Sick day.

Vintage skirts are not going to happen today. I'm not feeling well.

Plus Size Shopping

I was really excited about today's them because it addresses an issue that I understand all too well. When you wear a larger size, clothes are really hard to find. Cute clothes are even harder to find and vintage clothes are nearly impossible.

Having fomerly worn plus sizes myself and being the lover of vintage clothes that I am, I had a few great pieces that I've been holding on to, despite the fact that they have been too large on me for more than a year. But they are so rare and special that they are hard to let go of. But the time is now. It's time for me to pass on these great rare vintage plus size dresses to some other girl with a hole in her heart where a plus size vintage shift dress should be. My heart is full. :)

These dresses are all available on the Bad White Trash Memories Esty Shop. Please take them home with you and love them as much as I did.

Get distracted by the pretty colors!

I know you think you got me. You think that I didn't follow through with my theme week, but HA! Joke's on you, cause I did. I posted some vintage Pyrex for sale yesterday, I just didn't write about it here. Behold:
Vintage Pyrex and it's pretty pretty colors.... The first and last piece, the butter dish and the orange mixing bowl are both different variations of the Butterfly Gold patter, the white mixing bowl is part of the super mod Square Flowers variation of the Verde pattern and the turquoise divided casserole is from the Snowflake pattern, which was apparently recently seen on Mad Men. All of these pieces are available at the Bad White Trash Memories Esty Shop.

The next piece of Pyrex isn't a pretty color. Actually, it isn't even Pyrex. It's a Federal Glass Heat Proof casserole with an awesome black, white and gold leaf deco/mod design.

Available here.

And today, theme week continues with dresses! I posted three lovely bright fun summer dresses today.
Click the links to look at more photos, to buy or just to find out more information.

Tomorrow I have four plus size vintage dresses to share so stay tuned.

Theme days!

Okay, I've been so slack in listing items for sale (although not slack in shopping for items) that I now have a pretty substantial backlog of stuff to put up. Looking over the merchandise this weekend, it became pretty clear that the backlog could be divided up into several categories, which means THEME DAYS!

I love nothing more than a good theme. I'm the kind of person who has themed dinner parties. Well, I don't actually have them so much as plan them out in my head, but when I finally get around to making that mid-century nuclear Holocaust pot roast, you're all invited. There's going to be a JELLO mold that will blow your mind.

So, this week is going to break down like this:

Monday: Bags.
Tuesday: Vintage Pyrex.
Wednesday: Vintage Dresses.
Thursday: Plus-size Vintage Dresses.
Friday: Skirts.

According to my calendar, today is Monday, which means BAG DAY! I have several vintage bags going up for sale today, but two in particular that are so awesome that I must talk more about them.

The first is a retro bowling bag available here.

I picked up this bag at an estate sale. It was in the basement of a house full of fabulous stuff from the 50s and 60s, that was mostly overpriced. In the bag, there was a 20 pound bowling ball, a pair of blue suede ladies' Brunswick bowling shoes (watch for those to be for sale in the future), and a couple of pairs of dirty ladies' socks- the kind with the puffy little pink ball on the back of the ankle. I tried to negotiate for just the bag and shoes, but the seller required that I take all the contents and I was like "Sure, whatever." So, I left with the whole package, then took it home and laid everything out on my bed. I lovingly cleaned the bag, tried on the shoes (they are a 7.5 and I wear an 8), touched the sock puff and then forced myself to throw out the socks. I mean, they were charming, but keeping someone else's dirty socks is bordering on hoarder territory. The bag, I knew I would sell since I already have my own retro bowling bag in yellow that was a gift from my fabulous friend Sarah last year for my birthday. The shoes... I'll probably sell those too. I do need bowling shoes, but honestly, they are just a little to snug and I wouldn't want them to throw off my game. That's hysterical to you if you are in my bowling league and happen to be reading this. I'm looking at you, Norm.

So, then I was left with the ball. How to you dispose of a 20 pound bowling ball? Can you recycle them? No. I thought about just putting it in the trash, but I didn't want to inadvertently kill a sanitation worker. I mean, I don't know what they do with trash, but it's not too hard to imagine a scenario where some hard-working family man is moving refuse from one location, like maybe a dump truck, to another location, like maybe a landfill, and my bowling ball comes crashing through the Hefty bag, even if it's the kind that employs new Flex Force technology, and kills him. And I just couldn't live with that, so I set it in my closet, next to my awesome Madden Girl black knee boots with the buttons up the sides. And then it disappeared in the the Bermuda triangle which is the floor of an over-crowded closet.

