tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37169958593082545182024-02-19T07:52:40.000-05:00stories read aloudChristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716995859308254518.post-18978241746242239282014-08-10T08:39:00.000-04:002014-08-10T08:39:14.722-04:00Memory of summer<img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5551/14875589285_c7ca3089f3_o.jpg" class="center" /><br />
<p>
Yesterday <a href="http://www.thestyline.com" target="_blank" />The Style Line</a> celebrated their first anniversary at <a href="http://www.mid-atlanticmercantile.com" target="_blank" />Mid-Atlantic Mercantile</a> in Lawrenceville. Shop owner Emily Slagel invited my sister and I to bring a capsule collection of late-summer vintage clothing to the event, and we spent the afternoon sipping cocktails from the Livermore and generally having an amazing time.<br />
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I wore this vintage 1950's skirt that I found at an estate sale a few weeks ago. It's an unusual garment. The skirt has button holes around its hem, and the button holes fasten onto buttons around the hem of the attached half-slip, creating a bustle effect. The colors remind me of childhood vacations to North Carolina--peaceful and nostalgic and surprisingly reflective of my mood these days.
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<img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3836/14852607416_9e7b75ef92_o.jpg" class="center" /><br />
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Outfit details:<br />
Anthropologie camisole<br />
1950's skirt (part of a blouse and skirt set) purchased at an estate sale<br />
Vintage shell necklace purchased at a flea market<br />
Madewell heels<br />
</p>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716995859308254518.post-35053362377650229592014-07-17T23:33:00.002-04:002014-07-17T23:33:48.547-04:00Underneath<img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2933/14675966031_f73b2ae6d4_o.jpg" width="533" height="800" class="center" /><br />
<p>
Every so often I suffer from vintage burn-out. A customer is unhappy with a dress. Or a pile of garments purchased at an estate sale turn out to be riddled with holes. Or my vintage collection seems lacking compared to the items I "like" on Instagram... Vintage burn-out. Something usually shakes me out of it, and this time, it was the outfit I'm wearing in these photos and--more specifically--a friend's reaction to it. The notion that 100-year-old undergarments can look modern and interesting is so, so great! And the possibility that an outfit might spark someone else's creativity is even better.
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<img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2898/14492700567_165eb8d961_o.jpg" width="533" height="355" class="center" /><br />
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Outfit details:<br />
Edwardian blouse purchased at an estate sale<br />
Edwardian skirt purchased at a flea market<br />
J.Crew slip<br />
1950's belt purchased at an estate sale<br />
Madewell heels<br />
Victorian mourning necklace via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thedeeps" target="_blank">The Deeps</a><br />
Antique bracelet purchased at an estate sale
</p>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716995859308254518.post-9477104472052563762014-05-09T08:35:00.000-04:002014-05-09T12:20:01.469-04:00Almost summer<img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2924/13957569757_99d692ef39_b.jpg" class="center" /><br />
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It isn't summer yet, but it sure feels like it. I've been drinking almost-daily frappuccinos (which I can only justify because I still have Starbucks gift cards left over from Christmas), and ladybugs have taken up residence in one of my bedroom windows. Two signs that the weather is changing. It was actually a little warm for jeans, but I felt very summery in this high-rise pair from Gap and a funny 80's wrap top that I tied in an enormous bow. And the bracelet! A few weeks ago I went to an estate sale with tons of vintage jewelry. It was mostly costume and not all that old, but while I was digging, the woman running the sale started unpacking some extra boxes. She handed me a Ziploc bag filled with jewelry, and when I opened it, I realized it was all Victorian! Portrait pins, lockets, monogrammed bracelets, etc. This bracelet was one of my favorites in the bag, and it only cost me $3!
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<img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2927/14164324213_988be0699c_o.jpg" class="center" /><br />
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Outfit details:<br />
Vintage polka dot wrap top via etsy<br />
Anthropologie tank<br />
Gap jeans<br />
Nine West flats<br />
Antique bracelet purchased at an estate sale
</p>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716995859308254518.post-19590547605558201902014-04-23T22:33:00.000-04:002014-04-23T22:33:10.710-04:00Ode to common things<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7304/14009741633_6779803877_o.jpg" class="center" /><br />
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The Chilean poet Pablo Neruda loved "things." His three homes are filled with his treasures--colored glass, figureheads from old ships, masks from around the world--and he composed odes to birds, to salt, to socks. In "Ode to Common Things," he writes, "many things conspired to tell me the whole story. Not only did they touch me, or my hand touched them: they were so close that they were a part of my being, they were so alive with me that they lived half my life and will die half my death." He believed that everything ever made bore "the trace of someone’s fingers on their handle or surface, the trace of a distant hand lost in the depths of forgetfulness."<br />
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I can relate to Pablo Neruda, because that's exactly how I feel about vintage clothing. That by slipping on a dress I might be able to share a piece of the previous owner's spirit. It's not about capital-F Fashion at all. So I wasn't even mad today when the wind kept blowing my dress askew or passersby stared. I felt romantic and content, illuminated by the hazy afternoon sunlight, and it was a nice feeling.
