thevintagelaundry

Retro Redo: Vintage Octagonal Ottomans

Lstephenson@austin.rr.com (vintagelaundress) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:02:00 +0000

Time for a little show and tell from our make over department. Today's subjects are a couple of vintage octagonal ottomans. I'm sucker for tufting, so I finished with 5 inch tufting and after painting the frames a satin ebony color. I chose a great turquoise linen fabric with a snazzy nail head treatment at the edge.

A staple gun, covered buttons, a yard and half of fabric, some paint and nail head and a couple of hours later, I have a pair of lovely re-worked vintage ottomans! I'll be listing them on the site later today - so, make sure and go check them out!

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Want It Wednesdays: Fearless Feline

Lstephenson@austin.rr.com (vintagelaundress) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:57:00 +0000

Photos courtesy 1stdibs, Linda Horn, Longchamp Paris, Penny Long Antiques, Roger Vivier, Wallflower Vintage

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Shake It Up Baby!

Lstephenson@austin.rr.com (vintagelaundress) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:31:00 +0000

Are you familiar with the John Hughes film Ferris Bueller's Day Off? Well, my son, Noah, is a cross between Matthew Broderick's character, Ferris, in that film and Mother Teresa. To illustrate the Ferris part of that statement I will sight the scene where Ferris has boarded a parade float manned by a lot of Bavarian milk-maid-looking lovelies and grabs the microphone and says to the crowd:

"Ladies and gentlemen, you are such a wonderful crowd, we'd like to play a little tune for you. It's one of my personal favorites and I'd like to dedicate it to a young man who doesn't think he's seen anything good today - Cameron Frye, this one's for you."

And then he proceeds to rock the crowd with "Shake It Up Baby," Beatles style. Take a look!

The riotous fun that you see and feel from that clip is what I have experienced every day since 6:07 am on November 2, 1995. The Mother Teresa part comes in after the parade is over - that's where Noah stays to help clean up.

You may have outgrown my lap, my darlin' boy, but never my heart. Happy 14th birthday Noah Stephenson!

This ones for you!

Video clip courtesy You Tube

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Want It Wednesdays: Black and White and Red All Over

Lstephenson@austin.rr.com (vintagelaundress) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:38:00 +0000

Photos courtesy 1stdibs, Etsy, Liza Sherman Antiques, French Logic and Retro Repro Handmade

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Happy Sweet Sixteen

Lstephenson@austin.rr.com (vintagelaundress) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:40:00 +0000

On October 25, 1993, my life was changed forever. On this day at 11:27 a.m. I became a Mommy. Nine months earlier my husband and I had gone out to celebrate our 6-month anniversary as newlyweds. Turns out that what comes right after a plate of green chili enchiladas and one too many frozen margaritas, followed by a Mambo around the dance floor in a pink velvet sombrero is . . . . A baby!

When I was preggers with my first child, I totally took advantage of my condition and played the "eat everything that doesn't move out of your way card." The final trimester of my pregnancy I weighed the rough estimate of a Cadillac Escalade. I began each of my remaining weeks dropping by my OBGYN's office pleading for an inducement because I felt that the baby was getting too big and if I bumped into a sharp object I might burst into flames, Hindenburg style. This request was met with the accusation that I had just gained too much weight and the baby weighed 7 lbs. at the most. So, needless to say, when my doctor handed me our 10 lb 5 oz. baby girl type-person I got the pleasure of an "I told you so" moment and I recall throwing in a "Bite Me!" just for funzzies. This was a period of my life where I felt that peppering in phrases like "bite me!", empowered me somehow. Okay, so I was on the wrong side of that argument, but at the time and given the situation, I felt justified.

I shared that story, to tell you this one - My baby girl type-person, Olivia, is celebrating her sweet 16th birthday on Sunday. This year we are using words like driving and college around our house. Those words used in the same sentence with my daughter's name make my brains want to start pouring out of my ears. It seems like just last week I was telling her to take her binky out of her mouth so that I could understand what she was saying and playing "Beath-ed" - which is how 'beast' sounds when one has a pacifier in one's mouth. "Beath-ed" was what Olivia called her favorite-est "moobie" in the "word" - Beauty and the Beast. Usually her Daddy played the part of the Beast and I was cast as Mrs. Potts or Lumiere. (If given the choice. I usually chose to be the slender candlestick with a great French accent instead of the Ruben-esque tea pot - I'm vain like that.)

