VintageKC
Summer 2013
Home. Fashion. DIY.
Eclectic Style
vintagekcmag.com
Tons of design ideas inside!
Mix and match eras with ease
French country wedding style
PLUS
DIY Mid-Century nursery Vintage terrariums Crafting with gold 1970s disco fashion Business on wheels
VintageKC / Summer 2013
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Photo by Jessica Peterson Photography
Contents Summer 2013 • Volume 2 Issue 1
Features 14 24 30
Vintage Spaces An eclectic mix of form and function in a Lenexa home Vintage Events A wedding that’s a little bit country, a little bit grown-up tea party Vintage Fashion All things are sparkly and shiny in our tribute to disco summers
Columns 05 06 08 42 46
Our Favorite Finds What’s new in the world of online vintage sales? Design Book HGTV Design Star Jennifer Bertrand’s easy-peasy design tips Buy & Sell Vintage-inspired TV shows abound. What are they doing to the market? Stores We Love Mobile shops Cartwheel and MoVi keep local business on the move Vintage Memories A summertime friendship lasts way past Barbies and summer camp
Do-it-yourself 10 12 36
DIY Rooms Affordable Mid-Century nursery DIY Gardens Vintage indoor terrariums DIY Crafts ‘Tis the season of gold ... crafts
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from the editor
Staff
Media vs. the Market
T
here’s really no getting around, shoving under the carpet or hiding in the closet the fact that I watch a lot of television. While I’m waiting for paint to dry, water to boil, the laundry to magically do itself, or for 10 minutes to pass before I have another life in “Candy Crush” on my iPhone (seriously, don’t start playing that evil, addictive game), I’m glued to the moving pictures on my TV screen. Now, it’s not like I watch pointless things (ahem, “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo”— not judging). I can guarantee that I would not be where I am today without the inspiration from “Trading Spaces,” “Project Runway,” and “Full House.” The latter has nothing to do with my current job and everything to do with the amazing life lessons three grown men and three growing girls can learn in one overflowing house (don’t judge). The point is, for every drama, sad news story and mindless reality show, there are five or six shows that actually teach us something. Something about ourselves, our lives, our skills. “Cash and Cari” inspired me to start an Etsy shop and start going to estate sales. “Pawn Stars” taught me how to make a good deal for resale. “American Pickers” showed me how much fun it is to dig for treasure. Newer shows like “Picked Off ” gave me the thrill of the hunt from my couch, and “Flea Market Flip” showed me that people from New York pay way more for things than we do here in the Midwest. As the Brown Button boys address in this issue’s Buy & Sell column, the impact of these shows is a double-edged sword for vintage and antique dealers and resellers. While an awareness in the general public of the affordability and green nature of recycled and upcycled goods brings in business, it also drives prices up as more people realize the value of their grandma’s Carnival Glass or your dad’s old rusty metal tackle box. But the great thing about recycling is that people are more often than not just trying to lighten their load and we’re still seeing great deals out there. At any rate, feel free to drop us a line any time and let us know how you think the market is fairing. Whatever your favorite show is, stay tuned, because the vintage and antique scene is here for the long haul. And I’m investing in a more comfortable couch. In this issue we’re elated, ecstatic, head-over-heels excited to have HGTV Design Star Jennifer Bertrand give us her tips and tricks for design excellence in a new column we’re calling Design Book. She’s a blast to be around, and we think you’ll like her advice. We’re taking a stroll through Jennifer Bennett’s Lenexa home, filled with beauty and eclectic style. We’re taking a seat at a French country-style wedding and getting all glittered up with disco fashion. We’re showing you how to use gold in new ways, decorate a fab nursery on a tight budget, bring the outside in for summer with terrariums, and highlighting two awesome mobile vintage stores you just have to see this season. It might be the promise of beautiful weather, the bright Kansas City skies or garage sales — oh yes, it’s garage sale season — but we’re ready for a productive summer. As soon as this episode of “Duck Dynasty” is over. Happy hunting!
^
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Editorial/Fashion Assistant Calli Green calli@vintagekcmag.com Copy Editor Angela Snell
Contributors Kim Antisdel Jennifer Bertrand Michael Fry James Fry Jamie Kaczmarczyk Audrey Kuether Aleyna Stammann Deborah Vogler Quinn White
P hotography
William and Jill DiMartino Layne Haley Photography Jamie Kaczmarczyk Audrey Kuether Aleksandra Nokes Jessica Peterson Photography Tin Roof Studio VintageKC volume 2, issue 1 is published quarterly by Erin Shipps, 7730 Floyd St., Overland Park, KS 66204. Copyright 2013, Erin Shipps. All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or in whole without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Printed in the U.S.A.
xo,
Erin vintagekc
Publisher/Editor Erin Shipps erin@vintagekcmag.com
vintagekc
vintagekcmagazine
On the Cover
Jennifer Bennett’s style is homey, beautiful and just right. Photo: William and Jill DiMartino.
our favorite Etsy finds
All of these shops can be found on etsy.com, an online retailer. Windhill Antiques: Vintage ceramic pie bird, $8.95; vintage oil lamp, glass with clear scroll design, $29.95; vintage creamer and sugar bowl with lid by Lorrie Design, $12.95. windhillantiques.etsy.com
REdesigning Women: Personalized wall hanging-Ava-$28; vintage 1948 children’s book cover wall haning, “The Little Dog Who Forgot How to Bark,” $14; glitz letter R with vintage buttons, $24. Use code FREESHIPKC for free shipping in the Kansas City area. redesigningwomen.etsy.com
SophistiFUNK Vintage: Black purse, manmade material, fully lined interior, 48” strap, 10” handle, $54; cross strap black patent leather and cork heels with small gold buckles, size 6B, $34; natural woven raspberry checker trimmed clutch, $26. sophistifunkvintage.etsy.com
Vintage Jewelry Meadow: Mid-Century unsigned rose bracelet with goldtone roses and rhinestones, $42; vintage signed CORO set, 1954, by Alfred Katz with thermoplastic flowers and rhinestones, $95; vintage signed NAPIER set, 1965, with milkglass beads and faux jade molded glass pendant and matching earrings, $75. Shipping is free. vintagejewelrymeadow.etsy.com
Blast from the Past: Butterfly chromolithograph from 1896 book, $13.95; hot air balloon lithograph from 1950s book, $44.95; vintage Kansas map from 1930s atlas, $14.95. blastsfromthepast.etsy.com
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design book
EasyPeasy Summer Design
Ever wondered what an HGTV Design Star winner would tell you about designing your space? Lucky you, we’ve got one! By Jennifer Bertrand
H
elloooo everyone! I am very excited to write a column for this lovely magazine! And what better way than to give you some easy ideas to create a dramatic difference in your home by using simple examples from my own home that I’m designing slowly over time and on a very tight budget — what I like to call reality for most people.
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MONOCHROMATIC MIX Create a grouping in all the same color by mixing old and new. When creating a “vignette” (cool word for creating a décor grouping), stick with one color and all shades within it. This allows your eye to see a focal point and not feel too busy. But do keep in mind that design is very personal. It should be your heart and soul displayed through basic design principles. For example, the brass clock was my grandparents’. I remember playing at their farm in the summer as a small child and the clock was there. When I moved in with them during college summers, the clock was there. When they passed, this was the one piece I wanted to remember them by and I often think of them. Whether it is trendy or not, it is perfect to me and always will be. Now let your eye wander to the two little faces on the mantle. Some of you know I had an emphasis in ceramics in college. The piece on the right is a vintage German, Rosenthal piece that was an obvious influence to my favorite contemporary designer and kooky potter, Jonathan Adler, whose muse candle is the face on the left. Should you care about that story? Probably not, but that’s why — in design — there are so many right answers, and it has to be the one that best suits you.
