Mastering Mid-Century Antique Shopping in San Francisco

Stuff Mid-Century Modern Furniture San Francisco
Stuff Mid-Century Modern Furniture San Francisco

Today we’re mastering mid-century antique shopping in San Francisco. One of the premier places to find mid-century antiques is “Stuff,” located in the Mission District. This vast 17,000 square foot space is brimming with unique pieces from various eras, but the mid-century offerings are particularly noteworthy. From vintage Eames chairs to Danish teak furniture, you can find stunning MCM pieces that cater to every budget. The rotating inventory ensures a new surprise on every visit, offering you a treasure hunt experience in the heart of San Francisco.

Stuff San Francisco Yasmina Greco Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Stuff San Francisco Yasmina Greco Mid-Century Modern Furniture

You can read my post about Stuff Antiques and see pictures of the treasures I saw in this blog post – San Francisco Antiques and Mid-Century Modern at STUFF

Past Perfect,” another fantastic store located on Union Street, has two locations loaded with mid-century pieces. Their meticulously curated collection ranges from stunning MCM lighting fixtures to stylish furnishings that encapsulate the clean lines and organic curves characteristic of the era.

Flea Markets and Antique Fairs

If you enjoy the thrill of hunting for antiques, San Francisco’s flea markets and antique fairs offer plenty of opportunities to unearth mid-century treasures. The Alameda Point Antiques Faire held the first Sunday of each month, the largest antiques show in Northern California, are must-visits for MCM enthusiasts. Here, amidst the bustling activity, you can find a variety of mid-century items, from furniture and lamps to ceramics and art. We’ve had some amazing scores at this event with finding vintage Freeman McFarlin mermaids, Franciscan Starburst dinnerware, vintage Cathrineholm enamelware bowls, to Holt Howard pixieware and more.

Alameda Point Antique Faire
Alameda Point Antique Faire
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Kitsch Creations: Vintage Cards for Modern Memories

Welcome to a nostalgic adventure with my latest line of vintage kitsch greeting cards, these kitsch themed cards are perfect for modern memories and rafted to transport you to a bygone era while adding a unique touch to every occasion. My kitsch range features vintage Pyrex-inspired patterns to retro Halloween, Vintage Christmas, Mid-Century too, find the perfect card for your occasions.Visit the Crazy4Me Cards shop.

This eye-catching range includes delightful designs inspired by Pyrex patterns, eerie yet charming retro Halloween themes, vivid floral prints, and cheerful birthday greetings. Additionally, we offer a selection of heartwarming encouragement cards for those days when you or your loved ones need an extra boost of positivity.

With new designs introduced every week, my kitsch cards promise to be a continually expanding treasure trove of vintage-inspired cards for every occasion. Join us on this journey as we help you commemorate life’s special moments with a dash of retro enchantment.

Ready to explore the world of Kitsch Greetings? Visit the Crazy4Me kitsch card site and start your voyage through time today!

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1950s Kitsch at its Best: The Ultimate Poodle Purses, Skirts, and Dresses

1950s Poodle Purses and Poodle Dresses

If you’re a fan of the swinging 50s, then you’ve got to check out this latest trend – novelty poodle purses and skirts! These classic mid-century pieces are so fun to wear and collect. Whether you’re an avid vintage fashionista or just starting out in the retro style game, poodle skirts and purses are essential items for any wardrobe. Let’s take a closer look at 1950s kitsch at its best with the ultimate poodle skirts and purses and why these kitschy pieces are so popular!

The History Behind Poodle Purses & Skirts

Yasmina Greco with her vintage style 1950s poodle Pinup Dress, vintage 50s poodle purse and 1956 Nash Metropolitan Classic Car

The first poodle skirt was created in 1947 by Juli Lynne Charlot, a designer based in California. She drew inspiration from Parisian couture and used felt appliqués to create her signature designs. The skirts quickly became popular with young women who wanted to express their individuality through fashion. In the 1950s, they were often seen paired with matching blouses or sweaters, as well as novelty poodle purses.

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Lefton Bluebirds Best Tips and Price Guide for Collectors

Yasmina Greco Lefton Bluebirds Topline Import Bluebirds
Yasmina Greco Lefton Bluebirds Topline Import Bluebirds

Lefton bluebirds, there’s something undeniably captivating about their allure. With their delicate features and cheerful expressions, these charming little creatures have soared into the hearts of collectors worldwide. In this blog, we’ll explore bluebirds by manufacturers Norcrest, Napco Lefton, and Topline Imports, the origins of these delightful figurines, discover how they became a beloved symbol of happiness and hope, and share the best tips and price guide for collectors.

NOTE: You can read about my collections here at Antique Trader Magazine

Norcrest bluebirds and Topline Imports bluebirds are often confused with Lefton bluebirds because they were also produced during the same era and have similar designs. Norcrest bluebirds were produced by the Norcrest China Company, which was founded in Japan in 1953. Norcrest bluebirds are typically marked with a “Norcrest” stamp and are known for their bright colors and playful designs.

Topline Imports bluebirds were produced by the Topline Imports Company, which was founded in Japan in the 1950s. Topline Imports bluebirds are known for their simple, elegant design and often feature a matte finish.

One reason why collectors confuse these three types of bluebirds is that they were all produced during the same era and share similar design features. Additionally, many of these bluebirds were not marked with identifying information, making it difficult to determine their origin.

However, there are some key differences between these three types of bluebirds that can help collectors identify them. For example, Lefton bluebirds are typically marked with a “Lefton” stamp, while Norcrest bluebirds are marked with a “Norcrest” stamp. Topline Imports bluebirds are often marked with a paper label or foil sticker that reads “Topline Imports.”

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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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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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