I adore every thing about you, my darlin girl, and on that you can count, for the rest of your days! I will never care if you know someone who knows someone, if you are an A-list, a B-list or a "Never-heard-of-you" list. What I will always love and care about are each and every word, thought. and idea that flutters from your extraordinary mind. Ever since the first day that I'd known about you, I couldn't wait to meet you, and with each additional year, your beauty, your talents, and your aspirations grow. I am overwhelmed by the love I have for you.

Happy Birthday you precious jewel, I love you to pieces! (you meeces!)

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Want It Wednesdays: Pretty In Pink

Lstephenson@austin.rr.com (vintagelaundress) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:09:00 +0000

Photos courtesy Etsy, The Paris Apartment, Ark's Endeavors, and Ebay

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Magical Girly Bits

Lstephenson@austin.rr.com (vintagelaundress) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:59:00 +0000

When I'm trying to write a post for the blog or list some new things on my online shop, it just wouldn't seem normal around here unless my friendly tele-marketer didn't call repeatedly offering to sell me everything short of a new pancreas, or the Hubbs and the babes didn't need me to stop what I'm doing and activate my special "I-CAN-FIND-ANYTHING-BECAUSE-I-HAVE-A-UTERUS" powers to help locate their missing shoes, keys, or backpacks.

Unlike my years of working in publishing at an office, working at home in front of my own computer has had it's own set of distractions. Although I have learned a lot about the ins and outs of working from home, I confess that the whole "internet at my fingertips" thing continues to be a huge temptation. I see others handle the temptation with restraint while prioritizing work over reading the blogs or Google-ing how to lose a few "el-bees" without having to actually give up eating.

According to a survey I made up just for this post, Americans spend 30-40 hours a week online. Apparently my magical girly bits have the ability to find hidden goodies online, too, and being the altruistic soul that I am, I've decided to help you expand your online time and point you toward some simply intoxicating, inspiring, and (basically all the "in" descriptives that you can imagine) inventive sites I have come across over the last few days.

MAN SHOPS GLOBE

The first discovery I have to share is the Sundance Channel's original series, MAN SHOPS GLOBE. Keith Johnson openly admits the he has the greatest job in the world, and now we get to watch him work every Wednesday night while he digs around in out-of-the-way antique shops, private dealerships, and craft stalls looking for one-of-a-kind home furnishings and accessories for his employer Anthropologie. In each episode of MAN SHOPS GLOBE, Johnson travels to a new country in search of fantastic and unusual decorative objects, furniture, and textiles. He also seeks out the world's best artists and crafts people. The series follows Johnson, who travels six months of the year, from flea markets in Paris to remote villages in India, and obscure art studios in Turkey. Needless to say, I'm addicted! As if I needed another obsession?!

BELGIAN PEARLS

Greet Lefevre is a Belgian interior designer and runs a marvelous company called Lefevre Interiors. She's also a blogger friend and all around wonderful woman. If you don't know her, her blog, or her business, you should! Together with her brother, Greet runs their cabinetmakers business, continuing the fourth generation in the family business. Greet's house is in Flanders and is simply magnificent, you must see the images of her home and adjoining office/studio she has up on her blog Belgian Pearls.

ROOM 17

It is through Greet's blog that I stumbled upon Room 17. Marvelous moody greys, earthy charcoals and linen whites effervesce off the computer screen! Their blog is a treat, as well!

AURELIE ALVAREZ

The charming, whimsical, over-sized paintings of French artist, Aurelie Alvarez catches Anthropolgie's, Keith Johnson's, imagination in this online clip which is part of MAN SHOPS GLOBE series. Johnson suggests that if one were to look up "romantic French artists house" in the dictionary, Auralie's home would be pictured - and quite rightly, the romantic bohemian mood in her studio is palpable!

