Le Zebra footstool

refurbished vintage footstool in brunschwig & fils "le zebra"

Just listed in the shop!  Check it out HERE.

Other le zebra sightings...

Mud Room Inspiration

Our new house does not have a closet to speak of on the first floor.  We do have an old fashioned entrance vestibule (which was one of the selling features for me) where we can hang coats...  but, still no closets. 

We have dreams of expanding the closed in back porch into a new kitchen and family room...  somewhere included will be a bathroom and a mud room.  A mud room with beautiful built-in storage and slate floors...  that would be nice.  We are far (very far) from that point, so I will just look at these rooms for future inspiration.

If you don't have a mud room, and need to create one from a back hallway or entrance way, wall hooks are a more realistic purchase!  These are my personal favorites...

at restoration hardware

at anthropologie

at anthropologie

at pottery barn

If I ever find another one of these vintage deer antler hooks again, I will keep it for myself...

sold in my shop last month

Maybe a coat rack?

at pottery barn

at conran shop

This wall-hanging basket is perfect for gloves and scarves...

at urban outfitters

If you have more room?  Pottery Barn has some affordable modular pieces...  Instant mud room!

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This Is How We Roll...

We are buying one of these today.  Oh yeah, I know you're jealous. 

Even though this van is the opposite of anything stylish, I'm actually pretty excited.  This guy will be helpful when shopping for vintage furniture-- I can buy whatever I want and take it home myself!  I have left so many beautiful pieces of furniture at the flea market, only because they wouldn't fit in my car.  Well, not anymore!

Plus, it will be useful with the renovation of the new (old) house.  So, it's a good thing.

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Wrap It Up!

I am super busy today, wrapping up High Street packages and getting things out in time for Christmas!

I had a great weekend-- my birthday was Friday (yay!), Mom & Dad flew in to celebrate and it snowed!  Lucky me!

not my photo!  I meant to take a picture of Philadelphia's first snowfall, but I was distracted by all the fun this weekend...

above photo found here.

Be back with regular posts tomorrow!  For the rest of the day, I will be listing some new vintage finds (including a giant Asian painted umbrella stand, a 1952 framed print from Germany, and a huge leaded crystal ice bucket...)

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Friday's Etsy Shop: Sycamore Street Press!

Today's etsy shop is a favorite of mine, Sycamore Street Press.  I personally bought these folk art inspired (very Pennsylvania Dutch looking) Christmas Cards, and I love them!  The folks at Sycamore Street Press print everything on a vintage letterpress (so cool!).  Their designs are wonderfully simple, yet graphic and fresh.  Offering cards, bookplates, calendars, envelopes, placecards...  the list goes on! 

Check out the fantastic Christmas Cards!

merry christmas holiday set of 6, with olive green envelopes

(my personal set of Christmas cards this year!)

season's greetings set of 6

warm wishes, set of 6

happy holidays set of 6

Birthday cards...

happy birthday owl cards

happy birthday elephant

For the new baby...

welcome little one card

it's a boy! card

Some of my other favorites...

g'day mate card

love, we're so in it card

thanks a ba-zillion card

gift tags, set of 8

Happy Friday everyone...  and, happy shopping!

More Moravian Stars!

The Moravian star originated in Germany as an illuminated piece of Advent decor, and the 26 point star was later adopted as the symbol for the Moravian Church. It was to be hung on the first Sunday of Advent (which was last Sunday!) as a symbol of the upcoming Chirstmas Holiday.

I posted about Moravian Star light fixtures months ago.  And, while it makes a stunning light fixture in a hallyway or entry, the star itself is a significant part of Pennsylvania history.  A group of Moravians traveled from Germany and settled in Bethlehem, PA in 1741.  They purchased land in the Lehigh Valley for $350 and settled along the river so that they could create an exclusive community, "away from undesirable neighborhoods" (quote taken from HERE)...  Not a bad idea, right?

Today, Bethlehem is a quaint little town that comes alive at Christmas!  And, tomorrow night, Mom and Dad are taking us to dinner at the Hotel Bethlehem.  The food is great, and I am excited to see the town all lit up for the Holidays... 

The Hotel Bethlehem

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OLD HOUSE UPDATE:  We are trimming trees today.  The squirrels use our roof as a landing pad, and today access will be denied!  Sorry guys.  You just don't belong on our roof.

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Before & After: Asian Mirror

before

I found this mirror shortly after moving from Los Angeles to Pennsylvania (these photos were taken in the backyard of our previous apartment).  It was sitting among other sad old mirrors at The Salvation Army... and I bought it for $9.99!   As you can see, the shape is great but the finish is, well, horrible.  It has a gritty silvery painted finish (like it had been spray painted with some sort of rough paint?  so weird).

