I’ve been meeting some great people in my vintage journeys lately. Mostly collectors and dealers. Everyone has their own niche.  Just last week, I called Bridge Street Antiques in Lambertville, NJ to see if the owner would be interested in buying some items from me. I knew her shop specialized in fine antiques. I had some Limoges and Staffordshire that I’ve been looking to sell. They are just not my style. The owner was very receptive and invited me right in. I’m glad I called that day. She was a doll and told me about what she collects and why it is or isn’t valuable. In addition, she’s already called with a lead for me since I am interested in much different items than her.

The gift of gab is really paying off…

A couple of weeks ago, I went to Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza in Kutztown, PA. When I was there I bought this funky old cage and a few other vintage farm style goods from a nice couple. Much more my style than Staffordshire…

I got to chatting with the couple and they told me about their shop, Charlette’s Web, and their flea market, Bus Stop. Both are located in Slatington, PA which is about an hour north. I figured why not make a trip out there this summer?

So I did on Saturday. The flea market wasn’t as big as I hoped. Basically Charlette, the owner, had the best stuff out of all of the vendors. I bought this slate from her…slate in Slatington. I saw it and immediately thought “cheese slate”. Right? Crate & Barrel sells slate tiles all day long that are not nearly as cool as this one for like $25 – double what I paid. This one is footed and has a handle and is a slate from Slatington.

Charlette also had more fruit picking baskets. Last time I got some peach baskets from her. I picked up a few berry baskets. These are all on the shelves in my living room. And where else can you find a basket for a dollar?

Then I went down to her antique shop and picked up this orange condiment dish for only $3. I am keeping this cute little guy. Orange is an accent color in my kitchen and apparently I’ve just a condiment dish collection.

The drive up to Slatington was beautiful. I forgot my camera or would post some pics. Rolling hills, slate quarries and old barns. I thought I’d be back early but I couldn’t help myself from hitting some yard sales while I was up there. It was worth it. Suddenly my car was packed! I should’ve brought the truck. Thank god the seats in my car go down because I got some big things!

More slate from Slatington. Ok I will stop saying that now but seriously, I didn’t make the connection until I got home and Ryan confirmed that yes, Slatington is known for their slate quarries. Duh.

It’s a child’s easel from 1957. It opens up to reveal another side. There is also a paper roll on the top. It once had animal and educational graphics. Too bad that paper didn’t make it. But is this not a real vintage piece that stores like Pottery Barn Kids are now reproducing?

Notice a trend here in the commercial retail world? Everyone has gone vintage or faux-tique.

Check out this retro Samsonite suitcase plus a Coleman cooler. I got some great suitcases just a few weeks ago so I’m on a roll. And vintage luggage has been knocked off for years by Fossil but here’s the real deal. For less.

As for the blue metal cooler, I bought the same one in orange about a month ago. I loved it. So did my dad. He couldn’t stop talking about it so I gave it to him for Father’s Day. I’m sure he has used it everyday since. Now I have a replacement. Too bad the blue one had a lock added to it – not original. It’s probably to keep the bears out when camping.

Speaking of orange…check out this mod orange leather bench. I picked up this guy for 5 bucks before I even knew if it would fit in the car. I knew I had to have it for my office. It is so sleek! Oh and I’m thinking it is Anthropologie-esque but about a $1000 less. I’m still working on the office…

My last but definitely not least find of the day, is my very own industrial factory cart. You’ve seen Mike & Frank on American Pickers buy these. You’ve seen them in Restoration Hardware catalogs. Now I have one! These carts are popular to refurbish and make them into a coffee table. Restoration Hardware sells these for over $1000. Mine is a little bit smaller than most but we’ll see what we can do with it.

Overall, it was a good day. The commercial reproductions don’t have anything on these finds!

Linking to:
Southern Hospitality
Apron Thrift Girl