How to Go Antiquing (A Survival Guide)

 

(Photo taken in Sugar Chest Antique Mall.  Pompano Beach, Florida)

http://thesugarchestantiquemall.com/

Antiquing is one of my favorite hobbies.  I love searching for items for my MCM-themed home and rockabilly myself.  I am always on the hunt for mid-century wares whether it's online (Etsy.com) or in brick and mortar stores like the Sugar Chest Antique Mall.  My mother-in-law lives in Boca Raton, Florida and every time my husband and I visit, I make sure to spend one afternoon browsing the aisles in this huge place!  Navigating the vast rows of cases and shelves displaying antiques from various eras can seem like a gargantuan task.  If I do not have a plan or even know what I am looking for, I get sensory overload.  In many antique malls, you can find stacks of vintage postcards, political memorabilia, lamps, furniture, china, costume jewelry, fine jewelry, statuary, clothing, prints, paintings, ceramics, electronics, chandeliers, pianos, and Barbie dolls.  Let me tell you, there have been times I have left stores empty-handed simply because I was overwhelmed.

There are a few factors that can contribute to what I call, "antique meltdown."  Here are some circumstances that can lead to a lackluster antiquing experience:

1. Lots of cases in one storefront.  Many antique malls are a large, single space with several square footage.  The owner of the mall rents out sections of his floor space and/or cases to various dealers/sellers.  The individual seller (renter) pays the owner rent and the owner also gets a percentage of each seller's sales.  There is typically many sellers in one storefront.  Navigating/browsing from case to case can be a challenge.

2. Poor organization of displays.  Some, but not all, antique malls have so many cases and displays in one space so they are almost smooshed together.  "Clutter" would be the key issue here. Not to worry, I will help you figure it out.

3. Treasures galore and "what on earth is that?!   This is not usually a problem but expect to see a lot of weird and funky wares amongst vintage treasure.  This can be a fun aspect of your shopping experience and yet it can add to your frustration.  Again, I will share my secrets to finding that lucite dream in the pile of velour sweaters.

Here are some fun pictures depicting a few of the wild things I have found while antiquing:

So, how does a gal figure it out?  How can an afternoon sifting through the immense layers of vintage history and mystery lead to shopping nirvana?  Here are my tried and true methods.  After years of trial and error in the aisles, I promise these suggestions will help!

1. Go with a plan.  Have a basic idea of what you are looking for.  Need a table for your MCM kitchen?  Looking for that gravy boat to match your dishes? Want a Sputnik light for the dining room?  Desiring a pair of ceramic cats for your shadow boxes? Pining for a carved bakelite bangle to add to your collection?  Before venturing out, make a list. You may not find EXACTLY what you are looking for but if you ask the staff, their renters/vendors may know.  Finding your dream piece can be as simple as a phone call or getting a business card.  Vintage through networking is a beautiful thing.
 
2. Ask the staff for help.  If you find yourself feeling the beginning twinges of "antiquing meltdown," stop.  Breathe.  Relax.  Ask for assistance.  The staff are very familiar with  the layout of the mall and they usually know where to find various items.  Just ask.  For example, the very first time I visited The Sugar Chest, I was in search of Bakelite bangles.  I am always collecting. I am an addict.  Nevertheless, I had been walking up and down the aisles peering into case after case.  I couldn't find any bakelite and I was like, "Forget it. I will wait until I go back to DC so I can just look on Etsy."  Then, like an angel, one of the amazing staff members appeared and she kindly and promptly took me over to this glorious case of color-blinding bakelite.  It was like I found my shrine. I ended up buying three pieces that day:

3. If you find funky wares, have fun!  Part of the allure of the antique mall is all the funny and wild stuff for sale.  I have seen nude male paintings, Leather Ken Barbie dolls, velour hats ala Dr. Seuss (see above), and tacky holiday sweaters.  Sure, you may encounter a beige,  1980s Members Only Jacket or a pair of cracked, unwearable shoes but just keep looking.

4. Be patient.  This is very important.  When it comes to antiquing, do not rush.  Get lunch before you go and make an afternoon out of it.  Enjoy the day browsing and taking it all in.  I was once at a flea market and I found a basket of various plastic and wood bangles.  Each bangle was listed as 6 dollars.  I almost passed it by because there were so many bracelets jammed in that basket.  But I decided to patiently sort through the bangles and lo and behold, I found an orange prystal bakelite spacer.  I quickly (and sneakily) did a friction test and yes, it was the real deal.  I nearly missed out on scoring bakelite for 6 bucks.  See? PATIENCE.

5. Ask about that price tag.  Sometimes you may find something you have been looking for but the price is insane.  I once saw a simple red bakelite bangle listed for $110.  It was about 1/2 thick, smooth, and had no special carvings.  Yep. Way too high for a bangle like that.  I kept on going.  If your gut is telling you a price is too high, go on instinct.  Do not buy if you think you can get a better deal somewhere else.  Remember, patience.  If you wait and stick to your budget, you will find your treasure.  However, you may encounter a situation where the staff is willing to negotiate a better deal or try to get you 10-20% off.  They will offer to call the vendor and ask for a lower price.  This is especially true if the item in question has been on display a long time and thus, hasn't sold. 