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Want It Wednesdays: Moody Blues

Lstephenson@austin.rr.com (vintagelaundress) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 04:52:00 +0000

Photos courtesy 1stdibs, Elise Abrams Antiques, Designers Guild and Paris Hotel Boutique

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Round Top Coma

Lstephenson@austin.rr.com (vintagelaundress) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:38:00 +0000

Wednesday of last week was my first official day back from Antiques Week in Round Top, Texas. My return home marked a period of recuperation that I like to call "if-you-value-your-life-let-me-be-in-a-coma-for-at-least-a-week!" Today I awoke from my "Round Top-induced" state, and I've been replaying all the fun times that I had with my newest family member, Stan Williams, and I've been pouring over the gazillion vintage goodies that he and I found. He has a really fun video from one of our days at the show on his blog, The Elegant Thrifter, that can be seen here. I'm also reveling in the fact that I have not had any food containing the words "fingers", "leg" or "on a stick" in their title for an entire week!

A few of the many things that I most enjoy about this show is all the great stories I get hear and the many new friends I get to make. Tuning out the fact that our economy is still sluggish and my booth proved to be a little "squish-ish," my time at the show was just marvelous! (Round Top Texas received something like 6 inches of rain in a matter of a few hours over the last several days of the show, making shopping and selling quite challenging to say the very least!) However, I have decided that the next time I decide to brave the elements and show my vintage linens in a tent out in a cow pasture when there is even the slightest chance for rain, I might want to re-think it and just stab myself in the eye with a sharp stick or repeatedly slam my thumb in the car door, instead!!

The happy, fun times most certainly out-weighed the soggy and the challenging, however, and I'm anxious to share my photos, vintage finds, and as always a little sarcasm with you. I think it is best to just make a list and check it off as I go.

1. I got to hang out with my buddy and newest family member, Stan Williams, also known as The Elegant Thrifter. Stan is truly adored by our family! Please come back to Texas Stan, you are missed terribly!!

2. I had the privilege of meeting an angel posing as a little girl. Her name is Indie Gus and she was hangin out with her Mommy, Aime Sikes, of the Junk Gypsies.

3. My talented son serenaded the crowds at the Texas Rose Show and he even made some tips!!

4. These vintage beauties belong on the silver screen (doncha' think?), but I'm slightly biased. One is my beautiful daughter and the other is my dear friend Casey. My daughter's prowess and confidence as a photographer grew exponentially; she gave her new camera a real work out during this show!

5. It was such great fun meeting Amy of Gypsy Chix and her Mom,Terri, is such great lady, too!

6. My beautiful niece Morgan had her first taste of becoming an entrepreneur. Her goodies at Vintage Gal Rings on Etsy are a must see!

7. Another pair of blog buddies, The Other Theresa of Cottage Gardens and Gina of Peacock Park Designs, were having fun at the blog party. It was so great to meet you both in person!

8. Amy of Whisper Wood Cottage and Junkologie, and Deb of Trash Talking and I are muggin' for the camera here. It was so great to meet you both, finally!

9. Joseph, you are indeed missed! I hope they have gi-normous grapefruit in heaven!

10. It was great to see Becky of Gypsy Rose - I'm lovin' that rose on your shoulder!

11. Sherry Parks of Sea Stars Cottage and Retreat is missing her sweet home in Alabama - I'm sure. It was great seeing you!

12. Annie of The Bunny Bungalow and Corey mug for the cameras at the blog party. Say cheeez . . . pleeeze! So great meeting both of you - I had a blast visiting with you and your tall husband, Annie!

13. Theresa of Garden Antiques threw one wonderful Blog Party - you are the consummate hostess - Thanks for everything!

14. Stan found me a Dr. Pepper - the lovely woman standing between Stan and me is a physician . . . and her last name is Pepper . . . . get it . . . . . . Dr. Pepper . . . . nothin' . . . . It's just me, huh?!

And then there were friends that I didn't get a chance to photograph, but got to hug their necks and visit for a while.

15. I got the chance to hug up on Charlene Abbott of Second Hand Charm and empathize with her broken foot - I hope it's all better!

