Ten fabulous assorted vintage treasures from Buy R Vintage Junk

Yard sales around these parts lately have left much to be desired a lot of the time. In fact, I haven't bought a single thing at any of the ones I've visited so far year and that's saying a great deal right there. Granted, I'm on the prowl for mid-century (and early) vintage and antiques first and foremost, but for the right price, I'll buy newer items, if I need them, too. Nothing has swayed me to dip into my pocket of jangling coins quite yet though and this is definitely the furthest into the season that this has happened before.

Chances are, I will find a few vintage goodies on the yard sale (and flea market) front before the season wraps up in early autumn, but for now, as it so often has been for me over the years, the web is my #1 source of vintage items - not that I'm complaining there, I'm certainly not. It's really, really handy to have such a vast marketplace at our fingertips 24/7!

Sometimes when the yard sales gods are forgetting to smile on me, I turn to my favourite Etsy shops that house a wide range of old school products at reasonable prices. I love shops like this - they're a bit like a mini flea market - or certainly a very well stocked yard sale - in one handy-dandy spot and can be a great place to unearth a treasure (or ten) that you didn't know you needed, but suddenly can't imagine leaving behind.

This month I had the great pleasure of welcoming the charmingly named Etsy shop Buy R Vintage Junk as a brand new blog sponsor and goodness, does their delightful array of offerings fall into the fabulously yard sale-esque camp in terms of the diversity that they stock.

Helmed by a lovely third generation treasure hunter named Denise, who is located in Indiana, Buy R Vintage Junk, is chalk-a-block with - to quote the shop's welcome message itself - "Primitive farm finds, burlap feed sacks, vintage lingerie, rusty & salvaged metal, creepy dolls, vintage jewelry, cottage decor, retro kitchen items, old tools and more". Tell me that doesn't sound enthralling!

As a way of introducing all of you to Buy R Vintage Junk, I thought it would be fun to shine the spotlight on ten of their current offerings that really caught my eye. These are the kinds of items that I would always gravitate towards, online or off, and which I hope you'll really enjoy as well.




This gorgeous Victorian silk and straw drawstring handbag is truly gorgeous and still in very decent shape for its age. I could see this looking stunning with all kinds of 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s outfits alike and can't help but think how sensational it would be for the annual Jazz Age Lawn Party in New York state.




There is something about old flour and feedbags that speaks to my inner farm girl (I've never lived on a farm, but I have an inner country lass all the same) so very much, and this great old early 20th century Purina Steers Chow bag is no exception. It would make for such a cool pillow or framed piece of wall art.




I will never fully get why galoshes, by and large, went the way of the dinosaur (save for amongst some of us vintage wearers). They're beyond practical and they look seriously cute, too. Though this pair, at a petit size 5.5, is much too small for my feet, these are just the sort of fit-over-a-pair-of-heels vintage rain galoshes that I would love to add to my wardrobe one day.




If you ask me, most bed linens these days are far too lackluster or run of the mill. I miss the days when each piece was imbued with handmade charm, and love that we can still get that either from creating our own pieces or turning to vintage offerings, such as these splendidly pretty mid-century vintage embroidered pillow cases, both of which feature peach and green butterflies and flowers. So darling!




This vintage kitty cat coin bank is too cute for words!!! Who wouldn't want to stash their pennies away in something this smile inducingly fun? I know that I certainly would!




Perfect for use as a display piece in your vintage kitchen or dining room, this charming mid-century PY-O-MY vintage metal pie pan is sure to be a bit hit with all the vintage and pie fans in your life alike!




Look closely at this immensely lovely circa 1950s cream straw hat, for there on the band, what do you see but a row of matching coloured buttons. How fabulously fun, creative, and cute is that?




Whether you start an instant collection, or bolster your existing one with them, your winter decor will be enhanced by this selection of five elegant, timelessly pretty sparkly vintage rose shaped Christmas ornaments.




Perhaps its my family ties to gold mining, maybe it's because I adore camping, or it could just be because they're so timelessly beautiful looking, but I have always felt drawn to classic vintage metal lanterns like this age worn charmer that was used by the Chicago Bureau of Sanitation.




Long before the widespread vintage crafting scene as we know it today came into being, various books and magazines were produced that celebrated and shared old school patterns with those who were already looking to the pas for creative inspiration, including this wonderful edition of Olde Time Needlework Patterns and Designs magazine from 1973. I can just imagine that awesome designs it must house!

