Back to the '50s

I have never been to a garage sale where I was delighted with everything I saw. Well, not everything... They can keep the wig. But handbags, hats, cocktail dresses, jewelry and nylons from the 1950s, some in original packaging? 

It was a retro-file's dream. The kitchen was pink. The can opener was attached to the wall. The stove was adorable. It could  be mine.

Check out the handle on the front door; right in the middle with a sunburst.

The house was a two bedroom, but boasted a large entertaining space. And boy did these people entertain! The amount of cocktail glasses, swizzle sticks, drink trays and serving platters was impressive.. And all the furniture seems just the right height for a resting drink. Some tables and chairs were really low... For those nights when you just need to be closer to the floor. 

A photo of the couple at the Playboy Club in Chicago told us these people were no shrinking violets. Their dining set wasn't going to melt into the background either. With feminine lines and in a coral-pink, I desperately wanted one chair for a dressing room. They needed to be kept as a set, and I think that's only fitting. 

There is a photo of the family having a dinner around this table, sitting in their lovely chairs. One girl is wearing a mini tiara tucked in her bouffant. A tiara. Now that's dressing for dinner.

Mid-century modern is coveted by many right now, and the chandelier made many people ready to loosen their wallets... But it's not for sale either. 

Wallpaper in the rooms made me rethink painting my future home.... Heck.. It's lasted this long and still looked this good?

I can't pick my favorite purchase. So many gorgeous pairs of screw-back earrings, an impeccably preserved purse, the Betty Rose coat with gorgeous buttons. I paid less than $100 for over 25 items total!

.. I think the vintage wrapping paper and thank you cards are my favorite. I will use them when special gratitude or Christmas cheer is needed. You can't buy these at Target.

I've already worn two sets of earrings from the sale and don't mind screw-backs. In fact, I favor them over clip-ons any day. 

Every girl needs a pearl poodle pin. Every girl. And when you're giving that cold shoulder, don't let your sweater set slip. Sweater clasps or guards are a perfect retro touch since they are so far removed from popular fashion. Clipped to each side of your cardi, they help keep your sweater in place without having to actually wear it.

And just because my hubby's a Gator fan, I spotted this goody which was pasted to a Saltine cracker tin.

When the weather turns cool, I hope Evelyn will still fit in this velvet top with mother of pearl buttons. 

I need to figure out how to wash my new clothing treasures, as these were loved more than the other items.

I am not creeped out by wearing someone else's things. If they were lovely enough to save and keep in pristine condition, I will continue the legacy. I always feel like saying thank you as I go through their home and paw through boxes of scarves and silverware. But I'm not selling this on EBay for a profit. I'm wearing it to add a little retro into my every day.