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Outfit details:<br />
1940's dress via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dethrosevintage" target="_blank" />Dethrose Vintage</a><br />
Madewell heels
</p>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716995859308254518.post-34810792234599491232014-04-18T14:17:00.000-04:002014-04-18T14:17:04.614-04:00Kicky Feet Vintage at Trade Union<img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3813/13925659345_c544a2b6a3_o.jpg" class="center" /><br />
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On March 29th, I was one of the vendors at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/218133365060216/" target="_blank" />Trade Union</a>, a newly-established biannual trunk show held at the <a href="http://minefactory.tumblr.com" target="_blank" />Mine Factory</a> here in Pittsburgh. It was the first time I've ever sold vintage clothing at a show, and I was so glad that the incredibly talented <a href="http://lailaarchuleta.com" target="_blank" />Laila Archuleta</a> took a few photos of my booth. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, and keep your eyes on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/218133365060216/" target="_blank" />Facebook page</a> for more information about the next one!
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<img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7364/13902548172_2ab0964f87_o.jpg" class="center" />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716995859308254518.post-36612872755138241602014-04-10T23:38:00.000-04:002014-04-10T23:38:37.172-04:00Lately<img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3791/13765600403_653b370abb_o.jpg" class="center" /><br />
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I know it's a little silly to start a blog post by talking about the weather, so I'll keep it short and just say that we've had a few really beautiful days in Pittsburgh. I've been eyeing my floral rayons all winter, and I finally pulled one out of my closet for a coffee and tea date with my sister.<br />
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Nothing much new to report since I last updated this blog. Life has been dance studio choreography, yoga classes, and prep for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pghvintagemixer" target="_blank" />Vintage Mixer</a>. It's this Saturday, April 12th, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Heinz History Center, and I'll be selling clothing from the 20's through the 60's. If you're in the area, I'd love to see you there!
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<img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3822/13765590445_f8cda00890_o.jpg" class="center" /><br />
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Outfit details:<br />
1940's dress via etsy<br />
Coach belt<br />
Nine West flats
</p>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716995859308254518.post-26245652753005884982014-03-22T22:25:00.000-04:002014-03-22T22:45:39.623-04:00Kicky Feet Vintage<p>
Just stopping in to announce that I will be selling vintage clothing at several venues here in Pittsburgh! I've been trying to expand my vintage clothing business, Kicky Feet Vintage, and a couple great opportunities have popped up in the past few months. For one, a selection of my items will soon be available at <a href="http://www.mid-atlanticmercantile.com/" target="_blank" />Mid-Atlantic Mercantile</a>, a boutique in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh. And second, I will be a vendor at two upcoming markets. If you're in the Pittsburgh area, stop by and say hello! (And keep your eye on my <a href="http://instagram.com/kickyfeetvintage" target="_blank" />Instagram</a> for sneak peeks of some of my favorite pieces.)
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/218133365060216/" target="_blank" /><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/13342647804_ca50fc7b99_o.jpg" class="center" border="0" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/218133365060216/" target="_blank" />Trade Union</a>, Saturday, March 29th, from 11AM - 6PM at the Mine Factory, 201 N. Braddock Ave.
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pghvintagemixer" target="_blank" /><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3731/13342650154_44b83745a5_o.jpg" class="center" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pghvintagemixer" target="_blank" />Vintage Pittsburgh</a>, Saturday, April 12th, from 10AM - 3PM at the Heinz History Center<br />
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Also, I'm definitely not abandoning this blog! The weather's warming up, and I'm ready to get into the swing of outfit posts again.
</p>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716995859308254518.post-14516710737572128472014-01-30T18:44:00.000-05:002014-01-30T18:44:48.706-05:00Cozy<img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/12227694815_05edd39562_o.jpg" class="center" /><br />
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Today was finally "warm" enough for an outfit that didn't involve multiple layers of pants. Bundled up in cozy flannel, thick wool, and an oversized hat from knitting rockstar <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/yokoo" target="_blank" />Yokoo</a> (purchased during her fantastic after-Thanksgiving sale), I felt very much like a Scandinavian grandma.