(All images via Buy R Vintage Junk. Please click on the photo of an item of the link in the text below it to find out more it, including that piece's price.) 

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Which of these delightful vintage finds appeals to you most of us? I'm especially smitten with the Victorian hat, kitty cat coin bank, and beautiful straw hat myself.

Buy R Vintage Junk is a relatively newcomer to Etsy, having opened their online doors in August 2014. Their inventory continues to expand and you just never know what yesteryear gem you might discover amongst their digital shelves. If you haven't done so already, be sure to heart/favourite them on Etsy so that you can stay abreast of all the great new (old!) items that Denise continues to stock in her shop.

Though I'm not calling this year's yard sale season a total wash yet, whether things pick up on that front or not, as I've done for nearly twelve years now, I will turn to the web and shops like Buy R Vintage Junk not only during the spring and summer, but all season long.

It's so important that we support small business owners online and as I'm one myself on Etsy as well, I can't help but have an especially soft spot in my heart for my fellow sellers and their awesome vintage wears there.

And on that note, Buy R Vintage Junk has very kindly created an exclusive coupon code just for CV's readers. Between today and July 31, 2015, you can save 20% off on everything in their shop when you use the coupon code VGT20 at the checkout. Sweet!!!

Festive Christmas 2014 edition of Flickr Favourites

{Hello ~ Katie Baby}


{Christmas TV Guide ~ James Vaughan}


{Vintage Christmas Card ~ Katie Baby}


{Yesterday's Flea Market Finds ~ Mary Harding}


{1962 Christmas Food Ad ~ Classic Film}


{Vintage Christmas Tree Card ~ Katie Baby}


{Ladies Home Jorunal December 1959 ~ File Photo}


{White Christmas 1950s ~ ElectroSpark}


{Vintage Candy Christmas ~ Elle}


{Vintage 1950s Christmas Card ~ Kevin Kidney}

{All images above are from Flickr. To learn more about a specific image, please click on its title to be taken to its respective Flickr page.} 

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For all the immense excitement of this most resplendent and special of days, there is also, I find a certain incredible serenity to Christmas morning - at least if you happen to be the first one awake. A few years back, I was up rather early on this very day and created a scrapbook page (featuring a photo from one of my childhood Christmases) and ever since then, I've made a point of setting aside an hour or two before the mad rush and endless fun of the festivities begin just for myself.

Usually, perhaps not surprisingly, more often than not, I use it to write a blog post, as is the case today, but sometimes (or in additional to doing that) I'll just curl up with a good book, cup of peppermint tea, and spend a little while relaxing and counting the many gifts that I am blessed to have in my life that go far, far beyond what lies under the tree or dangles in the stocking from the mantle.

Though I've never been materialistic about the holidays (or overly so in general), the older I get, the less I want (for myself) and the more I yearn for this day to be far more about the people I spend it with and the happiness that I'm able to impart into their lives. Presents are wonderful, of course, but they aren't the sole purpose for Christmas by any stretch of the imagination and as the world continues to become a more expensive, stressful, challenging place where just making ends meet can be a full-time struggle for countless families, I can't help but think that we'd all do well to step away from the malls and contently back in front of the hearth with our loved ones, trimming the tree and sharing a generously sized, festive meal.

The beauty of Christmas, likewise, cannot - despite what their commercials might have you believe - be purchased solely with a MasterCard either. It is each tiny, perfect work of art that is a snowflake and every verdant pine bough. It's the sight of a lipstick red cardinal in the snow, the wide-eyed wonder of children on this day, and love and contentment we feel in our hearts when we stop and take stock of the history and meaning of Christmas itself.

Amongst the blessings that I count each Christmas morn is all of you, my dear and treasured online friends and readers. We share and delight in the whole year together, and while I can't pay you each a visit (basket of homemade cookies on my arm) today, I hope you know that I'm celebrating with you in spirit and that from the very furthest reaches of my holiday season adoring soul, I am wishing you the most joyful, safe, and endlessly merry Christmas possible!

Special Christmas in July themed edition of 25 vintage deals under a $100

Hard as it may be to believe, yesterday we hit the five month mark until Christmas Day. Immersed as we are in long, languid afternoons spent at the beach, gallons of sweet tea, and vintage sundresses as far as the eye can see, thoughts of Jolly Old St. Nicholas, visions of sugarplums, and the round-the-clock soundtrack of holiday tunes may just be the furthest thing from our minds, and yet...

