Taking Suggestions Y'all.......

So, I've got this spiffy new 450 sq. ft. room on the side of our garage located behind our house.  It was just finished by my super talented hubby.  I've went ahead and painted the floors blue and have kept the walls white.  I suppose what my issue is that I'm having trouble space planning this room.

It want it to be stylish but it needs to hold my vintage clothing and I need a place to photograph.  Currently, I'm using the right side of the room to do photos.  My photo area can't be seen in this pic.

Also, I need a dressing area so people can try on clothes.

I'm standing where the clothes are hanging.  Still trying to get the room cleaned.......

The doors on the right hand side of the pic are where I photograph.

You would think there'd be enough room for everything but there are still quite a few unpacked boxes and no room to put other vintage items or hang clothes.  I'm definitely open to suggestions/ideas.  Oh, and my kids insist on having a little play area out here too.  We'll see how long that lasts......

I'm having space planning issues......

Cobalt Blue Coat

Here is the beautiful cobalt blue wool coat that is now in my shop.  I have posted several more pics of it that show several issues.  Still wonderful and totally wearable for your winter wardrobe!

A darkish spot on the top left shoulder.  As you can see, you really can't see it.

A very small brown spot below the *ll's* in small.  Plus several moth holes on each side.

Yellow spots on the bottom left and right interior on both sides (i've shown you the worst).  The rest of the lining is quite clean.

If you have any other questions about this lovely coat please don't hesitate to contact me at www.sassysistervintage.etsy.com.

Meet Justin and Pat of VivaEstelle

I met Justin, hmmm, trying to remember how many years back.  About 7 or so I think.  His mother and him are consummate antique dealers.  I admire the number of people they're able to get to an estate sale in the south Alabama area.  They are just honest, down to earth, friendly antique dealers who really seem to have a passion for what they do.  Not to mention, they have amazing taste in their pickings and then putting them together in their shop in a manner that makes you want everything in it! Please meet them.

Tell us a bit about yourselves:

I am Justin, and I am 37 years old. I have been in the antiques and collectibles business full time for about 12 years. Prior to that, I was in the business on a part time basis. I grew up with a vintage-loving mother, Pat, who is now my business partner. We make a great team, I am the brains and she is the brawn! We compliment each other well, I am sloppy and she is organized, I can dream up something off-the-wall and she can make it come to life!

Justin and Pat in their office.

Apart from your antiques business, what do you do?

I live, eat, sleep and breath junking! It is my career, as well as my hobby and my therapy. I love my three dogs, BooBoo, Randy and Caddie, and I am a huge Alabama Crimson Tide football fan and an avid golfer. Mom spends her off time with her grandchildren, gardening,and reading.

Some beautiful mid century modern in their shop. 

 

 

What mostly motivated you to go in to the antiques business?

My grandfather (moms father) was a major recycler when recycling wasnt cool. He never threw anything away! When I needed a piece or a part or some gadget, he had it. He could build anything from scratch, and had the materials to do it. So, we always had a plethera of vintage "upcycled" items. I began peddling collectible soda bottles as a teenager, and then built a career out of it. Mom loved antiquing from a young age, and after a career as in the textile industry, she decided to come on board with me!

A gorgeous niche in greens.

I'll take the table and everything on it!

The same mid century china that's on the table.  I fell in love with design on each piece.  So whimsical!

What is your favorite type of item to collect?

Do you have any pictures of it?: I am currently obsessed with Cathrineholm cookware, vintage jewelry in the form of bugs, EAPG goblets, art from the 20th century, post-Modern avant garde clothing, and anything odd and unque (OOAK). Mom loves Tonala Mexican pottery, owls, Nativity sets, and natural specimens.

Catherineholm cookware

I know that you like art. Who is your favorite artist?

Tough question! I am initially drawn to American impressionistic landscapes from the 1920s to 1940s , but I have grown fond of portraits in the last couple of years. I do not like formal portraits, but more of a naive, primitive style, 20th century. I like them in groups, that makes a bold impression! As far as a favorite artist, it would be Donald Roller Wilson. I am fascinated with his super-surreal depictions of chimpanzees and other animals. I wish I could afford one of his pieces, oh well, maybe one day!

