New Items in Strictly Vintage

New items in the shop including this awesome antique illustrated medical dictionary from 1921!

The Pop Up Shop

On the way to happy hour at T Rex, the girls and I discovered this wonderfully charming little store called The Pop Up Shop which is literally that, a treasure trove of French finds that will last only 6 more weeks! From classic white ceramic ramekins to all things le petit prince, this store has wonderful and unique gifts. The prices are so reasonable and the proprietors are warm and welcoming! Check out their hours below...

located at 1316 10th Street off Gilman in Berkeley

Thumbelina

Just posted on my etsy page...an original miniature painting of Thumbelina

A Halloween Tradition

Tonight was my annual trip to Alameda's Gaslight Emporium for their grand Halloween opening. My mom, my Aunt Liza and I had dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant, Acapulco, then ventured down Lincoln to the Halloween hot spot. The space is Victorian for sure, with dark carved wood, traditional wallpaper, and unusual antiques and oddities. This shop stocks vintage and vintage reproduction seasonal items, from paper goods to toys and even period costumes during Halloween. Don't be surprised to find a room full of Alice in Wonderland curiosities or vintage holiday items at certain times of the year.

One room was more ghoulish and ghastly, with grotesque animals, ghosts, severed body parts displayed in an old fridge, not to mention a buffet of hauntingly delightful treats!

The other room, more bright and warm, housed vintage inspired paper goods. From pumpkin figures to vintage trims and tinsels, there was a feast of Halloween and Harvest eye candy from floor to ceiling

I loved this little moon faced man, and bought him a month ago at their yard sale for my Mom's birthday. His twin was still there waiting to be taken home. Visiting the Gaslight Emporium is one of my favorite traditions, one I hope to continue for many years to come.

Available for purchase at my etsy shop here.

Alphabet Books

I love books of all kinds, especially ones with vibrant pictures like the ones found in good kids books. I collect all kinds of kids books, but I especially love alphabet books. The search for a good alphabet book is one of my regular quests. Occasionally a new alphabet book will be published that is different and interesting, like "An A to Z Tresaure Hunt" by Alice Melvin, but usually thrift stores and used book stores yield the the best finds. Small book stores and museum stores will also have more unusual, "arty" abc books like Bruno Munari's ABC. Above are some photos of some of the favorites of my collection. Below are descriptions and links on where to find these guys.

I found Ryan Heshka's ABC SpookShow at Cody's books which used to be on 4th in Berkeley, and is now on Shattuck. I love the imagery (spooky yet childlike) and its small size. You can buy it from Amazon here.



I happened upon The A to Z Treasure Hunt at Books Inc in Alameda. Its published by the Tate Museum, and is the first ABC book I seen that's interactive. The designs are graphic, simple and engaging, plus they urge you to collaborate with the author in the search the for ABC treasure!
Buy it from Amazon here.



Lettered Creatures is one of my best finds! I visited Portland in Oct 2007 just to go to Powell's Bookstore. I picked up this treasure there. Its authored and illustrated by a two brothers, and the content and pictures are stunning! A must have for any book collector. Buy it from Amazon here.

Anermerotics features a side of the alphabet you never knew existed. The imagery depicts an "a forbidden cabaret in 26 acts." The monochromatic images are gorgeous, soft and dreamy and a bit naughty. The remind me a bit of Michael Parke's paintings. Buy it from Amazon here.


PS- I buy books from bookstores all over, and sometimes Amazon too. I've included links to buy through Amazon because people are familiar with Amazon and its easy. But you can request these books from your local bookstore just as easily if you prefer. Happy Hunting!

Birds, Nests and Eggs

I ate at Le Cheval the other night with my boyfriend and something we ordered got me thinking about the topic of birds and birds nests. Among many of the Vietnamese vegetable offerings was a dish called a bird's nest. I was immediately drawn to the possibility of this dish as birds and their nests have been an interest of mine (and the whole worlds) as of late. Moments later a plate of golden fried noodles arrived arranged is the shape of a nest, a mound of stir fried veggies snug and steaming in its center. The "birds nest" was delicious, but more importantly it made me think of all the images of birds and nests that keep popping up all over, in art, in retail, in my life. So, for my first post I am including some images and links to noteworthy birds and bird nest themed things that I enjoy and covet. Among the list are some of my favorites including...


Birds and Nests rubber stamp set by cavallini * http://www.cavallini.com/stamps.html
which you can find a many boutiques including Paper Source and other stationers

Various birds nest themed items for sale at ETSY including paper goods and unique finds offered by the following etsy sellers:
estatesaletreasures * http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5308900
FoundObjects * http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11011264
dovegrey * http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11004286
luxedeluxe * http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10880624

Cool fibre nests made by textile artist Kirsten Chursinnoff * http://www.flickr.com/photos/bettyclaire/840228051/