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Outfit details:<br />
<a href="http://penfield.com/" target="_blank" />Penfield</a> shirt via <a href="http://www.mid-atlanticmercantile.com/" target="_blank" />Mid-Atlantic Mercantile</a> (a Pittsburgh clothing boutique)<br />
1950's wool skirt purchased at an <a href="http://storiesreadaloud.blogspot.com/2014/01/verna-part-1.html" target="_blank" />estate sale</a><br />
1940's men's bowling shoes purchased at a (different) estate sale<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/yokoo" target="_blank" />Yokoo</a> hand-knit "English Thompson Hat" in "Walnut Shell"<br />
J.Crew belt
</p>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716995859308254518.post-72670603621052294462014-01-28T18:29:00.000-05:002014-01-28T18:29:00.473-05:00Verna, part 1<p>
Lately, I've been loving the vintage haul photos that people have been posting on Instagram, so I thought I might try to do something similar here on the blog. I'm always curious what other people find at estate sales, buying appointments, and flea markets, what condition the clothes are in, and how they go about bringing them back to life.
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<p>
The clothes in this post came from the estate sale of an opera singer named Verna who performed in Germany and Switzerland during the 40's and 50's. My sister Amy and I purchased 13 pieces (some for us, some to sell) as well as two souvenir hankies from Europe and a stack of Verna's personal photos. I'll definitely be making a second post with scans of the photos and more about Verna herself, but for now, here are the clothes I purchased and what I'm doing to make them wearable again.
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We found four suits--blazers and pencil skirts--from the 40's and 50's. (Not pictured is a red and black plaid set that looked blown-out in every. single. photo.) The skirts are fairly basic, but the jackets have incredible details: embroidered arrows, unusual buttons, and wool that looks like multicolored television static up close. They're in such great shape, but two of the blazers have discoloration inside their collars. I'm always reluctant to take vintage wool to the dry cleaner, so I may attempt to spot clean them. (Or not; you can't really see the discoloration when the blazers are being worn, and I'd hate to ruin these.)
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I almost left this black 50's dress behind because it's made of a funny synthetic that feels like nylon. Now that I've had time to think it over, I have to admit that the material drapes really beautifully, and the dress fits like a dream. Unfortunately, this one needed/needs a lot of work. I spot treated a few large brown stains on the skirt, then hand washed the dress in a mild detergent. The stains came out (yes!), but there are seam breaks under each arm that need repaired, and the skirt will have to be taken up at the waist and hem to get rid of several small holes.
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We found a bunch of great separates at the estate sale (some in better shape than others) and ended up buying two skirts and one sweater. I don't have any photos of the first skirt--a sturdy black cotton one from the 50's--because it's currently soaking in a basin in the sink. But I was able to take photos of a soft-as-clouds pale blue angora sweater and a black wool skirt with pintucks. I spot treated the skirt (more brown staining), then hand washed it in a detergent designed for wool and cashmere. The skirt's hem still needs repaired in a few spots, but it looks a whole lot better, and I think the sweater will be good as new after a quick steam.
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I don't buy a whole lot of clothing from the 60's, but I really like this brown plaid wool dress. It's accented with metallic gold threads, doesn't seem to have a single hole, and will be good to go as soon as I steam it.
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The main reason this photo is so close-up is because I wanted to avoid shooting the crazy underarm staining. This dress is definitely a project, but we couldn't leave it behind! Look at those tiny matching fabric-covered buttons (never mind that one is missing). I have a hard time saying no to printed cotton 50's dresses, because they respond so well to soaking, but one 8-hour soak later we don't seem to have made any progress...
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And finally, a little bit of magic in the form of a floor-length plaid taffeta 40's gown. This was the first thing I grabbed when I walked into the sale, and it is made even better by the fact that I have a photo of the original owner wearing it! (I didn't take photos of the matching black velvet bolero or another long 40's gown made of black and white lace and accented with rhinestones!)
</p>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716995859308254518.post-59424797572373326952014-01-26T22:23:00.000-05:002014-01-26T23:22:15.380-05:00Fashion Frocks<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5476/12165194856_59256bd226_o.jpg" target="_blank" /><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7407/12164272475_0f1f1dfedd_o.jpg" class="center" border="0" /></a><br />
<p>
In my last post, I mentioned that I'd purchased a pile of sample cards created by Fashion Frocks, a dress manufacturing company located in Cincinnati, Ohio, from 1908 to the 1970's. I finally finished scanning my favorites, so here they are! I love everything about these cards--the carefully attached fabric swatches, the awkwardly funny ad copy, the matching turban pictured above that "will complete this fashionable masterpiece for a tiny sum!"
