Vintage shows in the 613

It’s a busy weekend coming up for all things vintage in Ottawa, Ontario.

There is the Vintage Pop-up 613 taking place on Saturday (25th) and the Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show on Sunday the 26th.

Quick dish:

The pop-up will have the following:

  • Books & vinyl
  • Furniture and Antiques
  • Games and Comics
  • Repurposed gift items
  • Toys & Collectibles
  • Vintage Clothing & Accessories
  • Housewares

The clothing show will have items such as:

  • Vintage clothing
  • Accessories
  • Jewelery
  • Designer Vintage

I hope you have a blast and make it out to both events. I have never been to the pop-up but will keep you posted on it.

Also, I just got back from the Ottawa Nostalgia & Collectible Show 2017 and can’t wait to show you what I found. Stay tuned by checking out my instagram feed on the blog.

Have an amazing rest of weekend.

A house is not a home

IMG_6702“Normal is getting dressed in clothes that you buy for work and driving through traffic in a car that you are still paying for – in order to get to the job you need to pay for the clothes and the car, and the house you leave vacant all day so you can afford to live in it.”

― Ellen Goodman

I was surfing the net this week and came across this quote above. I realized I do not enjoy my house as much as I could for the daily time and effort I put into it. I asked myself:

How many rooms do I really use? Why don’t I use the other rooms? I cannot tell you how many times I have walked into someone’s house to find a bunch of rooms that make no sense…

Sox is rarely allowed on furniture this time I let him stay for the photo
Sox is rarely allowed on furniture this time I let him stay for the photo

The lonely living room that has never been touched, the spare bedroom that is kept for when guests come over (once a year) and the home office that ends up being used once because for some reason the laptop made its way to the kitchen table, permanently.

I am guilty myself, so took a long hard look at my house this weekend and made it my mission to give each room a real purpose. Here’s how I changed things for the better:

  1. I fixed the “feng shui” in each room to create only positive vibes + good energy. Essentially anything that was pissing me off, I fixed. I made the design of each room work for its purpose.
  2. After, I decided what I wanted to use the room for, I added a bunch of practical items that I really love to make each space, a place that invokes a feeling of joy. The kitchen has some vintage nifty kitchen gadgets on display and a replica crosley radio tuned into CBC 103.3.
  3. I made it effortless! Books were added near each reading chair for easy grab, the laptop power-cord was put where I always use the laptop,  nuts for snacking on were added in the bowl on the dining table etc. IMG_6706

The changes to the rooms are already making me feel happier and like some weight has been lifted. Perhaps surrounding yourself with positive things, just makes you more positive.

I forgot to mention I bought myself a $6 bouquet of flowers which I put right inside the front door on the counter. The beauty and smell is such a nice thing to come home to.

To me a house is not a home until it feels comfortable and lived in.

I challenge you to look at your house tonight and make sure it feels like a home. Sometimes it’s the small things that make the biggest difference.

Don’t forget to refer to my article How to Decorate Smart with Older Furniture and Home Accessories and Three Stores & Hours of Shopping (Ottawa, ON) to learn about some wicked places to get some antiques & vintage items – should you wish to spruce up your space.

IMG_6690IMG_6687IMG_6681IMG_6685

Showy Sundays Presents – The Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show Rundown

STEAL OF THE DAY: Vintage 1970's Cherie Paris Numero 3 Magazine Clutch Bag (VintageSoulGeek)
STEAL OF THE DAY: Vintage 1970’s Cherie Paris Numero 3 Magazine Clutch Bag (VintageSoulGeek)

Shows upon shows and not enough time in one day. This afternoon, looking and touching was the name of the game.

I unfortunately spent so much time at the Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show that I didn’t get the opportunity to get out to the Antique Nostalgia & Bottle Show. Funny enough I met someone at the vintage show by the name of Richard Jacobs (a.k.a the ultimate pack rack) who had made it out to the bottle event and said it was great. He and his wife are collectors and sellers of many things. I always look forward to those informative aisle convos.

My initial scan of the giant room today was a bit overwhelming, I had some issues with knowing which vendor to visit first. I have some take-a-way tips to share they are:

1. Have cash on you to avoid line-ups and not being able to buy something on the spot. It’s never enjoyable to wait in a line or have to sprint in order to secure that one-of-a-kind piece.

2. If you are questioning a piece don’t leave in alone for long. I heard a girl return to a spot and say, “I will buy the dress” and it was sold moments earlier on her. She was contemplating price or second guessed and it was gone.

3. If you can try it on – TRY IT ON! Vintage clothing shapes and sizes vary quite a bit from the clothing of this period -these days.

There was a massive selection of female and male clothing and stunning accessories on-site today. I must say that there is nothing better than a creative pair of cufflinks – guys should always consider these understated accessories and make more of the 9 to 5 monkey suit.

What did I bag? I snagged a feminine Sandra Angelozzi tank top for $15 at Walentyna’s booth. Sandra Angelozzi is an internationally known fashion designer who has been designing since the early 80’s (late 70’s).

The Sandra Shirt
The Sandra Shirt

My heart was stolen by a stunning black and white strapless dress at Le Walkin boutiques space. I did not leave with with the tantalizing dress but I left with a Produits Symbol Products funky short vintage shirt that’s looks straight from the jazzy show In Living Color. It put a big smile on my face for $20 [see photo below].

Before leaving the event I came across four adorable vintage pins (picture at bottom of post] which I am going to pair with four different outfits. I walked over to pay the VintageSoulGeek rep when I saw this rare Vintage 1970’s Cherie Paris Numero 3 Magazine Clutch Bag [picture a top of post]. I was drawn to it and its dainty white vinyl strap which has a cute snap clasp. It is lined with a plain black material but the exterior it so elaborate. This item takes the cake as my deal of the day. I got it for $30 and found only a few others for sale online between $50-$125. My last and final find was from at the same booth – practical and pretty black glass earrings.

Living Colour revival
Living Colour revival
Pair a Pin!
Pair a Pin (VintageSoulGeek)

I had a blast running around the show today. Before I depart this post I want to mention Emma Paige. I really liked her unique stuff, it reminds me of Sex & the City style. This designer specializes in high-end designs and has a fantastic website and look-book. If you like vintage and contemporary you should visit this online retailer.

“Fashion is a language that creates itself in clothes to interpret reality.”
Karl Lagerfeld

Have a lovely clothing  [I mean closing] to the weekend.

 

Vintage Clothing Shows – Toronto and Ottawa

Fellow Fashion Hunters,

vintage show graphic

Looking forward to a room filled with all things vintage? I know I am!

Friendly reminder that there are some wicked vintage shows coming up. I will definitely be visiting the Ottawa show. Check out the event websites below for more information.

The Toronto Vintage Clothing Show  Sunday, March 23, 2014  (Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 255 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2W6)

The Ottawa Vintage Clothing Show Sunday, April 13, 2014 (Ottawa Convention Centre, 55 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, K1N 9J2)

Show Time: 10am-5pm
Admission: $10 (may be best to bring cash or get ticket in advance if possible to avoid line-ups)

Happy hunting!