The Best Tips for Collecting Vintage 1950s Spaghetti Poodles

Yasmina Greco Spaghetti Poodle Collection 1950sToday I am thrilled to share one of my passions with you all – collecting vintage Spaghetti Poodles! These little guys are positively precious, and they add a wonderful sense of cuteness while perfectly fitting into my mid-century modern aesthetic.

My favorite pieces from the collection have got to be the 1950’s Norcrest poodle trio in glasses & bows on the tray plus Lipper & Mann’s ‘NOEL’ set for Christmas time. Also included in this beloved assortment is an array of delightful lipstick holders, planters, vases – it just can’t get any better than that!

UPDATE: You can ready about my collections on a recently published piece in the Antique Trader

Norcrest Napco Lefton Spaghetti Poodle Collection 1950sTake a step back in time and revel in the kitschy cuteness of 1950s poodles! Back then, these furry four-legged friends were everywhere – from classic Poodle skirts to intricate spaghetti art ware figurines. Ceramic artists crafted unique pieces using a special technique that mimicked the pup’s fur and sparked an excitement for all things “spaghetti” poodle!

Spaghetti art wear is made from clay, porcelain, and ceramic which is applied as “fur” to form various textures of a poodle’s hairdo. To accomplish the spaghetti look, ceramicists and designers would have different techniques like using tea strainers to push the material through to form strands that were then attached to the poodle giving it a pom-pom look or they would swirl it onto to the poodle for a curly look. The spaghetti is very fragile and tends to break or chip over the years.

Norcrest Napco Lefton Spaghetti Poodle Collection 1950s Yasmina Greco

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Antique & Collectibles Trends to Watch Out for in 2023

Whether you’re an avid collector or a casual enthusiast, it’s always fun to stay abreast of the latest trends in collecting. Here’s predictions on what could be hot in 2023 in the world of mid-century and collectibles.

Mid-Century Furniture & Home Décor

Mid-century furniture and home decor will continue to remain popular with its classic lines, modern style and craftsmanship. With the continued growth of television shows like Mad Men and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, we can expect more people looking to recreate that 1950s vibe at home. Mid-century furniture is now easier than ever to find online, making it accessible for all budgets. The key is finding pieces that are still in good condition, as many vintage pieces require some restoration work before they can be used again.

Kitsch & Retro Toys

Get ready for a blast from the past! This year, kitsch trends inspired by pop culture icons such as Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe are popping up everywhere–on walls and t-shirts alike. Not to mention those irresistibly cute Japanese figurines of cats, dogs, bunnies & bears that were all the rage in the 1950s/1960s with their big expressive eyes – no collector can pass these gems up! And don’t forget about tin toys: robots; windup models; cars…these vintage treasures have seen an incredible comeback thanks to nostalgic charm they possess. So go ahead collectors – start your search now (you might even discover some great inspiration too)!

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The Most Festive Christmas Decorations and Luxury Shopping

December, the month of cheer and enchantment! My sweet hubby and I had an unforgettable experience in San Francisco’s iconic Union Square for the most festive Christmas decorations, dresses, & shopping. The cheerful atmosphere was filled with vibrant twinkle lights, a stunning Christmas tree at its center surrounded by ice-skaters gliding across the rink, making it truly magical.

Our day included seeing gorgeous Tiffany ornaments with works from the late Andy Warhol adorning their trees; William Sonoma’s whimsical gingerbread window display and Louis Vuitton’s one-of-a kind Lego Christmas trees as part of their mesmerizing festive windows – all giving us that special dose of holiday spirit we were seeking for our day out!

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4 Tips on How to Nail the Classic Curvy Christmas Outfit

Mid-Century Modern Christmas Outfit

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! ‘Tis the season for eggnog, gingerbread, and most importantly…Christmas parties and photos! If you’re anything like me, you love getting all dressed up for a festive soirée. But if you’re also like me, you struggle to find a flattering Christmas outfit that fits your curves just right. Never fear! I’m here to help you find the perfect ensemble that will have you feeling confident and fabulous all night long.

One of my favorite parts about the holidays is getting all decked out in my finest clothes and going to holiday parties. Unfortunately, finding a flattering and stylish outfit can be a bit of a challenge when you’re curvy. Too often, I find myself feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable in ill-fitting clothes that just don’t work with my body type. But this year, I’m determined to find the perfect Christmas outfit that makes me feel confident and beautiful. Here are a few tips that I’ve learned along the way:

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Christmas Traditions to Make the Season Merry and Bright

Vintage Aluminum Christmas Tree
Vintage Aluminum Christmas Tree and Holt Howard Cozy Kittens Sweater

It’s that special time of year again for Christmas traditions to make the season merry and bright! The time when families all over the world come together to celebrate the holidays. For many, that means decorating the tree, stringing up lights, and spending time with loved ones.

There are so many wonderful Christmas traditions that have been enjoyed for generations. While some traditions have fallen by the wayside, others have endured and remain popular today. What matters most is spending time with loved ones and creating new memories that will last a lifetime. Merry Christmas!

Why Traditions Matter

There’s something special about the holiday season. The air is crisp, the leaves are falling, and everyone is in a good mood. Part of what makes the holidays so magical is all of the traditions that come along with them. From decorating the Christmas tree, shopping for vintage Christmas decorations, baking cookies, to attending holiday parties, these traditions are what make the holidays so unique. But why are traditions so important? Keep reading to find out!

Traditions Bring Families Together

One of the best things about traditions is that they bring families together. I especially enjoy going with my husband, nieces, moms, sister, and brother-in-law out searching for the perfect vintage Christmas decorations at local antique malls. It fills me with nostalgia because I always think about who the person and family were that had these treasures before me, did they also look for these decorations as a family, what were they like and if they passed them down each generation like we do now.

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The Prettiest Time of Year: Leaf Peeping Season in California

It’s that time of year again! The leaves are changing color and the air is starting get cooler here in California. That can only mean one thing: leaf peeping season is here! For those who don’t know, leaf peeping is the term for admiring the changing leaves in autumn. Although New England is where leaf peeping really happens, we also have some changing colors here in Northern California too. Every year, thousands of people flock to the vineyards in our region to see the leaves in all their glory.

Why We Love Leaf Peeping Season

There’s just something about fall that makes us feel nostalgic. Maybe it’s the memories of going back to school or participating in fall sports. Or maybe it’s because fall is such a beautiful time of year. Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that leaf peeping season is a special time. Here are a few reasons why we love it so much:

The Colors:

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