So, those are my tips for surviving the antique mall!  What are your methods?

Great Link for Help With Measuring Vintage Eyewear (The Optometrist Attic!)

 

After posting about my new vintage eye wear the other day, a fellow blogger and friend of mine asked me how to measure vintage frames.  She wears modern frames and wants a vintage pair but in many cases the frames she buys (particularly online) are too big or too small. Being able to decipher all those numbers can be tricky but I have found an AMAZING website that will help you determine your correct size!

http://optometristattic.com/measure.htm

I buy most of my frames online (Etsy and eBay). I occasionally find frames at various flea markets, antique malls, and at events like Viva (Allyn Scura is pure cat eye heaven). After wearing vintage glasses for 15 years, I am familiar with my measurements. However, if you are not sure about how to measure, just visit the link above and I bet you this site will help you find that vintage pair that fits like a dream!

My Tattoo Guide! A How-To For Your Appointment

I have wanted to do a post like this for a while but I keep putting it off.  However, now that I am getting tattooed after four years of waiting (October 16th), I find myself inspired!

 This post is a guide that features tips and suggestions for getting tattooed.  Whether you are "taking the plunge" and getting tattooed for the first time or if you are getting a new piece (and several years have past), this post is for you!

After you deciding on a design and researching which artist you want to do your work, you are probably thinking about the tattoo itself (especially if it's your first session!).  Is it going to hurt?  How much is it going to cost?  Can I take a painkiller beforehand? Well, y'all, read on and get informed! Trust me, the more knowledge you have before your appointment, the better the experience will be!

1. 72 hours before your appointment, refrain from alcohol and drink lots of water.  Hydration is very important!  Alcohol thins the blood which can affect your tattoo session and your healing time!

2. If you are getting tattooed in an area you normally shave (legs), do not pre-shave the area before your tattoo!  Your artist will shave the area just before they apply your tattoo transfer.  Shaving beforehand can cause razor burn and this can affect your tattoo and its healing!

 3. Try to reduce if not eliminate caffeine on the day you tattoo.  If you are nervous (like me), the caffeine may make your nerves worse!  Drink plenty of water and maybe herbal, caffeine-free tea.

4. For your tattoo, wear comfortable and loose clothing.  Do not wear anything that can restrict your movement and/or affect your comfort (especially if you are sitting for a long period of time).  Be sure to wear clothing that can be washed.  You are more than likely going to be stained by inks, a small amount of blood plasma, and the ointment the artist uses during and after the tattoo itself.

5. Do not take any painkillers before your tattoo.  Most pain medication contain blood-thinners and like alcohol, this can cause your tattoo to heal poorly.  Some artists suggest only Ibuprofen-based medications (taken and hour before tattoo begins).  However, it is best to ask your artist!

6. Before your tattoo, eat a proper meal with a light protein and complex starch.  Drink plenty of clear fluids.  If you do not eat well, your blood sugar will drop and you can pass out or feel faint during your tattoo!  Sometimes, people can even get sick.  Not good!  So, please prepare your body and eat!

7. Bring a light, portable snack and a drink to the tattoo session.  Most artists allow for this and even encourage clients to do so.  An ideal snack can be: granola bar with water, trail mix with gatorade, protein bar with ginger ale, and so on. Just stay away from junk food and simple sugar! Organic-based, protein-rich food with complex starches helps maintain blood sugar levels.  In the past, I had a Glucerna bar with a Vitamin Water. Glucerna is for diabetics.  The bars taste good and help keep glucose level!

8. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID and your form of payment.  Also bring cash for tips!  In many states, like Colorado, the artist is required to make a photo-copy of your ID before any tattoo work can begin.  Tipping your artist is always important!  It shows appreciation for their work and time.  If a tattoo is $200.00, I tip the artist at least $40.00.

 9. If you are worried about the pain level, then you can do a few things before your tattoo begins. Bring a friend to keep you company and keep you distracted. Also, you can bring an iPod or MP3 player if you are alone and/or prefer music. More often than not, your artist can be a great help to stay focused and give support! I have had many amazing conversations during my tattoo sessions!

10. Speaking of discomfort, tattoos hurt. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise! If this is your first tattoo, do not worry. You can do it! Certain areas of the body like the inner wrists, inside of the biceps, the ribcage, knuckles, underarms, ankles, and the tops of the feet are usually the most tender areas but with some deep breathing, good hydration, and a proper, balanced meal beforehand, you will make the process more tolerable. The pain varies from a mild bee-sting sensation to an intense sensation. I had my inner wrist and both ankles tattooed and it was not fun but I made it!


11. When your tattoo is complete, your artist will coat in ointment and wrap it in a plastic-based bandage. Be sure to follow your artist's after-care instructions to the letter! You will be healing for two-three weeks and during this time it is VITAL that your care properly for your new tattoo. As you care for your tattoo, you may get impatient and feel like getting lazy with after-care! Don't! Think of it this way: two weeks of good after-care equals a lifetime of beauty!

12. Enjoy your new skin art and always keep it covered in a good sunscreen (once you are fully healed)!
If you have any questions or if you think I forgot something, let me know!