USE OLD BOOKS TO SOFTEN BOOKSHELVES Who cares if the binding color is not nice or if you dislike the book’s subject matter? Now this tip is controversial. It appalled my husband (the avid reader) and yet for me it is calming to my eyes and brain in the mix of a busy life. If this concept of facing books pages-out is too much, then maybe only turn the books on some of the shelves. Or you can sort the books by color groupings and bounce the color groupings around the bookshelves. Books are personal, and I feel like in a moment you can understand a person by seeing what they read. In case you’re wondering, my books are all design, art and fashion! From Chanel to Koons to Kelly Wearstler. SEE THE BEAUTY IN A SILHOUETTE When I found this table for $25 from a Craigslist friend, it was hideous and covered in brown Formica. But I could see that the shape of the object was beautiful. And its potential to be a classic, modern piece was there at my fingertips. With the help of my lovely, English husband Chris and some glossy-surface primer (available at Lowe’s), my desired color of paint (Greek Villa by Sherwin-Williams), and then two coats of Min-Wax polyurethane, it is now the lovely swan I knew it could be.
design book
TAKE A RISK WITH WALL GROUPINGS They were $1 a card and my eyeballs screamed, What a glorious find! I couldn’t buy the whole deck (a regret because imagine what a wonderful image 52 would have created), but I bought all of the face cards. Then to make the grouping affordable, I slowly bought one frame at a time at Target. I tend to love me a Target frame because they are inexpensive and simple. Where is your future massive wall grouping? Remember it can evolve to three dimensional objects as well. It should be created by objects that make you want to smile. For me, this grouping makes me want to smile, or double down, every time I see it. So, remember, don’t be scared to take risks and hang higher and lower than you have done before. This is what makes a wall grouping look like a designer did it because they take those risks that make most people chicken out! Until next time, all of my new vintage-loving friends, have a lovely summer and be sure to take at least one design risk. Please share pics of how you’ve used my advice in your home!
^
Jennifer Bertrand is the winner of HGTV’s show “Design Star” season three, and co-host of “Real Life Design” on cravingtalkradio.com. She resides in Weatherby Lake, MO, with her lovely English husband Chris, her happy son Winston, and has big plans in life to conquer the design world … again. Email pics and questions to her at: jblovesdesign@gmail.com Follow her: Twitter: jblovedesign • Facebook: Jennifer Oldham Bertrand Instagram: hgtvdesignstarjenniferbertrand
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buy & sell
Media
Matters Is what we see on new vintage TV shows reality? And what are these shows doing to business?
T
he vintage and antique landscape has changed dramatically over the last decade. From total market disrupters, like eBay, to personal impacts, like the economy, we have seen interest and prices go up, down and sideways. However, over the last few years, there’s been a noticeable increase in the general public’s attention to all things vintage and antique. The country has come to accept and even envy the “junk dealer,” due mostly to the recent boom of vintage- and antiquerelated television shows. We tallied at least 42 currently running reality TV shows having to do with picking, up-cycling and antiquing. Shows like “American Pickers,” “Pawn Stars,” “Cash and Cari,” and “Storage Wars” have gotten many more people interested and involved in the vintage and antique resale market. No one argues the fact that reality TV shows have brought more attention to the industry, but whether this attention helps or hurts seems to be a matter still in contention if you work in the business. We sent out an e-mail poll to Brown Button Estate Sales’ e-mail subscribers asking how these reality TV shows have affected the market. A full 81 percent of respondents stated that the shows have increased prices and competition, 14
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By Michael and James Fry percent have seen no change to the industry, while 6 percent believe that the shows have lowered prices and competition. This increase in prices and competition is a two-edged sword. With an increase in competition it can be harder to pull off the perfect profitable pick, but once you do, the increased interest brings more customers to your booth or online store, resulting in higher prices. As Eric Rosell (owner of Kansas City-based Etsy store Vintage Chocolat) notes, “It’s a good time to be a buyer of vintage items because no longer are vintage items found only in one place. It’s a great time to be a vintage junkie, because competition from different resellers allows you, the buyer, more places to acquire your vintage treasures. All in thanks to these TV shows, the vintage business is booming.” One question that has to be addressed when discussing reality television is: Just how much reality is there? How much of the shows are real life versus scripted situations? How many hours of film were left on the cutting room floor to show that one fabulous find where the picker made 10 times the money? Most of the newfound interest in vintage and antique items comes from a genuine appreciation and appeal in a certain
time period and its craft. However, we feel that some of the recent excitement in this industry can be chalked up to the hype and “best case” spin in which these shows portray picking. Enter almost any chat room of dealers and serious resellers and you can find a thread grumbling about the inflated prices, lack of drudge work, or the rarity of profitlosing picks presented on these shows. Now, we understand that those negatives don’t make for the most riveting programming, but if someone decides to jump into vintage re-selling based on that “reality,” then they are in for an education. While some of what these shows air can be a bit unrealistic, it must be noted that the spotlight on pickers and resellers has helped to legitimize the industry. John Q. Public is looking behind the curtain to see that these are real businesses. There are costs and a profit must be made. Gregg Pfister (President of Overland Park’s Sunflower Auction) recently shared with us: “I guess I am in the minority here, but I think these shows have generally lowered prices for dealers. The primary reason is that ‘American Pickers’ and ‘Pawn Stars’ specifically tell sellers that they have to make money and that they
buy & sell He said . . He said
How do you make vintage travel cool?
My wife and I recently purchased a 1973 Klassic camper. It’s a 14-foot, pull-behind, hillbilly hotel complete with green indoor/ outdoor carpet and bright red cushions and curtains. We are in the process of doing a total overhaul with a little help from our Pinterest friends. After removing the paneling, we are installing glossy white bead board, painting the cabinets kelly green, and replacing the pulls with vintage chevron chrome. The sweet mustard yellow oven, stovetop and ice box have to stay in the kitchen, but we are adding a wooden countertop, stainless steel backsplash, and a few goodies from Ikea like wire storage baskets and a magnetic knife rack. The cushions and curtains will be redone in yellows and greens and the floors in vinyl wood. Add some yellow and green Melmac dishes and our Glamper will be rollin’ in high vintage style.
Michael
usually have to double their money when they buy items. This has led to more awareness in the general public about how resellers operate. It has made people think about the costs involved with reselling. When I go on picks, I normally tell people upfront that I can only pay about half what something is worth and why. Nowadays, sellers usually accept that.” Not all the boom in retro appeal can be attributed to reality shows. Many argue that the TV drama “Mad Men” was the gasoline that ignited Mid-Century madness. Add other period programs like “Magic City,” “Pan Am” and “Boardwalk Empire” to the mix and you can see how American culture is being influenced by the looks of the last century. Quality pieces from the 1920s to 1960s are increasing in demand and price. If you specialize in reselling furniture and décor from these periods, it is a great time to be in business. Steve Frans of Overland Park collects, repairs, and resells Mid-Century console stereos and TVs. This last year he placed a 1969 Zenith Color Console TV on eBay and was ecstatic to get a quick sell at full price. To his surprise the purchaser was the set designer of “Mad Men.” You never know when your vintage find might become a TV star in its own right. Whether you have been a dealer for decades or are a couch-potato picker, we can all agree that television has a huge impact on the vintage and resale market. From affecting the current buying trends to launching the next generation of American pickers, TV reaches deep into our culture. As you flip through those vintage shows, we just ask that you not forget the wisdom of Albert Einstein, “Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.”