16. One of my newest friends was made right under my own tent at The Texas Rose show. Melissa Moze of Melissa Moze Designs makes the cutest belts using vintage enameled pins for the buckles - you've got to check her Etsy store out!

17. My old friend Debbie Carroll of Debbie Carroll Designs and I had a few occasions to catch up each on what is going on with the other's husbands, kids and such, but mostly we just oohed and aahed over each other's stuff, as usual! Her Etsy shop is to die for, as well.

18. I met another marvelous woman named Lisa Robison, she is the Executive Director of an amazing non-profit called Dwell With Dignity.

19. My darlin' friend Cheryl Schulke of Stash Couture and Stash Studios stopped by the booth a couple of times to say Hi and visit. Her newly launched design house, Stash Couture, is just fantastic and of course, her blog Stash Studios remains a daily read. Thanks for the Jalepaneo Margaritas - they were delici-ous-ooo!!

20. It was great seeing Linda and Ludmil of Willow Nest Farm, too! I hope you have great fun at Silver Bella in November!

21. Natalie of Two Be Wed stopped by with her Mom and her babe to say Hi and catch me up on her business. You are one busy "chick-a-dee!"

22. And as usual, I was mesmerized by my buddy, Maggie, of The Veranda at Canton. The woman is like McGyver with ephemera!

23. I made a new friend, again right under my nose, at The Texas Rose Show. Debbie Freeman of Duchess d has simply impeccable taste! I was coveting all of her vintage furniture and paintings. I can't wait for her website to up and running!

24. Susie Skinner and Hector Vasquez of Fundustrial had their usual amazing finds! Thanks for the great price on the industrial stools, they are going to perfect at my bar! See you at City Wide on the 24th and 25th.

25. Angelique of Six in One Hand . . . Madness in the Other, it was a blast to visit with you - so glad I had the opportunity to meet you in person!

26. It was such fun meeting Adrienne of The Flying Bee and her husband - they showed me the cutest photos of the B & B they stayed in while in Texas.

27. And last, but never least, The Hubbs - my biggest fan and supporter came through again - you're the best-est and I love your face off!!!

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Want It Wednesday: Ebony and Ivory

Lstephenson@austin.rr.com (vintagelaundress) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:37:00 +0000

Photos courtesy 1stdibs, Voila!, Bride and Wolfe, Jayson Home and Garden

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Antiques Week: I'm Off and I'm Leaving, too!

Lstephenson@austin.rr.com (vintagelaundress) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:05:00 +0000

So, I'm off! And I'm not referring to mental state, although that phrase has been used to describe my demeanor on many occasions. In this case, however, I'm using it literally, I'm off to Round Top for the next 7 to 8 days to sell some vintage goodies.

If you are planning on attending Antiques Week this Fall, I would love it if you would come by and see me at my spaces at Vickie Davis' wonderful venue at "The Texas Rose Antique Show," located across from Marburger Farms, 2075 South State Highway 237. You can find directions here. The show begins Saturday, September 26th, and runs through Saturday, October 3, 2009. Stan Williams, author of The Find, will be in my space at the Texas Rose Antique Show signing copies of his book and swapping stories about favorite finds on Saturday, September 26th, and then again on Tuesday, September 29th. We will have all kinds of goodies to drink and eat on both days and lots of books for Stan to sign! Stan will also be signing copies of his book at the Blog Party at Theresa from Garden Antiques' space at Zapp Hall on Sunday beginning at 6 pm.

I can't wait for Stan to see the fields and fields and dealer after dealer, offering vintage treasures! Don't forget that we will have all kinds of goodies to drink and eat on both days.

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Want It Wednesdays: The Doctor Will See You Now

Lstephenson@austin.rr.com (vintagelaundress) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 03:59:00 +0000

Photos courtesy Etsy, 1stdibs, Great Stuff, Tipple & Snack and Heir

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Want It Wednesdays: Chucks, Chairs and Chandeliers

Lstephenson@austin.rr.com (vintagelaundress) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:22:00 +0000

Photos courtesy 1stdibs, Talisman London, Sean Berg and Hot Topic

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Francoise Nielly: A Treat for the Senses

Lstephenson@austin.rr.com (vintagelaundress) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:02:00 +0000

You know I live on the edge here in my little world. For example, sometimes I've been spotted wearing white well after Labor Day. Occasionally, I might even go swimming right after I've eaten. I've even been known to run with scissors and other sharp objects.