It reminded me of this beauty, available on 1st Dibs.

Obviously, the mirror had good potential.  So, all this thing needed was a coat of paint.  I lightly sanded it down, to clear the rough spots.  Then, I took a paint brush and painted the frame with a semigloss black paint.  Easy enough!  While the newly painted black frame was a HUGE improvement, it didn't seem like enough.  So, I added a skinny stripe of metallic paint (the same color I used to paint the sunburst mirror in the guest room).

I love the way it turned out!

before:

after:

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Christmas Decorating at My House

This is our entry table, all decorated for the Holidays!  I scored this large ceramic Christmas Tree on one of my vintage hunting trips this year, and just couldn't part with it!  So, it's mine.  I rarely keep what I find, but I made an exception for this guy.  And, Mom and Dad are flying in on Friday for a weekend visit, so I thought I would set up the champagne bar early...

I found the mirror at the Salvation Army for $9.99 last year and gave it a quick makeover with paint!  I'll post the before & after tomorrow!

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Cyber Monday

Today, I am getting ready for "Cyber Monday", a day created by the media as the biggest holiday shopping day for online sales...  Is this true?  Do you guys do a lot of shopping online the first workday after Thanksgiving? 

Well, just in case, I added a few new things to the shop...

pair of silver owl salt & pepper shakers, on a twig

1950s light up 10" library globe

large Westmoreland folded milk glass bowl with lattice edging

vintage Martha's Vineyard ship line drawing print

pair of vintage black glass candlesticks

bone china asian lamp on a brass base

I listed many other new vintage finds last night, and will be adding several more items to the shop today!  I mean, it's Cyber Monday after all.  So, happy shopping!

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New (Old) House: Sneak Peek

Spent the day surveying the new (but very old) house...  Here is a sneak peek!

first floor living room

looking down at the 2nd floor landing

3rd floor landing

These images were carefully selected to impress you, while hiding the true horror that lies beneath...

Rotting windows!

117 year old windows.  On the 3rd floor.  We are currently discussing the issues involved...

New Vintage!

Check out the new vintage items available for purchase in the shop this week!

1950s art deco ceramic light up Christmas Tree

pair of brass candelabras

vintage brass reindeer

leaded crystal vintage bedside decanter

bulletin board with Quadrille's "petite zig zag" in a vintage frame

silver plated set of servers;

silver plated bowl with squirrel handles

cut glass cake pedestal with ruffled edge;

vintage sterling silver carving set

(handmade) eiffel tower Christmas ornaments

medium sized cloisonne bowl with brass

large cloisonne bowl with brass

mid-century set of 7 lowball glasses with matching martini pitcher and glass stir stick

blue willow rectangular tray;

blue willow large lidded jar

set of 5 vintage Vera napkin rings;

pair of silver plated serving spoons

vintage footstool reupholstered in F.Schumacher's "Chaing Mai Dragon"

vintage brass crab ashtray

brass "whale" wall hook;

brass "anchor" wall hook

vintage schoolhouse chalkboards, here and here.

framed World War II embroidered "God Bless America"

cast iron matchstick holder

vintage gold metal round mirror with eagle

vintage blue and white ceramic lamp

vintage Indian beaded spread

set of 6 crystal salt & pepper cellars (2 sets available, to serve a maximum of 12)

set of 4 greek key porcelain tea cups with saucers;

set of 4 bird coasters with green leather case

small brass jet

vintage bird prints in gorgeous heavy wood vintage frames

(from left to right: available here, and here, and here)

vintage rack of antlers on wooden plaque

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Historic Foursquare House!

You may have noticed my previous posts about historically significant tile, and one day I blogged about claw foot tubs...  and, the fact that I have been absent for the last couple of days?

Well, I am proud to announce that we bought a house!

Our own house.  A 117 year old historic foursquare on a historic street with one whole acre of land (coming from California, this is amazing to me).  It was built in 1892 by a fancy family from Philadelphia.  It served as their summer home (since there was, and still is, a conveniently located train station in town, it was easy for the family to commute between residences).  It has a central hall, like most four square homes, and two parlors on either side (with HUGE pocket doors).  I love the old wooden floors (which are face nailed, but I can get over that) and the claw foot bathtub.

