An Ending and a Beginning - New Adventures on the horizon!

     My son Jonathan and I have had a permanent shop at a monthly trade days now for almost 8 yrs.  It's called Winnie Trade Days in Winnie, Tx and was quite a show in it's hay-day.  I've actually talked about it in one of my previous posts -  Did you know I have a shop?!?! We change it around constantly, moving stuff from one side of the shop to the other.  Here's how it looked a few months ago:

     We've gone through many transformations and locations over the years.  From a small porch location to a full sized 'big' shop, over to a little one-room house and then to our current location, my sweet little 'half-shop'.  We've enjoyed most locations and always loved our 'neighbor vendors/friends' and the joy they brought to us.
     It is with some sadness and great excitement that I announce we are closing our sweet shop next weekend, April 8th - 10th.  It will be our last show at Winnie and we would like to invite everyone to come out, tell us good-bye and maybe find a discounted treasure or two!
    
     We are looking forward to many new, great adventures and we'll be sharing more about those soon---and remember, where there is an ending, there will also be a beginning!

God Bless all and any who read this,
Pat, My Kitschy Closet
www.mykitschycloset.etsy.com
  

Movin' and Groovin' cause that's my style!!

     When anyone asks me how I'm doing, I have a habit of saying "I'm movin' & groovin'".  Not sure why/when I started doing that but I've found it usually brings a smile to the ask-er's face.  AND, it's a very truthful statement---I am almost ALWAYS movin' & groovin' with some project, show or life event.  It's slowing down that I have problems with---it has to do with my ADHD I'm sure.  Sometimes I even have mild anxiety attacks and can't seem to focus on one task or another.  God is helping me with this and I'll share more about that in a later post.

     Here are a few pictures of this past weekends show at the Gypsy Market in  Spring, TX.

My Brayden, waiting patiently while I set up my booth--AND he was helping as well!

    

It's an odd shaped booth but I think we managed to make it look bright and happy

Some of those teddy bears went home with someone else!





Mardi Gras on steroids?!?!

 

 

     Our next show will be at our shop in Winnie Tx.  We've got BIG news coming about that event, but I'll save that for another post!!

 

God Bless All and Any who read this,

Pat, My Kitschy Closet

www.mykitschycloset.etsy.com

 

Welcome to the 70's!!

     I thought it was time for another 'blast from the past' post where we explore a past fashion era and all the great and not-so-great looks, so.......Welcome to the 70's!!!   This is probably my favorite era for fashion and music---gotta love that disco!  It was the birth of the Farrah Fawcett hair-style, the wide legged pants and  'Ziggy Stardust', David Bowie's alter ego.  It was a great time for colors, crazy hair, high-waisted pants and denim!!!