Five months is not a terribly long time in the grander scheme of thing. Hop ahead a few more weeks from now and we'll be getting ready for fall, to send the wee ones back to school, for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the last precious drops of summer's fleeting warmth. Beyond that, it's a mere snowball's throw until we're decking the halls, trimming the trees, and baking enough sugar cookies to feed a small army, so really, is it all that preposterous to spend a few minutes focusing on Christmas in July?

I don't think so, and in fact, as a paper crafter (who adores creating homemade holiday cards), this is almost always when my mind starts, at least in part, to begin to push some of those thoughts of picnics, open toe shoes, and beach reads out of my mind and replace them with ones that are decidedly more December themed in nature.

Whether you're in the mood to bust out the White Christmas DVD yet or not, it's always fun, any time of the year, to reflect on Christmas and be reminded of some of the most delightful, iconic, and fashionable elements of this immensely important winter holiday. At the very least, surely doing so can't help but cool us all down a touch and surely that alone is a very, very good thing these sensationally warm days!

1.Without a doubt on the of the loveliest elements of the holiday season is the act of giving and receiving Christmas cards, but that doesn't mean of course that you can't stock up on some vintage ones of your own to adorn your home with as decor pieces, too. This stellar 1950s unused pop up card would do a marvelous job of that in any room of the house. $10.00 from Vintage Beach Kids.



2. Wonderfully well priced and so festively fabulous, this red 1950s party dress would work a treat for Valentine's Day, too - and the 4th of July, to boot. Fits up to a 34" bust/24" waist. On sale for $30.00 from Coral Vintage.



3. Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas with out Kris Kringle, be he intepreted in loving grandfatherly form or a cuter, cuddly character like this charmingly sweet 1940s fabric Santa Claus doll ornament that measures 6 inches tall. $10.00 from What's In Store Vintage.



4. Whether you live in a bachelor apartment or a sprawling mansion, Christmas lights are a season must and few will deliver on the old school loveliness like this string of vintage 1940s Sterling Christmas lights, complete with their original box. $19.50 from Viewridge Vintage.



5. Delicate and oh-so-beautiful, it's hard to believe that this length of vintage Christmas coloured crepe paper garland trim has survived for over seventy years and still looks pristine. It has and does though, and now it can be yours for just $6.00 from Vintage Handmade (who have a stellar selection of vintage and shabby chic craft supplies, may I add).



6. Spritely and sweet, this cute little ceramic Christmas elf looks like's a good chap, not a mischieous pixie and will help keep your poinsettia, Christmas rose, or any other holiday season bloom company from his vintage ceramic planter perch. $16.00 from Queen Bee Vintiques.



7. If you happen to be on the especially slender side and are looking for the perfect Christmas 1950s skirt, this red and green tiny floral print quilted gem is for you. If only this was a touch bigger, it would soooo be mine. Swoon and sigh! :) Fits up to a 24" waist/40" hips. $58.00 from Alex Sandra's.



8. Much like the crepe paper trim in this post, it's rather impressive that this immensely cute trio of 1940s castile teddy bear soaps perched on their cue red toboggan have survived intact for so many decades. $15.00 from Antiques & Curious Goods.



9. Ever since I was a little girl, I've been a fan of Christmas themed literature like this wonderful 1940s edition of The St. Nicholas Anthology, which gathers tales from various authors together in one festive compellation. This listing also comes with another book called the The Dickens Digest and you will get both for $25.00 from Grandma's Green House.



10. Even if you live in one of the warmest climates of the world, you can still bring a much needed dose of sparkly winter snow your way thanks to this beguiling, generously sized vintage rhinestone snowflake brooch that hails from the 1940s or 50s and would sensational as part of a Christmas themed photo shoot outfit. $32.00 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.



11. Ho-ho-holly good deal! This wonderfully fun circa 1950s vintage Santa Claus suit with matching beard is a rare find and such a bargain at just $30.00 from Vintage Creekside.



12. Measuring in at five inches tall, this beautiful little 1940s/1950s wreath might be a touch too tiny for the front door, but it would make a stellar addition to a mantelpiece display, your Christmas tablescape, holiday powder room decor, or on the festive tree itself. $15.00 from Bits of the Past.



13. A timeless symbol and functional element of Christmas alike, candles are a holiday season must that bring such special, lovely warmth to any festive event. Why not prop yours up in beautiful style care of this stylish pair of red and chrome 1920s candle holders this year? $22.99 for the pair from Mattie's Menagerie.



14. You'll be singing merrily on high with this timelessly lovely circa 1930s collection of classic Christmas carols. $8.00 from Vintage PDX.