Simply scandalous, I know . . . I'm clearly in need of an intervention! But, I thought I'd pull myself away from the adrenaline pumped rave that is my life, and share an amazing treat for the senses.

I stand in awe of this woman and her abilities. French painter Francoise Nielly is no stranger to the grand scale, her works regularly spanning six feet in length. Her massive, colorful portraits are simply delicious and the size only intensifies the captivating quality.

As an illustrator and a painter myself, it is particularly humbling to those of us who take ages to choose subject matter and execute the actual painting, to watch her create them. You must watch this marvelous video, here. As you will see, she maneuvers her palette knife carving beautiful faces out of the canvas, like a highly paid plastic surgeon. Her interpretation of light, shadow, hue, and tone is masterful and seems to come as easy as breathing! Her paintings have a great sense of humor and an explosively sensual feel to them, it seems to me.

I aspire to have her sense of celebration and love of life! But, for the moment, I'll settle for the reckless abandon of opening an umbrella inside the house or sitting to close to the television.

I know, I'm a rebel like that!

Photos and artwork courtesy Francoise Nielly

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Gardenhouse: Vintage With a Twist

Lstephenson@austin.rr.com (vintagelaundress) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:59:00 +0000

There are a finite number of times one can safely visit a website in a single day; after that point the whole exercise becomes kinda creepy and potentially stalker-esque. I have visited my new favorite online vintage furniture store, Gardenhouse, about five times . . . in the last 24 hours.

I believe the clinical term for what I suffer from is gluttony, because I want it all! Gardenhouse, located in Palm Beach, Florida, re-works vintage furnishings with crazy fun colors and fabrics. I find myself thinking things like . . . "I will take one of everything and . . . I’m going to have to give the deck a good power-washing and refresh the stain . . . Oh, and . . . which internal organ will I be selling to be able to afford all the pieces that I would like to purchase."

When I think of Palm Beach, its iconic 1960s prints and sun soaked living jump to mind. Gardenhouse Decor is keeping that heyday look and vibe alive and well. Owner, Cheryl Maeder, a fine art photographer, has gathered her vintage finds, and has given them new life with happy paint colors and modern fabrics. Visit her website the next time you are in need of some inspiration or a mood elevation.

Cheryl met her husband Gary Antonio, an artist, metal sculptor, and constant source of inspiration in San Francisco. She opened a successful advertising and photography studio and worked with some of the country's finest art directors there, and on weekends, she would search flea markets and antique stores, and meet dealers who shared her passion for vintage furnishing. After re-working these finds with her own signature style, she filled her home, studio, and her friends’ homes with these marvelous finds. After she and Gary bought a charming building in Northwood Village, they renovated it with the help of a grant from the CRA of West Palm Beach and they are now living out her dream of creating one of a kind home furnishings and contemporary fine art work. Their retro redo's have been published in several of the national magazines such as Coastal Living, Southern Living, and Architectural Digest to name just a few.

Since arriving in West Palm Beach, Cheryl has also been focusing on her fine art photography. Inspired by a trip to Spain several years ago along the coastal towns of the Costa Brava, she began photographing in an impressionistic style. Shortly after moving to Florida, she began her series entitled Dreamscapes. Cheryl's magnificent work is presently represented by galleries in New York, Paris, Miami, and Palm Beach. You can see more of her work here.

Cheryl believes, as I do, that our homes are our havens, our sanctuaries, our places to unwind and regenerate. Gardenhouse decor expresses a lifestyle of comfort, hospitality, and warm individuality that I strive for on a daily basis. Recycling and being green never looked so good!

Photos courtesy Gardenhouse Decor

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Want It Wednesdays: Smiles, Slippers, Sling Chairs and Side Tables - Oh My!

