Baby, It's Cold Outside!

It's true what they say about Chicago winter, it's bone-chilling cold. But it's also a big city, and this city girl has places to be and people to impress. I've finally found the secret. I got myself a pair of Timberland boots, ultra-cute black suede ones with a rugged sole that are waterproof and super toasty. I've been grabbing all kinds of big men's wool sweaters at thrift stores (I just found a fantastic Brooks Brothers argyle cashmere for $3) and wearing them over skinny jeans. Big wool sweaters. It's like being wrapped in a blanket all day. Warning: accessorize well so it doesn't look like you're wearing your boyfriend's clothes. Otherwise, cute boys will refrain from hitting on you and everyone else will roll their eyes with that "so that's where you were last night" look. Unless, of course, that is where you were last night.

Foresight: Thrift Store Find of the Week

I bought this set over the summer... Hand embroidered placemats and napkins for $1.50.

Thrift Store Find of the Week

I'm having a Thanksgiving dinner party, and I am totally geeking out about it. I have lists and charts and menus everywhere. I went thrifting to find funky placemats and gravy boats, and I found this awesome table runner. It's just so... perfect. And all mine for $1.80. 

Estate Auction Find of My Life

I've been out of town again, helping out my parents with an auction (and their garden!). Needless to say, this box lot of seventeen 1950s and early 1960s glasses is perhaps the coolest thing ever. They are all manufactured by Art Craft and in great shape. The rhinestone arrangements and aluminum frames are stunning. I was showing them off to a fellow bespectacled style nerd who said, "Yeah, there's like LensCrafters cat-eye, then there's like punch-you-in-the-face cat-eye!" Looks like I'm going to have to get some lenses put into these babies so I can start punching people in the face (metaphorically, of course). Best part? I got the whole lot for $5. 

A Little Old-School Embroidery

I have the hots for my friend's dish towels. It's true. Her grandma embroidered these great flour sack towels with strawberries and apples and puppies and they are just so cute.

 My mom found me these great potholders at the thrift store (actually, The Community Clothes Closet I mentioned a few posts ago). It got me thinking about embroidery and how colorful and vintage-y it is. And how easy it is... hmm... maybe I need to start taking a needle to some of my plainer kitchen towels. Embroidery floss is cheap, and it's a total fake-it-til-you-make-it kind of craft (my favorite!). Why stop at fruits and vegetables? I might have to start adding trees and bicycles and birds and naked ladies (my favorite!) to everything I own. I love the (free!) old school patterns at Needlecrafter (especially the animals) and the more contemporary patterns at Urban Threads. I've been looking at the beautiful embroidery traditions in Mexico and India, too. Happy stitching!

Small Town Shopping

I'm visiting my parents and their small, mostly agrarian community in Upstate New York. And it is so fabulous. A person can breathe real air and eat real vegetables and see real stars. The little towns around here are a bit surreal; two-block downtowns with beautiful old storefronts, only half full, with diners and antique shops. 

The preferred thrift store of my mother is The Community Clothes Closet, and just a few steps away from the farmer's market. This shop is now a Saturday morning tradition. It is run by a beautiful, sweet old woman who is genuinely delighted to have you there and to be there herself. She comments on how beautiful all of your findings are, is always curious to know what you're going to do with them, why you selected them and practically gives them to you. I got a set of four hand-tatted linen placemats with matching napkins (in a cool deco-y pink color) today for $0.50. Really. 

Now I have a real belief that anything used or vintage or antique should be respected, not only for their value, but for their experience. Sure, my funky 1950s cocktail dress may be quite the hit at an opening night. But, a girl's gotta respect that that dress has been out dancing and drinking and has seen all sorts of parties before it ever got to me. So many thrifting experiences are in the move-the-most-junk vein that finding that moment of respect for a pair of vintage potholders (how much chicken soup did they see? how many pies did they take out of the oven?) never happens. The woman at The Community Clothes Closet encourages the wonder in the world of thrifting, which makes the treasure hunt all the more rewarding. 

Thrift Store Find of the Week

A funky, fabulous 1960s (?) hat with this great Venezia label. $2.50. 

Thrift Store Find of the Week

A real wool Deerstalker hat! As modeled by Mr. Holmes. Great condition, British-made and smelling very much like moth balls. $3. Awesome.