FLEAdom

A few weekends ago was the quarterly DC Big Flea, held at its usual venue, the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly Virginia.  And, although I did find myself on those esteemed premises those days, I did not wander the Expo’s hallowed halls in search of treasures. No, Dear Readers, I did not meander down the many aisles of the two buildings that were bursting at the seams with hundreds of purveyors of fine vintage goods.  I did not join the throngs of shoppers as they carefully (and sometimes maniacally) chose their precious bounty of the day.  Why, you may ask, was I at the Expo Center but not partaking of (and, as has become my habit, filming) this quarterly shopping ritual??? Because I was there – for the first time ever – as a VENDOR!

Yes, Yours Truly brought “As Luck Would Have It” to the DC Big Flea!  After many excursions with BFF Diana The Lady D, I decided it was time to take the plunge and sign-up for not one but TWO Flea booths.  It was an invigorating (and exhausting) experience.

"MAD about MID-CENTURY"

The Thursday night prior to the Flea weekend, Sig-O graciously agreed to assist me with the ceremonial loading-of-the-truck.  And by ‘ceremonial’, I mean ‘pain-in-the-nether-region’.  For although I appreciate having the ability to transport large quantities of vintage home furnishings, thanks to Bianca the Cargo Van, I nonetheless find the loading/transporting/unloading cycle both daunting and tiring.  And, due to the selections I made for the ALWHI’s Flea debut presentation (“MAD about MID-CENTURY”), several items of the collection were not only bulky but weighed a bloody ton:  an eight-foot Henredon sofa from the 1960s; the hand-painted mirrored screen (recently seen in the Home Store Manassas “Wild Things” collection); and, a Thomasville mid-century Danish Modern-style dining set with a table that extends ad infinitum.

So, with godson “V” supervising, Sig-O and I loaded up Bianca.  But, because I am incapable of doing anything simply, I had designed a booth space requiring an inventory that far exceeded even Bianca’s capacity.  Therefore, we filled not only the van but also the trusty Passat to the point of critical mass.  And, if I must say so myself, we did a phenomenal packing job.  By the time we squeezed the last lampshade in place, there was barely room for air to circulate.

Bright 'n early the next morning, Sig-O showed up at Casa de Howard to begin the convoy to Chantilly.  Admittedly, I was a tad anxious about My First Time as a Flea vendor.  Oh sure, I’ve shopped it, but now I was about to embark on my maiden behind-the scenes voyage.  Where would we park?  Does one stand in line to be allowed entre’ to set-up, or is it a big free-for all?  How would I find my space?  Would all the other, more experienced vendors be able to spot the newbie?  It was like the first day of high school (oh GAWD, don’t let me start reliving that hell!).

But first (speaking of Hell), we had to get through Northern Virginia traffic.  Ah, yes, NoVA…. Where there’s no such thing as “going against traffic.”  There’s congestion and gridlock in every direction, including the westward trek from Arlington to Chantilly.  However, once we broke through the disaster that is The Beltway, we quickly made it to the Expo Center – with ten minutes to spare!

Rosanna's FAB Florentine Purchase

First thing I noticed was that the other early arrivers had parked their cargo carriers not lined up in front of the building’s entrance, but in regular parking spaces in the lot.  And while some vendors were just milling about, coffee in hand, others were busily unloading their wares into parking spaces adjoining those occupied by their vehicles.  While pondering this activity, I noticed a lovely woman walking towards me from across the lot.  Lo and behold, it was Rosanna, a friend of Furniture Redo Diva Blanca and fellow Furniture Addict and shop owner!  Rosanna informed us that she wasn’t there as a vendor, but as an early shopper….Turns out, dealers often show up at the crack of dawn on Set-up Day to shop the vendors as they’re unloading their vehicles.  As Rosanna explained, a few savvy Flea vendors actually get to the Expo super-early, and unload their wares to enable such opportunistic shopping.  Now we know!  You can bet that “As Luck Would Have It” will take full advantage of this activity next time.  The lovely Rosanna even shopped the back of my van – and twirled away with a Florentine chandelier that just screamed FABULOCITY!

As soon as we vendors were allowed into the Expo Center’s North Building, the real fun began.  Having located my space, Sig-O and I proceeded to unload Bianca and drag all my carefully selected (and did I mention, heavy) offerings inside.  Naturally, everything that needed to be set-up first was packed into the back of the van, or underneath all the smaller, more fragile items.  But, with the help of our assigned porter Bob, we made haste with the heaviest of pieces – the Henredon sofa and the mirrored screen.

This being my first time setting up my Flea space (and being the consummate perfectionist, much to Sig-O’s chagrin), the most time-consuming part of the morning was getting every item in my “Mad about Mid-Century” vignette placed just so.  However, it finally all came together, and as I hope you will agree from the photos, it was Mid-Century FAB! (Be sure to view the video to get a partial idea of the effort involved!)

The next two days were a blur.  Your truly accepted many compliments on the design of booth space, and the “OOHs” and “AHHs” were in abundance.  And I even sold some treasures!  Of particular thrill was the purchase of the orange Danish ladder-back chair pair, selected by a dealer for his mid-century modern shop in tony Georgetown.  Russel Wright enjoyed popularity on Sunday, and several collectors (including Ray and Jose – fellow vendors featured in one of my earlier Flea videos) left with cherished additions to their collections.  BFF Diana The Lady D was on-hand throughout the weekend, supplying me with caffeine and other nourishment.  Friends Cundy and Ginny, along with Gin's daughter and grandkids, stopped by to lend moral support.  And Butch and Barry even made an appearance; Barry seemed pleased by the place of honor given to his mother's Russel Wright collection.