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I forgot to mention that the lot I purchased included a few cards from a similar company called Janalene. They're from 1940, look slightly 30's to me (something about the way the women are drawn), and are at least as fantastic as the Fashion Frocks cards. (And a note: Clicking on any of the images in this post will open a larger version in a new window.)
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<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3826/12165018754_1865a89513_o.jpg" target="_blank" /><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/12164957096_19233d900c_o.jpg" class="center" border="0" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3756/12165019254_35b121b4f3_o.jpg" target="_blank" /><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2840/12164957106_df098018a4_o.jpg" class="center" border="0" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/12165019264_e12ff13f2a_o.jpg" target="_blank" /><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7440/12164957666_dd7c799e51_o.jpg" class="center" border="0" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/12164850623_01c54844f7_o.jpg" target="_blank" /><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7445/12164751804_499f7aa3c8_o.jpg" class="center" border="0" /></a>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716995859308254518.post-23614279630426830412014-01-16T17:14:00.000-05:002014-01-18T19:46:16.404-05:00Animal crackers in my soup<img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3712/11986614744_acdf7096a5_o.jpg" class="center" /><br />
<p>
I recently purchased 28 Fashion Frocks style cards. Fashion Frocks was a dress manufacturing company located in Cincinnati, Ohio, from 1908 to the 1970's. They sold their dresses door-to-door (Avon style) and gave their salespeople sample cards with illustrations of each dress style accompanied by fabric swatches. The Fashion Frocks cards I purchased are from the early 1940's, and feeling inspired by the gorgeous printed rayons, I decided to toss on this fun elephant dress I got for a tiny sum (in the neighborhood of $20) from <a href="http://www.shoplawrence.net/" target="_blank" />Lawrence</a>. It seems that folks who collect vintage have a couple categories they love best--printed cotton 50's dresses, Edwardian whites, or, in my case, printed rayon 30's/40's dresses (along with a few others). In that spirit, I'll be posting scans of those Fashion Frocks cards within the next few days.
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<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7392/11986620464_34ee818545_o.jpg" class="center" /><br />
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<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7333/11986232535_cacc648316_o.jpg" class="center" /><br />
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Outfit details:<br />
1930's dress via <a href="http://www.shoplawrence.net/" target="_blank" />Lawrence</a><br />
<a href="http://www.goldenponies.net/" target="_blank" />Golden Ponies</a> heels
</p>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716995859308254518.post-32147773014236491672014-01-11T09:32:00.000-05:002014-01-13T14:16:19.283-05:00Chicago-Style<img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3740/11887112845_790e4d629e_o.jpg" class="center" />
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I purchased this 1960's knit set at <a href="http://www.marketsupplyco.com/" target="_blank" />Market Supply Co.</a> in Chicago. I mostly hated the new <i>Bonnie and Clyde</i> miniseries, but Bonnie's wardrobe of colorful 1930's knit sets and slouchy berets was outrageously good. The nice thing about the set I'm wearing in these photos is that it <i>looks</i> like something out of the 20's or 30's but is actually much sturdier. (I have plenty of almost-too-precious-to-wear vintage dresses.) Topped with a winter coat, it was perfect for a quick stop at <a href="http://phipps.conservatory.org/" target="_blank" />Phipps</a> to check out the winter flower show.
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<img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3731/11887117615_57d0d36e98_o.jpg" class="center" />
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Outfit details:<br />
1960's does 1920's knit set via <a href="http://www.marketsupplyco.com/" target="_blank" />Market Supply Co.</a><br />
J.Crew belt<br />
<a href="http://www.ninapayne.com/" target="_blank" />Nina Payne</a> heels via Anthropologie
</p>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716995859308254518.post-74696748046364493882014-01-06T20:51:00.000-05:002014-01-07T11:59:44.212-05:00A belated Christmas tree post<p>
I know that the holidays are over and that most people have already moved on, but I wanted to share a few favorites from my growing Christmas ornament collection. I've never really bothered to decorate my apartment for the holidays, but this year I decided to acquire some vintage Christmas baubles and a small white Christmas tree. My mom found the tree while I was in Wisconsin visiting my brother. And I've spent the past several weeks picking up the ornaments at estate sales and antique shops and on ebay. All the ornaments pictured below are vintage, except for the owl and narwhal, which my mom sewed for me using patterns from <a href="http://grainlinestudio.com/2013/12/20/2013-handmade-ornament-exchange-snowy-owl/" target="_blank" />Grainline Studios</a>. And while the tree still looks a little bare, I figure that means future ornament purchases are completely justified.
