For a surprise he whisked me out of town fri. and wouldn’t tell me where we were going. We spent the day driving and stopped at a few thrift shops and antique stores along the way which of course was great.

After hours of driving however, my back hurt and I was turning into JoAnn, the vintage crabby bitch as soon it was apparent we were in downtown Pittsburgh. I kept thing, “what the hell is in Pittsburgh that he made me spend the day in the car???” I zonked out early and slept like a rock.

The next day I felt better and he informed me we were heading to the Homer McLaughlin Co. to shop the FIESTA WARE outlet!!!!

I didn’t even know this place existed and is the mecca for fiesta ware collectors.

When we got there and I surveyed the emense 2′nds warehouse space I felt weak in the knees and short of breath. THOUSANDS of every color and pattern! It was a beautiful sight.

Then, when I realized the prices, I really got happy- for instance the large size tea pot which retails for about 60 dollars is 15 dollars , a vase is 3 dollars, dinner plates were about 3 dollars, etc.

Rick gave me the budget and we filled the trunk of the car with enough fiesta to start a restaurant!!!

Happy Happy JOY JOY!!!!!

One of the weird things that happened on the trip was at one thrift shop we stopped in I bought a coat for 3 dollars- a Woolrich wool coat in fiesta ware striped colors. I even looked at Rick and remarked,”Look honey, it looks like Fiesta ware !” He still kept the surprise!!!

Well, I guess this is kind of a materialistic post, so sue me, but I am very pleased with my spouse. What a guy!!! What is it with some women and dishes????

LOVE and Christmas Joy to all of you!!!!!!!!!! JoAnn

After the Party

For the first time in way too long the vintage spouse and I went out for a New Years eve party – and party we did!!

We went to Kerry’s Green which used to be the old Red Lion country club. Rick made reservations and we joined our friends Scott and Sandi plus his work colleague Mark and his wife Cindy.

Dinner was roast beef, chicken with crab sauce, various veg, baked potatoes. There was a chocolate fountain with various things to dip plus a nacho cheese fountain. Later in the evening ribs, shrimp, wings, cheese bologna and ham were put out.  Yummy  Open bar!!

First there was a comedian who was hilarious and then we rocked the night away to the music of the live band. Mostly classic rock. The guitarist just wailed on that thing and Rick went to high school with the drummer.  Great band, great music.

Now for the important stuff- what did I wear??  Dress code was dressy casual but I always do my own thing anyway. I finally decided on a leopard print wrap dress with encouragement from Rick. I wore this with dark brown tights, long gold and brown beaded earings and several large cocktail rings.  I wore brown suede, open toed flats instead of heels as my back hurt and I had wrenched my foot earlier in the day.  My outfit was topped of with a darling vintage 50s, salmon pink wool swing coat, leopard gloves and a mink poodle pin on my coat lapel.

Rick was his usual dapper self in navy sports coat, tan pants and dress shirt.  For a purse I took a small vintage tooled leather clutch.

We had great time and I can’t wait until Jan. 29th because Kerrys is having a 50′s dance party and dinner!!!!! More details on this soon and yes, I will be going vintage, complete with hat!

Not too many vendors at the flea section but we shopped for gourds, pastries, admired the purple asters and piles of pumpkins.  I

love Autumn, my fav time of year and I want to wear all the cool coats I have aquired.(vintage of COURSE)

Here are a few snaps of some autumn touches that have sprung up around the vintage homestead in spite of our renovating projects.

The dresses and hat will be listed for sale in the next few days.

I don’t know a lot about cars but I love the way cars from the 50′s look like!  We walked around and admired all the love and devotion the owners had put into their cars.

I shopped at the venders booths, purchasing a red wicker purse and drooling over a red cashmere coat with leopard lining.  I skipped the coat since I have about 10 great vintage coats now and don’t want to part with any.  Several are red and leopard!   I’ll have to take pictures for another post.  Somehow the fact that I have bizillions of vintage purses did not deter me in that purchase!    Gee- I didn’t have a red WICKER purse!  Rationalization-it’s a beautiful thing.   Rick never said a thing- too busy taking pics of gorgeous ladies  in vintage attire!

Everyone was very nice and approachable, friendly crowd, put up with me scurrying around asking questions.  We wan

t to return next year.  Check out the gorgeous ladies of all ages and shapes in the pin-up contest- I was enthralled withe the clothing of course.

