Entries Tagged as 'lifestyle'

Chairloom // Seating Gets a Second Chance

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8/16/2012

Lately I have been on a bit of an antique, vintage, DIY binge. My project list has been endless and flea markets, antique stores and craigslist have filled my schedule on the weekends. While very rewarding on the tail end, DIY projects can be overwhelming when “in the thick of it”, so I was delighted and inspired when I stumbled across a company called Chairloom this morning.

Owners Tracey Jenkins and Molly Andrews take DIY to another level by building their business on taking well-loved, quality antiques and giving them a second chance. Their work is built upon two principles – “one, is the value of being found. Second is the importance of second chances”. And they don’t just give these pieces a second chance – they give them the full royal treatment.

Sourcing beautiful fabrics from textile artists like Erin Flett, Studio Bon, Kelly Wearstler , Katie Ridder, Hable Construction and Proud Mary, these well-loved, vintage pieces get new life breathed into them – but not before first being offered for sale as they already exist. Chairloom offers customers the choice to buy many of their pieces as is, or refinished in a custom fabric of their choice. And honestly, after perusing their current selection, there are many pieces that I would purchase completely untouched. Here are some of my favorite pieces currently up for sale on their Facebook page, old and new. Can you tell which ones are which?

In the next few weeks I’ll be sharing some of my own DIY projects where I’ve given both vintage and new pieces a makeover, so make sure to check back. I’m also heading to the gorgeous city of Charleston next week and will report some of my favorite finds when I return!

Nashville Flea Market // Unexpected Treasures

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8/02/2012

This past Saturday, I ventured over to the Nashville Flea Market for my second time this year on one of the hottest Saturdays we’ve seen this summer! All of the sellers were TRULY dedicated to be out in that heat all day. Even in the unforgiving heat, I once again had a wonderful time and can’t wait to go back. I always get so inspired by the wide array of one-of-a-kind finds and vibrant patterns and prints. All of the saturated vintage color palettes you just don’t see as much anymore could possibly be my favorite thing about the flea market. I was happily surrounded by sea foam greens and peachy pinks all day.

If you haven’t been to the Nashville Flea Market, or it’s been quite some time, I urge you to check it out. They always fall on the third weekend of the month at 500 Wedgewood Avenue. The next few are scheduled on the following weekends, so make sure to mark your calendars:

July 27-28-29
August 24-25-26
September 21-22-23
October 26-27-28

One quick tip – if you can stand to wait until Sunday, the vendors seemed much more willing to cut a good deal on the last day. I was able to score a set of four vintage school chairs for only $35 when I went on Sunday – and I’m pretty sure he would have gone lower had I pushed him.

Though I did not come home with any large pieces this time, I did make it home with a few small treasured items:

A Kodak Brownie Hawkeye camera which I just learned was made between 1950-1961.

A 1940s Moulin Rouge Hollywood Souvenir Program – the photos inside are so amazing, some of them will absolutely be framed and hung in my office.

A string of vintage brass bell wind chimes for breezy days on my back porch.

An old music box with a beautifully dressed couple that dances when you wind it and open the bottom drawer. It’s quite charming.

Canoeing // Fun in the Sun

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7/26/2012

Photo: Zeke’s Antique Signs

Every year, my friends and I look forward to the warm weather because it means canoeing season has arrived. Then, it’s a matter of waiting for that perfect weekend when everyone’s schedules are clear, the weather cooperates and the river conditions are satisfactory. There are a variety of factors that can make planning a canoeing trip tricky, but it’s always worth it once it finally comes together.

Our first 2012 canoe trip was last weekend, and while it almost didn’t happen due to high water levels, Zarna, myself and some friends made the journey out to Canoe Music City for a day on the Harpeth River. We both agree it’s such an affordable way to have a really special relaxing, fun day in the sun – and get a little workout too. At Canoe Music City, we typically do the 5-7 mile trip, which only costs $34 split between two people. Super reasonable!

I’ve learned the hard way that the key to having a successful canoe trip is to be comfortable and prepared. The first time I went, I had no idea what to wear or bring along. Now that I’ve been several times I’ll share some basic items that make canoeing so much more enjoyable:

1. A comfortable bathing suit with solid support – avoid strapless and go for one good for jumping off rocks, rope swings and (gasp!) tipping your canoe over.

2. A hat – it’s a long day out in the sun so stay cool and protected with a wide brimmed hat.

3. Secure footwear with a back – flip flops are a risky choice. A shoe like the one pictured above is a great option.

4. A change of dry clothes for the end of the day when all you want to do is get out of your soggy bathing suit.

5. A cooler with wheels. Trust me, you won’t want to carry a cooler back to your car after rowing all day.

Lastly, one of my favorite rules of thumb for a good canoe trip is that if an item is not tied down or tethered to you or the canoe, or does not float, it’s at risk of being lost.

After every canoe trip, I always come up with ways to make my next trip even better (and let’s be honest, cuter too – yes, I’m guilty of wanting to look good in a canoe). I’ve shared some items below that I would love to have with me the next time I book a trip. I’m really coveting the cooler with the built-in radio so my friends and I can enjoy some music while paddling. Now, good luck and go have some fun on the river this summer!

Clockwise from top left: J.Crew Polka-dot triangle halter top and Polka-dot side-tie hipster // J.Crew Two-Tone Straw Hat // Swell Dot Dash Tilt Sunglasses and Floating Sunglass Neck Strap // Chloe Orange Jelly Sandals // Otterbox 1000 Yellow Dry Box // Igloo Cool Fusion Icy Tunes Cooler // LifeProof Lifejacket Float for LifeProof iPhone Case // Casio Baby-G Watch

Golden Glow // Metallic Accents

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7/18/2012

L: The Glitter Guide // R: Cozamia

As a child, I was pretty much obsessed with anything sparkly, shiny or glittery. I’ve carried that obsession with me, but have transitioned from the bedazzled category into a more subdued golden one. When I moved into my new home a few years ago I discovered a love for gilded objects. If I didn’t know any better, I would probably place one on every surface in my house. There is something so lovely, warm and unexpected about a well-placed golden accent, whether it be brass, gold or even gold spray paint (see some adorable spray-painted dinosaurs here). These pieces always seem to subtly glow against the other more muted items in the room.

L & R: Rue magazine

L & R: The Glitter Guide

I’ve done my best to limit the number of golden accents I purchase, but the ones I do own I truly adore. The small gold votive holders below are from West Elm (I found them on sale for sixty cents each!!) and sit on a dark wood table in my kitchen along with some lovely succulents. The brass partridge below was a recent purchase at an East Nashville shop called Old Made Good (OMG) and the brass owl trio was a lucky find at a local antique store called Gas Lamp Antiques.

When I first moved into my current house I went on a interior design blog binge and stumbled upon a really neat online shop called High Street Market. It’s owned by an interior designer in Philadelphia with a love for vintage decor and is stocked full of lovely golden decorative items. I’ve shared a few of my favorites below and it’s taking every bit of my willpower to not snag up those two little brass donkeys. So cute!! Hope you enjoy.

one // two // three // four // five // six

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