Vintage Chic by Bri

A Fall Makeover

2013-09-30T14:06:00.001-07:00

With the fall season officially upon us, Mom and I took some time today to give the shop a little makeover...

We added some fun new items that have been traveling around to shows and the gallery space in Stamford CT. We also have great new rugs, blankets and bags on their way from Dash and Albert! Enjoy this amazing fall weather, and if you are out and about doing some leaf peeping, be sure to stop by! See you soon,

A rendition...

2013-05-23T09:31:00.001-07:00

Bea is almost four now, and her artistic skills totally have me impressed! I am pretty sure, she gets her artistic sense from her father based on the latest rendition of her white silky chicken named "Snoopy"...
White silky chickens are by far my favorite, we have four of them in our yard, all of which are named "Snoopy"...

Bea has taken a liking to them as well, although they aren't always friendly to her when she reaches her hand under them for the eggs :) None the less, I found this drawing of them on her chalkboard a few weeks ago...

I had to take a picture of it, it just made me laugh!! I hope it brings a smile to your face too :)

From Vintage to Chic...

2013-05-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

We are lucky enough to have a wonderful covered patio here at the house/shop, one that becomes our living room in the Spring/Summer/Fall seasons here in VT. Last year my husband requested that on my travels and searches to purchase an "old fashioned glider". It was last May's Brimfield show that I found this gem...

While the color and choice of fabric left much to be desired, I was able to see through all of that and knew with a little makeover it would be perfect on our patio.

It was a team effort, Matthew was in charge of painting (don't worry I picked out the color :) and I was responsible for the re-upholstery. Granted it was one year later, but we finally made time for the project...

There is nothing better than spending time outside in comfort in this great spot, it's soft, it glides and is perfect for the afternoon nap...

Open for the Season!

2013-04-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

We couldn't have picked a better weekend to open our Vermont Shop for the Spring season, Vermont has finally welcomed spring and we have had a couple of Sunny and warm days to do some spring cleaning and bring in plenty of new items from our Winter picking...

Bea of course was a big helper, and Grandma Sally made the trip from CT, it was quite the team effort. The shop got a makeover and is looking pretty good!

We found homes for all the great new items, and are so pleased for all the visitors we had yesterday!
Both familiar and new faces came out in the nice weather to see what we had been working on.
Thank you for the support and we are excited for a great Season!

Sugar and Spice...

2013-04-20T17:38:00.000-07:00

I admit it, I have a incredible weak spot for little girl sewing projects...

There is something about the colors, fabrics and wardrobe options that I just can't resist.
Bea had a birthday party to go to this weekend, and I was trying to decide what gift to buy? then I looked over at my fabric stash and saw this combo and knew exactly what I should make. What four year old little girl wouldn't want a crown and a twirly skirt?
I can't take all the credit, I saw the crown idea on a fun blog called The Long Thread and have mastered the twirly skirt on many renditions I have made for Bea in the past. The combo is perfect for springtime and I think was a hit at the party!

A Fun Find

2012-10-11T10:01:00.000-07:00

Mom, Bea and I were doing some picking the other day and this little gem caught our eyes...

A vintage bowling ball bag, complete with original bowling ball :)

Great colors, great condition, perfect for actual bowling use or as a great tote! Stop by the shop to see the other cool items we found :)

Mid Century Modern - what is it all about?

2012-09-26T11:11:00.002-07:00

"Mid Century Modern" is a term that is thrown around quite a bit these days, but what is it really all about?

According to wikipedia... Mid Century Modern is an architectural, interior, product and graphic design that generally describes mid-20th century developments in modern design, architecture, and urban development from roughly 1933 to 1965.

What does it look like?

A lot of decorators are incorporating this look into their designs, something that has driven the market for these pieces to sky rocket! is it a fad or something that will last, who knows? But, if you have one of these pieces in your own home, be sure not to write it off as dated, when actually it's right on trend!

Something looks different around here!

2012-09-16T17:53:00.001-07:00

If you haven't noticed, there is a little something different about Bea these days...

It's not her new pair of shoes, or the couple of inches she grew over the summer, it's her bangs!!

I wish I could say they were a decision of mine, but Bea took her hairstyle into her own hands with a pair of these...

That's right, her safety scissors :) We had been doing a lot of projects with these over the summer, and apparently she got pretty good at using them!