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I've taken to calling this last ornament the "crystal prison," which is a kind of terrifying name that I <i>think</i> I'm remembering from a 90's unicorn board game. Anyway, it's easily one of my favorite ornaments on the tree.
</p>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716995859308254518.post-37166475811477581072013-12-31T13:14:00.000-05:002013-12-31T15:15:16.618-05:00Chicago<p>
My brother always comes to Pittsburgh for the holidays, but this year, when he left for Wisconsin, he took my sister and I along with him. We've been here since Saturday, and yesterday, we visited Chicago. It was a wonderful, busy day, and though I didn't take very many photos, I wanted to share the few that I did.
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<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7291/11669694374_042ea792f6_o.jpg" width="533" height="355" class="center" />
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I really wanted to see <i>Cloud Gate</i> in Millennium Park, even though it was outrageously cold. (I just looked it up, and it was 14 degrees yesterday afternoon.) My brother, sister, and I took turns snapping touristy photos of one another. In this one, you can see me clutching a bag of goodies from <a href="http://marketsupplyco.com" target="_blank" />Market Supply Co.</a>, a vintage shop partially owned by Karyn of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/dethrosevintage" target="_blank" />Dethrose Vintage</a> and located in the Pilsen neighborhood. Karyn was nice enough to open her shop just for my sister and I, and it was even better than I expected. I wish I had taken a few photos while we were in there, but I didn't want to seem like a creepy fangirl. Luckily, Leilani of Thriftaholic already wrote up an <a href="http://www.thriftaholic.com/2013/09/sneak-peek-of-market-supply-co.html" target="_blank" />amazing post</a> (with tons of gorgeous photos) about the shop prior to their grand opening in September. And my purchases--a 1950's barkcloth skirt and a 1960's does 1930's knit set--should make their way onto the blog soon enough.
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<img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2820/11670124816_f295fd512c_o.jpg" width="533" height="355" class="center" />
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Another view of the Bean. (Shortly after taking this photo, we hustled to <a href="http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com" target="_blank" />Intelligentsia Coffee</a>, where I ordered a much-needed latte.)
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<img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5518/11669693834_f8e3143b6c_b.jpg" width="533" height="800" class="center" />
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We ended our day at <a href="http://www.msichicago.org" target="_blank" />The Museum of Science and Industry</a>. The museum is housed in the former Palace of Fine Arts from the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition and debuted as a science museum during the 1933-1934 Century of Progress Exposition. I've always been pretty fond of the World's Fairs, especially the Century of Progress, so I was psyched to check out the museum. In this photo, I'm standing in front of the 999 Steam Locomotive, "The World's Fastest Locomotive" (112.5 mph), which was displayed at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition.
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Outfit details: Top purchased at an antique shop in Monongahela, PA || 1950's corduroy skirt via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/wildfellhallvintage" target="_blank" />Wildfell Hall Vintage</a> || 1940's knit turban via <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/sonnetandbough" target="_blank" />sonnet and bough</a> || 1950's mink collar via <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BohemianBisoux" target="_blank" />Bohemian Bisoux</a> || <a href="http://www.llbean.com/" target="_blank" />L.L.Bean</a> boots and camp socks
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<img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3681/11669694584_62ec0730f8_o.jpg" width="533" height="355" class="center" />
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And a photo of my brother's adorable cat, Maya. Because cats!
</p>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716995859308254518.post-19534890368510984032013-11-30T16:18:00.000-05:002013-12-01T12:45:04.511-05:00Small Business Saturday<img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3778/11138480673_9234715e5e_o.jpg" width="533" height="800" class="center" />
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Apart from two brief stops at Anthropologie (where I won a pretty set of ceramic measuring spoons) and Gap (where I buy most of my dance teacher clothes), I tried to avoid this year's Black Friday crowds. Instead, I visited a few local antique shops, and today, I went to Butler Street in Lawrenceville for Small Business Saturday.
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I was determined to take outfit photos in spite of the cold. While I <i>really</i> wanted to wear a rayon 40's dress (a brown and teal polka dotted one in particular), this cozy, layered get-up seemed a little more appropriate. You'd think I'd be used to the cold after spending so many Saturday mornings standing outside in estate sale lines, but apparently, I'm not. Just look how pink my hands are!
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Lastly, I have lots of new findings to share with you guys: a 1950's sailor-inspired playsuit that I'm slowly bringing back to life, a perfectly worn-in pair of bowling shoes from the 1940's, loads of great dresses for the shop... Stay tuned!