     Please read this great article from  www.vintagefashionguild.org

The 1970s can be called Decade of Decadence, the ‘Me’ decade and the decade of excess and androgyny. Women emerged in the work place tenfold. Pantsuits, day wear, and separates with a sense of masculine style as echoed in the film ‘Annie Hall’ created a sensation with Diane Keaton wearing a fitted vest with a collared white shirt and men’s neckties. Skirts could be seen in a variety of lengths, mini midi or maxi! The maxi dress was worn throughout the decade in a multitude of styles and shapes. Rich earthy tones dominated in popular colors; warm browns, burgundy, rust, mustard, and avocado green. Television shows such as Charlie’s Angels featured the smart and liberated but sexy woman. The California sun-kissed blondes Cheryl Tiegs and Farrah Fawcett represented the new sporty and physically fit ideal.
The Woodstock festival of peace and music was the end of the 1960s hippie movement, with the U.S. still at war. The hippie flower child look from the late 1960s carried over into the first half of the decade in a nonrestrictive bohemian silhouette with a heavy folksy influence. Thea Porter celebrated ethnic styles in Indian style prints, free flowing breezy gauzy tent dresses and wide legged pants. Arts and crafts elements such as tie-dye, batik, knitwear, crochet and macramé were also very popular. There was a great sense of ease and comfort to early 1970s clothing. Designers like Laura Ashley and Jessica McClintock for Gunne Sax popularized the prairie dress phenomenon.
Blue jeans emerged in the 1970s as everyday wear. Denim was being mass consumed by all ages and seen as the ultimate American garment. Jeans were flared, bell bottom, wide legged, hip huggers, high waist, embroidered, embellished, studded – you name it! Denim was was not just limited to pants: jean skirts, suits, vests, jackets, hats and accessories were omnipresent. Designer jeans were seen as a status symbol and the more expensive, the more desirable! A tighter, second skin fit with designer names such as Gloria Vanderbilt, Calvin Klein, Jordache, and Sasson were branded across the backsides of men and women everywhere. A far cry from the dungarees of years past!
Glam or glitter rock brought on to the scene flamboyant boldly colored clothes in lux fabrics like satins, velvets and lurex. Emblazoned with sequins, bedazzled, gemmed and worn with feathered boas! Nothing was too outrageous. Super high stacked platform shoes or boots were the favored footwear. Pop star David Bowie, as alter ego Ziggy Stardust, sported over-the-top androgynous outfits both on and off the stage. Avant garde designer Kensai Yamamoto was responsible for the otherworldly costumes for the 1973 ‘Aladdin Sane’ tour. Glitter rock stars of the the time such as Kiss, Marc Bolan, The Sweet and the New York Dolls were dandy dressers in chiffon, spandex and satin. Glitter trends in makeup were worn on the face by both men and women. Stores such as Granny Takes a Trip and Biba had multiple locations in the U.S. and the U.K that catered to the teenage audience and rock stars alike.
Disco brought excess and decadence. Designers and celebrities partied with the beautiful people at the infamous nightclub Studio 54 in New York City known for its overt drug use and bacchanalian carousing. Bob Mackie was often called the ‘Sultan of Sequins’ and dressed Cher and other stars in body-baring glamorous costumes. Designer Roy Halston’s draped jersey goddess dresses, kaftans and Ultrasuede were the perfect party clothes for a glamorous night of sin. Quiana polyester was wildly popular and was used in day dresses, shirts, blouses and evening wear. Cheaply made tight fitting body conscious clothing could be seen in any discotheque. Wrap-around skirts, leotards, tube tops, dance wear inspired dresses and separates with ease and movement were made in Lurex, miliskin and spandex. Film star John Travolta wore a white 3-piece suit with black shirt in the blockbuster movie “Saturday Night Fever”. Diane Von Fursternberg popularized the uber flattering jersey wrap dress, which became a staple in every woman’s wardrobe.
Punk fashion evolved alongside the musical genre out of open disgust for the status quo, the modern political agenda and the slick overproduced overtly commercial mainstream that rock music had become. Punk rock stripped rock and roll down to basics. Punk was gritty, dangerous and offensive. The clothing represented a darker and harsher view of reality and dissatisfaction with the ideals of conformity.
English punk visionaries Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren opened the infamous shop SEX/ Seditionaries on Kings Road and ultimately deconstructed British fashion, mixing X-rated silk screens, bondage gear, vinyl, rubber and the ubiquitous safety pin with iconic English fashions such as plaid kilts and tight stovepipe trousers
Across the pond the American punk look was stripped down to basics, exemplified by bands like the Ramones, Blondie, and Richard Hell and the Voidoids preferring a more laid back look with tight jeans,
leather motorcycle jackets, sneakers, and ripped t-shirts.

Wow, a grown-up Brady Brunch!!

Uhmmm, ladies fashion looks good, not too sure about the men's--what do you think?

I had one very similar to this!

This is a leftover look from the 60's I believe--think "Billy Jack"

I have no words for this one

 

 

These guys produced some GREAT music!!

Saturday Night Fever made EVERYONE want to go to the disco!!

Again, I have no words.....

These guys were the best---I miss Michael

 

Wanted one of these back in the day, still do!

I know I had a pair of earrings very much like these!

Mine were white!

I still have lots of brooches from the 70's--they never go out of style!

???

I have this necklace and earrings!!!

 

Beautiful!

 

 

David Bowie was definitely a trend-setter

 

Again, ????

Ziggy



We will miss you David,  you were unique!



Hope you enjoyed this little return to the 70's---please leave me a comment and let me know your favorite era!!  Until then, God Bless all and any who read this,
Pat, My Kitschy Closet
www.mykitschycloset.etsy.com

 

 

 

 



CRAZY Busy Schedule!!

