Vintage VANguard

Recall, Dear Readers, the trauma I experienced with my inability to transport that most glorious French Settee?  Or, all those moments of doubt when pondering the capacity of the trusty Passat to transport all the delightful treasures I would amass in one vintage décor expedition?  Recall, too, the cry I would lift up to the furniture gods in such times of anguish:  “I NEED A VAN!!!”

Well, TAH-DAH!  May I present…Bianca the Van (not to be confused with BLANCA-the-Furniture-Redo-Diva).  Yes, I finally took the plunge into the world of ubiquitous white cargo vans.  Fleeting associations with snipers notwithstanding, after much deliberation I succumbed to the fact that I needed a workhorse to handle the ever-increasing demands of my vintage décor addiction (and the “As Luck Would Have It” business it spawned).  This was not, I repeat NOT, a decision made in haste.  Oh, no…I thoroughly researched various and sundry vehicles that had the potential of meeting my requirements – some of function, others of form.  There was the Conversion Van, which had the cheesy allure of retro decadence, with its interior limo lights, faux wood trim, and rear seat that folded down to bed (disco ball not included – but was definitely a post-purchase must!).  Then there was the comfortable yet not quite sufficiently utilitarian minivan, which could be dual-purposed to accommodate Sig-O/godsons D&V/god-dog C to and from Rehoboth (and maybe even a vintage trinket or two) – but not, say, a French settee that one might happen to find abandoned on the curb (yep, still obsessing over that one). 

Then, during one fortuitous perusal through CraigsList, I happened upon an ad that sounded most promising: a Ford Econoline “E150” van, which as it turned out was being offered by a local audio-visual company.  After hastily making an appointment to visit said vehicle, I rushed to the company’s location and was pleasantly surprised by the near pristine condition of the van.  And, as if customized for hauling the typical objects of my affection, this particular vehicle had even been outfitted with an interior lining that included chrome toggle-hooks for attaching bungee cords – thus enabling the secure transport of acquired treasures!  (I know…whoever thought I’d be in such a state of amazement over a cargo van?!?)

Only days later, after having a local mechanic give the van a reasonably clean bill-of-health, the once transporter of audio-visual equipment became a regal chariot blessed by the vintage décor gods!  Thus far, Bianca has enabled yours truly to acquire a pair of 1940s dressers from a new Fave Source in the oh-so-trendy Alexandria, Virginia neighborhood of Del Ray (the topic of an upcoming post, I PROMISE!); an early ‘50s card table and chairs set (OMG, just wait til you see pics of THAT beauty!), found at another newly discovered treasure trove in my hometown Ashland, Virginia; a Danish mid-century modern easy chair and ottoman set from yet ANOTHER new source – which is located mere yards from Bianca’s previous owner!….and other terribly fabulous items, all of which will provide fodder for many, many future Furniture Addict tales.

And, guess what just arrived in the mail?  The magnetic signs to be ceremoniously placed on Bianca’s doors, announcing to all that this glorious vehicle belongs to “As Luck Would Have It”!  If you happen to see us during one of our vintage décor hunts, be sure to honk if you’re a fellow Furniture Addict!  But be forewarned:  we brake for treasures!

Joseph’s Coat of Many Colors

My Dear Readers have long been aware of my ongoing love affair with that thrilling Store de Thrift, Joseph’s Coat.  This Falls Church, Virginia establishment has yielded many a treasure, but recently it has outdone itself as a purveyor of fine vintage décor!

You’ll recall that BFF Diana, the Lady D, is the one responsible for introducing me to the lures of Joe’s Coat (as those of us in-the-know refer to it.  Ok, well, at least Diana and I).  And, yet again, it is she who drew me in on multiple occasions over the past several weeks.  The Lady D, a savant with a cell phone, entices me by sending a text with nothing more than a pic attached – a picture of some glorious item, destined to set in motion an episode of intense vintage!  I submit as evidence:

• Lion-paw Dining Table:  Having received a texted pic of this fine oak structure, I immediately recognized its locale as the furniture area of Joe’s.  Frantically dialing Lady D to ascertain the item’s specs, my repeated calls were constantly interrupted by more and more virtual treasures being sent over the ether.  Finally I was able to connect with our intrepid hunter, and was informed that this table was in excellent shape.  As Diana provided me with the table’s measurements (to determine, of course, if it could possibly fit into the Passat), I pictured her in some exotic yoga pose, holding the phone against her ear with her shoulder while extracting the tape measure with outstretched arms (the oh-so-challenging ‘Talking-on Cell-while-Measuring’ pose, to be attempted only by the most advanced yogini).   Alas, I waffled on committing to this lovely vintage find, on the basis that it seemed highly unlikely that I could make it fit into the Passat (even my trusty chariot has its limitations!).  Nonetheless, I managed to make my way to Joe’s mere days later, and discovered that the lion-paw table was still available!  Fate smiled upon me indeed; after crawling under the table and taking copious measurements, I determined that, by removing the tabletop, I would be able to fit the disassembled treasure into the awaiting Passat!  Yes, I was so ashamed of myself for doubting its cargo capacity – and my own Furniture Addict ingenuity.

But wait, there’s more!

• A diminutive table with a framed glass top: Note the beautifully woven gold fabric behind the glass, and the lovely blue patina of the table’s finish.  Serendipitously, I discovered in the same Joe’s Coat spree a precious little book (dated 1895!) of Poe’s Poems, inscribed “Anasue Comer, from Mother”.  This tiny tome is beautifully bound in leather, with painted embossed flowers of a distinctively Art Nouveau design.  Note how perfectly the book accompanies the table, especially when set in a delicate bowl of yellow-tinted glass given to me by dear friend Amelia – pure vintage FABULOCITY!

• Kanawha Candy Dish: Diana convinced me that this lovely milk-glass candy dish was indeed a collectible find. Labeled "Kanawha Handcrafted Glassware, Dunbar Wva", it is a pristine example of that company’s wares.  And the swirls of orange, yellow, and green make it the perfect accent for the Flamestitch Wing Chair – both pieces are part of the “Spring Brights” collection currently on display in the “As Luck Would Have It” shop at Home Store Manassas!

• Capodimonte salt-n-pepper shakers:  How can something so small be so over-the-top?!?  Just take a gander at this charming pair of Capodimonte-style Italian salt-and-pepper shakers.  Note the male and female near-nudes in repose, along with the requisite cupids.  Brava! 

• Quimper Fish Plate:  Once again, the Lady D shamed me with her knowledge of fine collectibles.  As I was agonizing over the merits of this whimsical fish plate, she expertly turned it over to reveal that the piece is “Quimper”, and hence quite desirable.  Merci’ beaucoup, Diana!

And I could go on and on and on.  As always, Joseph’s Coat did its part to feed my addiction.  Trust me, there are more stories to tell of trips to this most wondrous of places!  Hurry in…And tell manager Christina that Howard and the Lady D sent you...It'll be star-treatment all the way!

Catch-Me-If-You-Can (Episode 1)

My oh my, dear Readers, but it has been a month!  Yes, I know, I have been terribly delinquent about regaling you with stories of my various vintage décor exploits, but it’s been a period of manic activity!  But now, as I calmly sit here with a cup o’ tea by my side and a purring kitty on my lap (and a few Xanax at the ready – alas, only joking about that), I’m prepared to tell all…. But, where to begin?  Let’s start with….

April 3^rd, Arlington Civitan Flea.  As I alerted you (don't say I didn't!), the first Arlington County Civitan Flea Market of 2010 commenced bright 'n early at 7 AM on April 3^rd.  This is the wonderfully fun event BFF Sharona and I stumbled upon late last year, and which is held the first Saturday each month (April thru November) in a multi-level parking garage in the county’s Ballston area.  Well, let me say, this season is off to a roaring start!  Each row we traveled provided many vintage treasures: an oval oak side table here, a carved wood frame there….But, the most amazing find was a set of four metal patio chairs which proved to not only be of the same manufacturer (Homecrest) and vintage (late ‘60s/early ‘70s) as the Jetson-esque group already occupying my garden, but with seats covered in the same gloriously vibrant mod floral design!  Though these seats have seen their share of fading and grime from exposure to the elements, this Furniture Addict is convinced that a little TLC will bring them back into the FABULOCITY fold.  Truly the discovery of the day. 

