OPENING OF MY NEW STORE - VINTAGE SAILS

I've lived in Hong Kong for over 16 years since 1992 - meaning I've been back and forth several times to call it home.  My 2 sons grew up there and one still returns several times a year on business trips- which makes me a bit jealous as I miss my friends and places.  During my second time there I switched modes and became an interior decorator with a website and blog to promote business and work with clients.  With China only a short jet foil ride away - I escorted ladies on day trips and we navigated the old furniture factories in a van to purchase Antique Chinese furniture at unbelievable wholesale prices and load up on treasures we found to hand carry back on the ferry.  Maybe I can write a blog on that some day - I found I was the only one doing it and no one picked up the business when I left.  Because of this you will see the Chinese influence in my booth from time to time.

All good things have to come to an end, so last December my husband and I retired and closed up our apartment - sold most of what we owned and moved back to Naples,FL where we've also lived the last 18 years.  In 2014 we sold the old Park Shore house and designed and built a new home where we are now retired full time.   

A few months later a Chinese 40 foot shipping container showed up with remainder of our belongings.  

Now you know why I needed a booth.  My items were too nice for a garage sale so "Vintage Sails"  was created mid January 2016, only a month after I returned. 

Join me at Chesterdales

Tanglewood Market Place - 4910 Tamiami Trail N - Naples, Florida 34103

Painting the booth and the first presentation. Opening day was mid January.  That means in 1 month after landing - and celebrating Xmas and NYE with the family and friends (and having the flu) I quickly search the area for finds to go with my look and items. 

I describe the look as Ralph Lauren meets Anthropogie - and then throw in a flower shop.  I love flowers and I'm an avid gardener in my spare time.  When I'm not doing this you can also find me on the tennis court 3 days a week. 

The hunt for treasures can be addicting, however  you're at the mercy of what you find.  Funny thing - there's never a shortage.  My only hopes is it makes it into the shop and not take a detour into my home. OMG YES! that happens and at one point that has to stop!

Here's some of the items I've sold the last 4 months.  This is so you understand the type of treasures I choose. 

An adorable detailed embroidered piece of art.  It was Vintage and sold quickly.  

This was HUGE but I loved the composition.  Simple Mid Century - it sold in 24 hours.  

This speaks for itself.  Swedish style with some age and hinges that worked with soft closing.  

I painted the lower half of this console but kept the charm of the beautiful wood on top. 

Vintage tole lamp - GARDEN PARTY!

 The Drexel Heritage sofa was in perfect condition - it was mine and only sat in Living rooms that were never used.  But I needed room in the booth so I sold it quickly at the right price. 

These Louis Chairs were marvelous.  They were in perfect condition & I could see them with new fabric and painted wood, but I just wasn't going to do it.  So they sold at a fantastic value.  

I had used them to stage a home I sold last year. 

Other items I found on my treasure hunts - painted up  - used to stage the house - and then later sold at Chesterdales. 

The lamps have the double happiness symbol and were brought back with me from the factory.  They sold for much less than any competitor because of it.  I had a pair.  They sold last week. 

These are from the '70's by Artex.  Set of 4 TV trays and the stand complete.  I took each one apart and painted it white with a new layer of boat lacquer to protect the butterflies. 

This is the before.  The yellow was so harsh and dated.  They are worth over $150 plus shipping on Ebay - these were priced right.

The cow painting was original and I hated to part with it after I found it.  I purchased the lamps at Goodwill - rewired them - painted them and added the burlap shades.  Very coastal.  The yellow vase with yellow tulips was one of my favorites.  Note the Vintage Ikea floral plates on the wall - their also sold. 

LOVE PINE and OLD ELMWOOD.  You may see it from time to time if I can find it.  It's great for the Farmhouse look. 

The coffee table sold. 

I painted this East Lake Vintage Table a shabby white with a soft blue top.  SOLD

I had a pair of these paintings - the frames were originally brown so I used a crackle effect with teal paint and some antique stain to finish.  SOLD

I'm always looking for artwork that can sell under $100.  This large floral Giclee was one.  Other  items I search out are plaster sconces, birdcages, and garden decor. 

 Mid Century Antique Chinese Rice Pot

$118

 Please note the Raggedy Ann is a painting - I think it's done by a child who won a ribbon at a county fair in 1887!  I've painted the current frame a shabby light gray. 

Great Paper Umbrella to hang from a ceiling or off a piece of high furniture. 

Made in France for Tiffany & Co.  Includes the floral arrangement. 

 Not for Sale 

 Solid Elmwood Coffee table - Valued at $950 - and selling for $298

I like vintage - I shabby painted these frames. 

I purchased this China Cabinet with a very poor paint job.  I've repainted it with 4 layers of color in a sandy antique distressed - with a layered wax finish for protection.   There are glass shelves, lights, mirror backing and new gilt hardware.  The windows are paned glass.  

GORGEOUS color and LINES. 

Now on sale for $898.

Conclusion

This is a labor of love that was suppose to be part time - and there is little financial reward because the space is so small.  It's long and narrow - only 5 feet wide so I'm limited on what I can display for large pieces. Frankly, my landlord makes more money off me than I do.  But I always love a challenge and investigating new treasures to renew and repurpose and offer to you.  Something I found on Pinterest - sums it up. 

If I find a good deal - I pass on the savings.  

Enjoy your hunt with me.  Check out the booth from time to time -I'm always changing it and adding new items. 

Join me at Chesterdales

Tanglewood Market Place - 4910 Tamiami Trail N - Naples, Florida 34103

You can see Lila at times when I'm at the store working on the booth.