Dead Man's Shoes Vintage & Other Curious Goods

Don't you love it when you find great new local shops when you aren't really looking for them?  That happened to me and my mom over the weekend when we ended up at Dead Man's Shoes Vintage...

Alex was out of town on another business trip so I asked my mom to come for a visit and thankfully she hopped in her little red hybrid and drove on over from Michigan to keep me company over the weekend!   Or maybe she did just to make sure I don't end up in the ER like the last time Alex was gone?  Anyway....

Shopping adventure selfie with mom :)

We were out and about on Sunday heading to a few estate sales and one of the sales happened to be next to Dead Man's Shoes Vintage.  Naturally, when I saw "vintage" I told her we had to stop in to check it out, so glad we did!

The store had oodles of fun vintage clothing, shoes, accessories, furniture, home decor and other fun curiosities or as they describe it-  "A truly one of a kind collection of curious goods".  I also loved the way the store was curated, the mix of color and pattern throughout added to the fun retro vibe and made browsing through every little bit irresistible.

I have to comment on a few items now- the favorite being the Disposable Dress!  Did you know there was such a thing?!?!  The packaging said it was for "shopping, dancing, partying, funning, and house cleaning" and that it was "for today's Swingers".

It made me wonder if this is where the phrase "she'd look good wearing a paper bag" came from?  Because it is really just a paper bag... with a paper belt/sash.  At least it was water resistant and flame resistant so you can't soak your dress with a spilled a drink or get light on fire during your Swingers party :) 

Lastly, I have to tell you that the best thing about this store is that the prices are reasonable!  That's usually my beef with some vintage stores when you find great things but the pricing is outrageous.  I mean, that dress form in the above pic is $42!  Such a deal!

For all you local Minneapolis/St. Paul folks, you should definitely check it out!  After writing about the Disposable Dress I am kind of kicking myself for not buying it, should I go back and get it?

What did you think of Dean Man's Shoes Vintage?

Would you wear the Disposable Dress?

No update on the sofa situation yet due to Alex's business trip (and the warning he gave me if I buy a couch by myself).  Hopefully we'll get to decide and buy this weekend!

An Old Street Sign to Remember a Special Place

Don't you love when you are in the right place at the right time?

That happened to me earlier today during a walk with the dogs when I happened to stumble upon a couple city workers that were taking down old street signs and putting up new ones.  Being the neighborhood history nerd (posts on our house history and neighborhood history) and weirdo in general that I am, I had to bother ask them, "Excuse me, what do you do with the old street signs?" and one of the workers replied with, "Do you want one?" and the other began taking apart the old sign to give to me.

This little random moment totally made my day!  

Even though it was probably TMI I told them, "My husband and I live in the first home we've ever owned on this street, so thank you, it's special to have."  I kind that might have brightened up their day a little too?  Then, with the street sign in hand I walked home grinning like an idiot :)

Maybe it seems silly to be this excited over a street sign but I'm thankful to have this sign that marks the place that became our very first home together (you know I am also a weird overly sentimental person too right?).  Whether we are here for another year, ten, or twenty-five, this home and neighborhood will always hold a special place in my heart.  Ahhh, aren't you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside too?!

Where would you put it or what would you do with it?  

Would you have asked for a sign too? 

Does anyone in Minneapolis know how old the streets signs were that just got replaced?

I don't think we can really display it anywhere since most of our walls have windows breaking up the amount of space we could place it on so I'm not really sure what or if we will do anything with it.  If you have ideas let me know!

Uncle Alex Good, Auntie Carla Bad

You can't win them all right?  Well, that saying was especially true this weekend when my sister Holly, brother-in-law Brian, and our (almost) one year old niece Brynnan came from Michigan to Minneapolis for a visit.  Why you ask?  Well on the very first day they arrived, Brynnan warmed up to her Uncle Alex right away and when it came to her Auntie Carla, well you get the idea based on Exhibit A below....

Exhibit A

Yep, Uncle Alex got sweet, cute, snuggly, cuddly love from Brynn and the reaction I got was an expression of shear terror followed by loud cries for mom.   It was so sad!  I thought if either of us could have the upper hand in the like-ability area with Brynn it would be me considering I look like her mom and for petes-sake am blood related to her mom. 

Yep, this type of reaction happened over and over as shown in Exhibit B.  Perhaps the worst though was seeing Alex's smug grin when he would happily hold her with no cries or sign or terror in her eyes.  Ugh, it was so, so, so smug. 

