This is about antique people.
On Mother's Day my husband and I journeyed to the home where his 89 year old mother is now residing. It is a small, picturesque site in the country. The main house was hosting refreshments and a d.j. with karaoke. It got rather lively. Some patients sang, some danced, some were danced with at their seats or in their wheelchairs. Music and dance stimulates the brain and heart into regular rhythms that their bodies once had naturally. A little caffeine helped too. There was one family of several siblings that sang really well together. The grandchildren rattled a tambourine now and then. Their mother/grandmother obviously recognized their melodic voices.
We brought along a soft gray kitten. You can't help but smile when you see or touch a kitten. She got quite a work out being passed from lap to lap. The caretakers were in on it too. It stimulated lots of conversation about cats once owned and loved but not forgotten.
After leaving there we stopped back by the Antique Gallery to take a few pictures of the kitten posed with items in my own booth. Well, I was overwhelmed with on-lookers. Then a couple caught my eye as they passed by. She was holding tightly to his arm and her eyes starred ahead. I asked him if she might like to see the kitten and his response was to put his hand in front of her face to indicate that she couldn't "see". I placed her hand on the kitten and asked, "Would you like to look at the kitten?" Her entire face lit up.
As I ran her hand over the kitten and around its foot she cooed, "Oh, she's sooo tiny. So soft."
I hope that her husband or partner will always remember to help her see the world.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Mother's Day Vintage Style
Thinking of Mother's Day makes me wonder about how widely this occasion is celebrated today compared, to say, 50 years ago. This line of thought was brought on by an interview I heard on the radio while commuting recently. The interview was about the downfall of religion in America starting during the Industrial Revolution and continuing with the urbanization of our country and the dissolution of the extended family. I'm guessing the occasions like Mother Day are in a similar decline for similar reasons.
I grew up in a small town and attended Sunday School and Church at the United Methodist Church every Sunday morning with my mother and sister.
On Mother's Day my mother always wore a white flower to church picked from our own flower garden. My sister and I wore red or pink which ever we had blooming at the time. My mother wore a white flower because it was a symbol that her Mother was no longing living but red was the symbol of a mother's presence. My mother always took this opportunity to talk about her own mother and she was "the sweetest woman in the world."
My Dad only went to church a couple of times a year and Mother's Day was one of them. At the church service there were real corsages for the youngest mother in the congregation, the oldest, and the one with the most children/grandchildren present. I knew my mother was never going to win any of those and I felt kind of bad for her in my own childlike way.
I can't remember ever buying her a gift as a child but my sister would help me make a card.
When we got home my Dad would do all the cooking which was his usual Sunday routine anyway. He had been a cook in his younger days so he liked cooking breakfast everyday and dinner on Sunday. He didn't mind washing dishes either.
My mother was an immaculate housekeeper, a good cook, a good listener, a good advisor, and sent three daughters to college on money she managed to save from my father's salary working for the BRI railroad.
She was quick to get a peach switch but always forgiving. I had a sharp tongue, a mind of my own, and a habit of slamming my bedroom door.
She was the only room mother for my junior high years. I remember that she came to my defense only once with a teacher. The teacher was my home economics teacher in junior high and this teacher was always commenting negatively on the the way I dressed.........not exactly an endearing quality for a teacher of a thirteen year old who had to wear the hand-me-downs of a sister seven years older. She accused me of telling her I didn't like her. Now that wasn't exactly true because she asked me. She said, "You don't like me do you?" And my answer was........you guessed it. So my mother told her, "Maybe it's better not to ask the question if you already know the answer!" I don't remember what grade I made in that class but I do remember that conversation.
In her final years my mother lived a few months in Houston with my family and then a few months in San Antonio with another daughter and her family. She never put herself first or tried to impose. She loved being able to be in the arms of those who loved her. She insisted on doing laundry and puttering around and always washing dishes. Upon her death, my 14 year-old reminisced by saying, "Who is going to be around to say, 'What can I do to help?'". So we had that placed upon her tombstone.