She gave herself a new look just in time for the start of her new pre-school!

Posted with Blogsy

This Business...

2012-09-08T12:44:00.000-07:00

Each week of the Brimfield Antique Fair, I am reminded of what I love so much about this business and the people in it...
Support
Whether it's the dealer in the tent next door offering a helping hand to lift a heavy item, or watching your booth while you run to the restroom, everyone supports one another. It's a genuine support, with nothing expected in return, but the simple understanding of what goes around comes around.
Passion
From antique linens to mid century furniture and everything in between, each dealer is passionate about what they buy and sell. Each piece carefully picked, something not just to sell but to add to a collection.
Fun
Everybody works so hard, but also takes time to have fun. At the end of the day, despite rain, and lack of sleep there is time for a BBQ on the field, or a dinner date with fellow dealers.

These simple traits re-assure me that I made the right career choice!!

A Blanket with a lot of History

2012-08-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

The Hudson Bay Company started making its infamous "point" blanket as early as 1780, when it was introduced into the fur trade. These heavy wool blankets were given a point system to differentiate the weight and size, which was identified by the indigo lines woven into the side of the blanket. These awesome blankets are woven 50% larger than the final size and felted to create their great thickness and quality.

Something that was created so long ago out of necessity and pure functionality is now being used to decorate homes all across the country.
This trademark blanket has created quite the following of collectors, and a popular item at Antique shows and shops all over.

The blankets come in all different sizes and colors, and are even still being made today. Don't be fooled, there were many other manufacturers out there making these popular blankets, but look for the "Hudson Bay" label to confirm the maker.
We have been keeping our eyes open as we travel around to bring some of these blankets into our shop, and think they are a perfect item to take home with the Fall weather just around the corner!!

One Year in Review...

2012-08-21T09:22:00.001-07:00

This week in August one year ago I left my corporate job to start my world of working local and focusing on my passion for Antiques and Home Decor. It was the best decision I ever made, and I have enjoyed every day since.
I haven't posted in so long, so I need to bring everyone up to speed on what I have been working on!
THE SHOP

The shop is looking great, with many thanks to my Mom who has been traveling the country to bring great items through it's doors. Our customers have received our items so well, and the best part is we have so much finding them!

BRIMFIELD

We have moved over to the "New England Motel" field at Brimfield, and attended the May, July shows, and will be back in a few weeks for the September show! we love the experience and atmosphere at this show, loyal shoppers return season after season with such great enthusiasm for antiques. If you haven't attended, you should add it on to your list of things to do, and be sure to come visit our booth to say Hi :)

HIDEN GALLERIES

Hiden Galleries is a gallery located in Stamford CT that we feature some key pieces. It is an awesome resource for decorators, and we love displaying unique and fun pieces here!
ONE KINGS LANE

Our most recent addition to our list of things that keeps us busy is the wonderful website called One Kings Lane. If you haven't checked them out yet, it is worth a look see. They have wonderful home decor items for sale at great prices, and recently added a Vintage and Market section where some of our items are listed.
CUSTOM SEWING

I have always loved sewing, and now offer custom sewing for items for your home! cushions seems to be the most popular item this summer, but I have also done fun curtains and some duvets. It is so awesome to see the items created on my sewing machine put to use everyday in home.

THE FAMILY

Most importantly over the last year, I have been able to focus on the family :) Spending my days with Bea has been amazing, and I have been able to support Matthew and his business' success as well. It has been an amazing year, and I have a feeling the coming year is going to be even more full of new ventures and happiness!

One for the books...

2012-04-17T10:31:00.002-07:00

This morning started out like any other morning, Bea calling for me from her room. Except when I went in I found her out of her crib next to the basket of diapers/wipes and other diaper changing supplies, like A&D ointment. Apparently this was the same place Matthew found her the previous night while I was at a friends house for a little girl time. Bea is all about doing thing herself these days, including washing her hair. I guess she figured she needed a little shine because she squeezed almost an entire tube of A&D into her hair?!

Matthew rushed her to the bath, washed her hair and put her back to bed. IF ONLY it were that easy to get A&D ointment out of hair. Her hair was like an oil spill!

She thought it was pretty cool that she could put her hair in a pony, without an elastic :)
I did what any Mom would do, called my Mother, who suggested Dawn dish soap - it cuts grease on dishes and poor animals being saved from an oil spill!
So we got in the sink and washed, and washed, and washed...