Exhibit B

I know it might be because we live far away and she doesn't see us much (which alone makes me feel sad) but I hope it won't be that way next time I see her. Who wouldn't feel sad making a cute baby cry?  Feels pretty crummy especially when you are her Auntie!

Despite feeling bummed that I couldn't hold Brynn as much as I wanted to, we still had lots of fun hanging out and catching up over the weekend. A few highlights included lunch and pictures by the Mississippi Riverfront...

Lots of playing at home and out-and-about with Brynn...

Goodness, that blonde hair and those blue eyes are the sweetest thing right?!?!
But our favorite of the weekend visit was the Como Zoo and Conservatory.  Brynn liked the action at the Zoo but I think she loved the trees and plants at the Conservatory even more! 

... and Auntie Carla loved that she got to take some adorable photos of a very happy Brynnan!

Now before I end this post, wouldn't ya know it-  There's a surprise-twist ending! (Thankfully)

Just before their Minnesota visit came to a close, I sat down with Brynn at the bottom of our staircase and she didn't get upset... she SMILED!  Yaaayyy!  I was so happy and even happier that Brian had a camera close enough to capture the moment.  I love our photo together, makes me a happy Auntie Carla :)

PS- did you notice the unhappy furry little head in the corner of the photo?  Perhaps my first born was jealous like I was of Alex?!?!?  Probably not, but it's pretty strange/funny that Rocco managed to wedge his head in my glorious moment, ha!

Well that was it for our family visit and we loved every minute! 
Now, how about you? Will you have family visiting over the Fourth of July holiday?  If you do and you have little nieces or nephews, I wish you better luck than I had at the beginning :) I hope everyone has a wonderful 4th and remembers to be thankful for our country's independence. I also must say thank you to all of the men and women that still protect our freedoms everyday!

Be safe, have lots of fun, and enjoy the fireworks! 

Vintage Clothing & Textile Sale and a Lucky Fabric Find for my Chairs!

How was everyone's weekend?  I have to say, ours felt pretty fantastic!  We attended a neighborhood party, got out to sit by the lake in the sunshine, and I went with some friends to an awesome vintage clothing, jewelry, and textile sale held at the State Fairgrounds in St. Paul.  I was surprised the sale wasn't busier because (I'll say it again) it was AWESOME!  The sale had over 45 booths showcasing 100+ years of clothing, jewelry, shoes, accessories, and textiles. 

None of us left empty handed and we all spent more than we thought we would- and I mean that in a good way!  I brought home this vintage accent rug for $20, the antique rosary for $10, and 4 yards of vintage printed fabric for $20....

I know the red bead rosary might seem a bit random but it reminded me of one I had when I was little, perhaps given to me by my grandma and it just made me think of her when I saw it :)

I was so stoked when I found that vintage rug, you can NEVER pass up a vintage rug in good condition. They are timeless and you can count on keeping around for a while!  I knew the perfect spot for it would be front and center at our front entry at the bottom of the stairs...

Isn't the color and pattern amazing?!?!?  It was hard to get the color to show consistently in the photos I took, I know it looks a bit different in each photo but it is just gorgeous!

As for the vintage fabric (and those of you that saw my Friday post you might have already guessed) it is going to be used on my latest chair project.  As I mentioned Friday, the fabric I ordered didn't look quite right for the chairs and it was unanimous in the comments that you all agreed :) the scale of the pattern just looked wrong with the cane pattern, and I know some of you might think I am crazy but I'm going with the navy and coral fabric I found at the sale!

Yep, it's a bold choice but I love the color, pattern, and I think the chairs will turn out fabulous!  I have the seat cushions ready to add fabric too and I am picking up paint tonight!  I'm hoping to find a color similar to the dark navy ground in the print, I think it will look luscious!   

What do you think? 
Is my fabric choice crazy or are you loving the unique vintage look of it too?

Before I go, here's a few photos from the Vintage Clothing and Textile sale.  I highly recommend going to the next one!  I know I will be going for sure!

Adventures in Antiquing: A "Make-a-day-of-it" Trip to Hopkins and 50th & Xerxes

Just a heads up- this post might be geared a bit more toward local folks, but still fun if you appreciate a good day of antiquing or might head to the Twin Cities for some shopping- End disclaimer.