^
Michael and James Fry are brothers and the owners of Brown Button Estate Sales. Find them at brownbutton.com and facebook.com/brownbutton.
Last summer my wife and I bought a 1979 Volvo 245 station wagon and went on a three-month road trip. The 245 is the perfect vintage mode of transportation for those who want to travel inexpensively, pack light, and visit lots of varying locations. The back seat folds down flat and gives plenty of room for sleeping inside. There are several panels that lift up inside the back of the vehicle, revealing compartments that can be used for storage. We kept all our camping gear in there, which was quite useful when visiting Yosemite National Park, Mt. Rainier, and Yellowstone. We also wanted to visit some of the larger U.S. cities on our trip like Chicago, San Francisco, and New York City. Traveling in a car versus a larger alternative made parking and moving about the cites very easy. The MPG is awesome, especially compared to a big RV — and since our trip was roughly 9,000 miles, the gas savings enabled us to travel longer.
James
e e Two locations
50,000 SQ. FT.
River Market Antiques
T y ail
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816.221.0220 115 West 5th Street Kansas City, MO 64105 facebook.com/RiverMarketAntiques
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816.471.9541 600 Central Avenue Kansas City, MO 64105 facebook.com/600CentralAntiques
g Find your Own Look by Recycling some amazing Lifestyles from the Past For information contact: recycledretailmanagement@gmail.com
VintageKC / Summer 2013
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For more on Audrey’s nursery makeover, visit her blog:
diy rooms
ohsolovelyblog.blogspot. com/2013/03/diy-post-modbaby-nursery.html
Oh Baby! Designing a nursery from scratch is no laborless task. Here’s what hard work, three weeks and $425 can do.
Projects | Styling | Photography by Audrey Kuether
W
hen Audrey Kuether set out to design her future daughter’s nursery, she knew she wanted a retro, postmodern style. She also knew she would have to tackle many DIY projects to stick to her tight budget of $500. ITEMS CREATED OR REPURPOSED: • Sewed custom floor to ceiling curtains: $50 The fabric was purchased from Etsy and only took about a half an hour to sew. • Sewed a simple crib skirt: $5 White fabric from Hobby Lobby was embellished with hot glue and ric rac. The same ric rac is used on the lamp and middle curtain panel. • Sewed pillows: $10 Audrey used fabric in coordinating colors and patterns to sew four pillows. Some of her great grandma’s old buttons were used to make the letter V. • Repurposed lamp on changing table/dresser: $5 The lamp base was a gift from past co-workers.
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Audrey spray painted the base and added an inexpensive shade and the extra ric rac. • Created four custom ledge shelves: $20 Inspired by Ikea shelving, Audrey and her husband created shelves with pre-cut wood from The Home Depot. • Found and repurposed the changing table/dresser: $0 Audrey scored big when her neighbors set their dresser on the curb. A few coats of white paint, and it’s the perfect fit for the nursery. • Created a mobile: $5 Using Hobby Lobby scrapbook paper, her great grandma’s crocheting hoop, fishing line and a rod from an unused drying rack, Audrey created a cloud and hot air balloon mobile. • Created 31 framed prints: $75 Audrey scoured thrift stores for frames, which she painted white and gold. She created most
of the prints herself and used some free printable art from the Web. She used a credit to art.com for three larger carnival prints. • Created a side table: $8 A large wooden candlestick and a lazy susan scored from a thrift store became a side table put together with epoxy and spray painted. • Repurposed two white cubby shelves: $0 Audrey stole two shelves from her master closet, spray painted them and attached gold backers. They are filled with her and her husband’s old baby books, dollar store storage bins and other knick knacks. • Customized the funky retro light fixture: $180 Statement lights can also be expensive. With a great sale, gift card and coupon code,
Before
diy rooms Audrey found her Mid-Century light from overstock.com. She painted it brushed gold. • Created window seat/storage cubby/cushion: $20 A shelf from target is put on its side and reinforced. Fabric-covered foam makes it comfy. • Created art above the crib: $40
Audrey ordered craft letters from createforless.com for $8 shipped, spray painted them and hung some tissue tassle garland purchased from Etsy above it. • Created hanging hot air balloons: $5 Audrey found plastic balloon shapes at Hobby Lobby on clearance, painted them and added empty thread spools for the basket. • Repurposed a reading lamp: $0 Audrey’s husband received a free chrome floor reading lamp that they spray painted white and brushed gold. • Found Eames-style modern turquoise chair on eBay: $30 Audrey plans on using it for her daughter’s monthly photo.
• Repurposed the sunburst mirror A deal from The Home Depot. ITEMS GIFTED/HANDED DOWN: • White Jenny Lind crib A gift from Audrey’s parents, it cost about $150. • Repurposed Eames reproduction chair Audrey’s husband inherited this chair from his late father. It was purchased in the 1970s. • Reused toys, books, games, etc. Audrey filled the room and toy box with favorite old stuffed animals, books and vintage games from she and her husband’s childhoods.
^
Audrey is the creative and brand manager for the National Soccer Coaches Association of America by day, and runs Oh So Lovely, a Kansas City-based graphic design and photography company, in her spare time. She and her husband Ted live in Olathe with their two dogs and are expecting their first child this summer.
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diy gardens
Indoor Gardens By Jamie Kaczmarczyk
Whether there’s permanent dirt under your fingernails, or the term “green thumb” means nothing to you, bringing a garden inside this summer is easy and affordable!
L
ooking to bring the outdoors inside your home without breaking the budget? Even those without a green thumb can have a beautiful indoor garden using low-maintenance succulents and thrifted containers. Start with a collection of glass or pottery containers. Thrifts stores and estate sales have great selections in interesting shapes and sizes. Don’t let their intended purposes stop you from using vessels in a new way! A vin-
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tage piece of Pyrex and thrifted cheese-dome made fun containers for this garden. Next, if you want to add a pop of color, try Washi Tape — a Japanese paper tape similar to fancy masking tape. It’s available in a wide variety of styles and colors and typically costs around $3 per roll. Etsy has tons of options. Choose your favorite color
What you need
Succulents Cactus soil Sand Rocks (pea or river size) Washi Tape Glass or ceramic containers
Don’t be afraid to try oddly shaped containers and everyday items as planters.
combinations and decorate your vessels before you plant. Washi Tape is very forgiving and can be easily repositioned without damage. Once your containers are decorated, it’s time to plant. Succulents need a lot of drainage so applying an inch layer of pea sized rocks makes a good base. Next, a thin layer of sand adds both visual interest in clear containers as well as an extra layer of drainage protection. Leaving room for the plants, cactus soil is then added until it’s almost to the top of your con-
tainer. Arrange your succulents, and add a final amount of soil so roots are covered and your container is filled full. Pat soil firmly to make sure succulents are secure. Finish with larger, river size rocks to cover areas not planted and to add a final touch. A wide variety of succulents, rocks, sand and soil can be found at your local nursery. Whether you plant just one container or have multiple grouped together, their visual impact is striking and would look great showcased
diy gardens
on a fireplace mantel, coffee table or kitchen window. Succulents prefer bright light and are low-water plants. Just water once a week or only when the soil feels dry to touch. For best results, apply fertilizer regularly during growing season, which is spring to fall.
