Alameda Antiques Fair Haul
Updated: Jul 13, 2019
Confession, I love more to rummage around in other peoples stuff. It brings me so much joy that, I've made it my life's work. This love can be traced back to my childhood when my thirty something year old mother would pack my brother, my sister and me into the back of our green station wagon to go yard selling at 7a on Saturday mornings. We'd always come home with a treasure, whether it be a woven wicker chest to house my dress up clothes the brown couch my mom completely reupholstered in magenta tafetta...herself.
I recently visited the Alameda Point Antiques Faire to look for furniture, more specifically nightstands and an armoire, however in true Shauntee fashion that concept was derailed by clothes and accessories. To be clear the fair has over 800 vendors I'd guess about 1/4 are clothing dealers. Since the fair regulates all items sold every piece of clothing has to be 20 years old or older. *swoon* This fair never disappoints when I want to pick up unique and funky pieces that I know no one else will have.
Recently a few interesting things have popped up that I just went gaga over. One being younger 90's streetwear and collectibles vendors, selling graphic tees, hats, vintage denim, and all things pop culture from my childhood, yes please, and the other being $5 dollar rack dealers. I'm talking racks jam packed with items of every shape size and color ALL for $5! Gahhh! I don't know who told them the way to my heart but...sold. Armoire and night stands became but a distant memory.
I spent 3 hours browsing through an seemingly endless sea of clothes, and copped a few items I just couldn't bear to pass up! I didn't grab any '90's gear per se this time around but I did hit those $5 racks...hard. Check out a little bit of my haul below, pre wash, rinse, repeat.
First let's talk about these vintage two tone cap toe Salvatore Ferragamo spectator pumps. They were priced at $20 but I got them for $15. The fluer de lis design with a almond shaped toe let me know this is, most likely an 80's style vs. a more square toe in the 70's or a 90's short point toe. These are a size 8 B with a casual 2 1/2 inch heel. I'm usually a 7 or 7 1/2 but if you've worn this brand before you know the shoes run small and narrow. Other than a few scuffs on the toe these babies were in great condition. Nothing a little shoe polish can't fix.
This amazing black straw boater or skimmer hat is a kind of summer hat traditionally worn by men, in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Boaters were popular as summer headgear, especially for boating or sailing, hence the name however Coco Chanel was fond of wearing boaters and made them fashionable among women during the early 20th century. Thank you girl. This boater call to me from a table filled with vintage hats. It was breezy day and I was mesmerized by the way the fluffy ostrich feathers moved in the wind. Take my money, all $25 of it.
Next, I had a hard time deciding on jewelry, as there was literally rows and rows of tables FULL of necklaces, earrings and broaches of all kinds. I have quite a few earrings already and don't wear most of them as much as I'd like but finally landed on these 1990's polka dot's for $5 bucks. They weigh a ton but too cute to pass up and I can wear them with just about everything. Sold.
And now for the piece de resistance. This misshapen monochromatic frock was found on the $5 rack. Although there were some undesirable character flaws (enter giant overnight maxi shoulder pads and stained button in dickey, blah! I ripped those right out) there were also some winning highlights. 1. It was a classic shirt dress so it will never go out of style 2. It had pockets and 3. It had cute shoulder strap and button details which brought a freshness to the dress. After I gutted it I threw it in the wash with some Oxyclean for good measure, laid it flat to air dry and then gave it a good ironing. All in all it't turned out to be a perfect summer dress.
And hey, if you're in the area and want help finding yourself something funky and special, book an appointment and meet me at the fair, next month August 4th!
Can't wait to see you there!
Xoxo,
Shauntee