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.
There’s something incredibly romantic about the open road. The scenic beauty, the freedom, the adventure. This 4th of July weekend, my sweet hubby Gary and I decided to immerse ourselves in just that romance, exploring the breathtaking Northern California’s Highway 101.
Encircled by lush vineyards and the intoxicating beauty of the wine country, this route is an adventurous blend of stunning nature and charming towns filled with hidden gems in the form of antiques shops and vintage home decor boutiques. Our journey was a fantastic one – the perfect blend of relaxation, sightseeing, and of course, treasure hunting for antiques and collectibles.
Our itinerary included three must-visit places: Gin’gilli’s Vintage Home in Geyserville, Mill Street Antiques in Cloverdale, and Country Porch Antiques in Hopland. So buckle up and get ready for a recounting of our treasure hunt along the beautiful highway!
Gin’gilli’s Vintage Home, Geyserville
Our first stop is the quaint town of Geyserville, home to the delightful Gin’gilli’s Vintage Home. As soon as you step inside this charming shop, you’ll find yourself transported to a bygone era. Its collection boasts an eclectic mix of antiques, salvage, furniture, vintage cameras and vinyl, vintage toys and collectibles, jewelry, vintage furniture, crafted creations, and distinctive home decor that evokes a sense of nostalgia. Every piece tells a story, from rustic farmhouse tables to Victorian-era curiosities and retro-inspired home accessories.
As we approach the 4th of July, let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore how you can bring the vintage 50’s era into your wardrobe and home for a 4th of July Celebration: Mid-Century Outfits & Collectibles with patriotic, nautical-themed Pinup and Rockabilly outfits and mid-century kitsch collectibles.
Nautical Outfits: Classic American Fashion with a 50’s Twist
Patriotic and nautical fashion has been a quintessential part of American style since its inception. These two themes beautifully blend during the 4th of July celebrations, offering an opportunity to showcase your creativity and love for vintage fashion. I am wearing vintage-inspired nautical themed dresses and skirts in the above photos.
The Vintage Nautical Look
Creating a vintage 50’s nautical outfit begins with understanding the basic elements: think sailor pants, wide collars, and navy-and-white or red-and-white stripes. The 1950s was also an era of full skirts and A-line dresses, so feel free to add a full, pleated, midi-length skirt in a navy blue or red to your outfit.
The 4th of July is the perfect occasion to experiment with patriotic colors. Channeling the colors of the American flag – red, white, and blue – into your nautical ensemble will exude vintage charm and national pride all at once.
Complement your outfit with accessories like red scarves, blue sailor caps, or white retro sunglasses to add more authenticity and individuality.
Mid-Century 50’s Kitsch 4th of July Collectibles
The 1950s weren’t just a golden age for fashion, but for home décor too. This era saw the rise of kitsch, a style marked by the use of everyday, mass-produced objects as decoration. This quirky, whimsical style is a great way to add a touch of the 50’s to your 4th of July celebrations.
Patriotic Collectibles
Incorporate the stars and stripes into your décor through items like vintage ceramics by makers such as Napco, Lefton, Norcrest, Josef Originals, and Holt Howard. You can also incorporate 50’s era flags, or even mid-century style tablecloths featuring patriotic motifs. These small touches will contribute significantly to your 4th of July atmosphere.
As we celebrate this 4th of July, let’s honor the past as well as the present. By donning vintage 50’s era patriotic nautical outfits and decorating with mid-century kitsch collectibles, you’ll not only look the part but also feel it. Here’s to a stylish, nostalgic Independence Day!
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
“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.
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
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.
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
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!
