Welcome New Members: LiseVintageLighting, CabinWindows, TheCornerStoreBK, EyeForVintage and Evaelena

Vintage Modern Stacked Acrylic Table Lamp

LiseVintageLighting is a lovely shop with a unique selection of vintage lighting. Susan refurbishes and updates a variety of vintage lamps, lighting and candle holders dating from the 1940s-1980s. "Whenever possible, I love to learn and share with my customers the story behind a design or its designer, the craftsmanship responsible for elevating a piece, the cultural history that makes a particular style or fixture iconic." LiseVintageLighting opened in November of 2009 and is based out of Dallas, Texas.

Graniteware Enamel Kettle Primitive Collectible

Cabinwindows specializes houseware and home decor with a farmhouse or primitive style. Patti says she "started collecting antiques to decorate my home. My mom HATES antiques so she sold or threw out all the family stuff-argh... I tend to pick items that remind me of my childhood, or that just have a great "feel" to them." Cabinwindows is based out of Colorado Springs, Colorado and opened shop in June of 2009. 

Collection of 26 antique dessert tins

TheCornerStoreBK offers a wide range of antique and midcentury lighting, interior design pieces, and home decor. Benjamin says: "I strive to offer unique treasures and thoughtful gifts. I am an architect / designer that sells a combination of architectural salvage and vintage decor that I use in my own design studio which focuses on traditional design and sustainability." TheCornerStoreBK opened in October of 2010 and is based out of Brooklyn, New York.

1970s dress / Aqua Knit

EyeForVintage focuses mainly on vintage clothing from 1920s-1980s. Hannah says, "I'm a 27 year old vintage fashion and history enthusiast. I love the stories things carry with them through the years and I love how much quality and care went into making them. I have so much fun searching for the items in my shop, although it is not usually easy!" EyeForVintage opened in November of 2009 and is based in Michigan.

Vintage 1970's Set Amber Low Ball Glasses

Evaelena specializes in vintage gift ideas, mid-century and recycled gifts, home wares, jewelry, fashion, accessories and supplies. Eva's shop philosophy: "I make recycled jewelry out of vintage things and collect vintage and antique objects that are original and interesting or stylish. My taste is pretty varied - and I am attracted to good design and beautiful craftsmanship regardless of era as well as quirky, humorous things and things that resonate with me emotionally. As a repository of things that I love to collect and make, my etsy shop is a kind of embodiment of my personality!" Evaelena is based out of Sydney, Australia and opened in November of 2010.

Props to Mad Men

I'm behind the curve on the TV series Mad Men--and trying desperately to catch up before season 5 starts in March. Like many other vintage lovers, I'm there as much for the hairstyles, dresses, and set design as the drama, dysfunction, and dalliances.

One of the things I enjoy most in this rich 1960s period piece are the little background touches--the wallpaper in Betty Draper's kitchen, the roly poly glasses on Don's desk, the clock on the wall in Peggy's mom's apartment. The best part is, you can find and own a lot of these items. I've been seeking them out madly lately--here are a few of my favorite vintage prop-worthy items.

Mid-century cork lamp from bitofbutter

Double cruet with kitschy rooster from ReBopShop

Wrought iron wall clock from rovervintage

Park Sherman desk set from KentonCollectibles

Royal Haeger ashtray from 10karri

Roly poly bar glasses from jenscloset