Then I moved last weekend and took the ball, along with a red and green Christmas wreath with faux trumpets stolen by my former roommate from his parents' basement last holiday season, my VHS copy of Bram Stoker's Dracula, a glass vase, and some other stuff to Goodwill. Naturally, all the stuff was bagged up, except for that ball, which I just handed to the guy. I only mention the vase because last weekend, when I gave it to Goodwill, I literally thought, "Like anyone's ever going to give me flowers!" And then yesterday, my boyfriend gave me flowers. Awwww. :) They are in a drinking glass.

The second bag I'm going to talk about, I got at a church yard sale. Church yard sales are either hit or miss. Everyone knows old people have the best junk and old people are also seemingly really interested in church, probably because they are close to death and having issues with mortality. In any case, that would make a church yard sell seem like a can't miss, but for some reason that I can't really figure out, it seems like church yard sales are just a lot of broken toys and microwaves. Shrug. Before I go to a yard sale, any yard sale I do a drive by first. If I can see toys from the street, I don't go. It's a pretty hard a fast rule. Usually someone selling toys is not also going to have a C. Jere' sculpture that they don't understand the value of or a pill box hat, you know? But Sarah was with me this morning and she was lured in by a mid-century dining set that she saw from the road. So, we stopped and I found this purse.

I bought this purse for its condition. It's in almost perfect condition. The interior is pristine. The wool outside is spotless. The gold trim isn't rusty and worn. And I know why. It's because this was someone's fancy purse. It's the purse they never used because no occasion was ever good enough. Like my eggplant purple python Vera Wang shoes. I don't wear them. I've never worn them. This isn't the kind of purse that you casually toss on the floorboard of your car for your kid to eat crackers all over. It's a designer purse. It was made by Crown Lewis and it's so awesome and available here.

So, that's the best of what Bag Day has to offer. I'm also listing a hot pink little number and a burgundy clutch with an awesome lining.

Tomorrow, we take on Pyrex.

Days of Disco!

Etsy user Etcetorize featured my purse in her Days of Disco collection!

It's also featured on her blog.

Thanks, Tamara!

Heavy Metal

I liked posting a new item every day this week so much that I'm doing a bonus round today!

This is a small clutch in black and metallic shades. It basically changes color depending on how you look at it. The trim is gold and it's in really really good condition.

I don't remember where I got this purse. And the condition is so good that I actually questioned if it was even vintage, but it just screams late 70s/early 80s. Click here for more information.

Anchors Aweigh!

This is another dress that I would love to wear this summer but it's too small for me. It's a hand-made vintage sailor dress in seersucker. I mean, seriously? How could it be more adorable? Oh, I know. Square buttons!

I bought this dress at a yard sale last summer and put it in my purse box that I keep under my bed. Then, somehow, it became invisible. You know, sometimes you just stop seeing things. Then, yesterday, I was looking through the purse box and suddenly, there it was! Like I heard a little angel choir when I saw it.

Click here to make this dress your own little miracle!

Hare Krishna Blouse

Most of the items in my store come from the past, but not this blouse. I'm pretty sure it comes from the future. Specifically, it's what all the post-technical revolution Hare Krishnas are wearing

This is designer vintage, ya'll. It's designed by Linda Allard for Ellen Tracy, a line carried by Nordstrom in the 80s. It's 100% silk and my very most favorite thing about it is that it buttons down the back. It can be yours by clicking here.

So, like I promised, I've been posting a new item everyday. Tomorrow's is going to be awesome.

But in addition to posting, I've also been working on the social media for the store. You can see, over to the right here, links to the Bad White Trash Memories Facebook page and the Twitter feed. You can also "like" the store on Facebook, right here from this page. I've also set it up so that all my blog posts automatically post to Twitter and Facebook. Unfortunately, this is causing a few redundancy issues right now that I'm not quite sure how to resolve. But I'm thinking on it. So please be patient if you're getting over-notified about new items.

My plan is to use this blog for entries like this one that go into detail about new listed items and give information and updates about the store in general. I also plan to share stories of my adventures in hunting for merchandise. I'm planning to use twitter to live-tweet shopping trips and give short notices when a new blog is posted or a new item goes up for sale. Facebook will provide links to new merchandise and new blog entries, plus there's a virtual store on the Facebook page as well that allows you to browse items directly from Facebook.

