Tag Archives: mid-century modern

Mid-Century Magic: Portland’s Antique Mall Adventure

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Oh, the joy of antiquing! There’s nothing quite like the thrill of the hunt for that perfect piece of the past to bring into the present. My recent antiquing spree in the charming city of Portland, Oregon was nothing short of magical. The city, with its quirky and retro vibe, is a treasure trove for lovers of mid-century modern, atomic, and retro vintage treasures.

My first stop was the famed Stars Antique Mall, a place where the past comes alive. The aisles were brimming with delightful finds from vintage furniture to quaint knick-knacks. I left with some amazing vintage pieces!! Each booth told a story of a bygone era waiting to be rediscovered. I enjoy shopping at Stars for a couple of reasons:

Stars Antique Mall
Stars Antique Mall

The Stars Antique Mall in Portland is a captivating blend of variety, space, and convenience, making it a must-visit hub for antique enthusiasts. Housing a lively community of 200 dealers, the mall offers a rich tapestry of merchandise ranging from Mid-Century Modern pieces of the 1950s-1960s, retro delights from the 1970s-1980s, vinyl records, whimsical kitchen kitsch, ephemeral items, charming figurines, novelties, and seasonal collectibles, among others.

This diverse array of merchandise not only creates a vibrant and dynamic shopping environment but also invites visitors into a nostalgic journey through time. Adding to its allure is the mall’s spacious and expansive layout, spread across two storefronts on the same block. The generous space provides a comfortable ambiance for shoppers to meander through the huge showrooms, making the exploration of antique and vintage treasures an exciting adventure.

Located in the quaint Westmoreland neighborhood of southeast Portland, the mall is easily accessible to both locals and visitors. To top off the delightful shopping experience, the vicinity boasts a range of refreshment options. Just a short stroll away, one can find a welcoming array of food and beverage outlets, from the comforting brews of Starbucks to the savory delights of Pizzicato, catering to every palate and making the antiquing adventure not just a feast for the eyes, but also a satisfying treat for the taste buds.

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Antique Society: A Treasure Trove in the Heart of Sebastopol!

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Hey, time-travelers and history hunters! Grab your magnifying glasses and put on your safari hats, because we’re about to journey into an oasis of antiquity – the Antique Society in Sebastopol, CA! This isn’t your typical antique shop; it’s an eclectic community of over 125 dealers under one roof, each showcasing a diverse array of treasures waiting to be discovered.

From the moment you step inside this charming brick and mortar, you’re greeted with an atmosphere that’s as captivating as it is inviting. The air is perfumed with a mix of old wood, time-worn books, and a dash of nostalgia. The sound? Oh, just the soft hum of conversation, punctuated by the delighted gasps of patrons unearthing a hidden gem.

Antique Society specializes in a wide range of categories. Fancy some Victorian-era furniture? They’ve got you covered. On the lookout for vintage jewelry? Look no further. Hunting for mid-century modern decor, retro kitchenware, Pyrex or classic vinyl records? Check, check, and check! The store is laid out in a maze of mini-stores, each dealer curating their space with their unique style and specialty. It’s like hopping between different decades with every turn.

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Mastering Mid-Century Antique Shopping in San Francisco

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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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Mid-Century Magic: The Best Treasures at Midway Antique Mall

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Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Mid-Century Modern Furniture

The weekend was wonderful, but the true highlight was the delightful day-trip my husband and I took to Sacramento. We journeyed a few hours each way to visit our much-loved Midway Antique Mall – a real mid-century treasure trove! The summer sun was in full swing that day, the car dashboard recorded over 100 degrees outside. Quite the scorcher, indeed!

Yasmina Greco - Mid-Century Tiki Dress
Yasmina Greco – Mid-Century Tiki Dress

As any mid-century enthusiast would understand, choosing the right outfit was a challenge! But keeping in mind the vibrant, tropical heart of summer, I decided to add a little Tiki charm to my ensemble by Lady Voluptuous. You can view pics my other Lady Voluptuous dresses here, here, and here.

Our arrival at the mall was greeted with the usual excitement – I simply adore this place! Midway Antique Mall is a unique place where the past is perfectly preserved. Their showrooms are organized like living spaces straight out of the 50s and 60s, complete with authentic furniture from the era available for purchase. The mall houses multiple dealers, making it a dream destination if you’re on the hunt for mid-century accents and collectibles.

Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Mid-Century Modern Furniture
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Unveiling ‘Mid-Century Madness’: A Fusion of Retro Charm & Functionality

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Hello, design enthusiasts and vintage lovers!

We couldn’t be more excited to unveil our newest collection, ‘Mid-Century Madness’! Our latest lineup breathes life into the classic elegance of the 1950s and ’60s, reverberating with vivid starburst patterns, the unmistakable charm of Pyrex, and the whimsy of retro mod black cats.

This distinctive array effortlessly weaves nostalgia with the practicality of mid-century modern design, creating a harmony that’s sure to tug at the heartstrings of vintage enthusiasts.

Our collection takes the beloved mid-century modern starburst motif and gives it a delightful twist. A standout feature is the playful addition of retro mod black cats and fabulous Pyrex.

The sleek silhouettes and charismatic expressions of these feline figures embody the spirit of mid-century designs, making them a charming contrast against the energetic starburst backdrop. And, who can resist pink and turquoise blue vintage Pyrex!!

From stylish t-shirts, wall art, kitchenware to cozy home decor, the ‘Mid-Century Madness’ collection offers a variety of pieces to add a dash of vintage flair to your everyday life.

mid-century t-shirts, decor and gifts with Pyrex, starbursts, black retro mod cats
mid-century t-shirts, decor and gifts with Pyrex, starbursts, black retro mod cats

First in the collection is our Mid-Century Madness Starburst Pyrex Mug. Perfect for sipping your favorite brew, this mug boasts a starburst and black cats design against iconic pink and turquoise blue Pyrex dishes. It’s not just a mug—it’s a conversation starter, an artistic piece that infuses charm and nostalgia into your morning coffee or evening tea. You can customize your mug color combo too!

Next, we introduce our Mid-Century Madness Starburst Throw Pillow. Perfect for adding a playful twist to your living room or bedroom, this plush pillow showcases the collection’s signature design on a comfortable, soft-touch fabric. It’s more than a pillow—it’s a stylish statement, a way to infuse your home with an aesthetic that’s both retro and contemporary.

The collection also features the Mid-Century Madness Starburst Greeting Card, complete with the collection’s distinctive design and a touch of kitschy Pyrex in vibrant pink and turquoise hues and black mod cats. It’s more than a card—it’s a heartfelt gesture, a unique way to share your thoughts and wishes with your custom message.

Of course, the ‘Mid-Century Madness’ collection wouldn’t be complete without a wide range of home decor pieces. From chic wall art to quirky accessories, each item carries the signature starburst and black cats design, perfect for sprucing up your space with a dose of mid-century magic.

The ‘Mid-Century Madness’ collection is a tribute to a timeless era, a celebration of retro style re-imagined for the modern day. Ideal for those who love the distinctive style of mid-century modern design, adore cats, or simply enjoy unique, stylish home decor and accessories.

So, get ready to step back in time, enjoy a dash of nostalgia, and embrace the mid-century madness. The 50s and 60s never looked so good!

Shop our Mid-Century Madness designs now!!

You can read more articles about Mid-Century and Pyrex here

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The Best Tips for Collecting Vintage 1950s Spaghetti Poodles

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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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