Lstephenson@austin.rr.com (vintagelaundress) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:03:00 +0000

Photos courtesy 1stdibs, Etsy, Irwin Feld Design, Space107, Archivia, Colormutts

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A Pressing Conversation

Lstephenson@austin.rr.com (vintagelaundress) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:39:00 +0000

My darlin' friend Stan Williams, author of The Find, and I had a little Q & A session awhile ago. Today he has featured that interview over at his blog The Elegant Thrifter.

I'm so flattered by the feature on his blog! The other great news is that, as of yesterday, it's official, Stan is coming with me to Antiques Week at the end of September. Stan will be in my spaces at Vickie Davis' wonderful venue at "The Texas Rose Antique Show," located across from Marburger Farms, 2075 South State Highway 237. Your can find directions here. The show begins Saturday, September 26th and runs through Saturday, October 3, 2009. Stan will be in my space at the Texas Rose Antique Show signing copies of his book, The Find, and swapping stories about favorite finds on Saturday, September 26th and then again on Tuesday, September 29th.

To be honest, I feel a little bit like a drug dealer introducing Stan to this event. As I have said before, this event is just an "antiques freak's" Mecca. There are fields and fields and dealer after dealer, offering vintage treasures and it's my own little slice of Prozac!

Okay, so, this is how it goes every 6 months at my house. To thin my personal and professional collection of vintage textiles and other vintage goodies, I participate in "Antiques Week" in the Round Top/Warrenton area as a dealer/merchant - wink, wink, nudge, nudge. This is the equivalent to taking a compulsive gambler to Vegas or similar to 'make your own pipe night' at the crack house.

If you are planning on attending this Fall, please come by and meet Stan and get an autographed copy of his fabulous book. We will have all kinds of goodies to drink and eat on both days.

Perhaps you could even provide a little diversion, so that Stan and I can steal away for some shopping, because my family has already warned Stan and me that they may have to stage some sort of intervention to get us away from there!

Images courtesy Olivia Stephenson

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Curb Service: Adelante Boutique

Lstephenson@austin.rr.com (vintagelaundress) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:00:00 +0000

To say that I'm so excited that I might just spontaneously combust at any moment might be putting it mildly.

Some people might say I'm over reacting.

Some people might ask, "Have you taken your meds this morning?"

Some people might think to themselves, "This girl needs to reel in her enthusiasm just a touch!"

And, to be perfectly honest, some of these people might have a valid point, but some people don't know about the massive crush I have on Airstream trailers. So, here's what I'm all hyper and buzzin' about:

Adelante is an Austin based boutique owned by my friend, Tricia Roberts. She carries gorgeous clothing, a fantastic collection of vintage boots and jewelry & accessories, and all at a more-than-reasonable prices. Tricia has also introduced one-of-a-kind furniture with a girly twist.

And, since Adelante means onward or forward, Tricia is introducing her very own, very fashion forward rack on wheels! Tricia and her team have retro-fitted an Airstream trailer and made it available for rental for your very own shopping soiree with friends. You can also look for them to be setting up shop on a curb near you, pulling up and bringing sales and trunk shows all around the Austin area.

So, to kick off this wonderful idea, she and others have put together a launch party for Adelante's Website and Curb Service concept. The party is Thursday, September 10th, beginning at 6pm at 26 Doors Shopping Center here in Austin. This event will be sponsored by Tribeza Magazine, Savvy Vodka of Austin, and Coco Paloma Desserts. There will be live music by the Dennis Ludiker Trio, with their signature mix of swing and jazz.

A portion of the sales will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. And, the first 50 people will receive a swag bag filled with goodies!

Now go, shop online here. And visit there blog here.

Images courtesy Adelante Boutique.

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21st Century Fairytale

Lstephenson@austin.rr.com (vintagelaundress) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:38:00 +0000

I just read the most amazing story about a young woman, who is quite possibly one of the most tenacious and inspirational humans ever. This young woman's name is Brianna Karp, she's jobless, homeless, and a blogger, and she just scored an internship with E. Jean Carroll of Elle magazine fame. The story was written by LeAnne Italie of the Associated Press and was released about 5 days ago. You can read the story in it's entirety here. I've included a link so you can read Brianna's blog entries here, as well. Elle.com also offered Brianna a forum to blog on their website, in addition to her internship with E. Jean Carroll, that can be found here.

