.... there's a party goin' on right here!
I must be getting old because I've spent many a moment in the last six weeks grumbling to myself about the cold weather and gray skies getting me down (chronic arthritic back + cold = cranky me) and we've had one of the mildest winters ever here in Chicago so that kind of worries me. But I am fighting the blues off with color and creativity. A cure for the winter doldrums for sure. I know that Spring is just around the corner, and I decided to bring a bit of cheer and sunshine of my own making to the shop right now. I've kick started Spring in my own mind and you know what? It really worked to get me out of my winter blues. The sunshine, chirping birds and spring flowers are almost here!
Ok, I have to say that these pull toys from France might just be the cutest things I've seen in many moons. If you see me running thru the shop going "wheeeeeeee" with one of these don't be surprised!
This is a true blue vintage childs dance costume. The hat is modern but the actual body suit dates back to at least the 40s. How adorable would it be to do a photo shoot of your little girl in something like this!
The SWEETEST local woman (hi Paula!) gave me a bunch of vintage cups and napkins that were part of her mom's estate. I have been saving them till now to use in a proper setting. How fun are they???? Thanks so much Paula! And do you see that little box of vintage candles? Those are from her mom's house too. Fairy brand.... awww.
As I was packing up some new goods for the shop today I noticed I seemed to have a color story going on. Sometimes it happens like that.
The butterfly sequin applique is about 12" tall.... huge. I just know someone will come up with a good use for it. The gloves are vintage 40s and never worn. Super soft leather. Most awesome mens shoes EVER. Hand mirror is bevelled and quite large. Would look cool hanging on the wall in a vintage inspired bathroom. The lion planter is made in Japan and looks quite like a David Stewart inspired piece. The squirrel planter is a handsome piece. Squirrel items never last long. The hat is fur and adorned with feathers. Came from a very fine estate. The mod vase with necklace is unmarked and quirky. The bird with nest is not old but would look fun with some faux eggs or a tealight.
I am also packing up 5 half gallon size blue ball jars and some other finds I can't quite remember right now. All I can say is the stuff will be rolling in as fast as I can get to it. I have so much in storage and it is time to edit, edit, edit!
You know how some projects are bigger and more tedious than others?? Well the large and very tall green wall behind our moxie checkout counter is one of our big and somewhat daunting-to-tackle shop projects. Mostly because the walls are plaster and practically impossible to nail into and the 12 foot long wrap station is in front of the wall and can not be moved so you have to climb the ladder and hang on to it with one leg only while two others hold the ladder in place to keep it from kicking out from under you.
We've had the wall done up in black and white signage for the last couple of years. I knew I wanted to change it up but someone near and dear to me ( I won't name names but it might begin with a c and end with a y) was resistant to say the least. She made valid points about how difficult it would be and how hard it was to nail into the wall etc. etc. I did not disagree but I made up my mind we'd do it and do it we did.
Courtney, Maureen, Patty and I tackled the wall today. Courtney took one for the team and was the ladder monkey. Maureen and Patty spotted and assisted her and I was the bossy art director. Left two inches, right a tiny bit, up a little, down a smidge. Yes.... right there. We all had ideas about what should go where and together we got it done in about 3 1/2 hours. Not bad!
Courtney really deserves a round of applause because reaching off of the ladder and trying to hammer into super hard plaster is not easy! Maureen, Patty and Courtney are so very talented and wonderful to work with. I adore working with them all!!
Now you'll have something new to gaze upon when you are at our checkout.
snapshots taken at moxie recently
These vintage inspired pendants feature a hidden or secret design on the underside. A three dimensional guardian angel to protect you or a loved one. You wear the beautiful swarovski crystal flower facing outward and keep the guardian angel facing you.
A lovely gift for communions, going away to college, weddings, confirmations or graduations. A perfect gift from mom to daughter.
Gorgeous crystal stud earrings in a rainbow of unusual and stunning colors to go along with the necklaces.
If this shop lady were rated on a scale of 1 to 10 for her skills at social networking and timely blogging...well I'd have to get about a 2. That's right, I've been remiss when it comes to keeping up with this blog, photo taking, and social networking in general.
I've run amok...I closed the first shop down the week before Memorial Day and I haven't stopped having fun ever since. I'm an all or nothing gal. All work or all play. Let's just say I've been on all play mode for the last 2 months. Traveling, visiting with friends and family, shopping my tutkus (is that a real word??) off, sightseeing and visiting too many yummy bakeries and diners to keep track of them all. I've been having a blast. Having one shop is like a walk in the park with all the awesome help I've got. They don't even need me (they are kind enough to act like they do sometimes but we all know they can kick butt without me.) I still do all the buying and lots of displaying but I've got no worries now that we are fully staffed and under one roof. Courtney and I were even out of town at the same time and it was no big deal. Awwwww....life is good!!
But now gift show season is upon me and I've been hunkering down and getting back to work. I've been buying up a storm and the super cute goods are already arriving daily at moxie. So you can expect to see me be a bit more diligent about my shop keeper duties from here on out I promise. I've got work to do....really I do!
Lots of new vintage too... here are just a few things I'll be sending in tomorrow.
These were just found by me at a fun Indiana estate sale. Made in Japan. 60s or 70s. They are small vases or cups. They remind me of the lovely but quite expensive pieces of pottery made by Jonathan Adler. These won't break the bank at 14 each.
A handsome vintage soap and cup holder.
Oval vanity mirror is a reproduction but the time worn and ethereal statuary dates to 40s or 50s.
Hope you are having a great summer too!
Hello friends.....I must apologize for the lack of posts. I have been out of commission with an extremely bad back (like I could not walk without assistance for two weeks) and it had me in such pain that I could not focus on being creative in any way. Don't feel too bad for me because I am a lucky, lucky gal. I had Bob to take great care of me and I have the best, most talented team of shop girls in the world. All was looked after lovingly in my absence. I was off of work for a full month and it was like I was never even gone. Now how's that for making one feel unnecessary in the work place!
So I've been working a few hours at a time this week and that let me get some photos snapped of moxie while I was in. Wow.... so many new things have arrived in my absence. The shop is looking fabulous and full. Here is some of what I saw.
Oh and before the pictures start I want to remind you all that the discount at the Big Fat Moving Sale over at Megan Morrison Home and Garden is now at 50% off. So please stop in or tell your friends about it. Thanks!!
That is just a sampling of some of the new things I saw. Tons of new jewelry, purses, aprons, gifties, books, kid stuff, and kitchen gadgets. You MUST stop in soon!
We just got another batch of scarves in because it is still COLD here in Illinois. So if santa didn't bring you a new scarf you can treat yourself to one.
Lots of different styles, weights and patterns.
Find them at moxie in downtown DeKalb!
Most adorable vintage ornament ever! I love the little red earmuffs and velveteen scarf.
A diminutive Danish candle holder. This cutie is only about 4 or 5 inches tall. I do enjoy Danish design. If she doesn't sell soon I think I'll sneak her home in my pocket.
We keep on adding more vintage ornaments to our tree as we get the room. Take note of the really awesome blue one on the right.... ice skaters. Super cool!!
One of my personal favorites this year is definitely the yarn wreaths with felted bows. Love the unexpected color combo. I am a big fan of turquoise and red mixed together.
I am a gift shop owner and an estate sale junkie.
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