Did anyone catch last month's issue of Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine?  I don't typically read each issue but this one was hard to miss since it had a big ol' feature article titled "Where the Experts Shop: Insiders Guide to Antiques, Vintage, & Midcentury" on the cover.  I was so intrigued!

Now I consider myself pretty familiar with great spots for thrifting, antiquing, and vintage shopping around here, but this guide introduced me to some fantastic new options!  So, it was time to set out on a new antiquing adventure and thankfully I had a few fun coworkers that were game too! 

Now, since it would be insane impossible to try and hit all 65 stores mentioned in the guide we took a look at the "Make a Day of it: Shop by Neighborhood" section and decided on visiting the town of Hopkins and the 50th & Xerxes neighborhood of Minneapolis.  Here's a glimpse of our day including store photos and what I took home!

We started off bright and early in Hopkins, which is about 10-15 minutes from Minneapolis.  I was most excited about shopping here since I've heard about great antique stores but haven't had a chance to visit yet- and I wasn't disappointed!  Our first stop was Antiques on Mainstreet since it opened earlier than some other stores. (see entire list of antique stores in Hopkins here). 

Some of my favorites included those marble bookends, oodles of vintage gloves, and that display case FULL of dog figurines... I may start a collection of Shih Tzus and German Shorthairs someday.... oh yes, I'm going to be that kind of old lady... someday :) hehe!  But for the time being I'm going to forego that bold purchase.  Onto the next!

We popped over to Auntie M's Antiques located right next door.  I have to say, I thought this shop was quite delightful!  They had a lot of great antiques as well as some really oddball goofy items...

Yep, flying pigs, Hair Goes Latin 4 (anyone know what the heck that is?), old urine specimen bottles, and my personal favorite- this poofy wig of red hair.  I know some of you might think I'm nuts but I couldn't resist putting it on and once it was on my head I started talking with a Long Island/Jersey kind of accent and called myself Gloria.  Perhaps "Gloria" also collects dog figurines???

Before leaving Auntie M's, I found this gold wall shelf made by the same company that made my gold wall scones I found while thrifting and couldn't pass it up for just $7.00!

After making my purchase we went across the street to the Hopkin's Antique Mall.  They had a lot of great items but I think their assortment of antique lighting and jewelry was fantastic!

My other favorites were the vintage Barbie collectibles and of course I couldn't resist an old map from my home state Michigan.  I think I remember playing with some of those Barbie items at my grandma's, the green Barbie house for sure which came with colorful cardboard furniture.  Brought back memories (sigh).

That wraps up our Hopkins visit, I wish we could have visited more stores but we spent about three hours in those three stores alone, isn't that crazy?!?  In order to hit the other stores and stay on track with our timing we had to get moving to the 50th & Xerxes neighborhood.  But, I have to say that I really loved vintage shopping in Hopkins, so many great items and fair prices that gave it that good treasure hunt kind of feel. I will have to have another Hopkins antiquing adventure sometime this summer so I can hit more stores on the list!

Onto the 50th & Xerxes neighborhood!
We headed in to Hunt & Gather Antiques and Loft Antiques.  I've been to both before and they are always worth a stop to check out the new merchandise.  Plus, you can always count on Hunt & Gather to be beautifully curated!  The upper level had a classic/formal kind of vibe going on...

... and the lower level had a bright, outdoor-sy, summer feel.  I loved the rack of vintage ladies swimwear!

Over at Loft Antiques, we spotted lots of lovely higher-end vintage furniture surrounded by unique ceramics, figurines, lighting fixtures, plenty of vintage books, magazines, and other printed items- like that Paris Michelin guide book from the summer of 1959.  I picked up that guide book and started thumbing through it.

I loved all the old maps, images, handwritten notes, and a car rental ticket from September 23rd, 1959.  It even smelled old, like that good old-old book from a library kind of smell.  Yep, had to buy it for $5.00 and I hope to use some of the maps for a project... someday :) it's in the pile, ugh I know I have to stop adding!

I know that part of our day sounded quick, but that is where our shopping ended for the day.  By that time we were pretty hungry and wanted to pick a cute place to sit for lunch so we headed to Tilia in the Linden Hills neighborhood.  The food was amazing, so-so-so delicious, and since I had never been before I had to take a few pics to share!  I also got a group pic with my shopping buddies (slightly blurry, sorry!).