But wait, there’s more!  Like, the mid-century oval ceramic plate with faux-croc texture and dated as “1966” on its wood-toned underside (absolutely essential to the Mod grouping I’m planning for the As Luck Would Have It Fall 2010 Transition Collection!)….And this truly amazing and authentic art nouveau plate (I just about D-I-E-D when the good ol’ boy vendor said he thought it was “kinda old”!).   Between all these items and the set of four wooden wine boxes purchased from a young man selling off his mother’s estate of collectibles, there was barely enough room in the trusty Passat for dear Sharona.  Although she was willing to be sacrificed in the name of vintage décor victory, I nonetheless found space for her just long enough to drive us both to our fave breakfast (and pizza) spot, Atlantis, for a meal fit for Flea Market royalty.  After all, we were entitled to gluttony after all that, er, gluttony.

For a live-action experience of our early morning flea-vaganza, watch the video!  And be sure to check out Aaron and Shannon Hase’s “Yuppie Décor” offerings.  This friendly young couple’s spot at the flea was filled with yummy décor and furnishings.  "Hey, Aaron and Shannon – is that framed map of Nantucket still available?"

Next Episode:  Joseph’s Coat of Many Decors….

FLAME-ing HOT!

I just cannot leave well enough alone….

Last year, I discovered a fantabulous 1920s wingchair at that most delightful of places, Class and Trash.  Actually, it was one of a not-quite-matching pair; while both chairs were of the winged variety, and both were covered in the same VERY vintage seafoam green nylon fabric, the legs were quite different on each.  One had very straight Chippendale-style legs, and was reborn into the world of total FABULOCITY as the infamous White Tiger Chair.  The other, with ornately carved ball-and-claw legs, waited ever so patiently for its own dramatic restyling.  

And behold, in all its glorious splendor:  the Flamestitch Chair!  Do watch the video for the full experience, Dear Readers, oh do!

We Heart The Flea

Oh, what fun!  Once again, I joined BFF Diana the Lady D for our quarterly pilgrimage to Chantilly, Virginia for the DC Big Flea.  The latest antiques and collectibles extravaganza was held on March 6^th and 7^th at its usual locale, the Dulles Expo Center.  And, per usual, the Lady D beat me there (but only by sheer minutes this time!), so she had nary a head-start on me.

Whereas the previous Flea, in bitterly cold January, had been one of the best attended in recent times, this particular weekend brought with it the first hint of spring – bright sunny days in the mid-50s.  Unfortunately for the vendors, the less die-hard Flea goers decided to spend their weekend on more outdoorsy activities.  Alas, the vendors’ loss was our gain: easy parking, and fewer contenders for the good stuff!

This time around, there was much less furniture offered and instead most of the vendors brought more ‘smalls’ – dishware, knick-knacks, jewelry.  Nonetheless, toward the end of the day I was most fortunate to discover these glorious armchairs, circa 1950s, at the booth of two wonderfully wacky ladies named Sarah Jean and Katherine.  Love Love LOVE these chairs – and the girls who sold them! The chairs’ lines are so elegant yet flirty (much like their previous owners), and the tufted backs are incredibly chic.  Granted, the upholstery is more than a bit tattered, but nonetheless you can see how – with the right combo of fine fabrics – they are easily within reach of total FABULOCITY!

There was so much to see, so many delicious finds to bring to my Dear Readers, that I had to create not one but TWO videos to capture it all!  Be sure to watch them both….There are many varied vendors, some familiar to you from the January Flea and lots new ones with wondrous wares.  So, pop the corn, settle into the comfort of your fave vintage chair (tattered or not!), and let the shows begin!

Part I:

Don't go away!  Here's Part II:

Luck Has (um…HAD) It!

Ah, success!  At least, a modicum of it…!

The first pieces of the “As Luck Would Have It” inventory offered at the Home Store in Manassas Virginia have been purchased!  Yes, Dear Readers, after all the collecting, all the hunting (and all the loading and storing), this Furniture Addict has sacrificed a few of his treasures in the name of commerce (actually, I prefer to consider it as “spreading the joy – for fun and profit”). 

Behold, the first babies to leave the nest (and by ‘nest’ I mean ‘storage unit’) during Home Store’s inaugural week….The most fab iron-and-glass chandelier (complete with ruched black velvet cord cover) pictured with the restyled white tiger chair was the first-of-the-first.  Later in the week, the ornate gold frame also seen here was claimed by some fortunate shopper.  

Then, this pair of Victorian cameo-back chairs with flawless gold-and-black striped velvet covering found their way to a new home.  (And, can you believe it, ALL of these pieces were discovered by moi on Washington DC’s Capitol Hill?!)  