It needs a lot of love (you have no idea), but I'm thrilled and can't wait to get working.  If you are interested in renovating, ripping down walls, adding electrical, fixing windows, (bringing in central air, adding a bathroom, building a garage...) you are at the right place!  This blog may turn into a restoration play-by-play, but I'll try not to over do it.   Thank you for letting me share our good news!

High Street Market Gift Certificates!

With the Holiday Season fast approaching, High Street Market Gift Certificates are now available for purchase! 

   

available in $10.00, $25.00 and $50.00 values.

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Angie Hranowsky

Sorry, I've missed the blog for the past couple of days!  The the items on the newsletter went fast, and since I promised that everything would ship out the very next day...  well, I was knee deep in boxes. 

You guys, I've recently discovered the portfolio of South Carolina interior designer, Angie Hronowsky, and I'm loving it...  So many of these rooms reflect my personal taste.  This is how I want to live.   Hronowsky's work illustrates such a superb mix of eclectic design, living with unexpected touches of modern and traditional elements.  I'm totally in love.

So, enjoy some good eye candy...  these rooms speak for themselves.

New Vintage!

It's a big week for High Street Market... If you subscribe to my mailing list, you will notice the NEW and PRETTY (more convenient) newsletter!  And, since the Holiday Season is just around the corner, I have a few announcements:

• Shopping on a budget?  See the "sections" on the right side of the shop to shop by price range!  Over half of the shop is priced below $30.00!
• Between now and December 18th, all items will ship out within 24 hours of purchase!
• Many many items qualify for complimentary gift wrapping!  See the item's description for details!

I have been holding on to the most AMAZING items, with the intention of listing them for the holiday season.  Fist of all, I have four vintage ceramic Christmas trees (with all of their bulbs and no chips!).  I love them.  I also have a wonderful, petite brass menorah, and a large pair of reindeer candlesticks!

1960s ceramic Christmas trees

from left to right:

white christmas tree, smaller green tree, green snowy tree, and large green tree

petite brass menorah

vintage pair of large brass reindeer candlesticks

In addition to the wonderful "holiday related" pieces, check out the rest of the lot!

Silver Paul Revere footed bowls

large, medium, and small

Victorian stool with Union Jack seat

pair of vintage brass pigs

blue and white earthenware bowls, here and here

vintage milk glass pineapple sugar holder (with lid and spoon!);

vintage milk glass ruffled Fenton bowl

silver Reed & Barton plated serving bowl with lid;

silver plated filigree bowl with spoon (the perfect cranberry sauce dish!)

sterling silver cake server, made in Italy

set of 5 bone china chicken napkin rings

George Washington framed print;

pair of brass eagle bookends

vintage brass box with etched relief

vintage footstool reupholstered in Brunschwig & Fils "Le Zebre" with antiqued brass nailhead trim

collection of silver tennis trophies, dating between 1914 and 1916

silver plated English toast rack

vintage framed bulletin board with Travers "Les Touches" fabric

vintage framed bulletin board with F.Schumacher's "Cambourne" fabric

vintage 1931 GE electric fan (refurbished, rewired, etc)

vintage pressed glass cake pedestals

small and large

set of 6 silver plated creme brulee dishes

vintage 1960 silver trophy champagne cooler;

small square footed tray

antique gold framed oval mirror

large brass lobster

leather covered Country Club ice bucket with eagle finial

small vintage brass tray

vintage Seth Thomas travel clock

lot of vintage Nancy Drew books

1921 "Encyclopedia of Etiquette"

vintage brass owl

vintage pressed glass cake pedestal

set of 8 Vera napkin rings

small brass "turtle shell" tray

vintage set of antlers, covered in leather

Happy Weekend!

Happy weekend, my friends!  Psst, I will be sending out a newsletter this weekend, so if you want to be on the mailing list just sign up!  See the window to the right, just above the "about me" section of this blog?  Sign up there!

I hope you have a relaxing weekend, and spend time with the people you love...  I have decided to upgrade some areas of my life and things are going good, so far.  This is nice for me.  

See ya on Sunday night with new vintage!

One More Table Setting...

Just found this gorgeous setting on the House Beautiful website, designed by the very talented Madeline Weinrib.

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Thanksgiving Centerpieces!

Let's talk Thanksgiving tablescapes!  While I am not hosting Thanksgiving this year, I am still completely inspired by a beautifully set dining table.  I can remember my mom setting our dining table for special occassions and she would set everything up a couple of days beforehand.  She brought out the china, silver, and crystal... placed an empty vase in the center of the table, which would be filled with fresh flowers the day before the big dinner...  It's fun to sit down to such a festive table.  And, setting it can be easy.  Here's some inpiration!

These tablescapes are some of my all time favorites and would work all year round:

  

But, for a more Thanksgiving themed dinner table, I went directly to Martha for some good ideas...

Use pumpkins and gourds as centerpieces.  I used this simple technique for my fall-themed dinner party in October of this year.

Or, use fresh fruit in your centerpiece.  Pick up a few bags at the grocery store, and fill a large beautiful bowl-- maybe a glass bowl, a large wooden bowl, or a vintage silver bowl!  Martha used pears here, and then she created a tablescape with grapes.  You could also use fresh clementine oranges, or plums...

In this gorgeous centerpiece, Martha used pomegranates, tulips, and roses...  but I think the magnolia leaves steal the show.

Mums are inexpensive and a personal favorite of mine.  Use a mirrored try to dress them up a bit...

Corn husks wrapped around votives?

I love this idea.  It's so simple.  Use a beautiful ribbon and run it through a large wooden bead.

Take it to the next level (if you are really crafty!) and stamp linen napkins with fall leaves...

There are a few Thanksgiving pieces left in my shop, that would be perfect for a fall-themed tablescape...

   

   

amber glass hen dish $22.00; set of 6 hand-embroidered linen napkins, $38.00; white ironstone gravy boat, $18.00; large milk glass ruffled bowl, $38.00; wooden bowl serving set, $48.00; silver serving bowl with lid, $38.00; British cake pedestal, $36.00; caramel Heager bowl, $26.00

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Mailing List!

You may have noticed that I added a link on the right side of this blog...  just above the "about me" section!  Now, you can sign up for the High Street Market Mailing List directly!  Just enter your email address, and you will be alerted of new vintage items before they are listed in the shop! 

Just in time for the holiday shopping season!

BTW, I am sending out a new newsletter this weekend!  Sign up now if you're interested!

New Doormats!

image from martha stewart

I got myself a new doormat this week.  My favorite: coconut fiber with big black greek key edging.  I never get sick of it.

available HERE

But, there are a lot of terrific options out there to spruce up your front step!  If we need to shake the snow off of our boots, might as well do it in style!  Check out my other favorite options...

available HERE

These two mats were featured in this month's issue of Country Living!

  available HERE.

available HERE.

Still love the traditional wrought iron doormat...

available HERE.

a lattice version from anthropologie.  get it HERE.

available HERE.

available HERE.

available HERE.

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Upgrade!

I have recently upgraded my life (in more ways than one, but we won't get into that now), and part of that upgrade involves this beauty.  Oh, how I love thee... Love love love.  I brought it home yesterday and my days are already looking brighter... 

All through college I was a Mac girl.  Like Keri Russell on Felicity, I proudly owned an iBook (mine was in graphite).  But then, with graduate school came AutoCad and I was reluctantly forced into the PC world.  But, let me tell ya, I like it here.  I loved Windows Vista when all those Mac commercials tried to say bad things about it, and I think I am going to like Windows 7 too.

UPDATE:  Yes, as suspected, I loooove this computer and Windows 7.  It's great. 

Dakota Fanning, Glamour Girl!

Wow!  These shots, courtesy of Refinery29, show Dakota posing for her Teen Vogue cover shoot.  She looks amazing, and she's 15 years old by the way.  I want to talk about that leopard dress please.  I love it!  The article says that we will be able to buy that dress at Target!  Yes.  I just checked, and it's not online just yet... 

For more on Dakota's cover shoot, read the Teen Vogue article HERE.

Preppy Plaid

Loving these preppy plaid coasters available at Pendleton USA.  They make me want to buy a large leather chesterfield sofa, and drink a martini.

While you're there, pick up this chic plaid throw...  The color scheme is great.

and, a set of tartan dessert plates!

I'm loving plaid wallpaper lately... 

Did you know that the Home Depot carries affordable and super chic plaid wallpaper?  Seriously.

the wallpaper company, blue plaid wallpaper

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Friday's Etsy Shop: 13 Bees

Owned by a former Gucci gal, 13Bees is one amazing resource for vintage clothing.  The variety and quality cannot be beat, and the prices are even more unreal.  See for yourself...

Some of her recent sales include...

Here are some of my favorites available in the shop now!

Just Around The Corner dress

Bitter Sweet Dress and Capelet

The Light Ahead, peep toe pumps size 7.5

Call It A Day Trench Coat

Out Of The Fog dress

And, if you want to be alerted of the new stuff (before the other fashion saavy girls snatch it up!) subscribe to her blog! 

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More Painted Doors!