1970s Kitsch

One of the thrift stores that I visit weekly (or several times weekly....I never claimed I didn`t have a problem) is particularly good for small, wonderful things like cards and wrapping paper, sewing notions, toys, and books. I never leave without something.

Recently, I`ve been finding a lot of really adorable items with illustrations from the 60s and 70s. I love the intensely saturated colours and cutesy little girls with bows in their hair.



These are blank note cards. They fold into half-hearts and are so, so sweet. I added them to my collection of vintage stationary. I also found the little puzzle, below. I saw them when Meg and I went to the last Nostalgia Show, but they were so overpriced. This `Babes in the Wood`one combines two of my loves, fairytale woods and kitschy, over-the-top illustrations of fairytale woods.

I found these amazing bridal shower invitations and save the date cards at the same thrift store last year.

I was never the sort of girl who planned out an elaborate wedding ceremony for myself. I am the sort of girl who hates when people pay attention to me, so the idea of an entire day being built around the concept of many, many people paying attention to me is incredibly terrifying. However, the moment I saw these, I started planning a very elaborate, very handmade 1970s wedding.












The only detail I haven`t been able to work out is how to transport Lindsey Buckingham circa 1976 to 2010 and make him fall in love with me.



Dreamy.

Melmac and Tupperware for Spring

Meg and I have a few "regular" thrift spots that we check a lot. I decided to pop into one of them today while I was out. It is usually a haven for Melmac and Pyrex (and children's books, vintage greeting cards, craft items, doilies etc), but recently we haven't found anything there.

I was wandering down the aisles half-heartedly, not expecting to find much, when I spotted a sea of robin's egg blue.

Someone was clearly emptying their cupboards for me and only me. This Christmas, Megan gave me a set of robin's egg blue Melmac cups, saucers, and bowls. Since then, I've been trying to build my collection until I have a nice set. I love this patterned bowl. I was crossing my fingers that there might be plates with the same pattern, but none.

I also found some Tupperware tumblers that match a set I already own. I'm not a Tupperware collector, but I do love these pastel ones (marked 1954). They are so cheery and I love how the light filters through them.

I already own this sugar set in green, and I already have three robin's egg blue sugar/creamer sets. I couldn't pass it up. I was in a robin's egg blue dream.

Finally, this serving platter. It is very well-used and probably a hand-me-down from a church kitchen (where this thrift shop gets a lot of its items). Still, it is huge and wonderful and will be perfect for corn on the cob!

I brought these towels home from the thrift shop yesterday, proudly displaying them to anyone and everyone who would take a look. A familiar scene unfolded. A scene in which I try desperately to convey the excitement of finding unused floral bath towels to those whose lives aren't nearly as touched by the thrill of such things. I am a simple, simple little thing, in some respects.

But aren't they beautiful? Not necessarily old things, no, but vintage inspired designs that are so, so lovely.


I caught sight of them in the cart of another lady at the thrift shop. I quickly gasped and said to Megan, "Floral towels! You know I cannot let this go!" The lady was humming and hawing over them, picking them up, folding them several times, taking them on and off the hanger. She was indecisive. I was not. I knew the moment I saw them that they must be mine. We hovered like crazy, which is an annoying tactic I have in thrift stores when someone is standing close to something that I have quietly claimed as "MINE!"

Eventually she decided that floral towels were not her bag and put them back. Megan, ever the loyal thrifting partner, quickly swooped in to avoid the possibility of the lady rethinking her decision.

That's my story.
Floral bath towels. Awesome.

Also, look at this little stowaway I found when I went to take pictures this morning.