Families may have changed, religion may have changed, celebrations may also have changed. Being a mother can never change.
I grew up in a small town and attended Sunday School and Church at the United Methodist Church every Sunday morning with my mother and sister.
On Mother's Day my mother always wore a white flower to church picked from our own flower garden. My sister and I wore red or pink which ever we had blooming at the time. My mother wore a white flower because it was a symbol that her Mother was no longing living but red was the symbol of a mother's presence. My mother always took this opportunity to talk about her own mother and she was "the sweetest woman in the world."
My Dad only went to church a couple of times a year and Mother's Day was one of them. At the church service there were real corsages for the youngest mother in the congregation, the oldest, and the one with the most children/grandchildren present. I knew my mother was never going to win any of those and I felt kind of bad for her in my own childlike way.
I can't remember ever buying her a gift as a child but my sister would help me make a card.
When we got home my Dad would do all the cooking which was his usual Sunday routine anyway. He had been a cook in his younger days so he liked cooking breakfast everyday and dinner on Sunday. He didn't mind washing dishes either.
My mother was an immaculate housekeeper, a good cook, a good listener, a good advisor, and sent three daughters to college on money she managed to save from my father's salary working for the BRI railroad.
She was quick to get a peach switch but always forgiving. I had a sharp tongue, a mind of my own, and a habit of slamming my bedroom door.
She was the only room mother for my junior high years. I remember that she came to my defense only once with a teacher. The teacher was my home economics teacher in junior high and this teacher was always commenting negatively on the the way I dressed.........not exactly an endearing quality for a teacher of a thirteen year old who had to wear the hand-me-downs of a sister seven years older. She accused me of telling her I didn't like her. Now that wasn't exactly true because she asked me. She said, "You don't like me do you?" And my answer was........you guessed it. So my mother told her, "Maybe it's better not to ask the question if you already know the answer!" I don't remember what grade I made in that class but I do remember that conversation.
In her final years my mother lived a few months in Houston with my family and then a few months in San Antonio with another daughter and her family. She never put herself first or tried to impose. She loved being able to be in the arms of those who loved her. She insisted on doing laundry and puttering around and always washing dishes. Upon her death, my 14 year-old reminisced by saying, "Who is going to be around to say, 'What can I do to help?'". So we had that placed upon her tombstone.
Families may have changed, religion may have changed, celebrations may also have changed. Being a mother can never change.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Mary, the Queen of Bling
One of the first dealers that I met at the Antique Gallery of Houston was Mary Crisp. It is easy to find Mary because her booth just reaches out and grabs you. Mary specializes in formal furniture and reproductions and she displays them with the flair of a professional decorator. Every painting, mirror, and flower arrangement adds to the beauty of the furniture that she sells. Next to her furniture booth is the bling booth, as I like to call it. Here is where Queen Mary of Bling reigns. There are a few pieces of formal wear found here but what makes her the Queen......... is her love of jewelry and other accessories. This is where a woman can find that special piece of jewelry to compliment a prom or wedding dress. She carries everything from hat pins to ankle bracelets and she does it with that extra dose of sophistication.
Mary's story is the perfect example of a life spent working in retail. She began as a teenager and has continued well into her senior years. Mary's story is about working for the love of serving her customers. She told me over and over that she loves what she does because of the people she meets. Talking to Mary makes me think of that statement about how if you love what you do for a living then it is never work.
Mary's first place of employment (at age 16) was Grayson's Ladies Boutique in San Antonio, Texas. After high school she began a job in gift wrap at Joske's in San Antonio which in those days was considered an upscale clothing store. If you ever need a bow made then Mary is the person to see. Gift wrap is like starting a job in the mail room so Mary had to prove herself and work her way up the retail ladder. Her husband's employment took her to many other places in the United States but Mary always had a job in either retail or banking. To mention a few of those, Mary lived and worked in New York, Boston, Minnesota, and Fort Smith, Arkansas. Upon her return to Houston she found employment with Elsie's Consignment House where she began selling furniture. In 1999 she moved to what was then known as Antiqueland, later to be called The Antique Gallery of Houston.