Thanks for the love everyone has been giving me on Facebook. I'm so appreciative of the support that Bad White Trash Memories is receiving from my friends and from strangers. I get all tickled when someone I don't know "likes" my store.

Hare Krishna.

Kelly Green Vintage Wrap Skirt

Challenge Day 2!

Ok, this one was easy. Sure it's one of the adorable summer skirts I was talking about yesterday and trust me, I would love to wear this one. It's so unique with its pockets and wrap tie style, but it's a tinge too small. So, skinny girls, enjoy! I'll just be over here eating cookies. Nom Nom.

Click here to buy!

Please Pardon Our Progress

This is just a little test post to see if the automatic feeds I set up are working.

Etsy Personal Challenge Week!

This week (yes, I'm aware that it's already Tuesday) I have challenged myself to list a new item for sale at Bad White Trash Memories over on Etsy. I'm going to do this EVERY SINGLE DAY this week. For real. Well, except for yesterday. And maybe Saturday and Sunday.

Today's item is an awesome little white vintage clutch.

I'm so excited about this little purse because it's going to look awesome with my new (vintage) summer wardrobe I've been working on. Lately, I've been finding lots of quaint little housewife skirts in bright bold summer colors.

Oh wait. I'm selling this purse. And probably most of those skirts. You should buy them so that you can live out my summery hipster dreams. Go here to buy the purse.

Real Garage Sale

Kim Zolciak from Real Housewives is having a garage sale tomorrow. Designer kids clothes, shoes, furniture, toys & more. The corner of 141 & Wilson Rd in Duluth 10am to 3pm. Don't be tardy for the garage sale.

More Craigslist Goodies

Craigslist is killing me today! I could furnish my entire house for like under $1000. Unfortunately, I only have about $75 right now.

Please someone buy this stuff!

Retro Wood Coffee & 2 End/Side Tables (3pc Set) - $95 (Conyers)

3 Pcs. Retro Modern Bedroom Set $550.00 or Best Offer - $550 (Newnan Georgia)

Retro - office, sideboard / bookcase and drawers - $90

And this one is a budget blower, but gee whiz... all those Eames chairs. Still a good deal.

Mid-Century modern dining table & chairs - $2000 (Atlanta)

Everyone is doing it.

I've been putting off putting some of my clothes up for sale on eBay, but I've been inspired, once again in my life, by Oprah Winfrey. The same woman that told me that "you can't change anybody but yourself," is now selling her junk on eBay. Seems wise to me.

Click here to see what she's selling. The prices are ridiculous. Of course, she's giving the profits to needy kids or whatever. Any profits I make, will be pocketed.

Craigslist

On days like today, when I have nothing to do and have no money, I like to go window shopping on craigslist. Since I can't buy anything, I thought I'd share some of my finds with you guys
.


Retro/Vintage Chair

Glass top retro dining table and chairs

2 Blue Retro Chairs

All of these are good deals and would likely resell for more. Plus, those last two blue chairs would be adorable in my imaginary office.

Goodbye Hanging Orange Ashtray

The Savannah trip didn't turn out exactly as planned and I wasn't able to make it to any thrift stores.

I miss yard sale season and I can't wait for it to start up again. In the meantime, I'm going to try to hit up some stores in Forsyth County this weekend. The store really need some fresh goods, although it's stocked pretty well right now. There are a couple of dresses on there that I'm hoping don't sell so that I can wear them this summer and one that I still haven't listed, because, well, because I'm keeping it.

I seem to be shifting more into vintage clothing than housewares of late. Which is fine, but I need to come up with a better way of photographing it. I'm looking into getting a dress form or some such. I also need to get a new camera now that I am no longer with my husband, although I'm sure I can borrow his super nice semi-professional camera when I need it, but still I'd prefer to have my own.

I recently sold the hanging ashtray that, at least in my mind, had become a sort of symbol for the store. You can see it up in the banner at the top of the page. And here it is in full:

I picked up this ashtray at a flea market somewhere between Atlanta and Macon one weekend last September when my friend Sarah and I went flea-marketing down 75. After a long hot day searching for flea markets and wondering the aisles, we floated around in the pool for several hours that afternoon talking about boys and sex. We spent the night in Macon and after dinner, went to a little shit-kicker bar next to our hotel, where we were viewed as some sort of exotic species of woman, who drank cocktails, not beer and who wore shoes with heals.