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<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7378/11138370544_dd4aa718cd_o.jpg" width="533" height="355" class="center" />
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Outfit details:<br />
J.Crew men's chambray shirt<br />
J.Crew men's cardigan</br />
1950's wool skirt via Hey Betty! (a local vintage shop)<br />
J.Crew belt<br />
Bass Outlet boots<br />
L.L.Bean camp socks
</p>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716995859308254518.post-88999823210737586262013-10-30T21:28:00.001-04:002014-01-13T14:17:30.383-05:00Wardrobe staples<img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5534/10582619094_f9fc780cdb_o.jpg" width="533" height="800" class="center" />
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My new job at the theater allows me to dress up a little more, as opposed to the dance studio where I wear a less than exciting mix of tank tops and yoga pants from Lululemon and Gap. After finishing grad school, I felt a little strange putting together fancy outfits for the blog when all I really wanted to wear were oversized button-downs and jeans. I still lean towards jeans these days (especially for late evening shifts), but I try to put in a bit more effort every now and again. And I do feel more myself in outfits like this one--all dresses and layers and vintage clothes with history.
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I will say that while I love my pretty rayon 40's dresses and vintage wool sweaters, they're such a pain to clean! I'm also getting to a point where my most treasured vintage pieces seem almost too precious to wear, so sturdy cotton dresses like this plaid number quickly become wardrobe staples.
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<img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5475/10582618854_56d204829e_o.jpg" width="533" height="800" class="center" />
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Outfit details:<br />
1950's dress purchased from my friend <a href="http://seekingagoldenafternoon.blogspot.com" target="_blank" />Amanda</a><br />
Thrifted H&M striped top<br />
Coach belt<br />
Nine West heels
</p>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716995859308254518.post-18425473928020421412013-10-07T10:30:00.000-04:002013-10-07T10:30:02.240-04:00Gay Disguises for Hallowe'en Revelers<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3775/10138326425_ba301da899_o.jpg" target="_blank" /><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5508/10056088456_95360db929_o.jpg" border="0" width="533" height="720" class="center" /></a>
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At an estate sale a few weeks ago, I bought four issues of a party planning magazine published by Dennison Manufacturing Co. in the 1920's. (The magazine apparently changed names several times. The first three images in this post are from <i>Party Book</i>, 1929, and the last two are from <i>Parties</i>, 1928.) The magazines were hidden in the basement under a pile of dust and are especially cool because they're discards from the Sewickley Public Library. They still have their original borrowing cards stamped with due dates ranging from 1929 through 1966! I have a small collection of vintage costumes, but they aren't nearly as elaborate as the costumes that the magazine insists can be made from only crepe paper and cardboard cutouts! (By the way, clicking on any of the images will open a larger version in a new window.)
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<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2811/10138411566_efff2d88cc_o.jpg" target="_blank" /><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3787/10056045915_8ecd5ae305_o.jpg" border="0" width="533" height="740" class="center" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2823/10138456193_fb9d41e783_o.jpg" target="_blank" /><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/10056088226_e82ce5ce25_o.jpg" border="0" width="533" height="760" class="center" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3718/10138237994_123698df27_o.jpg" target="_blank" /><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7337/10056045325_c140e33e19_o.jpg" border="0" width="533" height="550" class="center" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3704/10138328715_0609ecf229_o.jpg" target="_blank" /><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2877/10056045075_4742672f41_o.jpg" border="0" width="533" height="570" class="center" /></a>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716995859308254518.post-81881127291676519682013-09-25T22:49:00.000-04:002013-12-01T12:45:27.416-05:00On new jobs and girls of the woods<img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5490/9943418856_1b5d0025a1_o.jpg" width="533" height="800" class="center" />
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This is the outfit I plan on wearing tomorrow for the first day of my new job. I'm going to be the House Manager for a local nonprofit community theater. At 26 years old, I already feel so much pressure to have a capital-C Career, but I think for now, this part-time position--in addition to my dance teaching job--feels right. I'm just happy to be working for a really fantastic arts organization.
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In an <a href="http://instagram.com/p/ecUge4iQkb/" target="_blank" />Instagram post</a>, Kater from <a href="http://allthishappiness.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" />all this happiness</a> described her outfit as "girl of the woods goes to the mall," and I feel like that's the direction I'm headed in these days. Cable knit sweaters, well-worn boots, oversized button-downs, and lots of rich, earthy colors.