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Jamie lives in KCK with her husband and son. She is the owner of Kolorize, an online vintage and handmade products shop, kolorize.etsy.com.
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vintage spaces
Taking Time Hunting for the perfect pieces to fill this home is a family affair, one that has evolved slowly and wonderfully. By Kim Antisdel | Photos by William and Jill DiMartino
14 VintageKC / Summer 2013
Homeowner Je
nnifer Bennett
vintage spaces
Jennifer Bennett’s living room features warm tones with pops of turquoise, from a vintage typwriter to an old medical lamp.
VintageKC / Summer 2013 15
vintage spaces
J
ennifer Bennett is not in a hurry. In fact, she prides herself on understanding that for something to be amazing, it’s going to take some time. Perhaps it’s in part because of her career as an occupational therapist, but Jennifer welcomes the unhurried, deliberate side of life. Nowhere is that approach more clear than inside the walls of her amazing home. Nestled in a charming neighborhood in Lenexa, the four-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath, story-and-a-half home was constructed in the mid 1980s and was largely traditional in its design and aesthetic. But thanks to Jennifer and her husband, the home is now a magnificent display of vintagemodern with a hint of industrial influence. It is a balance that has taken years to achieve; and it’s still evolving. When she moved into the home 12 years ago, there was certainly work to be done, which was an exciting endeavor for Jennifer and her architect husband Chris. Jennifer immediately set to work redesigning the main floor, adding warm hardwood floors and updating the kitchen with a clean palette of white wood to compliment the home’s architecture. As work moved forward, Jennifer noticed that, along with the house, her taste and style was undergoing a transformation of its own. “At the beginning, I was definitely more into that Craftsman feel,” she explains, pointing out the gorgeous Stickley chair in her husband’s office. “But over time, I found myself gravitating toward vintage pieces; things that had been used and that had a story.” It’s possible Jennifer’s affinity for vintage pieces is in her genes. Her mother is a lover of antiques and her father is a classic car junkie. So it should be no surprise that several of the most interesting items in the home are from her own family members, helping to create a virtual daily museum of memories. Two tuxedo chairs that were Jennifer’s grandparents’ — and that were once covered
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Opposite page: Jennifer mixes traditional kitchen style with industrial lights. The kitchen opens to a light-filled dining room showcasing the beautiful hardwood floors. Above top: The entryway features a wall of mirrors and a cosy writing desk showcases a vintage typewriter in the living room.
Above from left: A loaf pan serves as a centerpiece on the dining table. A small turquoise cart holds odds and ends in the dining room. A tall turquoise medical lamp with its beautiful lines was a find that appealed to both Jennifer’s medical field profession and her husband’s job as an architect.
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Jennifer’s craft room/office is a stunner with bold navy blue walls, cozy furnishings and a large filing cabinet that can hold just about anything.
A
vintage spaces
Jennifer’s favorite stores Bottoms Up Good Company Hickory Dickory Junque Drawer Restoration Emporium
in a gold velvet fabric — have been reupholstered and placed in the cozy living room. Also in the living room, a unique turquoise typewriter sits near a window, begging to be discussed. “Conversation pieces are everything,” Jennifer said. “And when that piece happens to be from our family, it’s even better. My mother-in-law was going to throw out this amazing typewriter, and my husband said, ‘Jennifer wouldn’t want you to do that,’ and rescued it for me. I love that she used it and now it’s in my home.” The typewriter is also an evidence of one of Jennifer’s biggest inspirations: color. When designing a vintage-inspired room, she isn’t afraid to experiment with different shades until she finds one
that works for her design. The turquoise hue of the typewriter certainly seems to be the color of the moment. Thankfully, turquoise also shows up in yet another of Jennifer’s beloved design tricks. “I love rust and metal, and patina on metal tends to have this turquoise color, which I think is great to incorporate in unpredictable places,” she said. Unpredictability in design is paramount for Jennifer. Finding an interesting piece — like a set of old metal drawers or an interesting tray — and using it differently than it was originally intended is both a design challenge and a way to make a room truly unique. Just a few months ago, Jennifer not only repurposed an amazing find, but was shocked to learn she was actually on the cutting edge of a design trend. While shopping at Restoration Emporium, Jennifer stumbled upon a tall, turquoise medical lamp and was instantly smitten. She loved both the color and the context; her career in healthcare was reflected in the lamp. As an added bonus, her husband Chris loved the architectural lines of the lamp. She jumped on purchasing the lamp as a statement piece — for only $50. Several weeks later, while browsing through a flea market magazine, she was surprised to see a room showcased with a medical lamp, just like hers. “Seeing the lamp in the magazine reaffirmed I’m on track designwise,” Jennifer explained. “But the best part was, I wasn’t doing it to
VintageKC / Summer 2013 19
vintage spaces
Above top: Jennifer’s Crafstman-style love abounds in her master bedroom. Above from left: An old tattered chair softens the large dark furniture in the master bedroom. An old teacher’s desk is the base for Chris’ home office. A beautiful Stickley chair in the home office.
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Opposite page top and bottom left: The guest bedroom steps back the farthest with Art Deco heirloom pieces. Opposite bottom right: Jennifer found this piece of fence thrown out on trash day in her neighbor’s yard. Now it showcases important family items in the upstairs hallway.
vintage spaces
be fashionable or on trend. The lamp meant something to me and my husband. Seeing it in a magazine was just a bonus.” The lamp reinforces one of Jennifer’s main sticking points when it comes to finding vintage pieces for your home: Buy what you love. In Jennifer’s world, love comes in the form of pieces that slow down time and remind her of family, friends and days gone by. “Old clocks, suitcases, hand-stained pieces, those all evoke a memory for me,” she said. “I always tell people if you find something
that can remind you of a great memory, buy it. And when you find that really great piece that tells an amazing story, get it right then and there.” And for Jennifer, those amazing stories and memories will get passed down the line to her child. At the age of seven, Jennifer’s son is beginning to get involved and embrace his mothers’ passion. “My son will come along to the shops with my husband and me, and he totally gets into it,” Jennifer said. “It truly is a bonding experience for
VintageKC / Summer 2013 21
vintage spaces
Jennifer’s son’s room is bold and lively, perfect for a 7-year-old. His desk, which sits under an old teacher’s map, is a hub for vintage finds any kid would love.
all of us. We’ll even give him a small list of things to look for. It’s like a scavenger hunt for him so he can participate with us.” Every piece, big or small, that Jennifer acquires is another memory, another moment that helps time stand still. But even with all of the rich history that adorns her hallways, walls and floors, Jennifer remains down to earth about decorating her home, and encourages others to do the same. Sometimes that means getting your hands a little dirty.
Jennifer’s Decorating Tips Buy quality
They don’t make ‘em like they used to. I love vintage staplers and toys. They’ve been used by someone before me, and it make them special.
