The Best Antiques Guide Along Northern California’s HWY 101

Gin'gilli's Vintage Home
Gin’gilli’s Vintage Home

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.

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

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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The Best Tips for Collecting Vintage Mermaids and Fish

Vintage mermaids and fish

Join me to learn the best tips for collecting vintage mermaids and fish and even what to look out for from top manufacturers like Norcrest, Lefton, Bradley, and Freeman McFarlin and the history behind them! Let’s dive into the magical depths of yesteryear and discover the irresistible appeal of these delightful figurines.

A Brief History of Vintage Mermaids and their Makers:

The 1940s-1950s marked the golden age for the production of vintage mermaids and fish. During this time, countless families across the US adorned their bathrooms and vanities with these enchanting wall plaques, available at local five-and-dime stores and souvenir shops.

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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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The Best Spring Dresses for Curvy Girls

Yasmina Greco Spring Easter Dress
Yasmina Greco

Spring has officially sprung, and with it comes the annual quest for the perfect dress to celebrate the season of blossoms and sunshine. For curvy girls, finding a flattering, comfortable, and stylish spring dress can sometimes feel like a challenge. Fear not, lovely ladies, because this year I’ve discovered two fabulous dresses that not only embrace our gorgeous curves but also exude the charm of vintage glamour. Get ready to say hello to a season of confidence and grace with these must-have

Dresses are one my favorite pieces of clothing! I love how feminine and easy to wear dresses are and with a few accessories you have a complete outfit. Wrap dresses are my ultimate fave however and if you’ve been reading my blog for a while you know how much I appreciate a wrap dress because they really are a curvy girls best friend (you can see past wrap dresses here, here, here, and here). 

Yasmina Greco Spring Easter Dress
Yasmina Greco Spring Easter Dress
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