Images courtesy Associated Press.

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Quote-Unquote: Wish I'd Said That

Lstephenson@austin.rr.com (vintagelaundress) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 09:31:00 +0000

Have you ever come across a quote and thought, "How true!", "WOW! Wish I'd said that." or "Yeah! What She Said!" I love words and I admire people who can paint a picture with them. Sometimes words have the ability to heal, raise our mood and give us hope or, just make us laugh as we relate to the thought. To those clever wordsmiths that construct these sentiments, I salute you!

Images of quotes via ffound

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Want It Wednesdays: Black is Beautiful

Lstephenson@austin.rr.com (vintagelaundress) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 03:26:00 +0000

Photos courtesy: 1stdibs, Bokja Designs, Dorfsmith.com, Naked Decor and Modernism Gallery

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It's "Snot" You, It's Me

Lstephenson@austin.rr.com (vintagelaundress) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 22:22:00 +0000

The Hubbs and I celebrated our 17th year of marriage back on the 15th with a date night, which involved a swanky dinner for 2 and a movie. There is a back story, however, which is required for the following accounting of the evening. I've had a summer cold for the last few weeks. My nose is all stopped up and my eyes are all water-y. What makes me even more appealing is the fact that I sound like Gilda Radner when she portrayed her Lisa Lubner character on SNL. This, however, didn't stop me from trying to entice the Hubbs with a little make-out sesh before the movie started. So, I shot him one of my signature sideways looks accompanied by a raise of one eyebrow and a little coy smile - which is code for, "I'm ready for a smooch-fest." And, as luck would have it, it worked. As he made his move to give the kiss of the century (insert the swell of violins here) . . . I coughed . . . right in his face. The Ricola lozenge that I had been sucking on shot out of my mouth, ricocheted off his forehead, and landed in the hair of the lady seated in front of me. I immediately looked at the Hubbs, who was turning a lovely shade of purple and shaking uncontrollably in a fit of silent giggles. The mechanics of the throat are lost on me, apparently - "breathe air, swallow spit," I tell myself constantly. At that point, I figured my only option was to liberate the lozenge without her knowing it, because the only other person besides me and the Hubbs who was aware of this event was the guy 3 seats down who shot me a toothy grin while raising two thumbs-up gestures to his chest and nodded in a "what-a-loser-you-are" fashion. So, I stood up, bumped her seat pretending to leave to go to the bathroom, and thwacked the lozenge out of her hair. I apologized to her for the bump and continued on to the bathroom. When I returned, the Hubbs turned to me and began to say, "Hey, happy anni . . . .", he stopped short of finishing his sentence and had kind of a confused-disgusted expression on his face - I couldn't help but notice that his gaze was fixed on my nose. I didn't understand the look until I saw IT. I didn't have his view point, but I could see it - something slick, shiny and spherical, which was growing ever-larger as I breathed. It was an enormous bubble, of the mucus persuasion, looming from my left nostril, and it was the size of one of those clear hamster exercise balls.

Later that week, on our actual anniversary, the Hubbs presented me with a present . . . It was a gift certificate . . . for a flu shot . . . .

Aaahh, good times . . . good times . . . .

This post was triggered by a couple of fabulous gifts that were given to me by a darlin' creature named Stan. When I emailed him that I had received my gift, I mis-typed and wrote ". . . you are the darkin'-est creature." Stan Williams is the author of The Find, and my new all around best-est bud. He is not only fabulously gifted and talented, but is one of the most generous people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. When Stan was here in July for a book signing, he presented me with an absolutely gorgeous version of one of his Hooch Bags. A vintage black purse was full of goodies like vintage nylons, a vintage French paperback book, and a French dictionary to help me make my way through the pages, since I don't speak French. Also included was a vintage Air France hand-held fan, along with a vintage French postcard inscribed with a dear note from him on the back, all of which are some of my most prized possessions. And, as if that weren't enough, I got an email last week telling me that something he ran across spoke my name and he was sending it to me - if you are keeping count, I'm 2 presents behind! He sent me the brightest, happiest vintage printed napkins from one of his favorite stores in NYC called Angel Thrift Shop. I requested that he stop being so wonderful already, and let me catch up!