Ok, so for those of you who don't really know me, the following schedule is normal for me:

                                               January 8-10-Winnie Trade Days (just passed this last weekend)
                                               January 16 - Winter Wonderland Fashion Show - (my grandson
                                                                                    Brayden is modeling in this one!)
                                               January 22-24 - Liberty Faux Real Trade Days
                                               January 29th - 30th - TENATIVE - holding an estate sale at my
                                                                                    mom's house

                                             February 5 - 7 - Winnie Trade Days
                                             February 20 - 21 - Antique Elegance Vintage Clothing Show-Dallas, TX

                                             March 3-5 - Gypsy Market, Spring, TX
                                             March 11-13 - Winnie Trade Days
                                             March 19 - Good Oil Days Festival (I actually run this one!)


There's actually more but I got tired just typing it all!!  These are all great events and if you're in the area or there-bout's please come check them out---here are the links to each event.

      Winnie Trade Days - www.larrysoldtimetradedays.com
      Winter Wonderland Fashion Show - www.humblecc.com
       Liberty Faux Real Trade Days - www.facebook.com/FauxRealDesignCo/
       Antique Elegance Vintage Clothing Show -http://antiqueelegance.info/
       Gypsy Market - www.gypsymarket.net
       Good Oil Days Festival - www.goodoildays.com

Lots of this stuff will be packed and taken to other shows--aagggghhhhhh!

Brayden's 'soulful' look--guest he's practicing for his modeling debut!!

As you can see, I've got a VERY full schedule over the next few months!!  But I do sooooo love going to shows and meeting new people--and hopefully making some money too!

Please be sure to check out all these great websites and come by and see me if you're in the neighborhood!  ;)

Until then,
God Bless all and any who read this,
Pat, My Kitschy Closet
www.mykitschycloset.etsy.com




                                            


                                            

Take down the Mistle Toe, put the Tree in the Attic!

   I'm always a little sad right after Christmas---especially when taking down the Christmas tree, lights and decorations.  The Christmas season is usually such a joyful time, even for those who aren't particularly religious.  It's a time when almost everyone begins to think of those around them, those folks that might not be as fortunate as they are.  It's a time when we open our hearts (and maybe our pocketbooks) to make someone's Christmas more joyful.  Beautiful!

     And of course, who doesn't love all the millions of twinkle lights that we put up to 'brighten' our homes and the hearts of our neighbors!!  It's a Christmas tradition to try to blind your neighbors and the airplanes that fly over your house with as many lights as possible!!  Too cool!

My own special vintage 'elf'

I LOVE my aluminum tree--not vintage though

A wonderful vintage nativity from the 50's I think

Christmas cheer on my mantel

     And so, the lovely Christmas season is over and the new year has begun!!  And boy, do we have lots of PLANS afoot!!  Planning on participating in many wonderful shows with my vintage clothes as well as shows for the antiques and collectibles from my shop.  I'll be posting my show schedule very soon and hopefully you're be able to stop by and say 'hello'!!

     In the meantime, our prayer for each and everyone of you is that you would be blessed in this new year, that you will find purpose and joy in your life and that your creativity will flourish and overflow to all those around you!! 

     I'll be posting again soon!
God Bless,
Pat, My Kitschy Closet
www.mykitschycloset.etsy.com
 

The up's and DOWN'S of being a vendor/seller!

     Wow!  What a difference a few days can make.  A few weeks ago I participated in a wonderful show called "The Gypsy Market" at the Klein Center in Spring, Tx.  It's a large event with hundred's of vendors.  I was selling my wonderful vintage clothing and accessories next to my booth buddy Trisha who sells many great items that she makes herself.

A sweet customer at the Gypsy Market

     It was pouring down rain almost the entire 3-days of the show and, even though this is an indoor show, rain is usually death to an event like this.  HOWEVER, this show not only flourished despite all the wetness going on but was full of great people who were buying, buying, BUYING!!  I did very well at that show. $$$$$$$

    On to the next weekend which was our usual monthly Winnie Trade Days show (see my previous post titled "Did you know I have a shop?")--it was horrible!  It rained for Friday and Saturday at this show and there was almost NO ONE shopping!  Sunday turned into a beautiful day with very cool temps and lots of sunshine---and the people came, HOWEVER they were just not buying!! We barely made rent.   $$$$$$

The very next weekend we had the Flea fest, a 2 day show in Lake Charles, Louisiana.   Talk about a BIG show!!  There had to be at least 10,000 people coming through and they were buying.  We didn't do as well as the Gypsy Market but it was good.  $$$  It's an outside show under a covered pavilion and only twice a year.  And look where we stayed:

L'auberge Casino, Lake Charles, Louisiana

Jonathan and I in front of their fabulous fountain

Jonathan learning how to gamble---NOT!