Mary is an elegant lady. She prides herself on serving her customers. She is always eager to help other dealers give their booths a little of her special sparkle.
Susan Golden may be the manager of The Antique Gallery but Mary is undeniably the Queen.
Mary's story is the perfect example of a life spent working in retail. She began as a teenager and has continued well into her senior years. Mary's story is about working for the love of serving her customers. She told me over and over that she loves what she does because of the people she meets. Talking to Mary makes me think of that statement about how if you love what you do for a living then it is never work.
Mary's first place of employment (at age 16) was Grayson's Ladies Boutique in San Antonio, Texas. After high school she began a job in gift wrap at Joske's in San Antonio which in those days was considered an upscale clothing store. If you ever need a bow made then Mary is the person to see. Gift wrap is like starting a job in the mail room so Mary had to prove herself and work her way up the retail ladder. Her husband's employment took her to many other places in the United States but Mary always had a job in either retail or banking. To mention a few of those, Mary lived and worked in New York, Boston, Minnesota, and Fort Smith, Arkansas. Upon her return to Houston she found employment with Elsie's Consignment House where she began selling furniture. In 1999 she moved to what was then known as Antiqueland, later to be called The Antique Gallery of Houston.
Mary is an elegant lady. She prides herself on serving her customers. She is always eager to help other dealers give their booths a little of her special sparkle.
Susan Golden may be the manager of The Antique Gallery but Mary is undeniably the Queen.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
The Older I Get......
The older I get (64), the more that I seem to love the objects of my childhood.......which are, of course, now antiques. Tops, marbles, yo-yos, and a long jump rope take me back to the days when I was growing up in Normangee, Texas and we had recess twice a day at school and we pretty much did whatever we wanted to. There were swings and see-saws which today would be considered much too dangerous to have on a playground. The playing surface was hard packed dirt and after a good rain there were wonderful mud puddles under the swings that many an adverturesome boy fell into. There wasn't a school nurse to call his parents to bring him clean clothes either. If someone rode their horse to school that day, the horse would be tethered to the bleachers by the football field. Well, back to antiques.
The desks I sat in during elementary school are cherished antiques now, as are the globes and maps and pictures of George Washington and Abe Lincoln. I hated to sit behind a wiggly boy because it would make the writing surface of my desk shake and mess up my perfect penmanship......which is an antique word as well.
We had soda machines at my school and I remember when cokes went from a nickel to 6 cents. Now that's when a penny was important!
My school had a milk break in the morning around ten o'clock and I always bought a chocolate milk.....they were 3 cents. God, I sound old.
Well, it is good to see so many of the younger generation love antiques. I just bought a dainty little fork and spoon for a family friend that is 10. She has alwas admired a collection of spoons hanging on the wall and wants to eat with one. So I bought her a set to take home and I taught her the word antique. Let's see where that takes her.
On April 20 (Saturday) the Antique Gallery of Houston will be holding an appraisal fair from noon until 4:00 P.M. This is your opportunity to ask the experts at our gallery. So you are invited to bring in the piece of jewelry or painting that you've been wondering about. The fee is only three dollars for one item and $5.00 for two items. It's a lot of fun just to see what everyone shows up with. I'm going to try to stump the experts with a little painting that was given to me. It was painted about 75 years ago by a "street" painter who lived on Washington Avenue. He was a little old man who sold his paintings from house to house to have money to eat on so, of course, everyone in the neighborhood had more than one piece of his art work. He used whatever he could find as his canvas. I've always wondered what it was worth!
The desks I sat in during elementary school are cherished antiques now, as are the globes and maps and pictures of George Washington and Abe Lincoln. I hated to sit behind a wiggly boy because it would make the writing surface of my desk shake and mess up my perfect penmanship......which is an antique word as well.