Thank you so very much for all my lovely, thoughtful presents, Stan! I mean they're not a certificate for "a live virus" or anything, but they are truly appreciated and loved. You are "The Darkin'-est!"

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Want It Wednesdays: Benches, Boots, and Butterflies

Lstephenson@austin.rr.com (vintagelaundress) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:38:00 +0000

Photos courtesy 1. Annalynne 2. Nicholas Archer 3. Gardenhouse 4. Lightly

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Make Sure Not to Catch on Fire

Lstephenson@austin.rr.com (vintagelaundress) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:46:00 +0000

Have you ever thought about something too hard and gotten dizzy? This is the question I posed to my children yesterday as we were shoveling out their closets and drawers, preparing for our "GI-NORMOUS CLEAN ALL THE CRUD OUT OF YOUR CLOSETS, SO WE CAN BUY MORE CRUD TO FILL THEM GARAGE SALE." They turned to shoot each other a "Did she take her meds this morning?" look, quickly pivoted toward the door and left the room, returning moments later, my daughter carrying a bottle of Diet Dr. Pepper and my son with a cold washcloth in hand, telling me to put my head between my legs and take deep breaths. I think there are often times when my family thinks that I might accidentally (on purpose) set myself on fire if not watched carefully. I suppose I don't blame them, because at that particular moment I was wearing a pair of the Hubbs old brown wingtip shoes, a lacy pink vintage slip over my running shorts, and T-shirt that I'd accessorized with a couple of those large black Hefty garbage bags tied at my waist and a pair of glittery sunglasses that would have made Elton John wince in disapproval. My question was treated as rhetorical and never answered.

But, here's the deal, I am a little light headed from the realization that I am not alone. I mean I knew I wasn't alone, but this week I sat mesmerized in front of my computer monitor looking at the blogs of fellow thrifters. I thought I knew the scope of "dumpster divers" that existed in the world . . . well, I had no idea! One of the things that has always perplexed me is the re-purposing ideas that flow out of these women and men - the cogs of my brain just don't function that cleverly. My finds just get stacked in piles until I'm able to restore them to their former beauty and sell them on the website, at flea markets, or at antique shows. I feel bad about my piles. Truly I do. If you saw my piles, you might feel bad about them too, but you'd probably be too polite to mention them. My daughter has begun referring to me as "Big Edie" (you know from the Grey Garden's story) and I snap back with, "Well. . . I guess that makes you 'little Edie then, huh?!'"

Just ask Stan Williams, he's seen my piles! And Stan is a perfect place to start, since he is the "Prince of The Find!" Here, he posted an idea he came upon using a bunch of hot water bottles. The Italian jean maker Energie, just sliced an opening in the side of the bottles, poured in a little water and grouped it together with all your others on a wall as hanging vases for assorted wildflowers for an awesome window display! Stan also has a marvelous interview with Amy of WhisperWood Cottage and Junkologie here.

Here's a nifty idea from Junkin Escapades I came across the other day. Old liquor bottles were paired with old brass house numbers to make some really cool looking vases. For more ideas check out Junkin Escapades blog where she writes about her quest for anything crusty, rusty, dusty, dirty, dingy and chippy!

Christine Terrell of Austin, Texas makes all of her pieces from upcycled decorative tins. The circles are punched, formed and then the edges are finished smooth. The basins are then drilled and strung on rigid german silver head pins and attached to sterling silver French hooks. My favorite is her retro rocket pins. See more of her beautiful creations at her Etsy store here and read her blog posts here.

Photos courtesy The Elegant Thrifter, Junkin Escapades, and Adaptive Reuser

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Want It Wednesdays

Lstephenson@austin.rr.com (vintagelaundress) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:48:00 +0000

Photos courtesy of 1stdibs, 4. Pieces, 2. Downtown, 3. Swank Lighting and 1. jkl Design

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