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.
Calling All Atomic Age Aficionados!
If you’re wild about mid-century kitsch, you must swing by this jaw-dropping case by dealers YG at Antique Society in Sebastopol! It’s a retro lover’s dream packed to the brim with Holt Howard collectibles, dreamy vintage cameras, vibrant Bakelite jewelry, and all the atomic flair your heart can handle.
Every shelf sparkles with nostalgia, whimsy, and rare finds. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just discovering the charm of the 1950s-60s, this case is pure vintage magic—and an absolute must-visit!
Vintage Easter kitsch ceramics are a charming way to celebrate the holiday with nostalgic flair. From ceramic bunny planters to whimsical 1950s figurines, these delightful collectibles capture the playful spirit of Easter. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, this guide will help you discover, identify, and cherish vintage Easter treasures.
Relpo Blue Bunny Rabbit Planter KH985Rune Naito Kitsch Big Eye Bunny Rabitt LoverPY Miyao Anthropomorphic Bunny Rabbit Salt and Pepper Shakers EasterVintage Easter Kitsch Relpo Easter Bunny Planter
The Timeless Charm of Vintage Easter Collectibles
There’s something irresistible about vintage Easter decor. The bright colors, cheerful designs, and pure whimsy bring back memories of a simpler time. If you’re looking to infuse your Easter display with nostalgic charm, here are some must-have collectibles.
Nestled in the picturesque town of Hopland, Country Porch Antiques stands as a beacon for those who appreciate the charm and character of bygone eras. This multi-dealer shop surprised us with its impressive size and the sheer variety of treasures waiting to be discovered inside.
What Makes Country Porch Antiques Special
What sets Country Porch Antiques apart is its carefully curated collection that spans decades of American history. The shop specializes in American country and primitive antiques, creating an atmosphere that instantly transports you to simpler times.
As you wander through the spacious aisles, you’ll find yourself surrounded by pieces that tell stories of America’s past:
Mantiques – Treasures for Everyone vintage porcelain signs, tiny toys, cast iron
Vintage kitchenware and colorful Pyrex that bring nostalgic warmth to any modern kitchen
Authentic farm tools that showcase American ingenuity and craftsmanship
Folk art and handcrafted furniture with character you simply can’t find in mass-produced items
Mid-century modern treasures including statement lighting pieces and functional art
Vintage cameras, typewriters, and technology that fascinate both collectors and decorators
Bakelite jewelry and vintage clothing for those looking to add unique pieces to their wardrobe
An impressive vintage Christmas collection that will delight holiday enthusiasts
Vinyl records that bring the warm sounds of the past into present-day homes
Yasmina Greco – Antique and Mid-Century Modern Shopping in San Francisco, CA
If you’re searching for the best antique shops in San Francisco, get ready for a vintage adventure packed with mid-century charm and unforgettable finds.
Our day began with a steaming cup of coffee at Fisherman’s Wharf. With the salty sea breeze and the city waking up around us, Gary and I set off for a treasure hunt through the Richmond District.
Taking a Waymo robotaxi, we explored Gaslight & Shadows Antiques, Past Perfect, and Refind Home—each offering a unique glimpse into mid-century and vintage magic.
If you love antiques, autonomous rides, and a good dose of retro inspiration, this San Francisco vintage shopping guide is for you!
Waymo Robotaxi
For those who haven’t tried it yet, Waymo is is an autonomous robotaxi that’s like stepping into the future. No drivers, no small talk, just Gary and me in a quiet, private ride. We love Waymo because it feels incredibly safe, and honestly, we’d take it everywhere if we could. Unfortunately, for now, Waymo is only available in San Francisco, but we’re taking full advantage while we can!
Our Waymo ride brought us to a charming neighborhood packed with vintage finds. We had three stops on our list in San Francisco’s Richmond District: Gaslight & Shadows Antiques, Past Perfect, and Refind Home. Each shop offered its own unique treasures, and we couldn’t wait to explore them.
Gaslight & Shadows Antiques
Gaslight and Shadows Antiques, San Francisco, C
Our first stop was Gaslight & Shadows Antiques, and let me tell you, it was an unforgettable experience! From the moment we walked in, the shop’s cozy, nostalgic atmosphere wrapped us in a warm embrace. But the real highlight? Meeting Phyllis, the shop’s owner.
Phyllis Nabhan of Gaslight and Shadows
Phyllis Nabhan is an absolute gem—tiny but bursting with energy and charm. With her beautiful curly purple hair and an infectious smile, she radiates personality.
Phyllis told us all about how she opened her shop in the 1970s, putting a 7ft tall aluminum Christmas tree in the window during the holidays, and shared stories of her life, including being part of a local running club (which honestly made her even cooler). Phyllis made us feel so welcome, and her passion for vintage shines through every corner of the store.