We had soda machines at my school and I remember when cokes went from a nickel to 6 cents. Now that's when a penny was important!
My school had a milk break in the morning around ten o'clock and I always bought a chocolate milk.....they were 3 cents. God, I sound old.
Well, it is good to see so many of the younger generation love antiques. I just bought a dainty little fork and spoon for a family friend that is 10. She has alwas admired a collection of spoons hanging on the wall and wants to eat with one. So I bought her a set to take home and I taught her the word antique. Let's see where that takes her.
On April 20 (Saturday) the Antique Gallery of Houston will be holding an appraisal fair from noon until 4:00 P.M. This is your opportunity to ask the experts at our gallery. So you are invited to bring in the piece of jewelry or painting that you've been wondering about. The fee is only three dollars for one item and $5.00 for two items. It's a lot of fun just to see what everyone shows up with. I'm going to try to stump the experts with a little painting that was given to me. It was painted about 75 years ago by a "street" painter who lived on Washington Avenue. He was a little old man who sold his paintings from house to house to have money to eat on so, of course, everyone in the neighborhood had more than one piece of his art work. He used whatever he could find as his canvas. I've always wondered what it was worth!
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
NEW BLOGGER ON BOARD
My name is Johnine McDowell (d.b.a. Annie Dragonfly). I have been a dealer at the Antique Gallery in Spring since July, 2011 and a blogger for about the same amount of time. Normally, however, I blog about rescuing animals. I didn't give too much thought to antiques, either, until I retired from teaching and found that when one is accustomed to working 50-60 hours a week you just aren't well-suited to "relaxing". So I tried substitute teaching, tutoring, traveling, reading, etc., etc., etc.......but none of that really fit into my desire to be creative, to teach, and to learn new ideas myself. About that time I inherited some lovely pieces of crystal, silver, china and collectibles. Although I could appreciate the beauty of all those things, I was not really anxious to own any of those things myself. So as I did a little research on the value of what I had, I began to fall in love with other kinds of antiques such as photography, paintings, fabric, and furniture. I began to buy a few little things that I liked and soon the hobby became an obsession (fabric) and the obsession became a new career. I didn't like just to read about antiques or look at pictures of antiques. I wanted to dig through old boxes and photo albums. I wanted to catch as many estate sales in a week as I could. I scoured the resale shops. I drove to estate auctions in bluebonnet country. My friends and relatives began to offer me all of their junk. My sister tells everyone that if I buy anymore "stuff" then I will soon have to live in a tent in the backyard. That's not true, however! I have an RV that I could move in to.
So that's my story. In the weeks to come I hope to share the stories of how other dealers at the Gallery came to be where they are today. I hope that by reading this that you will want to come to meet us in person or that you will recognize the "obsession" in yourself and embrace it as we have.
And would you believe that same sister who commented about me moving into a tent......that same sister sent me home with a rocking chair in my back seat when I visited her at Easter!!!
So that's my story. In the weeks to come I hope to share the stories of how other dealers at the Gallery came to be where they are today. I hope that by reading this that you will want to come to meet us in person or that you will recognize the "obsession" in yourself and embrace it as we have.
And would you believe that same sister who commented about me moving into a tent......that same sister sent me home with a rocking chair in my back seat when I visited her at Easter!!!
Friday, September 7, 2012
Fall Is In The Air! (Hopefully)
Well, Labor Day has come and gone. Hopefully we will be seeing cooler weather around here. First of all, I would like to congratulate this month's BLOG SPECIAL WINNER. That honor goes to:
PHILLIP L.
Phillip entered our monthly drawing and won a $25.00 gift certificate to be used in A.G.C.A.P. Gold Star Dealer #389's Booths. Keep reading for this month's BLOG SPECIAL CODE WORD and enter!
Now for this months A.G.C.A.P. Dealer of the Month. Robert “Bob” Von Minden is the A.G.C.A.P. Dealer of the Month for September!
Bob has been a member of The Antique Gallery of Houston Family for about 2 years. He specializes in “All Things Vintage & Antique”. You can find his booths on Aisle 2 North Booth #’s C-14, D-12, D-13, & D-14. Please stop by and check out what he has to offer! Take a peak below!
The chosen article this month is very interesting. Thanks to Pamela Wiggins!
Ways to Ruin Antiques
By Pamela Wiggins, About.com Guide
No one intentionally ruins an antique, right? But lots of people do make costly mistakes caring for antiques and collectibles every day simply because they don't know any better. Read on for valuable information to keep you from making an error you'll live to regret, especially if you try to sell a treasured antique in the future.
1. Improper Cleaning
Cleaning some antiques makes them more desirable and valuable, but that's not always the case. For instance, cleaning the "patina" from a really hard to find Roycroft copper lamp can diminish the value greatly, while gently washing a rare piece of Depression glass won't hurt it a bit. It's wise to do some research to find out how cleaning will impact the value of an antique before you begin. Talk to an expert collector or dealer in the particular area you're researching, if needed.
2. Refinishing Furniture
Should you always refinish antique furniture? Definitely not. In fact, the less is more rule should be applied in most cases. If you happen to have a rare antique, or maybe even a furniture masterpiece, removing the original finish can be disastrous. Many times a gentle cleaning will suffice, but again, take care not to remove anything that might be seen as desirable patina rather than plain old grime. More common pieces can be refinished, but do yourself a favor and read up on cream of the crop antique furniture if you don't know how to tell the difference.
3. Displaying in Sunlight
What do old paper, vintage textiles and early plastics have in common? They're all susceptible to damage from direct sunlight. Paper, including photographs, will yellow and crack, the vibrant colors in textiles will fade, and plastics will melt rendering a piece you'll no longer be proud to own or pass down to the grandkids. Take care to display your antiques and collectibles in dimly lit areas or for short periods of time in sunny rooms. Always avoid direct sunlight.
4. Amateur Restoration
Restoring an antique to its original glory might seem like a good idea, and sometimes it is. But a do-it-yourself paint job on the mechanical bank you inherited from your great-grandfather is a no-no. This is another area where an expert's advice will be invaluable. Sure, if you just need to glue in a rhinestone that's popped out of a vintage brooch (using GS Hypo Cement) or sew a rag doll's button eye back in place, that's fine. Leave the more complicated restoration projects to professionals to retain the value of your antiques and collectibles.
5. Improper Storage
If you could create a museum setting in your home in regard to lighting, temperature and humidity levels, it would be the perfect environment for antiques and collectibles. In most instances that's not feasible, but we do need to be mindful of proper storage in order to preserve the rich history and beauty of our treasures. Keep valuable collections and heirlooms out of unusually damp areas like basements and overly hot areas like attics, if at all possible. In general, if you store your treasures where you're comfortable, they'll be comfortable too.
Now for the BLOG SPECIAL CODE WORD. It is "MUSEUM" Only 1 entry per person per month, offer extends only to customers of The Antique Gallery of Houston. Dealers and employees of The Antique Gallery of Houston are not eligible to win. Gift Certificate will be good only for purchases made in the A.G.C.A.P. Dealer's booth who donated the Gift Certificate .
The Antique Gallery of Houston has lots of upcoming events.
Open House & Customer Appreciation
Saturday & Sunday
November 3 & 4, 2012
Chili Cook-Off
Saturday November 10, 2012
And lets not forget our almost "World Famous"
HOME-MADE GOODIES BAKE SALE
(Check Back for Date)
Thanks for reading our Blog and keep check back near the first of each month for updates!
and remember
OUT WITH THE NEW AND IN WITH THE OLD.............BUY ANTIQUES!!!!!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Labor Day is Almost Here!
Can you believe that in a few short weeks the kids will be back in school and Labor Day will be here? I am ready for some cooler weather ( 75 - 85), but I don't know if I am quite ready for summer to be over. I love sitting outside in the evening drinking ice tea on the patio and enjoying the slight breeze. It is a well known fact around my house that I am cold natured (I have the thermostat on 80 when I am home alone), so the heat does not bother me, but I sure won't be sitting outside in December!
This month's A.G.C.A.P. Dealer of the Month is Pat Bufkin. Pat has been a member of The Antique Gallery of Houston's family for 23 years. She specializes in Primitives and Cottage Style Antiques. Her booths are located on Aisle 2 North Booth C-10 and Aisle 4 South Booth X-4 A & B. Please stop by and check out what she has to offer. There is always something unique in her booths! Just take a look below!
Well, last month we ran a Blog Special. WE HAVE A WINNER!!!! Kalee V. won a $25.00 gift certificate donated by Dealer # 461. Congratulations Kalee! Keep reading for this month's special!
Next we have a great article from Collectors Weekly on Vintage Ladies Hats. Very interesting and we have loads of them all over the mall at great prices!
Ladies Vintage Hats
Thanks to Collectors Weekly for this article!
Nothing tops a beautiful outfit like a perfect hat. Whether it’s a lacy headdress decorated with velvet and tulle from the mid-Victorian era or a wide-brimmed, "flower power" sun hat of chenille daisies from the 1960s, hats reflect and define the fashions of their day.
During the 1860s and ’70s, the popular drawn bonnets of the mid-19th century became oval, framing the face more naturally than the round ones that had preceded them. These spoon bonnets were decorated with ribbons, lace, and flowers made of organdy and silk. Straw skimmers, also known as rounds, were worn outdoors—the best of these had patterns of silk braids sewn onto their tops.
By the end of the century, hats were moving in two directions. Some were demure, almost too small for the heads they were perched on. Others had high-domed crowns and were piled high with loops of ribbon and drapes of rich velvet. Wide Gainsborough hats, sometimes called cartwheels, were the exception to this general rule. These showy chapeaux were decorated with so many feathers that laws had to be passed to prevent entire species of birds from going extinct.
As the 20th century dawned, the Gibson Girl dominated fashion. The hallmark of the look was an hourglass figure (achieved by painfully tight corsets) and a big hat up top. Gainsboroughs were still worn, thanks to their popularization in the 1907 musical "The Merry Widow." Smaller, but no less ornate, pompadour hats were a mirror of the popular hairstyle of the same name. By the end of the century’s first decade, Edwardian fashions were in full swing, resulting in black velvet hats trimmed with ostrich feathers and velvet-and-silk flowers.
In the years before and after World War I, gigantic garden hats were still in vogue, but other trends were having an impact. Hats resembling berets and turbans began to appear, as did Musketeer hats. Tricorne hats, motoring hats, and straw boaters all had good runs toward the end of the decade. And as a precursor of the decade to come, close-fitting cloche hats were introduced.
Women in the 1920s went crazy for hats. In addition to the ubiquitous cloche, some with wide swooping brims, some without, women wore sculptural hats resembling airplane wings or actual crowns. Felt hats were embroidered with Art Deco flowers, and kits were sold for just $.89 so that women could make their own "crushers," as they were called. Actress Louise Brooks made it acceptable to wear pokes and helmet hats, and so-called Speakeasy hats were studded with sequins and costume jewels.
Things sobered up a bit in the 1930s, but only a bit. Black Sou’wester hats made of braided hemp continued the helmet look. In fact, straw hats went from garden to dressy, as straw cloches were woven with ecru to resemble smart tweeds. Knit turbans took off thanks to Greta Garbo, the pillbox was introduced, and women even took to wearing sequined or rhinestone-accented calot caps, which resembled large yarmulkes and were first worn by the ancient Greeks. Colorful berets and pirate caps, as well as felt or stitched geometric Dutch Boys, added to the decade’s sense of style.
