High-waisted green shorts spotted on Commercial Street. She got them for $3 at Goodwill. Now that’s a thrifty Maine-uh, yessuh.
A vintage Maine tee featuring a moose running in a garter belt with headphones on. Naturally. Thanks to Camp Wilder for submitting!
Maine kitsch round-up!
How do two folks that worked in film in Santa Monica decide to open a flea market in Maine?
Nathaniel: If I were to be philosophical about it I guess I’d say the common thread is that we love to mix the creative with the practical. There’s a lot of each in both mediums. If you want me to get real, I’d say I hated working in the entertainment industry and ran as far away from it as I could, to Maine. What drew me to the idea of opening a flea market was that I’ve been surrounded by antiques all of my life thanks to my folks, and we’ve always been up for spending a morning strolling the aisles of a local flea market. I knew what we had in mind was perfect for Portland. Of course, we wouldn’t be doing this if we didn’t think it was a good business idea.
Erin: I’m a hoarder. Well, not in the gross moldy-refrigerator way. I see potential in the most mundane, overlooked things, and find ways to use them. That’s really the heart of a flea market, isn’t it? Nathaniel’s mom was the first to suggest the idea of opening our own flea. At first we were like, “Suuuure.” But then it just started to click — like a marriage of so many things we care about: it’s local, green, artistic, social, and most of all, we knew we could make it our own.
Over the weekend, I stopped by Portland’s newest hot spot - Portland Flea-for-All - to catch up with owners Erin & Nathaniel. They let me inside a week before all the magic happens (opening day is April 14th) for a very special shop talk. Check back tomorrow for an exclusive Q&A including their expert tips for how to shop the flea, the vendors they’re excited about and why running a flea market could make them bankrupt (in a good way).
Nonexistant. And yes, it took me a lot of searching to figure that out.
This is the last Thursday Kitsch post of 2011! Tear.
Here’s what Ashley had to say:
For me holiday fashion is all about going over the top. You’ve got to be big, bold and sparkly. The Christmas season is filled with parties, dinners and reuniting with friends and family. I think it’s important to put your best foot forward and show off who you are, but not break the bank doing it. Here I am wearing a few of my favorite thifted pieces. My vintage vibrant red floral coat was purchased as a set that included a matching dress. I found this piece when a local community theater was selling off old costumes. I bought the set for $1. Another favorite find is my delicious eggplant Maggy London cocktail dress. This dress new would have cost me $158, I found mine at Goodwill for $4.99. I am wearing vintage gold shoes, Goodwill $5.99 and Vera Wang argyle and gold tights, Kohl’s $8.40. My jewelry is MissAshleyKate (that’s me!) made from a mixture of vintage Swarovski crystal, vintage metals and other shiny things. My outfit’s total cost $20.38.
A huge thanks to Alex, Ashley and all the #xmasbloggers that participated. I hope they’ve inspired you to go out all in the fashion department this holiday season. I’m eating lunch in a silk taffeta skirt so I know it worked on me.
Next up in our blogger xmas is Laura from Sweeter Salt. She puts me to shame with her delicious desserts and her put-togetherness. Here’s what she had to say about her outfit for Christmas Day:
Hey Fore Fronters! I’m Laura from Sweeter Salt, a blog where I post my ramblings about approachable fashion and healthy and easy food. When I thought of holiday outfits, my mind immediately went to Christmas Day. In my family we have a reasonably casual affair, but that doesn’t mean we don’t like to add a little sparkle. My love of glitter didn’t just materialize out of nowhere, the ladies in my family know how to dress! So, I combined rugged and casual elements with a little silver lame - oh yes I did. My favorites, all in one.
Crinkly silver lame dress (worn as skirt): ASOS
Red chamois shirt: L.L.Bean Signature
Brown boots: L.L.Bean
Belt: vintage
Watch: Michael Kors
Bracelets: vintage
Here I am, oh so naturally placing an ornament on my tree. What? Not believable? Now, truth be told, I will probably not being red lipstick on the big day. I’ll be far too busy sipping champagne and snacking on delicious food with my lovely family to bother with such things. I hope you enjoy the same - happy holidays!
Meet Michelle, my (Maine) belle! Michelle is the communications manager for Goodwill New England and the primary reason why we bloggers were able to pull off such successful swaps this past year. She also runs a cool blog and sells vintage clothes. Fully aware of her amazing sense of style, I asked her to put together an outfit for Holiday Cocktails. Here’s what she’s wearing:
I’m wearing a vintage lace dress my sister gave me years ago. I paired it with a brown leather belt and boots. I’m also wearing a vintage coat (found at a Dover, New Hampshire Goodwill) that I recently picked up to complete the ensemble. It’s a Findlay Fashion (Original by “Greg”) and it’s from 1963.
Thanks Michelle. Now pass me a Tom Collins.
It’s easy to buy local without ever even leaving your computer (you lazy bum). Some gift ideas for her: 1) Tote Bag from MayTreeArk 2) Gold Vermeil Branch Charm by Sarah Holmes Designs 3) Vintage Fisherman Sweater from Mustardseed Vintage 4) Cooling Peppermint Soap at Lalo Boutique