Like any collector, I can only hope that my former treasures have found their way into the hearts of other like-minded furniture fanciers, who will behold them with the same affinity as I.  Adieu, my darlings, and bonne chance!

Gilt-y Pleasures

I am a great admirer of minimalist interiors.  Those sleek, clean, sparse spaces, unencumbered by fanciful ornamentation and devoid of superfluous objects.  Oh, yes, Dear Readers, I have a great respect for homes that adhere to such pure design concepts.

I just can’t live in them.

I like stuff.  Indeed, if it weren’t for ‘stuff’, there wouldn’t be a Furniture Addict Blog!  As anyone who’s familiar with this journal knows, I have a great need/passion/desire to collect and display ‘stuff’.  But not just any ol’ thing.  The objects of my desire must speak to me in some way….They must incite some spark, convey a certain Je ne sais quoi before I embrace them as treasures.

One of my collections was initiated a few years ago by the purchase of my jewel box of a home in Arlington Virginia.  The previous owner, a kindred spirit who had enjoyed many years of treasure hunting while living there, most magnanimously conveyed a spectacular gilded metal chandelier that she had installed in the petite dining room.  I was immediately mesmerized by this golden gem!  It fit so perfectly within the home’s Parisian-inspired décor that she must have recognized to remove it would be akin to stripping the structure of a vital organ.  (That, and the fact that its style was antithetical to the design of her future home in Mexico.)  Regardless, like all the other design choices she had made for my new home, its delicate ornamentation blended seamlessly with the vintage furnishings I brought to the space.

Little did I realize at the time that this fortuitous conveyance would lead to years of hunting for similar treasures.  Very soon after moving into my home, BFF Diana The Lady D and I were exploring a tiny nearby shopping district.  Immediately drawn into a home interiors shop by its fanciful window display, I was astonished to see hanging inside a gilded and bejeweled sconce which was the perfect match to my chandelier! 

Exuberantly entering the establishment, we were welcomed by the shop’s proprietor and discovered that the shop was actually a combination home décor store and interior design service.  I quickly inquired about the sconce, and the proprietor informed me that such objects were imported from Italy into the United States in the 1950s through the 1970s.  (In the Washington DC area, the primary purveyor of these imports was Lord & Taylor, a once high-end department store whose ultimate demise resulted in yet anther batch of the ubiquitous Macy’s).  Apparently, there were several manufactures of such gilded metal decorative objects, but most all were identified in some way as “Florentine”.  The sconce, while not marked, quite obviously fit into this category. 

After a minimal period of negotiations (my skills were not as finely honed as they are now), Diana and I left the shop accompanied by the newly acquired sconce.  Immediately upon entering its new home, I spied the perfect location to hang this treasure – on a hook serendipitously left by the previous owner, on a wall flanking the dining room entrance!  Standing in the living room, one can gaze upon both the chandelier and its smaller – yet no less glorious -- counterpart.

Since those two most momentous acquisitions, I have augmented my collection with other magnificent finds.  By far the largest piece is this coffee table.  Unlike the chandelier and sconce, which is sculpted in a stylized leaf design, the coffee table is resplendently created with two oversized lotus blossoms supporting a clear glass oval top.  This incredible item was discovered at one of my first DC Big Flea outings (accompanied by, of course, the Lady D).  The vendor from whom I purchased this beauty explained that, while she adored the table, her husband had insisted that she downsize her collection of Florentine gilt.  (I think she should have solved the dilemma by ridding her home of the husband, but we all make decisions with which we must live.  Regardless, her lapse in judgment resulted in a gain for moi!)

Other glorious pieces in the collection include a footed cake plate with gilded roses and roses etched in the glass; two table lamps (one from Joseph’s Coat, the other from Capitol Hill’s Eastern Market); and a pair of sconces discovered on my and Sharona’s first excursion to the Arlington Civitan Flea, as documented in an earlier post.  There is also a more diminutive (but no less ornate) sconce with delicately white enameled flowers, acquired at the DC Big Flea from David Haney of Fort Harmar Antiques of Marietta, Ohio (the same vendor from whom I’d purchased those most wonderful wing chairs.)

Quite honestly, I feel no guilt over my gilt.  These masterfully handcrafted pieces of la dolce vita provide me with endless visual delight.  Let the minimalists bask in their austerity.  But for me, like that doyenne of overindulgence Mae West once exclaimed, “Too much of a good thing…can be wonderful!”