Live without regret
Don’t hesitate on a big “get.” The filing cabinet in my craft room was a find from a Bottoms Up vendor for $250. It was used in a Paola courthouse and holds magazines, documents or whatever I want. I adore it and jumped on it the second I saw it. It is still one of my favorite pieces.
Give yourself second chances
It’s OK if you make a mistake and buy something that doesn’t end up working. Trial and error is one of the most fun aspects of designing a room. Keep trying until something works, and don’t get discouraged!
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vintage spaces
Ask a Pro
Deb V ogler
I’m not sure what my style is; what exactly is vintage decor? '
T
his is a question I’m frequently asked. Although there isn’t an exact definition for it, vintage décor can encompass anything from the 1920s and before, all the way well into the 1980s. Some names we hear all the time are antique (100+ years), vintage (which typically means 1920s through the 1960s), retro (1970s into the 1980s), as well as flea market finds, shabby chic, junk finds, steampunk—it’s endless.
“Everything in your house can’t be an incredible find from a vintage shop,” Jennifer said. “Don’t be afraid to look in unusual places. You might just find something that’s right under your nose.” In fact, a surprise addition to the Bennett home came from a neighbor’s scrap. On trash day, Jennifer noticed a large white piece of brokendown fence in a neighbor’s yard. Immediately the wheels of creativity began to turn in her head, and she took the scrap home. After looking at the “dumpster dive” find for a few days, Jennifer realized the fence was perfect for filling an empty space in her hallway. With a few clothespins, old photos and some doilies, the once tattered fence now serves as a distinctive display of family memories. These small touches of uniqueness are what have given Jennifer’s home character, warmth and heart. But don’t think she’s winding down anytime soon. “I will never, ever be ‘done’ with this house,” she said with a smile. “I’ll always be adding things, changing things. My style will continue to change and the house will change with it. The thrill of finding that perfect piece will always keep me going.”
^
Kim is a writer, interior designer and sales rep. She is also a complete klutz that can crank out a killer cartwheel on demand. Her favorite place to write is curled up on the couch with her weiner dog and two cats fighting for a spot on her lap.
Vintage decorating has become extremely popular in the last 10 years, coming on very strong in the last five. Not only is it a fun and creative way of expressing one’s self, but the benefits are endless: Reusing and repurposing is good for the environment. You are usually getting a better built/made product, and it’s good for the budget-minded client. You may choose to go entirely vintage, with everything being from the same era or a more eclectic feel would be to combine eras. In combining eras you may want to weave a thread of familiarity by using the same color to paint or highlight pieces of furniture and accessories, or use textiles to breathe an air of cohesiveness to your look. But there are also those of us who actually choose our pieces because they are different and can stand on their own or mingle like they are at a 1960s cocktail party! I think most people have a strong desire to connect with their past or incorporate a little bit of history into their daily lives, and vintage decorating is a wonderful way to achieve that. Whether you are bold and brave and go all the way, or if you want to start out getting your feet wet by adding that one special “found” piece, you can add your own special flair with vintage décor. I know you can make it your own comfort by design.
-Deb Deb Vogler has been creating her own brand of Comfort by Design for more than 15 years. She deals with all aspects of design, from budgeting, to floor plans (renovation or new construction), to furniture, to color at her full-scale design firm. Have a desigin question for Deb? Send it to erin@vintagekcmag.com.
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vintage events
A French Country Affair S A late-March snow stood no chance of dampening the love at this family oriented event, complete with family photos, heirloom accessories and vintage décor galore.
ince she was a little girl, Anna Stastny has been infatuated with tea parties and antiques. Her mother once accused her of being born in the wrong century. So, when it came down to the intricate details of her wedding, it was no surprise that Anna spent almost a year collecting antiques for the event — antiques that would not only represent the union of Anna and fiancé Coby Nattier, but of their families as well. Tradition: Such a simple word holds a much deeper meaning for Anna and Coby. “Coby and I have one word to describe our wedding: family,” Anna said. Because they both value large families, they wanted the day to celebrate their loved ones, not just themselves. Their families took on the wedding as a joint project that started off with whites, ivories and soft greiges (a combo of beige and gray) accented by Anna’s love for flowers. Three hundred chargers were painted by Anna and Coby as the base for the vintage china. Family and friends poured into the wedding, making it unique and unforgettable: Erin, Anna’s friend, designed the bridesmaids’ dresses, which were crafted out of dresses that Anna once wore herself. Anna’s dress was designed by Alvina Valenta in French lace and the veil and shoes belonged to her mother.
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By Aleyna Stammann Photos by Tin Roof Studio
Anna remade the headpiece into a comb, and her mother, along with a friend, reconstructed the 20-foot veil with crystals and ribbon trim. They used items from both sides of their families to set the welcoming atmosphere, including milk glasses, tables and jelly bean bars. “The inspiration for my wedding day was the ultimate tea party with a French country flare. I wanted to honor my groom and his Kansas farm upbringing with adding a touch of his ‘country’ to my French Country,” Anna said. When the planning began, Anna and her mother spent most of their time at garage sales, antique stores, and anywhere they could find vintage items. The items dotted 15 tables covered in greige tablecloths, topped with ivory pin tucked overlays that acted as centerpieces. Together, they handpainted pillar candlesticks, frames, and furniture — and the tone of the wedding began to take shape. “I wanted to have family-style seating as much as possible,” Anna said. She and Coby made sure the wedding was personal, too: At each table, vintage plates held different flavored cakes to encourage the guests to mingle. Anna and Coby greeted their friends and family by cutting the first piece at every table, before finally sitting down to cut their own. The 16 different
vintage events
A rustic setting, vintage-inspired flowers and copper kettles for the flower girls gave this French-country wedding flair.
Reception/Catering | Lone Summit Ranch, Lee’s Summit, MO Dress | Alvina Valenta Coordinator/Floral palette | Be, Brenda Eslinger, Visual Artist Cakes | Catherine’s Special Occasions Time Capsule | Clint Collins, American Construction and Cabinets Supplies | Annie Sloan Chalk paint from Restoration Emporium; 3,000 flower stems: Anemone, Bells of Ireland, Camomile, Craspedia, Daisy, Dhalias, Dusty Miller, Freesia, Gerberas, Gypsophila, Hydrangea, Hypericum, Lavender, Lisianthus, Lysmachia, Mint, Mums, Oregano, Queen Ann’s Lace, Ranunculus, Rosemary, Scabiosa Pods, Spider Mums, Stock, Trachelium, Parrot Tulips, Ruscus, and Ivy.
VintageKC / Summer 2013 25
vintage events
Drinks were available on the tables, and small cakes at each table encouraged mingling. A candy bar encouraged guests to take sweets home in custom bags.
cakes added that unique yet comfortable feeling that Anna and Coby wanted. Anna wanted to bring her memories back to life. As a little girl, she remembered always having fresh herbs and flowers around the house and wanted to incorporate them into the wedding. Her father cut wood from an old maple tree she climbed as a child and carved it into detailed bread boards used on the tables, coupled with vintage milk goblets and bottles holding the herbs and their favorite oils.