All in all, it was a perfect way to spend the day!  I highly recommend our little one day antique shopping itinerary to anyone else looking to do some shopping with friends.  It was just enough without being too tiring and Tilia is a great finale for an antiquing adventure :)

Any other locals check out stores from the MSP Magazine list too?  Where did you go?
What do you think of my antique finds? 

Junk Bonanza Photos- Can You Guess What I Took Home? Plus the Wedding Lab!

I gathered all up my photos from Thursday's Junk Bonanza trip to share!  Aside from just shopping at JB, the other fun part is getting some project or DIY ideas from what you see.  Also, this year they had a Wedding Lab that featured some amazing, cute and creative wedding themes (fun to look at even if you aren't a bride-to-be!).  So I hope you enjoy a look at all the sights and maybe find a fun idea or two! 

If you're up for a little game too, try and guess the three items I took home as you look through the pictures.  Ready?!?!  Here's a look at all the "junk"...

That wraps up the junk for sale but I can't leave out photos of the Wedding Lab! 
Each themed "lab" displayed great ideas for a vintage, vintage-inspired, or repurposed wedding and reception style.  The displays were so pretty too look at, I have to say all the folks that put it together did an amazing job!  (Click here for more info)

Ahhhh, I still love looking at wedding decor ideas! 

Now, I know you're wondering what I took home???  Did you guess the three items from the photos above?  Yes? No?  Either way here's my loot...

Any correct guesses?!?  I think the Z was pretty easy but it was a good score for just $10 and I love the glossy white/gold finish and the modern vintage style of it.  My friend Amber spotted the potty knocker for $3 and said, "you should get this for Alex" so I did.  It was a perfect gift for my hubby- random, strange, and included bathroom humor :)  Lastly, I got that little black dress for $20 and it fits perfectly, how lucky is that find?!?!  Plus, who doesn't love a little vintage in their wardrobe?

Phew! 

Anyone else score good finds at Junk Bonanza this weekend?  What'd ya get?

A "Relaxing Renewal" & Plenty of Decor Ideas at Bachman's Spring 2013 Idea House

It's time to get some major decor inspiration with a look at Bachman's Spring 2013 Idea House!  This time, a "Relaxing Renewal" celebrates the fresh energy that Spring brings.  It's all about relaxing, organizing, getting together with friends and watching things grow!  As expected, it was full of great ideas and I am sure you will find at least one of your own after seeing these pictures!

Just in case you are familiar with the Idea House, here is the background information:
Bachman's is a Floral and Gift Garden here in Minneapolis, and their Idea House was their original founder's house built in the 1920's. The company now uses the house for their seasonal Idea House creating entirely new rooms for each of the four seasons. Everything about each room is different for each season's idea house, right down to the paint on the walls. When you enter the house you get a brochure that lists all the details for each room including the paint color and 'ideas'. The cool part- everything in each room is for sale!

Now let's get to it!  I will show photos from each room and then list the 'ideas' after....

Living Room

Living Room Ideas: Bird magnets added to decorative metal screen; 3-tier glass serving piece filled with rocks as floating candle holder; Terra cotta pots painted white and stacked as floor lamp base; Vintage cubbie unit as sofa table and magazine holder; Lanterns used as terrariums; Coffee table built of 6x6 cedar posts at difference levels with decorative tiles; Lights added to ceramic vases in cabinets to create light fixtures; Salvaged architectural grid as backdrop to wall art

Dining Room

Dining Room Ideas: Slate tiles and paint-able wallpaper used as table runner; Bird vases in clear bases as candlestick holders; Names written in dry erase marker on bird vases as placecard holder; Assorted candle holders stacked on each other to create holistic centerpieces; Floral vase as tea holder; Rattan balls spray-painted as chandelier accents; Foam ribbon, fabric and permanent botanicals as window treatment, Salvaged mirror serves as menu board; Ceramic memo boards with dry erase markers serve as food markers; Salvaged iron panel spray-painted layered on top of vintage wallpaper as wall art

Kitchen

Kitchen Ideas: Aluminum mesh panels as decorative background in cabinets; Aluminum mesh panels line interior of chandelier; Dish towels hung with magnetic burlap flowers as window treatment; Hobnail vases as candle holder; Metal rack as hanging herb planter; Vintage scale as planter; Outdoor bistro table and chairs for in-kitchen dining; Kitchen utensils hung as wall art

