When you go vintage shopping it can be fun to go with a list and try and find specific items. I was lucky enough to have 2 amazing shopping experiences this weekend. Friday was the opening day of the Foire de Chatou, a 700 vendor event just outside of Paris. My shopping buddy and I headed over for a quick trip and lunch.
On my list was a vintage bottle drying rack. I know they have been around for a while, but I still wanted one to work with. I found a couple of smaller ones, but nothing that stopped me in my tracks. Then I saw this giant. I was told it is about 50 years old, but it is great condition. I walked away to think about it, I was going to eat lunch before making a decision. On the way to lunch I couldn't help myself, I had to go back and make sure I got it. I am still deciding how I am going to style it, but you can be sure you will see more of this guy.
The other thing on my list was something enamelware. I saw several pieces, perfectly nice pitchers, but nothing extraordinary in design or price. Then I saw this guy. This is a large round bowl with handles and lid. At first I thought it was porcelain, but when I picked it up and it was metal I was hooked. I picked it up and walked around the booth. I always like to see if I can find more than one thing to make negotiating more fun. I didn't find anything else, but I was okay with paying the price the seller had set. I realize that going on the first day puts you as the buyer at a disadvantage, but the items I bought were decent prices and unique items. I am planning on going back to the Foire de Chatou towards the end of the event, that is when I will hopefully get better prices on a few more things.
The second amazing shopping experience this weekend was a day with a professional, Cat from Rabbit Hill. Getting to meet a blogger you follow is a funny experience. I had contacted Cat about attending a day of shopping with her. My shopping buddies and I headed out to the coast of France before the sun was up on Saturday morning. Meeting Cat and her husband was such a great experience. We got to visit a brocante, a few stores and an auction house. We had a delicious lunch in a picturesque French town and learned a few new things about treasures that we love.
One of the first things on my list was a vintage toy rocking horse. I was inspired most recently by Holly Mathis, and a living room she did for a client. I saw many horses that I loved, but they were all
200 + euros! I wanted a horse, but not that badly. I found this little guy at the end of the day and he fit my needs just fine.
The suitcase is a new find as well, the best thing about the suitcase were the beautiful vintage linens it was filled with when I brought it home.
Here is a sampling of some of the linen I brought back this time, vintage torchon or kitchen towels, hand embroidered pieces and antique linen sheets. I have quite a few more pieces and I am loving all of the linen white loveliness around my house.
One of my unique pieces from the day was my green garde-manger, or food keeper. This would be similar to a pie safe.
This piece of French newspaper is still stuck to the bottom of the inside.
I love this sweet little piece and shelf inside.
Vintage shopping is fun because you never know what you are going to find, but I have been surprised that when I go with a list in mind I am almost always able to find what I am looking for.
Sharing today with
I love all you finds! that rocking horse is so cute! I love when I find just what I am looking for but usually I go without knowing what I want to find! Both ways are fun!
ReplyDeleteI never used to go with a list, but French markets can be so overwhelming with so many amazing things I have had to learn to focus. I love my horse too, I found him a great home.
Delete