We of course used appropriate eye protection to prevent any burning. But the Dawn soap just didn't put a dent in the "waterproofness" of A&D...

Her hair is completely "dry" in this photo. According to my research online apparently this has happened to parents before and it is going to take about a week before it works itself out. So, after five baths and hair washes in the past 12 hours I have given up, you win A&D!! Bea will have to go with a slicked look for a while, but it doesn't seem like she minds :)

A Long Way From Home

2012-04-11T06:47:00.000-07:00

As I am writing this, my Mom is still driving the long road home from Texas! She packed up a selection of items from our shop a couple weeks ago and headed south with a fellow antiquer for one of the largest shows in the country. The destination... Round Top Texas, population 90...

This was our first adventure to the big state of Texas, and like I have always heard, everything is really bigger in Texas!

This larger than life flamingo wasn't a purchase, but just proof that what they say is true :)
It was a long, grueling week for Mom... lots of heat and camping on the field, however the sunrise from the back of the truck wasn't so bad...

In addition to the experience of Texas, there were lots of great items to be found, like this burlap chandelier...

Stay tuned to see what items made it back to Vermont, and come visit us at our Shop - opening for the season this weekend!!

A Great Comeback

2012-03-17T11:12:00.001-07:00

Wallpaper is making a comeback in a huge way, I remember cursing it's name in my first condo as I ripped wall after wall of it down. Now there are finally some GREAT wallpaper sources out there that have so many options to help transform your room. Even wallpapering just one wall can add much needed style to any room.

My husband cringed when I mentioned I was going to wallpaper our kitchen and bathroom, but I reassured him I knew what I was doing :) I decided to wallpaper one room in the kitchen that we had repaired due to a water stain, here is the before, during and after...

I found this fun wallpaper at Graham and Brown, and the best part is that it was only $15/roll! It took two rolls to do the one wall, but I love the way it came out! My Husband was even impressed.

So there you have it, something I once hated, I now love :)

The No Sew Shade

2012-03-09T06:47:00.001-08:00

If you need a quick, affordable way to add a window covering to your windows, this no sew shade is the way to go! Our home is on a main road, so privacy is very important. When I moved into this house almost 5 years ago, I needed something to cover my windows that was cheap and effective. So I outfitted all of the windows with $10-20 vinyl roller shades.

Later I added the fabric curtains, but still liked the privacy the shade offered. The white vinyl on the shade wasn't working for me and the need for accent color in this room made me think there was a great opportunity!

So, I headed off to my favorite fabric store in Burlington, Nido, and grabbed a fun coral fabric to add some pop to the blues and browns in the room.

I unrolled the shade, cut a piece of fabric to fit and hot glued it on all four sides. Rolled it back up and hung it right back on the window. So simple! I have been thinking about this project for a while now, and also considered using wallpaper which would work well too.

Now to use the scrap fabric for some fun pillows to go on my chairs :)

Ahhhh, Vacation!

2012-03-03T06:35:00.001-08:00

Airplane rides, family, swimming pools, warm weather and Disney just to name a few. We are back from 10 days in FL for a family vacation and here are some photos to sum it up...

It was a great 10 days, and I can't wait to do it again! but for now its back to work and preparing for mud season - more about in a little while :)

Much Needed Spring...

2012-02-15T19:12:00.001-08:00

I am feeling the need for spring in the worst way!! With no snow this winter, it's starting to feel pretty long.

A quick solution is to bring a little spring in the home, since it can't be found outside :)

These bulbs did just the trick! And I can plant them outside when it finally does warm up :)

I bought them from my favorite florist, but are easy enough to start on your own.

A Classic Valentine's Day...

2012-02-14T06:45:00.001-08:00

We kept things pretty traditional for Valentine's Day this year... flowers, sweets and little heart shaped cards. I figured why re-invent the wheel, right? :)

Clearly Matthew had the same mantra that I did, here are the wonderful flowers he had delivered to the house for Bea and I...

The great part about these flowers is that they came from the BEST florist in the world... In Full Bloom. They are neighbors of ours and did the flowers for our wedding. The owners are amazing and beautiful just like the flower arrangements they create :)

Even though Matthew is diabetic, everyone deserves a treat once in a while :) Valentines Day is a good excuse for that. I made his favorite cookies, with a Valentines day spin...