Phyllis Nabhan and Yasmina – Gaslight and Shadows AntiquesContinue reading →
Brooches are back, and they’re not just for your grandma anymore! These versatile little accessories are your new best friend when it comes to adding personality, flair, and fun to any outfit. Let’s dive into how you can modernize your look and embrace the brooch in ways that are anything but outdated.
Modernize the Brooch Look
Gone are the days when brooches were reserved for formal dresses and lapels. Today, they’re making a statement on everything from streetwear to workwear:
Denim Jackets: Pin a bold vintage brooch to your denim jacket’s collar or pocket for a touch of retro glam.
Oversized Blazers: Use a brooch to cinch your blazer at the waist or to add a pop of color to your lapel. Pair it with chunky sneakers or platform boots for an edgy twist.
Hoodies: Who says hoodies can’t be chic? Add a playful brooch to your hoodie’s drawstring or pocket for an unexpected touch of sparkle.
Style Tip: Layer multiple brooches of different sizes for a curated, maximalist vibe. Mix modern minimalist designs with bold vintage pieces for contrast.
Alternative Placements
Think beyond the lapel! Brooches can go anywhere, and we mean anywhere:
Hats: Pin a brooch to a wide-brimmed hat or a beanie to instantly elevate your headwear.
Handbags: Add a brooch to your tote or crossbody bag to transform it into a conversation starter.
Scarves: Use a brooch as a chic scarf clip to keep your winter accessories stylish and functional.
Shoes: Attach a small brooch to your sneakers or ankle boots for a one-of-a-kind look.
Yasmina Greco with her Vintage Christmas NOEL Collection
Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year!! I have a great post for you all today; Vintage Christmas Noel Sets: The Ultimate 5 Tips for Collectors for collecting Noel figurines and candle holders from Santa Claus, Elves, Poodles, Snowmen, Angels, Candy Canes, Holt-Howard.
That feeling of festivity and joy that comes with this time of year can be attributed to many things, but one of them surely has to be all the vintage kitschy decorations.
Vintage 1950s NOEL Angel Girl Bells – Japan
For me, one of my favorite things to do is pull out the vintage Chirstmas NOEL sets that I have been collecting for years and display these treasures as I get my home ready for Christmas.
If you love a touch of nostalgia with some Mid-Century flair then you’ll want to curl up with your cocoa and read our new blog post on Collecting Vintage Christmas: Noel Sets for tips on buying, selling, and searching for these treasures.
Today’s blog post features some of my vintage Noel collection that dates from the 1950s-1960s and features Noel candle holders, Noel bells, and Noel figurines.
When it comes to vintage Noel collectibles there are so many varieties and themes from Santa Claus, Elves, Poodles, Snowmen, Angels, Candy Canes, and even Clowns, that there really is something for everyone and you can easily have a theme each year for your holiday decorating too!!
Holt Howard Noel Angel Candleholders
Holt-Howard’s vintage Noel angel girl candleholders are cherished mid-century collectibles known for their whimsical charm and festive flair. These ceramic figurines, dressed in white robes adorned with gold star accents, hold red letters that spell out “NOEL” across the set with green tops to insert candles. Their expressive faces and intricate details embody the nostalgic appeal of 1950s and 1960s holiday décor.
Highly sought after by collectors, these pieces can command prices ranging from $800 to $1,500+, depending on condition. When acquiring them, it’s important to inspect for any damage, particularly to delicate areas like necks, letters, halos, candleholders, and ensure the detailing remains intact and not chipped, cracked, or repaired.
This beautiful pristine set of Holt Howard Noel Candleholders is available now on at my shop Crazy4MeStyle
WARNING!! Blog has a lot of photos.
One sure way to any collector’s heart is items that come with their original boxes. For me, the box can also be used as part of your vintage holiday decor as they usually have timeless graphics that add so much charm to your displays.
Since these vintage items are usually 70 yrs old, if you do find an original box it will probably have some wear and tear or even water damage from being stored in basements and attics and that is completely okay and in my opinion, adds that much more to the story and history of the item.
Here are five of my very favorite Noel sets from my personal collection and I think they are just dynamite. Each set is so unique and has loads and loads of vintage Christmas charm. I actually have them up year-round in my cabinet and they always make me smile when I stop and admire them.
1950s Grimco Japan NOEL Bells Vintage Christmas1950s Grimco Japan NOEL Bells Vintage Christmas
Collector Alert: For Sale on Etsy – Vintage Christmas Extremely Rare NOEL Bell Set – World Creations by Grimco 1950s Japan MCM This 4 Piece Noel bells set of boys and girls made by World Creations by Grimco Japan 1950s.
This set is hard to find and very delicate, made from very fine ceramic so there may be light hairline cracks if you do come across a set. The facial expressions on these kids are so darling. In today’s market expect to pay $275-$325.
2. Christmas Cowboy Santa Noel Candle Holders set by Menschik Goldman in the 1950s. Santa is wearing his western hat with green and red holiday flair, his red suit complete with holster and pistol and his body spells out NOEL.
This set is very rare, I have only come across it one time and in today’s market expect to pay $299-$350.