15.What more fitting or festive accessory can a lad or chap adore himself with come the holiday season that a red tartan plaid bowtie like this handsome little 1950s/1960s clip-on version that works equally well for little and big fellows alike. $7.50 from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.



16. Holidays and appetizers go together like reindeer and a sleigh, so be sure you have plenty of darling little vintage cocktail forks like this fun red, white and mint green set (of twelve) on hand for all of your festive meals. $18.00 from Rosebud Originals.



17. Read all about what your favourite 1930s Hollywood stars were up to in this lovely Christmas 1938 edition of Film Weekly magazine. $7.95 from Atomic Dimestore.



18.Add a festive jolt of red to any holiday ensemble with this timelessly wonderful 1950 style red cinch stretch belt, which will keep on looking fabulous the whole year round. Available in modern ladies sizes petite (XS) to large. $12.95 from Blue Velvet Vintage.



19. Christmas just wouldn't be the same with out plate after plate of scrumptious holiday cookies, many of which we often bake using recipes that have been handed down for generations now. If you're looking to add some more varieties to your table come December, you'll definitely want to pick up this charming 1952 edition of the recipe booklet Aunt Jenny's Old Fashioned Christmas Cookies. $8.99 from Veiled Through Time.



20. Festoon your neck in festive colours and charming little bows care of this beautiful 1950s silver tone metal and red thermoset necklace and matching bow brooch set (click through for photos of the brooch). $35.00 for the pair from Chronically Vintage on Etsy.



21. Come the winter holiday season, I love sporting green as much as I do crimson and would love to slip on one of these fantastic vintage reproduction gingham Olivia blouses from Heyday, which is all the more festive thanks to its blend of green and white. Pin your favourite holiday brooch on it and you've got an instant old school holiday look in no time (always a plus during the super busy weeks of December!). Available in modern ladies British sizes 10 to 18 (at the time of writing, some sizes were sold out). £45.00 from Heyday.



22. Kitsch, cute and charming, that's what this immensely darling set of vintage Lefton snowman and snowwoman salt and peppers shakers are. $8.00 from Whambo Vintage.



23.Ensure there's no risk of mismatched coloured lingerie and garments when you slide this alluringly lovely 1960s half slip under all of your favourite red skirts and dresses throughout the holiday season and all year round. Fits a 24-36 inch waist/38" hips. $20.00 from Better Dresses Vintage.



24. At the end of the holiday season, ensure all those beautiful cards you received and wish to save for future years and safe and sound thanks to this timelessly sweet 1950s Christmas metal Christmas card tin. $12.00 from My Crowded Little Nest.



25. File this 1950s stocking coin purse under the heading of "definitely unique", then hang it up by your chimney with care and wait for good, old St. Nick to reward the fact that you've surely been on your best behaviour all year long. :) $15.00 from Bitter Sweet Vintage.

{Please click on a specific item, or the link in the description below it, to be taken to its respective listing.}

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Admit it, by about the 17th entry you were starting to hum your favourite vintage Christmas song! :) Okay, well, I was at least and by the 22nd, had you asked me to start preparing a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, I would have gladly done so.

Just as it pays to purchase a winter coat or boots in the summer, so is a great idea to start stocking up (get it :D) on Christmas decorations, clothing and accessories - not to mention gifts for your nearest and dearest - now, when considerably fewer folks in general are doing the same thing. Plus, as it's the off-season, there's always the chance that some such items will be lower priced now than when the sound of reindeer hooves echo on the rooftop again (and that, after all, is in keeping with the spirit, the festive spirit in this case, of this very wallet friendly monthly post series).

Early though it may be, it's never too soon to save some money and stretch your budget dollars a little further, especially when it comes to the holiday season, which as we all know, has the pesky habit of costing more and more each year!

While I'm not even remotely close to ready to trade my beach towel for a tree skirt or my fruit salad for baked apples yet, but I don't mind thinking about Christmas, at least a little here and there in the slightest and had a blast putting this cheerful Christmas post together over the last few days, just as I hope you did while reading it.

Here's to the next five months and all the fun, turning over the the seasons, and eventual Christmas merriment - and thrifty shopping - they'll hold in store for us!

*PS*

In the mood for an early Christmas present of the vintage nature yourself this year? Then you absolutely must enter the fantastic giveaway for a $50.00 gift certificate from The Best Vintage Clothing that I'm holding at the moment. It wraps up in just two days, so now is definitely the time to enter!