Groupings *do* make a stronger impact,  A collection they recently picked up and is now for sale in their shop.

Your favorite era?

It depends on what we are talking about! Furniture: 1950s-1960s. Clothing: 1960-1970s. Music: 1980s-1990s. I am well-rounded! Mom likes the 1940s through 1960s.

Mid Century Mod all the way.

Where would like to be in 10 years?

We woild love to have a free-standing shop again. Our dream is a two-story downtown building with an industrial vibe. I would sell midCentury furnishings downstairs and vintage clothing and accessories upstairs. It would have its own runway for impromptu shows.

Have anything else you'd like to add, (please do)?

Just thanks to you for this interview! We love finding like-minded people in this area. Not many people around here understand why I sell "used" stuff, and question my motives as I purchase vintage clothing at estate sales. How dare I ask $200 for a "used" dress when you can go the mall and buy a new one for $50!! My website is www.wiregrassestatesales.com, and my online store is www.etsy.com/people/VivaEstelle, come check it out!!

A Blank Palette.......

I'm soooo excited!  I almost have a studio/place to put my stuff.  We have a 1,200 sq. ft. building behind our house that we recently put new siding on (the building was an eyesore before).  It is partially a garage (Duane's man space) and partially Kim's space.  I get 500 sq. ft. that has been insulated and totally enclosed.  Quite honestly, I feel spoiled.

Now the fun part is coming!  We get to paint my space!  And the best part is I get to paint the floors, something I've always wanted to do in a space.   I'm sort of going neutral and sort of not.  The walls and ceilings I'm thinking of doing white.  I've got 2 different ideas for colors on the floor, either a marine blue or sort of a peacock blue color, or a light sky blue.  My concerns with the light sky blue is that it will get dirty too easy, although I think the color is beautiful.  This will also be where I photograph my clothes.

Through the white door is my space.  Still waiting on those garage doors.

The room, a blank pallete. We decided to put wood up (which is more expensive than drywall) to reduce any possibilities of mold, which is common here in the South.  And also because it's an outbuilding (next to our garage).

Mr. D has worked so hard on this room.  I'm super proud of him!

Where you see the ledge on the left wall is where we will be putting a heating and cooling unit.  Especially needed in the summer.  It get's Hot!  But yeah, it does get cold in the winter in south Alabama.

At least a wall and part of another one will be used for hanging clothes, organizing shoes and other inventory.

I would love to hear of any ideas for making this a cool space.  If you have any, please share.

Stay Warm Y'all........

Butterflies on the Wall

When I was a young girl, around 6 or 7, my mom, 2 sisters and me started a butterfly collection.  The real kind of butterflies that you caught with a net.  My mom knew the process of catching them, mounting them, putting them in a shadow box, etc.  I remember her doing this and was just mildly interested at the time.  Although I did think the butterflies (and moths) were beautiful I just didn't care that much then.

Jump forward many, many years.  Everytime I see a mounted butterfly collection or for that matter, any type of insect collection I think with fond memories of my childhood.  Not only that, but I love them.  I've decided to start my own.  It's slow going with the collection but with time I plan to have a large one.

Here's my wall at night with the starting of the collection in my living room.  Along with the collection, I've left my vintage botanical pictures up.  Since I'm tired of those, they'll come down as I get more butterflies, moths and maybe some insects.

Lastnight.  It looked so pretty with the lamps on.

This morning.

I know the collection is small, but with time it'll get bigger.

Here's my inspiration wall taken from www.theSelby.com:

So, I'll update you in the next 6 months on my butterfly/insect wall.  Hopefully, I'll have lots more to show you.

****With all this being said.  I know that there are many of you out there who consider collections such as these to be animal cruelty.  I personally don't like to kill these little creatures but, for whatever reason, don't have a problem buying these insects mounted.  Go figure........