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As guests entered the ceremony, floral arrangements and vintage antiques demanded attention and an old copper tea kettle highlighted the handmade guestbook. Million-star baby’s breath, black iron towers, and spools of piano paper gently flowed over a vintage desk painted by the bride herself. Tiny bouquets trickled out of the open drawers, beckoning toward a handmade time capsule signifying the bride and groom’s time together. Inside, letters from Anna
vintage events
Three-thousand flower stems highlighted this reception hall, including Craspedia above, and Lavender and Ranunculus at left. Guests found their seats by matching keys to doorknobs on the tables.
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vintage events
This page: Handselected teacups are stacked by vintage coffee and tea decanters. Family photos are displayed with love in ornate frames, and a window frames pictures of the bride and groom. Opposite page: The groom’s cake in the shape of boots modeled after the couple’s own footwear; a time capsule atop a desk the bride painted herself; photos and the number 23 mark the wedding date; the guest entry area features a handmade guestbook, and a birdcage card holder; a vintage centerpiece in the reception hall; the groom’s boutonierre.
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vintage events
and Coby’s parents and grandparents (along with celebratory wine!) waited to be sealed shut. More copper vases were placed throughout the room, while small candles illuminated the path in soft ivory flower petals. “The ceremony was simplistic yet elegant,” Anna said. Large, fluffy snowflakes greeted friends and family as a storm rolled in on the day of Anna and Coby’s wedding, in March. Candles glimmered in the breezeway windows of the Lone Summit Ranch as guests paused to pore over a table covered with photos of the families — evocative of their rich histories. Table assignments were signified by keys marked by table numbers, which the guests matched to the door knob and keyhole sitting on barnwood signs made from the Nattier farm. Guests were in awe of the elegance and comfort of the setting, many using their iPhones and cameras to capture the experience. At the end of each table, pink and yellow lemonade bottles sat next to wood and glass candlesticks painted by the bride and her family. Scattered throughout the room were manzanita trees surrounded by shredded sheet music, pearls and flowers. Eyes were
stolen again and again by the elegant scenery, which also included sheet music strewn around topiaries made of rock candy. Another window hanging, highlighting names, monograms and dates led to the cake table, which displayed two unique pastries: the bride’s, draped with icing eraspedia, and the groom’s, which resembled the couples’ own cowboy boots on a wooden stump covered in daisies. Both cakes were created by Cakes by Catherine, and signified Anna’s and Coby’s personalities perfectly. The bride and groom’s “room” was truly breathtaking, acting as a perfect centerpiece for the venue: They sat under windows surrounded by florals, vintage-style engagement photos, lace, pearls and suitcases. The date of their special day, the 23rd, hovered above the table, and an ornate turquoise bench complemented yellow lanterns strung about the romantic nook.
^
Aleyna Stammann is headed to Missouri in the fall to study journalism. She is the daughter of visual artist and owner of Be, Brenda Eslinger.
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vintage fashion
Queens of the “You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life See that girl, watch that scene, diggin’ the dancing queen” -Abba
F
or some people, the iconic image of John Travolta striking his infamous pose in 1977’s “Saturday Night Fever,” is one they wish to forget. But not us. We love it. We want to douse ourselves with glitter and boogie the night away under the lights. During the 1970s, fashion — especially women’s wear — began to sparkle like never before. To fully grasp disco style, we have to first give a nod to the 1960s, which opened the doors for bold fashion and new
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freedoms. This era brought an end to the “sophisticated woman age,” lifting the eyebrows of social conservatives. The revolution set the scene for 1970s fashion. When the Seventies arrived, two separate looks for a woman’s lifestyle were in the spotlight. First, the working woman: Because women were beginning to be employed in positions men traditionally held, the office look became all the rage — at least until nightfall.
Photography | Jessica Peterson Photography Location | Higginsville Skateland Hair | Shana Nicole Beauty Makeup | Ashley Nelson Studios Nails | Holly Denise Hayes Models | Winny Duku, Amber Ross and Jazmin Jenkins Produced | Styled by Calli Green and Erin Shipps
vintage fashion
On Amber: Dress, Climax by David Howard, estate sale; necklace, Arizona Trading Company, earrings and cuff, editor’s closet; shoes, estate sale. On Winny: Jumpsuit, Montgomery Ward, Vintage Vogue; earrings and necklace, Vintage Vogue; shoes, Candies, found at 600 Central. On Jazmin: Top, BluHeaven, Savers; skirt, No Boundaries, Walmart; shoes, Anna, Vintage Vogue; earrings and necklace, Vintage Vogue; belt, Savers.
On Winny: Jumpsuit, Re-Runs; necklaces, Vintage Vogue.
Disco In the dark hours, anything that shimmered and shined under the disco lights was a must. And with structured, rigid clothing thrown out the window, people were having a good time and their fashion showed it. The late Seventies also set a global trend for the world when multicultural models appeared on magazine covers and runways, changing the dynamics of the social norm — and the fashion world — permanently.
And boy was it social. Because of famous photographers like Ron Galella, the masses were being photographed at discos with celebrities like Calvin Klein, Andy Warhol, Liz Taylor and Grace Jones. Disco had become a way of life, and eventually fashion found its way into roller rinks and the roller disco was born. Take bell bottoms, jumpsuits, hot pants (now known as disco shorts/pants), loud patterns, sequins, glitter, and metallics, pair them with an oval-shaped wooden floor that never ends with Cher’s “Hell on Wheels” blasting in the background, and you’ve got a recipe for a good time. Disco inspired an optimistic trend. It forever broke segregation barriers and created a path for women’s empowerment. The confidence of this era inspires us to be ourselves. Disco was the culmination of a decade shouting, “We are who we are!” Many people have championed the death of disco, but any time you step into a platform shoe, put a little more glitter on your eyes, or decide on a sequin top for the night, you are rightfully declaring its right to live on. So here’s our rendition of late Seventies style, including true vintage disco finds mixed with modern twists. Disco inspiration is happening everywhere in today’s fashion. If it’s shiny honey, you’re good to go! And don’t worry Mr. Travolta—as we pay homage to The Queen of Disco (Donna Summer), “Saturday Night Fever,” “Roller Boogie” and one of the best fashion movements (well we think so anyway!)—we won’t let disco die.
^
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vintage fashion
On Jazmin: Jumpsuit, and belt, Vintage Vogue; necklace, 600 Central; shoes, Mossimo, Target.
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vintage fashion
On Jazmin: Two piece jumpsuit, earrings and necklace, Vintage Vogue. On Winny: Jumpsuit, earrings and necklace, Vintage Vogue. On Amber: Top, Express, Savers; pants, H&M; necklace, Vintage Vogue.
On Amber: Jumpsuit, Glamortop by Ostel, Sparks Flea Market; necklace, Vintage Vogue; earrings, Arizona Trading Company; shoes, Capriccio, Vintage Vogue.
On Winny: Jumpsuit, 600 Central; necklace, Arizona Trading Company; belt, Through Our Children’s Lives Thrift Store; shoes, Anna, Vintage Vogue.
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vintage fashion
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On Winny: Jumper, PBJ by Jerel, and earrings, Re-Runs; necklace, Vintage Vogue;
vintage fashion
On Amber: Jumper, Forever 21, Arizona Trading Company; belt, earrings, necklace, editor’s closet; trouser socks, George, Walmart.
On Jazmin: Jumper, Mudd, and earrings, Arizona Trading Company; medallion necklace, Re-Runs; small necklace, editor’s closet; bracelet, 600 Central; trouser socks, George, Walmart.