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Outfit details:<br />
Thrifted sweater (borrowed from my sister)<br />
Vintage velvet skirt purchased at a church rummage sale<br />
Bass Outlet boots<br />
Vintage Paris souvenir bracelet purchased at a yard sale<br />
1920's barkcloth tote via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/demurefolk" target="_blank" />Demure Folk</a>
</p>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716995859308254518.post-90556621923337822382013-09-18T19:58:00.000-04:002013-09-18T19:58:35.985-04:00Star-studded<img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5490/9809017164_e49093f70c_o.jpg" width="533" height="800" class="center" />
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This dress--a 1940's rayon number with star-shaped studs--is one of my favorite estate sale purchases. Something about the shape, especially paired with slightly ugly, chunky sandals, looks really modern to me. It came from a house that felt damp the moment I walked through the door. Most of the other dresses were literally rotten, but this one only had a few spots of rust on the studs and a little surface dirt.
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It's starting to feel more like Fall here in Pittsburgh, especially with morning temperatures in the 40's. Dance classes are in full swing, and my muscles are screaming, so I tried to take it easy today, icing my ankle, sipping hot chocolate, and indulging in some terrible daytime television.
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<img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5455/9809009685_576cec6d8b_o.jpg" width="533" height="355" class="center" />
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Outfit details:<br />
1940's dress purchased at an estate sale<br />
Coach belt<br />
Madewell heels
</p>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716995859308254518.post-30261151857138219082013-09-08T20:23:00.002-04:002013-09-08T20:26:36.337-04:00Summertime<img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3690/9706576060_89e4c9b7f6_o.jpg" width="533" height="665" class="center" />
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The blog world already seems to be gearing up for Fall, but it's definitely still hot and humid here in Pittsburgh. In honor of late summer's hazy days, here's a photo I bought at an estate sale a few weeks ago. That dive looks equal parts terrifying and exhilarating, kind of like life after graduate school.
</p>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716995859308254518.post-30431065405725864102013-09-04T18:33:00.002-04:002013-09-05T10:47:46.979-04:00Romero at Phipps<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7384/9673012491_31d63d446c_o.jpg" width="533" height="800" class="center" />
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I've been sitting on these photos for a while now, because I couldn't decide whether or not I liked them. (I'm trying to get away from the whole look-down-and-away moody blogger pose. In my defense, it was really bright outside?) But this type of outfit--a printed cotton 50's skirt paired with one of my Madewell tees--was pretty much my uniform for the last semester of grad school. Summer already feels over to me, since dance classes start up again on Friday, and I wanted to post this outfit before I'd completely moved on.
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I wore this to go see Phipps Conservatory's corpse flower, named "Romero" after the director of the 1968 zombie flick <i>Night of the Living Dead</i>, which was filmed near Pittsburgh. Corpse flowers only bloom once every 6-10 years for 24-48 hours, and for 12 of those hours, they emit a strong odor that resembles rotting flesh (hence the name). Romero bloomed on August 20th, and I hustled over to Phipps right around opening time the following morning. It's a pretty strange-looking plant--like a 6-foot-tall prehistoric peace lily--and I'm glad I was able to catch it while it was blooming. There were also several families there when I went, and it made me irrationally happy watching little kids run around with their noses pinched, dramatically complaining about the smell!
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<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7355/9673013069_db6c058011_o.jpg" width="533" height="800" class="center" />
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Outfit details:<br />
Madewell tee<br />
Vintage 50's skirt via <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/VeryVintageStore" target="_blank" />Very Vintage Store</a><br />
H&M flats
</p>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716995859308254518.post-62239409126531131412013-08-21T20:29:00.000-04:002013-08-21T20:40:27.949-04:00Knit the Bridge<img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3801/9567120482_35ba6b9427_o.jpg" width="533" height="800" class="center" />
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Earlier this month, a group of 1,900 (!!) volunteers from Pittsburgh and the surrounding area covered the Andy Warhol/7th Street Bridge with 508 knitted, crocheted, and woven blankets. I heard about the project, called <a href="http://knitthebridge.wordpress.com/" target="_blank" />Knit the Bridge</a>, a few months ago, and I checked out the finished installation yesterday. It is gorgeous, especially lit by the late afternoon sun, and I couldn't be more excited to see community arts initiatives taking place here in Pittsburgh. So awesome.
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Outfit details:<br />
1940's wrap dress via <a href="http://shop.shoplawrence.net/" target="_blank" />Lawrence</a><br />
Coach belt<br />
1980's oxfords purchased at an estate sale
</p>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716995859308254518.post-39019844881431276432013-08-19T19:03:00.000-04:002013-08-20T10:45:22.143-04:00Fiberart International<p>
In the two-and-a-half months since my previous post, I finished my last semester at the University of Pittsburgh and graduated with an MLIS in Archives, Preservation, and Records Management. (Woo!) My dance teaching job starts up again in September, but I'd love to find an archives-related part-time gig as well. We'll see how it goes.
