Thrifty Spring Finds--Some For You, Some For Me

I can never have too many sweaters. They dress up the drabbest t-shirt, add a quick lift or cover up to a top. I scored these three great sweaters, plus some accessories for ridiculously little. Some are vintage and some are not. Some are for me and some are for you. :-)

Darling pink sweater w/embroidered apple blossoms, Garnet Hill; White frilly trimmed tank top, The Gap; vintage 80's sunglasses, Faith, France; white woven floppy hat (one of my hat staples), red faux-alligator leather wallet, Abas; white Italian leather vintage wallet--mine! ( I LOVE this wallet. Organized & compact. I paid $2 for it). Total: minus hat, $11.

Light pink 100% cashmere sweater, Jones New York; Pink green plaid blouse, Old Navy; white red vintage shoulder bag, no tag. Total: $9. Yes, you read that right. The CASHMERE sweater has a pink prick moth hole in the sleeve: $3. It's almost like stealing.

Red Converse Tennies, made in USA. I love the red ones. Will be in shop soon. :-)

 Cute light turquoise sweater, Christopher & Banks, white tank, The Gap, my white wallet & a dreamy soft pair of Cole Haan slipper flats. Sweater, $3. Slippers, $4.

I can't wait to wear this sweater! I love it and I also have it in pink. :-) Merona, $3. Groovy olive green vintage tote is in the shop now. And it totally works with this sweater...keep, sell, keep, sell. . . hm?

I have quite a few purses just now that work great with this sweater. Here is my latest Etienne Aigner shoulder bag in navy blue leather. Darling & in shop now. (I also have it in cranberry). Again, my white hat & wallet. I love them.

The best duo yet, with the Blackwatch tartan plaid bowling bag. Tell me this isn't spectacular!

And for the dudes--the bowling works for you too. The white Converse tennies are a size 13. In shop soon. Having trouble finding laces that long!

I'm keeping the darling swishy charcoal top by Rocker Girl. The distressed leather boho bag will be in the shop soon, although I am VERY tempted to keep it. Cute top: $3.

Whoever said you can't find great fashion finds at thrift stores hasn't shopped with this vintage maven. :-)

d, xo

Dahlila Found Vintage

Sweet & Pleasing

I found this festive watering can at my favorite thrift last week. I bought it to sell, but when I got it home and arranged it for photos, I fell in love with it. It's so simple and cheery and makes the perfect flower pot for long stemmed flowers. It's unique, colorful, whimsical. How can I let it go?

Normally I am a very focused vintage shopper. I love what I find, but I'm also clear that this is my business. I am buying for customers. If I kept all the goodies for myself I'd just be some hording collector. And really, what fun is that? Sharing is better.

And yet...once in a while I keep a piece or two for myself. Nothing huge or dramatic, rarely expensive, just a little something sweet and pleasing for myself. Sometimes I keep them for a while, sometimes for a very long while, but eventually most lovelies I pass on. Isn't that what Vintage is all about? ;-)

Rescuing the Family Jewels

My mother called. She was up to her elbows in the sacred moth balled closet that protects the family heirlooms--hat boxes, satin coverlets, a plethora of cocktail jewelry--Monet, Trifari, Marvella--kid gloves, evening wear, Vera, pearls, and a 1970s, hand tailored, virgin wool men's suit, from Hollywood, with the pimpiest lining a straight man ever wore.

She sounded nearly in tears.

I want it all gone! she cried. She had obviously been attacked by Spring Cleaning Fever, a deadly virus, when one more necklace, lace hat, cocktail dress, unworn stilettos, were going to break down her closet and her nerves. I know this feeling. I have it at least once a week. I pleaded, "Just hold on! I'll drive up today." I dropped everything, grabbed the Vintage Bible, my camera, the dog and headed out.

Luckily, my step-father coaxed my mother away and took her to lunch. A wise maneuver. When all is overwhelming, walk away from it all, is a my favorite motto--at least for coffee, cake, or a shot of Jack Daniels, if necessary.

Upon arrival, "The Albertson Ladies"--present and past, in body and spirit, strewn the closet content onto the carpet, played dress-up, strolled down memory lane and told stories of my great-grandmother, nanny, granny and a gaggle of eccentric aunties who had left this all behind. It was terribly fun. My mother looked much calmer. A weight had been lifted and she--and her closet--could breath once more.

The next day, I took away a car load of goods, all--I promised--to be sold in my shop. (You know I will keep some pieces, but only in the name of "I love it; I want it," and not for "familial obligation." I swear--(repeat this mantra as need be.)
Now, it is all in my little home. And please, don't tell, but I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed now too. Though, please don't worry! I have a plan--organize, photograph, edit, price, post. It's just going to take some time. There is only one of me.

Now, if you will excuse me, I have so much to do and a fabulous estate sale to attend. It's crazy, I know, but it's all part of my job. ;-)

P.S. If you see anything that makes your heart flutter, please let me know. A fabulous follower like yourself, deserves first dibs. ;-)

Coffee & brioche

Thank goodness for Italian coffee, French brioche & apricot jam. My morning salvation.
Today I am running off to another estate sale--It's spring & sales abound! So, coffee in hand-- lists, purse, camera and I am off. Meanwhile I will leave you with my favorite typed word snippets from Dahlila. :-)
They're a nice way to send a friend a cappuccino and brioche without getting the envelope all soggy. ;-)
Have a nice day and wish me luck! You never know what I will find?


dahlila. xxoo