Hand-painted Mirrored Screen

Alas, all good things must end, and the DC Big Flea was no exception.  Unfortunately, however, for us vendors the end of the Flea does not mark the end of the day.  Au contraire, it’s only the beginning of what some (myself included) would argue is the hardest part of the event – breaking down the booth, repacking and reloading.  UGH UGH UGH.  I had decided to let Sig-O off the hook, after all his hard work on the packing and set-up, and instead had hired handy-guy Craig to assist with these loathsome post-Flea tasks.  Along with his GF, we spent the next five (yes, five) hours completing the cycle of Flea participation.  This included sitting in the horrid NoVA traffic back to Falls Church to unload a portion of the remains into The Warehouse, then on to my Arlington home to unload and place – for the final time, I’ve sworn – the most fab mirrored screen (after all, my heart cannot take the danger of transporting such a fragile – and monstrously weighty – item again!).  No tears, though; I get to enjoy this beautiful treasure each time I walk through my living room.

Battleworn, tattered and torn, I somehow managed to crawl upstairs to my awaiting boudoir and felines, where I dozed a fitful sleep filled with replays of the weekend’s events.  It was great fun, albeit exhausting.  And if you missed it, SHAME.ON.YOU.  However, you will get another shot at being in my good graces; I’ve signed up for the next DC Big Flea, September 18^th and 19^th.  You will be there….Resistance is futile.

Perfectly Wright

I do so miss writing my Furniture Addict postings.  Alas, my accelerated acquisition activities, coupled with frenetic shuffling of furniture from Point A to Points B, C, D, n, have required every bit of energy I can muster.  While I have tons of addict-related events and treasure discoveries to relay to my Dear Readers (who must by now be doubting my dedication to this Blog), time and exhaustion have prohibited me from putting pen to paper, so to speak.

But today, I am taking a much needed (yet brief) respite from my vintage furnishings hunting and moving.  Sitting by the pool in beautiful Rehoboth Beach Delaware, surrounded by the July 4^th vacationing hoi polloi, I am sufficiently rested to relay at least one episode of décor drama.

Recently, I was contacted by Barry, of Butch-and-Barry – a most interesting and fun couple to whom I was introduced years ago by Sig-O.  B&B, being inveterate collectors of some of the finest vintage home furnishings, have decorated their lovely Arlington Virginia townhome with an extremely well-edited collection of furniture, china, and objects d’artes.  So, I was quite intrigued when Barry called to ask if I might be interested in an extensive collection of – wait for it! – RUSSEL WRIGHT DINNERWARE!

Yes, Russel Wright!  Now, for those of you who, admittedly or not, are unfamiliar with the glories of Russel Wright, allow me a pedagogical moment.  Mr. Wright, along with his wife Mary, was among the earliest home décor lifestyle gurus.  While they also designed beautifully streamlined furniture, they are perhaps best known for their iconic American Modern ceramic tableware, whose definitive sleek and simple styling is nonetheless imbued with organic shapes – the perfect marriage of Form and Function. 

My first encounter with the design ingenuity of Russel Wright was during a trip to NYC more than eight years ago.  The not-so-sig-o of the time suggested a side-trip to the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, which most fortuitously was featuring a Russel Wright restrospective.  I was immediately enamored with the gracefully simple curves and subtle yet bold colorations of the dinnerware designs, especially the pieces comprising the American Modern collection, produced by Steubenville Pottery 1939 to 1959.

Our friend Barry had become the caretaker of a beautiful batch of Russel Wright American Modern collected over many decades by his mother.  Desiring to pass the collection along to someone who might be interested in acquiring the set in its entirety, and being aware of the newly formed "As Luck Would Have It” vintage décor business endeavor, Barry most fortuitously thought of yours truly.

Once I enthusiastically agreed to consider Barry’s collection, he and Butch invited me to a home-cooked dinner.  But the first order of the evening was my introduction to Russel Wright.  Barry had painstakingly displayed the entire collection among two tables in their well-appointed basement.  And I was immediately awestruck by the bounty!  Having grouped the pieces by color – seafoam, coral, and granite – I couldn’t believe how many different items Barry’s mother had amassed.  Placed among the stacks of dinner plates, cups and saucers, and salad plates were some of the most iconic American Modern gems:  a water pitcher, salad bowl, coasters, chop plates, covered casserole…just to name a few!

I must admit, I had tried to prepare myself for this moment….In the days since Barry’s initial call, I had planned to make a well-informed business decision, based on careful consideration of  how this collection could factor into the As Luck Would Have It inventory; how I might best use this opportunity to acquire such a large collection, perhaps to launch ALWHI as a definitive source for Russell Wright’s American Modern.  I had planned to meticulously research the ‘net for competitive retail prices per item, and, at some later date, approach Barry with an offer based on sound business principles.

But, once I gazed upon the most beautiful and lovingly amassed collection of this most iconic mid-century tableware, all rational thought evaporated!  I simply HAD.TO.HAVE.IT!  And the most gracious Barry, undoubtedly sensing my extreme desire, accepted the offer that I had determined I was able to fund.  What a wonderfully mutually beneficial arrangement!  I acquired a stunning collection, and Barry had found someone who appreciated and desired the pieces in toto.

After sealing the deal with a handshake and a friendly hug, we commenced with the other pleasures of the evening -- a most jovial dinner of wine, pasta with homemade bolognese sauce, and   a sinfully tasty cherry pudding derived from an heirloom recipe, all within the context of storytelling and gossip sharing!

Who could ask for anything more!

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: