Vintage, my Very Vavorite

So went over to a "pop-up" flea market up in Lincoln Square today, called The Vintage Bazarre. It was a small event featuring various vintage and consignment vendors around the Chicago area. I was excited to pick up a great coral/burnt orange blazer for $14! But the best part about the event is the truly unique style that is vintage. So much history and individualism that speaks to every single piece. There were loads of accessories - for the body and the home. After seeing all the beautifully delicate dishware - plates, tea cups, bowls, cups, mugs, glasses - I've decided to start collecting vintage dishware and using that as my own dishware. I even saw a set of plates and tea cups/saucers that closely resembled my grandmothers. There are so many wonderful colors and designs on each piece that not only are they functional, but works of art! I cant' wait to start collecting - especially since they are so budget friendly. I collected about a dozen business cards so I can revisit the vendors' websites or stores. One vendor had a box full of old black and white photos. Historical photos of friends, family members, soldiers, co-workers. I flipped one over to read "1945, Vietnam." I asked the woman sitting near the table how she came about all these photos. She mentioned that the gentleman who collects the photos travels to different antique shops and flea markets and re-sells them. It's so romantic to wonder what story lies behind each photo; each smile, each glance, each 'arm draped over another's shoulder.' And where are they now? Would they want the photo back? Are they searching for these photos? Do they have others that complete the collection?

The bazarre reinforced my love for vintage items. I am fascinated by what might've been and where it is now. I love the glamour of certain periods; the free-spirit, artistic style of other decades. And I find comfort that there are people out there who continue to embrace the past and find ways to restore these unique pieces. Because at times, our history is all we have to learn from.