Just to keep you updated- YES it is still a gigantic work in process here!!!!!  The new Dining room (part of old shop) is done as far as walls and floor go and now it is piled with furniture and stuff as we work on the parlors(also part of previous shop)  All the old paneling has been torn down thanks to the efforts of the vintage spouse, exposing a fine view of damaged plaster and various hideous wallpapers.  New wiring has  begun and next comes veneer drywall and floor refinishing,  painting, and new crown molding.  TIRED yet? God knows poor Rick and I are.  This stuff goes slower when you are in your 50′s, especially with my *## back!!

My new office upstairs continues to evolve as I get all the stuff out of there that goes in other places.  Poor Rick has to tote everything as I get it packed.  It’s been hard to photograph listings for the website and I long to get this area squared away so the pics improve in quality, I even have some live models lined up when that happens.  I do keep chugging along, as my back allows, slowly listing a feww new things every week so people don’t forget about Vintage JoAnn until I can get back to full speed.

You won’t believe all the vintage clothing and accessories I have to list!!! The beautiful coats alone!!!!

My goal is to eventually blog more about vintage fashion(oh yea- that’s what this is all about!)  when this Mess is done.  I don’t function well in disorder!!!!!

Ps- new puppy Colette is amazing and keeps me laughing.

Merideth and her friends attended their homecoming dance looking elegant and sophisticated beyond their years wearing lovely vintage eve. attire from Vintage JoAnn.

Please check out all the girl’s pictures , as they all looked adorable!

It’s been a busy few weeks here at the shop as several local dances had retro or Hollywood themes and I had the pleasure of watching these young ladies discover all these beautiful vintage garments.

Check out Meredith’s 1940′s era red mink stole, which complimented her hair.  These girls looked like they were ready for the red carpet and I know they had a wonderful time at the dance.
View other Homecoming pictures here.

I’m seeing more and more ladies from all age groups buying and wearing these beautiful creations from the past as a way to show their individual style.  I personally love hats from all eras and would wear more but I have a humongous head and few fit.  I’ve met a few other people with this issue and find the headband types sometimes fit.  I prefer the feathered ones myself.

  I sometimes sport a rather audatious red feathered number that curves a spray of crimson feathers around my chubby cheek.
In the last week I have purchased around 52 hats from 2 different sellers.  I had a ball going through them and displaying them!  All price ranges are included, ranging from 90 dollars to 7 dollars.  Shiapperelli, Dior, and other designers are included. Many of these beauties were purchased from famous
department stores in N.Y. during the 50′s and 60′s. There are also some 40′s ones.  Wool. straw. and many materials and lovely trims, including flowers, cherries, and feathers.

I also recently put out some more men’s hats , fedora types, caps and others which will be fabulous for fall for men or you ladies.

I am actively buying for autumn now and have put out a extensive array of coats for your enjoyment.

Many of the hats I have for winter are various furs from the 50′s to the 70′s.  Very glamorous and warm.

I don’t wear or sell new fur but don’t have a problem selling these that are 40, 50 yrs, old. I think it shows more respect for the animal then throwing it in a landfill, but we respect all viewpoints at Vintage JoAnn.

Come in soon and try on a hat! View more hats here: http://www.vintagejoann.com/photo-gallery/?lzkfile=Hats%2F

Most of the winter woolies have been put away and the shop is crammed with cotton sundresses, floaty pastel nighties, sandals, and wicker purses. Lots of fun new ideas for your vintage spring look.

I spent this week plantig new shrubs, pansies and muching so the gardens are looking very fine at Vintage JoAnn. The lilies, lilacs, climbing roses, clematis and other perrenials are coming up and are soon ready to burst forth. The daffodils are in full bloom.  So come sit for awhile in the garden, then come in, shop, visit with Mcbeth, our african grey parrot, try not to trip over Ozzie, our ginormous black cat and spend some  relaxing time!

No more salting the steps, and scraping ice off the car.

It’s Spring at Vintage JoAnn’s!! All the coats are discounted and I have been shopping madly for spring. Daffodil yellow, teal, spring green, violet and coral are popping up all over in the vanity fair slips and nighties I just stocked.

Every week I have been adding to the prom dress selection. This week I bought a teal blue strapless, cocktail length with satin bodice and very full layered, tulle skirt. The dress is newer but very retro in style!

Stop in and check out the new merchandise and I will be adding more every few days!!!! Come to think of it, I’m sick of looking at the remaining mink hats in the shop so they are also 40% off!
Bring on the Pansies!!!!!!!!!!