Gather & Collect

I apologize for the lack of posts the past few days, but we started a major kitchen project on Monday which required me to manically clean the rest of my house in order to stay sane.  I'm sure you can relate.  BUT, I feel organized, freshly inspired and ready to share some pretty pictures with y'all.

Take a look at all this beautiful vintage pottery.  What a great way to jazz up a corner, armoire, entryway table, bathroom/kitchen cabinet.

I'm not sure what it is about vintage pottery that instantly makes a room feel calm, fresh and lovely.   Wouldn't you agree?

Stop on in this weekend and take a look at our beautiful collections of vintage pottery in all shapes, colors and sizes.  Maybe you could find something to complete that already existing collection, or start a new collection.  What are your favorite color combinations?

Cheers to a vintage life well lived.

Jessica and Julie

Happy Friday dear readers!

As we head into a weekend of family, friends, todo lists and reorganization, what a better way to motivate your spirits than with a little color inspiration.  Today I find happiness in Pink and Green…and it's no longer just for little girls rooms and rompers.

Feast your eyes.

And a bunch of Pink and Green items we have in the store…

See, pink and green can be used in beautiful ways that are all grown up.  Now I just need to find a beautiful, long, pink velvet couch and all will be right in the world once again.;)

Have a great weekend and cheers to a vintage life well lived.

Jessica and Julie

(Top six images via Pinterest)

I'd like to start off by saying “thank-you” to all our fantastic customers who have been supporting us since day one. At first I thought we were a bit crazy (and I'm sure some of you did as well;) for starting a new business just before school was out for the summer. And maybe we were crazy, but sometimes you need to follow your dreams first, and figure out logistics second. Thankfully everything has fallen into place nicely with the help of family and friends, and we haven't looked back once since opening day. Now done get me wrong, its definitely a delicate balancing act, but nothing could have prepared us for the warm welcome the community has given us. So, we're sending out a little love and we hope you all can feel it.

I also wanted to share a couple of pictures a customer sent us of her recent purchases of a desk, chair, vintage tray and magnets for her daughters room. Isn't it so cute!

If you have any photos of a recent purchase you've made from us, email us a picture and we'll share it on our blog.
Cheers to a vintage life well lived.
Jessica and Julie

First off, let me say that my wedding day was one of the best days of my life.  We made it our mission to have loads of fun, and boy did we ever.  HOWEVER, if I could change one teensy, tiny little thing about that day, I think…no, I KNOW I would change my bouquet.  Yes, I had a beautiful bouquet of Lilies and they were gorgeous, but for pete's sake take a look at these beauties…

Now do you hear what I'm talking about???  The entire bouquet is put together using vintage broaches (and sometimes vintage clip-on earrings) and as you can see they are truly a labor of love.  They are simply breathtaking and the flowers will live on forever and ever.   So, if I could do one thing over again from my wedding, you bet your bottom dollar I would have been holding one of these beauties.

Cheers to a vintage life well lived.

Jessica and Julie

(All images via pinterest)

Through the years I've developed a love for jewelry.  Don't worry, I'm not driving my husband to the poor house.  Fine gems really aren't my thing.

But oh vintage jewelry, how i love thee.

So beautiful and sparkly, right?  We have so many similar sparkly and beautiful pieces in the store.

This past weekend I borrowed some necklaces to wear while I worked and now I think I may have to take them home with me.   This whole “borrowing jewelry while you work” thing could pose a very big problem, or just lead to a very large collection of vintage necklaces which wouldn't be half bad.  We have loads more than I've pictured here so come on in this weekend and check 'em out.

Cheers to a vintage life well lived.

Jessica and Julie

(First 3 images via pinterest)

If you're not in the area, let me be the first to inform you that it sure is hot in our neck of the woods.  Now please don't misunderstand me – I'd rather be sweatin' to the oldies than freezing cold.  But the heat has really made it next to impossible to paint any furniture.  Fear not.  We always manage to dig up some “new” vintage stuff to bring into the store each and every week.  And this week we're even putting some of it “ON SALE”!!

You know it!!!  Thursday, Friday and Saturday is the Glen Ellyn Sidewalk Sale, so come on down.  I don't have any pretty pictures to share since we're busy getting stuff ready, but believe you me, we will have loads and loads of items out on the sidewalk “ON SALE”.  I'm not sure why I keep using “quotation marks”, but who really cares when there's a “SALE” going on:)

So, don't let a little heat get in the way.  Things don't last long around here so don't delay.

As always, cheers to a vintage life well lived!

Jessica and Julie

I love it when I come across a clever little idea for how to use the most basic item.

How fantastically cute and clever, don't you think.  I mean, I'm certainly familiar with the whole stacking of vintage suitcases to create a small nightstand/side table thing, but this one has actual legs on it, which makes it so functional and cool.

I still do love this classic look.

The mirrored tray (or just pain mirror) on top makes it so functional.  And those beautiful suitcases are to die for.  But these just look so fresh and modern yet classic.

We have loads and loads of vintage suitcases in the store, so come take a look!  I'm picturing the blue one above in my sons room;)

Cheers to a vintage life well lived.

Jessica and Julie

(All images via Pinterest)

I wanted to share a quick “Before & After” before I sign off for the weekend.

If you could see this piece in person you would understand why it desperately needed a paint job.

Did you notice the faux stone painted in the bottom shelf. I’m sure this worked wonderfully in someones house, I just wasn't feeling it. So a paint job it got.

The wonders of paint never cease to amaze me.
Have a fantastic weekend dear readers!

Cheers to a vintage life well lived.
Jessica and Julie

Lately, I have been so inspired by color.  Red, Green, Orange, Yellow, Blue and every color in between.  Before I begin painting any piece of furniture I’m always a bit of a sceptic…wondering if it will turn out as good as planned.  Well, I have to say that every single time a piece is completed I’m pretty impressed with how amazing it looks.  This week is dedicated to Orange and Red.

So what do you think??  This color combination is pretty invigorating, isn’t it?!  Makes me want to paint some furniture.  The next table that crosses my path just might end up one of these colors.  That would be a good thing. Every room needs a little bit of spice.  If your room needs that bit of spice, Gather and Collect has you covered.  Color is our middle name.

So, what colors inspire you?

Cheers to a vintage life full of color!

Jessica and Julie

(All images via Pinterest)

Yes, you read the title right and no, I'm not trying to be cool like that. If you've ever been to New Buffalo, MI then you know what I'm speaking of. Da Barn is one of the coolest vintage shops I have ever been to, hands down. Well, aside from our little shop, of course;).
I've spent nearly every summer/fall weekend in the area for the past 11 years and for some reason this past weekend was the first time I stepped into this place of awesomeness.
Unfortunately the prices were a bit higher than I'd like so I left empty handed. BUT, I left filled with inspiration.

I was utterly amazed by the beautiful organization and styling of this place. The owner is most definitely not only a great curator of all things vintage, but he also has a keen eye for design, which I definitely appreciate.
So, if your in the New Buffalo area this summer for a visit to the beach, stop by this shop for a visit. You won't be disappointed.

Let us know if there are any amazing vintage shops in the area that you think we should visit. Inspiration is everywhere!

Cheers to a vintage life well lived.
Jessica and Julie