The ashtray sold for $75 and could not have come at a better time. The buyer was a local and I met her daughter in Little Five Points to make the delivery. They were both happy with the purchase and I'm so glad. It was truly a unique piece in excellent condition and I was sorry to see it go.

On The Road

Wow. This blog is amazing. I want to be these guys when I grow up. I haven't seem American Pickers, but plan to check it out the next time it airs.

I recognize the need for me to get a regular 9-5 job with benefits now that I'm on my own, but clearly, my passion is vintage housewares. And clothes. And accessories, so while I'm still looking for a 9-5 and even after I land one, I'm really going to focus on growing this business for a while. Already, my profits cover my expenses, which is pretty remarkable for a new business. It's a good model and I have an eye for it. And it is my dream.

I need to work more on my marketing and building up my inventory more, although it's pretty respectable. I need to take better pictures of my merch. There's lots of stuff I need to do and I have the time right now, so what better time?

I'm headed off the Savannah this weekend and I'm going to try to hit some thrift stores while I'm down there.

I'll post my finds when I return on Tuesday.

Also, I've decided against the divorce blog. Bad idea.

Now, all I have to do tonight is decide if I want to watch the Jersey Shore Reunion or The Real Housewives of Orange County. Sophie's choice.

Twitter

You can now follow me on Twitter @badwhitetrash.

Blogity Blogity Blog Blog- New Direction

Ok, so this isn't my only blog. I know a lot of the people that read this blog also read what is basically my personal journal over on Live Journal. That's where all the real dirt is. You can also find lots of whining and nonsense over there. I started this blog to be my sort of "professional" blog, but I don't really know what it's amounted to. Certainly no income.

Mostly, this is my fault because I update it so rarely and my content over here is pretty weak, but since it is my "professional" blog, I have to keep things somewhat professional, which means that I just skim the surface of my personal life and try to keep my opinions as mum as possible, as not to alienate any potential empolyers. So, why does this blog even exist and what do I hope to accomplish with it?

Well, the name of this blog is also the name of my fabulous online vintage store, Bad White Trash Memories, and I've decided to use this blog as a way of expanding on what I do there.

That means that I'm going to be talking a lot about vintage housewares. I can almost feel the rush of people unbookmarking me. I'll also be sharing my adventures in yard saling and thrifting, etc.

But because I have this ridiculous need to share my personal life with the internet, I'm going to also be starting a new blog that chronicles my experience with divorce. This blog will be anonymous and not have my real name attached to it in any way, but if you'd like to read it, shoot me an email and I'll send you the link. Well, maybe I'll send it to you, depending on who you are, but if you only know me professionally, I won't be sharing that link with you since I plan on chronicling all the ins and outs of my (very) personal life there. The live journal ridiculousness will also continue, so those of you that read that blog can keep up with me there.

I'm just trying to give this thing direction. Trying to steer the ship a little better. Get hold of the reigns. Etc.

Short Fiction and Burlesque

Last night, my friend Leah and I attended Creative Loafing's Fiction Contest Party at Eyedrum. The theme of this year's contest was "slip" which resulted in three finalists, with stories tackling cross-dressing, the disintegration of a relationship and the death of a parent. The cross-dressing story won the contest, and it was, definitely, the best of the three, but unfortunately, it also inspired a burlesque theme for the party, which resulted in four awkward performances, including at least one wardrobe malfunction leading to nipple exposure.

But one thing I did learn (I've seen nipples before) is that short fiction is where it's at. I've long since fancied myself a writer and after having moderate (okay, fine, semi-moderate) success with poetry, I moved on to novels and I am proud to have no less than four incomplete novels under my belt. But I just can't finish them. I don't have the patience and my desire to write poetry left with the angst of youth. But there's this whole intermediate genre out there that I've completely neglected. And I don't even know how this is possible since I love Flannery O'Connor so much.

Tonight, I'm off to my friend, artist Amanda Dumas-Hernandez's, closing reception of her "Blessings and Curses" exhibit at Studioplex on Auburn Ave.

Tomorrow, I'm taking my niece for a tour of Kennesaw State and then going out to dinner with my friend Wendy. Saturday and Sunday I'm working for the man.

It's a good life. Busy. But also lonely. This song seems to be stuck in my head a lot.



And speaking of Jill Andrews, I'll be seeing her February 4 at Eddie's Attic.