a fun, unique look without putting holes in my favorite shirt. Another hot and obvious tip, courtesy of Panty Line Press! 

Found:

Burlesque Hall of Fame Weekend

[Photo Credit: Bonus - Daisies are also my beloved grandma's favorite flower.]

Admittedly it's less of a paddle and more of a cutting board - but still, no one better think of getting out of line in this kitchen! Though it's obviously more for decor than everyday use, this is a fun piece to add to everyone's favorite room in the house. I especially love the kitschy details on the tile. What a feast - visually and otherwise! I see this type of thing everywhere, and they're always cheap. (I'm talking in the 50 cent to $1 realm, usually.) Pick one up for yourself today and enjoy a little spice in your life. I just couldn't resist...

Found:

Goodwill on Powell Blvd. in Portland, Oregon

[Photo Credit: I have an inordinate amount of affection for this weird/cute tile.]

This wristband is truly a look that doesn't go out of style - or at least I like to think so! I bought this several years ago, in the costume section of a vintage store in (the ever popular) Tucson, Arizona. And yes, it was 99 cents. It might have been a Halloween joke, but it's also been a fashion staple of mine ever since finding its way into my collection. You can draw your own conclusions as to what that says about my wardrobe! The tuff cuff has withstood serious wear and tear - from concerts to hot summer days - and it's still in pristine condition. Sure, this wristband was most likely manufactured in China and probably contains all kinds of toxins; but it looks good and that's all that matters. Ha! My mind is easily prone to suggestions - I immediately started craving items with studs as soon as I saw the first Sex & The City movie. (Carrie Bradshaw's wardrobe is littered with them in the flick.) Imagine my delight when I realized I had something to fit the bill in my very own jewelry box. I had what I needed all along. I'm sure there's a life lesson in there somewhere...

Found:

Desert Vintage & Costume

636 N. 4th Ave.

Tucson, AZ. 

[Photo Credit: You're still the one!]

There is still something fun and inexpensive to be had in fabulous Las Vegas - other than "free" drinks at the penny slots. It's the glory of the plastic nicknack and it still reigns supreme in the tourist/souvenir shops that line The Strip. Here you can find (with a little digging) a fun memento to remind you of your debauchery - and still have money leftover for more booze. That, my friends, is what they call a "win/win" situation - a rarity in Sin City where "the house" already has your wallet open before you even walk in the door. It's a little fuzzy, but I believe this gorgeous amber set of coasters cost me $1.99. Ironically I don't even use them as coasters - rather I enjoy them as part of the decor in our T.V. room. They're perfectly functional - I just happen to love looking at them. Quirks? I have a few!

Found: The souvenir shop across from Fitzgerald's Casino, in the Fremont Experience. I can't remember the name - but you'll know it when you see it. Good luck!

[Photo Credit: making me as happy today as the first time I saw them.]

I found this recently at Value Village, amidst some random ceramic crap. I did a double take, picked it up and sighed. A vintage crouching panther planter, made in Japan? Yes, please! Bonus - I believe the leftover styrofoam material that remains in the belly of this beast is also, umm, vintage. So, it needs a little love. I'm just the gal to give it. This piece is only about 6 inches long, so it will easily meld into my decor. Now all it needs is some fake grass and we'll both be happy campers.

Found: Value Village on 82nd & Foster in Portland, Oregon

[Photo Credit: Is anyone else feeling that the Value has gone out of the Village?]

La Dolce Vita in Portland, Oregon is clearly a treasure trove. This is pretty much what I want my house to look like - minus the clothing racks in the middle of the floor. A store like La Dolce Vita is where we briefly break from thrifting and delve into boutiques. The bonus of the boutique is that items are curated for you - the minus is that it shows in the prices. Not that moments like this can't be fun. It's certainly a delight to see the cream of the crop in one place. It's pleasing to the eye, even if it makes me want to break out in hives. I want it all - and I can't afford it! However, if you slow down and take a breath, you can usually find something to fit nearly every budget - at least enough to walk away sated. I left without "The Green Lady" (picture here), but did snag some beautiful, shell pink, rhinestone encrusted wall pockets. The wall pockets took the sting out of having to leave the long sought-after Green Lady behind! Owner Giacomo Riccardo Adragna is a sweetheart. He'd like me to mention that he keeps irregular hours, but he welcomes phone calls. So, if you find yourself salivating in front of the window and find the door locked, give Giacomo a call (within reason, of course). He'll pop down to the store and let you shop to your heart's content. Just be sure to bring cash! La Dolce Vita is located in the popular Clinton Street neighborhood. You can make a day of it, just on this sweet corner. The street boasts several restaurants, coffee shops, bars, a beauty salon and a movie theater. What more do you need? 

Found:

La Dolce Vita ~ Antiques & Unusual Decor

2721 SE 26th Ave.

Portland, OR. 97202

971-544-2077

[Photo Credit: I'm surprised I was able to hold the camera still, given that my hands were shaking with excitement.]

Found: Your Thrift Store. I still can't get over that name! Bisbee, AZ

[Photo Credit: It's a dinner party now!]