     Yes, we got to stay at a casino!  I've never been to one before and never gambled but I must say it was fun!!  My close friend and her husband took us to dinner and then the casino part of the hotel---I watched mostly while she played. 

     And so, the moral of this story is:  in this type of business it's usually 'feast or famine' and often nothing in between.  You leave some shows smiling and too many others wondering why you where there!  And why am I sharing all this with you?  Not to discourage you, but if you are thinking about breaking away from the 9 to 5 scene, be wise and be prepared!!  Plan, research and PRAY because you must have patience and tons of FAITH!!  Search your heart and again, PRAY--great things happen when you do!!

Ps 121:2 "My help comes from the Lord who made Heaven and earth."

Brayden at our shop--he works VERY hard there!





 

   And so, I leave you with a picture of my precious grandson Brayden resting in our shop (we sold that chair by the way!)

 

 

God Bless all and any who read this,

 

Pat, My Kitschy Closet

www.mykitschycloset.etsy.com



 

Too little time, too much to do!!

     When I first started this blog I made myself a promise NOT to let too much time go by between posts......well, that didn't happen!!

     It's been almost a month since my last post and I can't understand where the time has gone!  Of course, if I take a deep breath and really, really LOOK at my schedule I would definitely see almost minute by minute how I used that time.

     My last post was after my Winnie Trade Days show but before the Gypsy Market sale (which was a phenomenal sale for us!!).   We are going to Winnie again this weekend (it's monthly) and to the Fleafest in Lake Charles, Louisiana the weekend after this.  Then only a few shows after that till Christmas.  Combine this with a full-time job, trying to be creative, helping to raise my grandson Brayden who lives with me AND trying to sell online........well, you can see where all those minutes, hours, DAYS have gone!!

     BUT, this is not what this blog is about (ok, maybe just a little).  It's about priorities and placing the things that are important in our lives first.
   
    In our home and in my life we try to place God first, always looking to him for guidance, substance and pretty much everything!  He is a good Heavenly Father and watches over us with a loving and gracious hand.  And I used the word "try" because we are human after all and don't always succeed in these areas. There are soooooo many times when the stress of just breathing overcomes us and it's much easier to panic then to hold on for that answer from God.  But ultimately, my family and I believe His is the one true path that will eventually direct us to a more peaceful existence.  And I do so need a peaceful existence!!

     Don't mean to get on my soap box or preach... and if you are a non-believer in these matters I certainly don't mean to offend.  But this is who I am, what I am and how I live my life, no apologies for this, just explanation of actions.

     Family is of course highly important and my wonderful grandson Brayden has a very special place in my heart---he is the love of my life!!  We play together, work together and more importantly pray together.  He is very strong willed but has a kind heart......he will often share his candy with me!

 

Brayden at the book store--he LOVES books!!

Brayden in his Capt. American costume

Brayden loves his mommy and went in her room and fell asleep in the floor while waiting for her to come home!

Brayden with his mommy, my daughter Brittany

This is a wonderful young lady who bought this vintage dress from me--she was amazing and rocks that dress!!

Just thought I'd throw this one in the mix---my sisters and me a long time ago!!  Guess which one is me (hint: I'm the baby of the family)

     There are so many things that try to distract us from the important things in our lives.  My hope and prayer for all who read this is that you find the important things in your life, the things that will not only help you rise higher but will also bring positive changes to those around you.  God's intent was for us to enjoy our lives, to move ahead with all throttles open, focused and centered on our 'goal'!!
                                                   "We’ve only got one shot,
                                                       Gonna take it now,
                                                    Goin’ all in, gonna make it count,
                                                        Won’t look back, gonna set my eyes
                                                   ‘Cause there ain’t no practice runs in life
                                                
                                                          This is not a test, it is the real thing!"
                                                                                        Toby Mac - 'This is not a test"

Till next time, God Bless all and any who read this,

Pat
My Kitschy Closet