I recently purchased a vintage, 1950’s era, black patent handbag.   It is in perfect condition which leads me to believe it was used only for ‘special’ occasions.  Its size is just large enough to hold some loose change, a lipstick, pressed powder and some tissues; the few items a ‘lady’ of the ‘50’s needed to carry.   Inside the handbag I found a ticket stub from an old Hamilton, Ontario ‘big band’ night club.  I envision couples sipping on cocktails and dancing to the sounds of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.  I get many complements on this handbag and I believe this due in part to the sense of nostalgia one feels looking at this handbag.  It is very reminiscent of days gone by when times were simpler.  When women were ladies and men were gentlemen.  When automobiles were large and solid with lots of shiny chrome.  And furniture styles were simple, with clean lines and organic forms.  Colour was embraced in everything from Naugahyde® vinyl upholstery to laminate.  Designers like Harry Bertoia, Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen and Arne Jacobsen led the way in the modernist style furniture that has become the design classics of the 20^th century.  I envision elliptical tables, molded plastic chairs, armless sofas, curved plywood/leather loungers, curvy sectionals, and tubular chrome furniture.   If ever I had the chance to travel back in time it would most definitely be to the 1950’s.  And all this while looking at a handbag.    

Vintage Handbag on a Harry Bertoia Chair

Summer is such a great time to get out and discover.  One thing I like to do is visit antique/thrift/junk/second-hand shops.  I recently found a fabulous antique shop; East End Estates, 1462 Kingston Road at Warden.   The good thing is I didn’t even have to drive to the country as it is located in Toronto’s east end.   Presently there is no sign above the shop but Steve, the owner, explained it is on its way.  But no matter because what I did notice out front of the shop was all kinds of ‘goodies’ displayed.  Catches your eye better than any sign!

There were these fabulous white bistro chairs that could be used indoors or outdoors.   I really liked the white vinyl seat covers with black piping.

Once inside the shop it truly was a treasure trove.  There were items from every era.  There was lots of furniture which Steve explained is constantly being changed as things move quickly through his shop.  This antique drop leaf table was great and so was all the old crockery.

I fell in love with this West Germany piece of pottery.  I liked the colours and the pattern.

I think a set like this could really create a wonderful retro vibe to ‘drinks @ 5’ for anyone who likes to entertain with style!

Of course you know I would fall in love with this orange lamp that had a chrome base.  With a new more contemporary lampshade this piece would add character to any room.  I don’t really need another orange lamp although ‘want’ is something completely different!  Hmmm

There is also a huge downstairs filled with more treasures of crockery, furniture, baskets, antique toys, mirrors, picture frames and lamps.  I thought this antique rocker was beautiful.

These 2 benches could be very workable in any décor recovered in new fabric.

I strolled through this shop for quite some time as it is not a space pass you can quickly breeze through as there are so many things to look at and ponder.  I highly recommend a visit to East End Estates as you won’t be disappointed. Of course I could not leave this shop without some fabulous treasure of my own but I will share that in a later blog.  Stay tuned!

This weekend I had the good fortune of being able to ‘plunk’ myself in a chair on the dock at the cottage and just watch the world go by.  To just sit by myself and gaze out at the lake and listen, watch and ponder.  To listen to the call of loons, watch the boats and water skiers go by and think about something, anything or nothing at all.  It is a rare moment when we truly can zone out and leave our busy lives turned off for a moment.  (Actually there is no cell phone or Internet coverage available here!)  From this comfortable perch I look towards a cottage on an island, one of the sights that my eyes always come to rest upon.  For years I have admired this cottage from afar with its nostalgic laid-back appearance.  The cottage was built almost 70 years ago and is still occupied by the original homesteader.  It was erected atop a huge rock and seems to just hug the water’s edge.  I have never been inside this charming cottage but the ‘decorator’ in me often wonders what the interior would look like?  But that I think is the biggest appeal of all, of not knowing but continually pondering and coming up with all kinds of different décor ideas.  My favourite design would be of weathered woods with natural fibres and a soft muted palette.  Although the ‘white cabana’ feel could be a great style also.  Maybe it is more of a nautical feel with stripes of blue and white and accents in red.  Whatever it is I am happy in never knowing because as a wise man once said “Discovery consists of looking at the same thing as everyone else and seeing something different.”