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Yesterday I went to the <a href="http://fiberartinternational.org" target="_blank" />Fiberart International</a> exhibition at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. Unsurprisingly, my favorite artworks incorporated vintage textiles. For her piece <i>Love Letters</i>, Roslyn Ritter embroidered her mother's wedding dress with excerpts from love letters written by Ritter's father. And Samantha Fields' <i>She Speaks Folly in a Thousand Holy Ways</i> consists of a vintage afghan dripping with heavy, dimensional beading. There are a couple more great art exhibitions coming up in the next few months (like the 2013 Carnegie International and Chiharu Shiota's show at the Mattress Factory), and I'm looking forward to enjoying them without grad school deadlines hanging over my head.
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<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7313/9547353674_736846021c_o.jpg" width="533" height="800" class="center" />
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Roslyn Ritter, <i>Love Letters</i>, 2011.
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<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7407/9544564301_378a373d2c_o.jpg" width="533" height="355" class="center" />
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Detail of Ritter's <i>Love Letters</i>.
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<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7371/9544564477_808945ab48_o.jpg" width="533" height="800" class="center" />
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Samantha Fields, <i>She Speaks Folly in a Thousand Holy Ways</i>, 2011.
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<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7313/9544564355_5ecd53707c_o.jpg" width="533" height="355" class="center" />
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My sister, Amy, in front of Scott Hunter's <i>Untitled</i>, 2013. The painting was part of the <i>30 : 2</i> exhibition, also on display at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts.
</p>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716995859308254518.post-83914661322180320042013-07-02T17:54:00.003-04:002013-07-18T17:15:53.575-04:00Love letter to Squirrel Hill<img class="center" height="800" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3669/9192198091_4e1d16cbae_o.jpg" width="533" />
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My sister and I were on our way to Starbucks when we spotted these hydrangeas along our street. We immediately went back to our apartment for my camera (we're ridiculous like that), then spent a few minutes taking photos. And it's a good thing we did, because a day or so later, a heavy rainstorm left the flowers looking pretty sad.
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I guess you might consider this post the first in a series of "love letters" to Squirrel Hill, the Pittsburgh neighborhood where I currently live. It's a quiet section of the city filled with coffee and tea shops, bakeries, charming old buildings, and, apparently, outrageously stunning hydrangeas.
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What do you like best about where you live?
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<img class="center" height="355" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7417/9192198217_7523fbbd9c_o.jpg" width="533" /><br />
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<img class="center" height="355" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5498/9194992458_264b1fd43d_o.jpg" width="533" />Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716995859308254518.post-65303203731731895212013-06-28T21:43:00.000-04:002013-08-22T10:29:15.435-04:00Instagram-ish<p>
I always feel a little jealous when I see other bloggers' Instagram feeds. I don't have an iPhone, and my iPod Touch's camera isn't quite up to snuff. So in lieu of a post containing photos taken with Instagram, here are some pictures I took in my apartment on a day when the morning light was especially pretty.
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<img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3682/9152862385_291d9e6959_o.jpg" width="533" height="355" class="center" />
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I've been looking for an old rock collection for a while now, and I picked this one up at an estate sale last weekend.
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<img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3716/9152862427_9440302929_o.jpg" width="533" height="355" class="center" />
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The rose quartz is the star of the collection, in my opinion.
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<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7414/9152862231_2986dd13aa_o.jpg" width="533" height="355" class="center" />
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Community yard sales are sort of a tradition in Pittsburgh, and I went to one in Highland Park at the beginning of the month. I didn't have a whole lot of luck, but I did find this Native American clay pot for a whole lot less than a similar one I've been admiring at a local antique store.
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<img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/9152862315_faf7c340f6_o.jpg" width="533" height="355" class="center" />
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This little tin came from the estate sale of a doctor. It was a great sale--with boxes and boxes of vintage pharmaceutical bottles. There was also a beautiful old Gladstone bag (that I reluctantly left behind on account of some mysterious, sticky staining) and a silly old postcard advertising a hypnotist (which I brought home).
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<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7310/9152862267_663465c76e_o.jpg" width="533" height="355" class="center" />
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And finally, the only "new" item in this post: a ceramic cat dish by <a href="http://www.leahgoren.com/" target="_blank" />Leah Goren</a>. That pose just kills me!
</p>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16463432808765352721noreply@blogger.com6