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vintage crafts
The Midas Touch Projects | Styling by Erin Shipps | Photos by Layne Haley Photography
G
old. It is the oldest precious metal known to man. It is one of the heaviest known and most malleable and ductile. This rare natural resource has caused wars, adorned rulers and been used to show a small token of everlasting love. It caused the coining of phrases like the gold standard (in currency), and Gold Rush (a prospector’s dream come true). And while we’re not sitting on a pot of gold (sure wish we were), we do have one thought about gold: With all its history, perseverance and favor among the masses, it sure is pretty. Gold is making a big comeback in homes and fashion. It’s popping up in weddings, décor, fabrics and accessories. We’re not gonna lie, shiny metallic and sparkly things have a tendency to disctract us, but bring on the distraction baby, because these easy ideas using simple supplies are worth their weight in gold.
bookends Add a touch of sophistication to your bookshelves with custom bookends. Grab a couple of wood plaques from Hobby Lobby and cut some poor, discarded plastic animal in half. Glue them together and paint with acrylic craft paint. Try dinosaurs for a kid’s room!
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Drawer knobs Refinishing a chest of drawers? Pick up some inexpensive wooden drawer knobs at Ace Hardware and paint them freehand with two coats of acrylic paint: one colored, one gold.
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diy crafts
Paper on glass This glass container is covered with strips of Washi Tape, a Japanese paper tape that comes in tons of designs and is easily removable.
Wrap It up Baker’s twine was all the rage in present wrapping for the 2012 holiday season. We love this gold and white twine that shows off the shape of this fun glass vase. Simply glue, wrap and repeat.
Push pins Give your bulletin board some pizazz with used up toys. These cost literally pennies at an estate sale. Paint them with acrylic paint and glue a flat push pin to the back.
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Throw Pillows We found this fabric remnant at a garage sale for $1. We folded it in half inside-out and sewed three sides and most of one side. You’ll want to leave a hole big enough for your entire hand to fit through. Then we turned it right-side out and used painters tape to eyeball a diagonal grid pattern over the whole pillow. Next we painted four random diamonds (the random part is the key in our opinion), let them dry and then removed the tape. We stuffed it with Polyfil and stiched up the hole. Instant glam!
candlestick holder Art We found this wooden bird with a broken wing at a Blue Tape estate sale for $2. After a coat of metallic spray paint, he’s as good as new.
Turn a tired brass candlestick holder into a sparkly addition to your mantle. We used spray glue and glitter. A lot of glitter. We also painted the tips of these feathers gold for an interesting twist.
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diy crafts GLITTER VASE
More Ideas
This round vase on its own is pretty, but once we sprayed it with glue and dumped a bunch of glitter on it, it steals the show. Just remember, glitter is messy, so if you use it on any of these projects, plan on leaving it in one place, lest you find glitter everywhere...
For even more gold inspiration, visit our pin board at pinterest.com/vintagekc/gold
Glass bottle Use spray paint on glass bottles with interesting patterns or writing. The paint gives even more dimension to the designs.
Napkin Rings Finding enough matching napkin rings for your fancy parties can get expensive. But why not mix and match? We found the chevron metal and wooden rings at Through Our Children’s Lives thrift store for $0.25 each and painted the wooden ones with metallic paint. Now they fit perfectly with our brass animal napkin rings that we found at an estate sale. We might be biased, but they might just be the cutest things ever.
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diy crafts
Centerpieces For tall centerpieces on your summer tables, nothing beats a wine bottle. We purchased these at Hobby Lobby and painted them with gold acrylic paint. Then, we wrapped chevron Washi Tape around them. When painting, draw peoples’ eyes in by making shiny objects matte and vice versa.
Teak bowls You see wood bowls like this all over thrift stores and estate sales. We livened this one up by painting the inside with acrylic glitter paint. It can’t be used for food anymore, but it’s a great place to stash keys, jewelry or TV remotes. We also dig the idea of dipping the bottoms of a wooden salad bowl set in gold.
Colors we love with Gold
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stores we love
CartWheel
Photos by LoudRock Studio
VKC: Why fashion? Jessica: I first fell in love with fashion when I was a little girl. My grandmother was a stylist and always let me play dressup in her clothes. As a teenager I shoped in her closet, which is where I first fell in love with vintage clothing. VKC: What inspires you? Jessica: I am really inspired by fabric and wild patterns. I often collect pieces with really unique colors and textures, and I tend to lean toward the groovy outlandish patterns and silhouettes of the Sixties and Seventies. VKC: Why did you choose to go mobile? Jessica: I took a trip to the West Coast and became inspired by what was happening in Portland and San Francisco. It works great for me because it keeps costs low, which helps to be flexible, travel, and facilitate a constant reinvention of the business. VKC: How/why did you acquire the bus?
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Jessica: I first started in a 1969 Wigwam camper trailer, but that became quite a hassle when our truck broke down. Then I thought of the bus: It was a vehicle and shop in one! VKC: Where do you find clothes for CartWheel? Jessica: Estate sales, family, thrift stores, rmade clothing, or handmade garments too! VKC: What is your business philosophy? Jessica: Be resourceful and keep reinventing yourself! VKC: What is the most unique piece you’ve sold? Jessica: Probably a floor-length woven wool skirt from the 1950s that I transformed into an adorable skirted jumper/overall outfit! VKC: What experience do you want customers to have in your store? Jessica: I want customers to really have fun and maybe try something on that they wouldn’t typically try on and end up loving it. I really enjoy when that happens!
VKC: What went in to overhauling your bus? Jessica: First we gutted the interior, removing the bolted down seats, throughly cleaned, then installed a new floor, welded the old bus seats back together and recovered them with vintage quilts, repainted the entire interior and had custom vinyl lettering made for the exterior. VKC: Who are your customers? Jessica: My customers are generally women, ranging from young girl to hip young professionals to fun-loving grandmothers. There is something for everyone, and it’s a great place to find handmade gifts, too! VKC: How do you see your business growing in the next few years? Do you see mobile business catching on? Jessica: I see CartWheel really morphing into a community space that will host pop-up craft workshops, plan special event rentals,
stores we love
C artW heel Stats
11 Born: Oct. 7, 20 Rogers a ic ss Owner: Je n 28 Age: of Art and Desig vannah College Sa : nd ou gr le ck ya Ba ee Ro er at the Geness Day jobs: Manag t Royale, ke ar M y ps r for Gy Bistro, organize stitutes In acher at the Art continuing ed te s clothing: 1940 Favorite era of ket Antiques shop: River Mar to e Favorite plac
continue participating in the Gypsy Market Royale and just moving forward with the handmade and local movement that KC is really great at supporting! And I really hope that more and more mobile businesses pop up because I believe there is power in numbers and it would be so awesome to have a permanent lot downtown of all mobile businesses. VKC: Have you seen changes in the fashion culture in KC? Jessica: Yes! I think people are starting to just wear what they love and what makes them feel great. I love KC because I think people really embrace being individuals and expressing themselves through their clothing and people really seek out vintage, thrift and unique clothing options. VKC: What else do you want people to know about your business? Jessica: Look for CartWheel on First Fridays and at the gypsy markets and pop-up alteration locations. Stay tuned and contact me about planning a unique party or experience with CartWheel.