During World War II, the fedora reigned, mostly due to Ingrid Bergman’s look in the 1942 film Casablanca. Crocheted snoods designed to keep hair from getting tangled in machine parts were a counterpoint to Rosie the Riveter’s famous red with white polka dot headscarf. After the war, berets of crushed velvet and printed barkcloth gained ground, as did bandeaux, which weren’t really hats but looked like them from the front when padded and worn like a tiara.
In the 1950s, hats almost resembled the costume jewelry of that period. The mushroom cloche and the melon hat were just two of the hats that took their shapes, and names, from food. Celebrities such as the Duchess of Windsor and Gloria Swanson wore casques, sailors, and large-brim hats interchangeably. Mamie Eisenhower wore an Air Wave hat to her husband’s first inauguration. Small but visually arresting cocktail hats were decorated with everything from dyed feathers to faceted beads, while bowlers, rollers, and Bretons were perfect for everyday wear.
Finally, in the 1960s, hats reflected the rising dominance of youth culture. The decade began with turban-like bubble toques made of feathers, prints, or mesh. Felt conehead caps and zippered Bobbie helmets exuded a CarnabyGainsboroughs, which now seemed entirely in step with the trend toward natural looks, returned to the fashion stage for yet another bow.
Now for this month's BLOG SPECIAL. Just go to the A.G.C.A.P. table located at the end of Aisle 2, near the kitchen (With the A.G.C.A.P. cookbooks) and fill out an entry form and place it in the container. You MUST include the code word or your entry will not be considered! We will then draw a winner on September 01, 2012 and notify them by Tuesday September 04, 2012. Only 1 entry per person per month, offer extends only to customers of The Antique Gallery of Houston. Dealers and employees of The Antique Gallery of Houston are not eligible to win. Gift Certificate will be good only for purchases made in the A.G.C.A.P. Dealer's booth who donated the Gift Certificate . This month the code word is
"BREEZE"
Don't forget to check out our face book page Antique Gallery of Houston!
And remember OUT WITH THE NEW AND IN WITH THE OLD BUY ANTIQUES!!!!!!
Check back next month for more!!!!!!
This month's A.G.C.A.P. Dealer of the Month is Pat Bufkin. Pat has been a member of The Antique Gallery of Houston's family for 23 years. She specializes in Primitives and Cottage Style Antiques. Her booths are located on Aisle 2 North Booth C-10 and Aisle 4 South Booth X-4 A & B. Please stop by and check out what she has to offer. There is always something unique in her booths! Just take a look below!
Well, last month we ran a Blog Special. WE HAVE A WINNER!!!! Kalee V. won a $25.00 gift certificate donated by Dealer # 461. Congratulations Kalee! Keep reading for this month's special!
Next we have a great article from Collectors Weekly on Vintage Ladies Hats. Very interesting and we have loads of them all over the mall at great prices!
Ladies Vintage Hats
Thanks to Collectors Weekly for this article!
Nothing tops a beautiful outfit like a perfect hat. Whether it’s a lacy headdress decorated with velvet and tulle from the mid-Victorian era or a wide-brimmed, "flower power" sun hat of chenille daisies from the 1960s, hats reflect and define the fashions of their day.
During the 1860s and ’70s, the popular drawn bonnets of the mid-19th century became oval, framing the face more naturally than the round ones that had preceded them. These spoon bonnets were decorated with ribbons, lace, and flowers made of organdy and silk. Straw skimmers, also known as rounds, were worn outdoors—the best of these had patterns of silk braids sewn onto their tops.
By the end of the century, hats were moving in two directions. Some were demure, almost too small for the heads they were perched on. Others had high-domed crowns and were piled high with loops of ribbon and drapes of rich velvet. Wide Gainsborough hats, sometimes called cartwheels, were the exception to this general rule. These showy chapeaux were decorated with so many feathers that laws had to be passed to prevent entire species of birds from going extinct.