Sunroom

Sunroom Ideas: Vintage peanut shell rollers placed in planter and turned into floor lamp; Birdcages turned into miniature garden planter; Infinity candle holders added to planters transform into lanterns; Vintage trough used as miniature garden planter; Suitcase turned into miniature house; Watering can turned into miniature house; Tree for made of metal tray and assorted objects

Lower Bathroom & Stairwell

Lower Bathroom & Stairwell Ideas: Dishtowels hung with clothespins as window treatment; Dishtowels hung as sink skirt; Mirrors, aluminum mesh panels, and flowers layered as wall art; Grain scoop as toilet paper holder; Mesh wall cubbie and coat rack serves as towel organizer; Outdoor lantern turned into ceiling light fixture; Paper placemats used as wall art; Salvaged architectural grid layered with metal flowers as wall art; Salvaged iron railing as screen at top of stairs

Event Coordinator Office

Event Coordinator Office Ideas: Wall stripes made of burlap and ribbon; Card table turned into bulletin board; Glass terrarium as mail holder; Salvaged porch posts affixed to wall and greeting cards hung from lines between posts as wall art; Decorative notepad paper, Plexiglass and molding turned into giant wall calendar; Chandelier made of peek-a-boo baskets; Glass added to salvaged table bases create a desk; Glass table lamp filled with tree branch and bird sun catcher; Trio planter as pencil/pen holder; Coat racks used as window valance; Twig wall hooks as curtain tiebacks; Birdcage turned into a planter

Master Bedroom

Master Bedroom Ideas: Area rug as headboard; Birdcage lamps decorated with burlap ribbon, rocks and pearls; Ceramic birds as wall art in a cascade; Vintage doorknobs as finials on curtain rods; Wall mirror as vanity tray; Floor lamps made from 6x6 cedar posts and hanging light pendants; Rattan cubes turned into wall shelves; Flower pattern drilled in boards as light-up wall art; Wind chimes as ceiling chandelier

Upstairs Bathroom

Upstairs Bathroom Ideas: Handing birds as shower curtain decor; Birdcage wall shelves as towel rack and bath organizer; Molding added to windows to create interior window boxes; outdoor garden stakes as sun catchers; Garden trellis as wall art; Metal shelf as toilet paper holder; Printed bird as toilet tank decoration

Girls Bedroom

Girls Bedroom Ideas: Flowers as headboard; Light pendants made from hanging vases and metal baskets; Outdoor planters as nightstands; Salvaged fence, grapevine, florals and LED string lights as window valances; Cork added to vintage picture frames serve as bulletin boards; Owl lamps embellished with chalkboard markers; Ceramic memo boards as picture frame; Mason jar vases as makeup brush and candle holders; Ladder as a scarf rack

Event Coordinator Workshop

Event Coordinator Workshop Ideas: Chalkboard paint, moldings and bedsprings to create inspiration boards; Inspirational quotes written on chalkboard paint as wall art; Bracelets used as curtain tiebacks; Party theme ideas shown- Summer Family Reunion BBQ, Ladies Afternoon Tea, Spring Fling for Audubon Society, and In the Garden

Porch 

Porch Ideas: Vase as silverware holder; Salvaged garden trellis as wall art backdrop; Wood trays as wall art; Birdbath as serving dish; Chairs adorned with swag as spoon rest and tied with burlap ribbon; Coffee mugs as planters; Miniature trellis with ribbon as placecard holder in mug with embellished garden rocks as favors; Ribbon and decorative clip as napkin ring; Flower bulbs hanging from curly willow as centerpiece; Candle holders added to planter boxes as lanterns; Birdcage turned into floor lamp; Faucet wall hooks as curtain rod holders; Grapevine wreath layered with permanent boxwood wreath and glass ornaments as valance adornments

Outside Peace Stake Garden

Outside Peace Stake Garden Ideas: Letters stenciled on terracotta pots to create inspirational quotes

- That's a wrap! -

Which ideas where your favorites?!?! I think mine included all the ways you can hang little glass planters along with the more modern looking decor in the Living Room.  I was nice to see that they are starting to move away from some of the vintage-y upcycled stuff and into some fresher looks.

If you need more spring decor ideas, click on the links to check out their 2011 or 2012 Spring Idea Houses.  Hope you found some inspiration, thanks for stopping by!

PLEASE NOTE: In case you didn't read the top of the post, I just want to reiterate that this IS NOT OUR HOUSE and I am not employed or affiliated with Bachman's in any way- Which means I did not decorate the rooms shown and I don't have information on the DIYs.