Sans Reproche

I am amazed by the intricate details of this antique book. It is a Value Village find, Sans Reproche by Edmond Coz, circa 1913, although the Art Nouveau styling leads me to presume it's actually from the late 1800s.

Look at the stunning black and red cover art, with the misregistration of the black outlines over gold floral. That star pattern below the title gives me fabric collection coordinate ideas. Plus the book has gilded pages.

The flyleaf inscription even boasts this elegant handwriting! I feel like every time I turn the page of an antique book I am flinging open another door to clues of social and stylistic history--what a treasure hunt.

Nordic Sweater

I have been on the hunt for a black and white Nordic sweater for years and this $5 beauty jumped off the thrift store rack at me the other day! The red collar makes it extra mid-century ski outfit-esque.

Lipstick Handkerchief

I found this embroidered handkerchief, likely from the 1950s, at a garage sale. I guess it exists so as not to destroy a white handkerchief with lipstick!

Christmas Chair

We are starting our present pile on this vintage red chair.

Retro BBQ Tray by Marcelline Stoyke

 This fabulous BBQ tray was a mere $4.99 from Value Village. The whimsical illustrations are by Marcelline Gougler Stoyke, a designer who lived in Evanston, Illinois in the mid '50s. This is one of a series of her designs created for trays. Marcelline worked for Social Supper, Pickard China, Sears, Heisey, Stotter, Federal Glass, and Melmac. Doesn't the jolly chef just make you grin from ear to ear? Her model was her husband. And that "Come 'n get it!" is hilarious! Marcelline's style of illustration is perfection: graphic, detailed, whimsical, joyous, and a total inspiration for me!