As the 20th century dawned, the Gibson Girl dominated fashion. The hallmark of the look was an hourglass figure (achieved by painfully tight corsets) and a big hat up top. Gainsboroughs were still worn, thanks to their popularization in the 1907 musical "The Merry Widow." Smaller, but no less ornate, pompadour hats were a mirror of the popular hairstyle of the same name. By the end of the century’s first decade, Edwardian fashions were in full swing, resulting in black velvet hats trimmed with ostrich feathers and velvet-and-silk flowers.
In the years before and after World War I, gigantic garden hats were still in vogue, but other trends were having an impact. Hats resembling berets and turbans began to appear, as did Musketeer hats. Tricorne hats, motoring hats, and straw boaters all had good runs toward the end of the decade. And as a precursor of the decade to come, close-fitting cloche hats were introduced.
Women in the 1920s went crazy for hats. In addition to the ubiquitous cloche, some with wide swooping brims, some without, women wore sculptural hats resembling airplane wings or actual crowns. Felt hats were embroidered with Art Deco flowers, and kits were sold for just $.89 so that women could make their own "crushers," as they were called. Actress Louise Brooks made it acceptable to wear pokes and helmet hats, and so-called Speakeasy hats were studded with sequins and costume jewels.
Things sobered up a bit in the 1930s, but only a bit. Black Sou’wester hats made of braided hemp continued the helmet look. In fact, straw hats went from garden to dressy, as straw cloches were woven with ecru to resemble smart tweeds. Knit turbans took off thanks to Greta Garbo, the pillbox was introduced, and women even took to wearing sequined or rhinestone-accented calot caps, which resembled large yarmulkes and were first worn by the ancient Greeks. Colorful berets and pirate caps, as well as felt or stitched geometric Dutch Boys, added to the decade’s sense of style.
During World War II, the fedora reigned, mostly due to Ingrid Bergman’s look in the 1942 film Casablanca. Crocheted snoods designed to keep hair from getting tangled in machine parts were a counterpoint to Rosie the Riveter’s famous red with white polka dot headscarf. After the war, berets of crushed velvet and printed barkcloth gained ground, as did bandeaux, which weren’t really hats but looked like them from the front when padded and worn like a tiara.
In the 1950s, hats almost resembled the costume jewelry of that period. The mushroom cloche and the melon hat were just two of the hats that took their shapes, and names, from food. Celebrities such as the Duchess of Windsor and Gloria Swanson wore casques, sailors, and large-brim hats interchangeably. Mamie Eisenhower wore an Air Wave hat to her husband’s first inauguration. Small but visually arresting cocktail hats were decorated with everything from dyed feathers to faceted beads, while bowlers, rollers, and Bretons were perfect for everyday wear.
Finally, in the 1960s, hats reflected the rising dominance of youth culture. The decade began with turban-like bubble toques made of feathers, prints, or mesh. Felt conehead caps and zippered Bobbie helmets exuded a CarnabyGainsboroughs, which now seemed entirely in step with the trend toward natural looks, returned to the fashion stage for yet another bow.
Now for this month's BLOG SPECIAL. Just go to the A.G.C.A.P. table located at the end of Aisle 2, near the kitchen (With the A.G.C.A.P. cookbooks) and fill out an entry form and place it in the container. You MUST include the code word or your entry will not be considered! We will then draw a winner on September 01, 2012 and notify them by Tuesday September 04, 2012. Only 1 entry per person per month, offer extends only to customers of The Antique Gallery of Houston. Dealers and employees of The Antique Gallery of Houston are not eligible to win. Gift Certificate will be good only for purchases made in the A.G.C.A.P. Dealer's booth who donated the Gift Certificate . This month the code word is
"BREEZE"
Don't forget to check out our face book page Antique Gallery of Houston!
And remember OUT WITH THE NEW AND IN WITH THE OLD BUY ANTIQUES!!!!!!
Check back next month for more!!!!!!
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