I put them in jars I decorated with scrap fabrics and ribbon. An emergency stash if you will :)

Lastly, it was time to make cards for all of Bea's little friends in her class. I used some card stock and scrap fabric, pleated the strips of fabric and hot glued between two hearts cut out of the card stock...

Matthew helped stamp the names on them and fix my mistakes :) then we decorated with stickers! This all happened about 10pm last night, talk about 11th hour!!

Simple and sweet, just the way I like to celebrate this Holiday!

Always new things to learn...

2012-01-29T18:54:00.000-08:00

Technology and social media is moving at lightning speed these days, and it is overwhelming to try to keep up... Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Etsy, blogs, just to name a few. I have decided to just take it one step at at time and focus on what is the most enjoyable for me. Just tonight I discovered the joy in making a treasury list on Etsy and completed my first one!

I always view the treasury lists on Etsy, but never attempted to make one myself. What I learned is that it is super easy, and really Fun! It is like shopping, but from your comfy couch and without all of the expense :)
Take an up close look and let me know what you think...
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTE4MDg1MzF8MTk4NDE4NTI1Ng/from-paris-with-love
Then try one yourself :)
Happy tweeting, facebooking, pinning, blogging and treasury making.

A No Snow Winter

2012-01-26T11:40:00.001-08:00

We are experiencing a No Snow winter here in Vermont, and when the winters here are long enough, no snow to play in is an equation for some serious CABIN FEVER!!

A solution to this problem is hard to find, but last Monday Bea, Matthew and I got some winter fun in at the local skating rink!!

This program is called "Itty Bitty Skaters" and there is nothing cuter than a bunch of midgets whipping around with milkcrates on the ice!!

I wish I had a milkcrate myself, but Bea did a great job and loved it!! Best part was she was so wiped after, she actually took a nap!

Now I know where we will be every Monday from 10-11:30am :)

The day has come...

2012-01-20T10:44:00.001-08:00

The day that Bea figured out how to climb out of her crib has arrived...

I was able to document her agility earlier this morning:

I give her a 10 for form and the amazing dismount, you can see her excitement here and her exact words of joy were "I did it, I did it!!"

Don't worry, I was photographing and spotting at the same time, no injuries occured while photos were taken :)

It seems as though there is no more hope to keep her in the crib, big girl bed - here we come!!

Sights of the South...

2012-01-16T07:49:00.000-08:00

As you know, my Mom has been on a picking trip in the south this past week, and on top of some great finds for our shops, here are some awesome photos from her travels...

Here in Vermont there is a law banning billboard signs, so these are exceptionally impressive to me!
Wish I was there with you Mom, I am sure you are bringing back some awesome finds!!

A Great Piece!

2012-01-13T09:47:00.001-08:00

We have been looking for a counter for the Vermont shop since we opened a few years ago. We have yet to find one with enough character and personality to meet our needs and fit in our budget. My Mom is on a buying trip this week and came across this beauty!! Just the right size, plenty of storage, nicely worn and little color for some pop. It is a perfect representation of Vintage Chic!

I think it will be a nice addition to the shop for re-opening in the spring. For those in the area, be sure to stop by and see the other goodies we have been collecting and working on :) Everyone else can keep up to date with our online Etsy shop!

Movie Night!

2012-01-08T19:14:00.001-08:00

For the Taylor family, Sunday night is our Saturday night since both Matthew and I have Sundays and Mondays off. So that meant that tonight was a perfect night to stay in and watch a movie!

It was Bea's choice of movie...

It was a tough pick, but "A Bug's Life" was the winner...

Next it was time to make Popcorn, which was Matthew's choice, so Kettle Corn it was...

I was in charge of drinks...

CHEERS!!!!!

We all cozied up on the couch, and despite the fact that Bea didn't take a nap today she was still able to stay awake through the whole movie...

It doesn't get better than a stay at home movie night on a cold winter night in Vermont :)

A Little Inspiration...

2012-01-06T08:07:00.001-08:00

I recently got my hands on some amazing vintage fabric :) all of the fabric is from Europe and dates back to the early 1900's. It is in amazing shape for it's age and makes me realize that they just don't make fabric like they used to. It is heavy and soft at the same time, while the colors are faded just right. It is dreamy :) There is so much history in these fibers I am so excited to add it to my collection of great finds!

What will I make with this fabric? stay tuned :)