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stores we love
MoVi Modern Mobile Vintage Boutique
VKC: How did you get started in fashion? Angie: I’ve always had a vested interest in fashion, but I don’t think I realized it could become my career until I moved to Los Angeles after high school. I was constantly engaged with stylists, designers, shop owners, and other creative types that inspired me and taught me about the business. I started to study fashion design, created my own handbag line, and realized it was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. VKC: Why vintage? Angie: I remember begging my mom to take me to thrift stores and estate sales at a pretty early age. There’s something especially charming and nostalgic about vintage clothing and accessories, and when I find a true gem I still squeal with delight! VKC: How/why did you acquire the Airstream? Angie: Once I decided to go the mobile route,
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an Airstream was the only vehicle I wanted. I needed something I could completely transform inside, and Airstreams are basically aluminum shells once you gut the interior. VKC: Where do you find clothes for MoVi? Angie: Part of the reason I enjoy buying for MoVi so much is due to the road trips I get to embark on along the way! I’ll shop in KC every now and again, but most my weekends are spent travelling to various parts of the Midwest and beyond. I always utilize vacations, destination weddings, and long weekends to journey both near and far in search of treasures! VKC: What made you decide to alter them? Angie: I first began altering and redesigning vintage garments for myself several years ago. I would discover great pieces, but usually find that I could create a better fit by altering the silhouette. I love the charm of vintage, but wanted the piece to be relevant to today’s styles as well. I
Photos by LoudRock Studio would say my most common alterations include: adding shape with elastic and drawstrings, removing sleeves and collars, shortening hemlines, and adding pockets or embellishments. VKC: What is your business philosophy? Angie: Shopping should excite the senses, create a sense of wonder, and leave you with a smile. MoVi was built on these principles, and there’s just no substitute for sheer fashion fun! VKC: What is the most unique item you’ve sold? Angie: Oh my! It’s so hard to choose one… probably the 1950s wedding dress that I soaked for months to restore. After the hours of cleaning, it was dyed dove gray and paired with a handmade pink velvet belt with vintage broach “buckle.” It was my Betsey-Johnson-meetsvintage moment and the customer looked drop dead gorgeous when she put it on. VKC: What experience do you want customers to have in your store?
stores we love
MoV i Stats Born: May 4, 2012 Owner: Angie Snow Age: 30 Education: Fashion Design Day job: Visual merchandiser for Hallmark Gold Crown Favorite era of clothing: 1920s Favorite place to shop: Urban Mining
Angie: Having worked in retail for years, I’m always keeping customer service frontof-mind. I hope they are at first pleasantly surprised by the interior and find it easy to shop. Next, I always want them to find a piece they absolutely love and upon trying it on, realize it’s a great fit. Lastly, I want them to have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and feel it’s worth sharing with friends! VKC: What went into redoing your Airstream? Angie: So much hard work! You probably wouldn’t believe the before pictures. Imagine an old, oxidized, and rusted exterior paired with rotted tires, floors, and a storage unit/living space inside. It was quite the undertaking and we had to replace just about everything but the aluminum shell. It took nine months to renovate and resulted in the spacious and light filled boutique I had envisioned, which made it all worthwhile.
VKC: How are costs different from a stationary building? Angie: It’s beneficial when you consider that I own my space and there’s no rental fee involved. Not to mention that my utilities are run from a gas-powered generator. However, start-up costs just depend on the renovation needed and type of shop you own. There’s also the required business licenses, vending fees, and zoning permits, which vary from a brick and mortar shop. VKC: Who are your customers? Angie: MoVi’s customers tend to be colorful and expressive individuals with a great sense of style and point of view. I generally don’t have to give them too much guidance, as they know what they like, and pose with confidence on the MoVi runway when they find it! VKC: Have you seen fashion in KC change? Angie: I’m extremely energized about the
Shop Local movement in the United States and am happy that Kansas City supports local entrepreneurs. I’d say the actual fashion or style in KC culture hasn’t changed as much as the mindset. Customers are interacting with local shop owners, enjoy learning about their product, and engaging on a more personal level. In turn, as a business owner, I feel more connected to my consumers and proud of the merchandise I offer them. VKC: What else do you want people to know? Angie: MoVi is open regularly from MayOctober in Kansas City. Find us at First Fridays in the Crossroads from 5-10 p.m. and every Saturday on Westport Road (outside World Market) from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. For info on Pop Up events, Retail Road Trips, Festivals, and more, follow us! Facebook.com/shopMoVi, Twitter: @shopMoVi, Instagram: @shopMoVi, shopMoVi.com.
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vintage memories
YOU me
Best Friends
Forever By Quinn White
Some of our strongest bonds are formed when we, as innocent children, love one another unconditionally.
S
ummer has always had a way of stretching the depths of friendships throughout my life. “School friends” lost their classification after countless slumber parties, becoming simply friends. “Camp friends” refined my ability to make room for many and varied intimacies. And service trips with “church friends” revealed the bond that is possible when values are aligned. But at some point each summer, I think of my very first friend and the summer afternoon that I knew that she was my best. Tiika and I met when I was two and she was four. She discovered that the new neighbors had something that was lacking in the neighborhood — a little girl. She came over, knocked on our door, and asked if I could come out and play. My mom laughed because I wasn’t exactly ready to run off on my own, so she told her that she’d call her mom and set up a time that we could all go to the park. We did, and we were instant playmates. Even when I was stay-at-home four-yearold and she was a first grader, we played. She never treated me like I was younger, and it never dawned on me that this could be a hin-
46 VintageKC / Summer 2013
drance to our friendship — until we gained another neighbor. Her name was Nicole, she was five, and she moved into the townhouse directly between Tiika’s and mine. Nicole was an intimidating. She had about twenty-five pounds on my chicken-legged body, and she liked to glare. She was only a year my elder, but lorded over me like I was one of her many toys, calling me “baby,” locking her gate when I left to go inside for a drink of water, and pushing me down in the snow. She treated Tiika differently, and liked to suggest two-player games during our “what to play” brainstorm sessions. I did not like her, but I wanted her to like me, to be nice. So when she invited Tiika and I to her house one sweltering summer afternoon to swim in her 3-foot above ground pool, I was stoked. We both rushed home to ask permission and change into our suits. We returned hastily. Nicole’s mother invited us into the backyard as she filled up the pool, and complimented us on our “cute swimsuits.” Nicole smiled. Maybe Nicole will actually be nice today, I thought. But as soon as her mom left, Nicole scowled. At me.
“I didn’t mean to invite you,” she growled, “This party is just for me and Tiika. We don’t even like you.” I looked at the ground to hide my tears. The word “we” hurt more than any of the others. Maybe I was a baby tag-along. And then I heard a different voice, “Well, I like Quinnie, and I am not going to swim in your pool if you don’t let her swim too!” She grabbed my hand, “Let’s go!” We walked hand-in-hand to my porch where we picked up our game of Barbie dolls, and nothing more needed to be said. We already knew that we would be pen pals when I moved away, cry when we had to leave each other’s houses, talk for hours on the telephone, celebrate each other’s weddings, and meet each other’s children. Quinn is a writer, knitter and teacher living in Shawnee, KS. She believes the hearing and sharing of stories and life lessons can be consoling, galvanizing and transformative.
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VintageKC / Spring 2013 47