Vintage at Home--5 Great Pieces to Add Character and Style

 

Vintage is a trend that doesn't seem to be going anywhere and I am not even sure if I would refer to it as a trend.  Vintage clothing has been a red carpet darling for some time now and in the less glamorous side of the closet it has been embraced my hipsters wanting to save money and the planet at the same time.  Mackelmore's hit song "Thrift Shop" had many people thinking of vintage and thrift store finds with a fresh new perspective.  But there is also vintage style for your home and the same way a vintage bag or coat might add affordable punch to your wardrobe, a great mirror or side table can do the same thing for your home. 

We've all been to some one's place but it looked as if the furniture store truck had just unloaded moments before you rang the doorbell.  Is that wrong?  Maybe not.  Does it sync up with the character of the people that live there?  Well maybe not in a good way.  So how can you use vintage pieces in your home and it not look like your grandparents?  Think of vintage pieces as accessories or punctuation in a sentence.  Properly placed and used, the sentence says what you want it to say.  Left out, not so much.  So where do you start with vintage pieces to give your home character and style?  With the help of Chris Clement, co-owner with John Bell of Sweet Home--Clement a vintage store in the SoMa neighborhood of Little Rock, Arkansas, we've identified 5 pieces that can give your home vintage character.  They are more easy to find, don't have to break the bank, and are even in different styles to fit your taste. 

1.  Globes

Globes are great pieces to work into your home decor.  They look great on top of an armoire or cabinet, even in a kitchen above your cabinets if that space is there.  They are colorful and add interest.  All of us have memories associated with them from school and learning the countries of the world.  One great thing is that they are not expensive and are fairly easy to find.  The older they are or more elaborate of course that can increase the price.  Look for ones where the names of countries such as Russia, formerly the USSR, can give you some idea of how old it is. 
African countries' names have changed since the 1950's and can help in dating your finds.

I love this smaller one with the red base which would be great in an area you use as a library.  So there are different sizes and they look great in a collection together.

This a great one and has a very interesting frame.

 

 



2.  Mirrors

One of the pieces that always catch my eye when I am shopping for vintage pieces are mirrors.  The variety is pretty much endless and whatever your style you can find ones that fit it just perfectly.  Mirrors are a great focal point in a room if they are in a grouping or even by themselves.  I love using a great mirror in a bathroom instead of the typical mirrors you find above a vanity.  They have a broad range in price and if you want a hand carved one or a gilt one be prepared to pay more, but there are older gesso ones that are incredible and won't cost you so much. 

From the 30's, this rectangular Federal style mirror is a fresh change from the round bulls eye variety.

This one is gilt wood and would look great in almost any décor.

Shell mirrors are great decorative items.  Clement pointed out "some were more craft projects and some were made by artisans in resort areas."  They are very popular with people decorating beach homes but also look great in more European settings.

3.  Vintage amateur paintings

I love these!  You can really find some great great art out there that was done by an amateur once upon a time.    You are unlikely to find a lost Renoir and more likely to find a piece by someone's aunt that took a class or a local artist that was well liked but never really famous.  To me it is the sincerity of them that I like.  And the prices aren't bad either.  They come in a huge range of styles and motifs but my personal favorites are landscapes. 

This one is such a great piece and has a California feel to it.

This one is great with nice muted tones.

This one is small enough to add some punch to a bar area or a bookcase.

And then there are pieces that are very modern and full of really great color.

 

 

4.  Lamps

 

 



There are tons of lamps and bases that you can find all over the place.  One great thing about them is that they are well made.  Also they can be very affordable so you don't have to feel bad if you want to paint the base or take liberties with them.  Many times they are missing their shades but think of that as an opportunity to put your own twist on them, making them very custom. "I would find a good lamp shop to help you with wiring and to give you suggestions on finding a new shade that will work well with the base." says Clement.

These are a great pair of onyx vintage lamp bases that just need a great shade.

Love this one mid-century Italian lamp.  A very similar one was feature in the tv show Mad Men.

This one, which is one of my favorites at the shop, is a Frederick Cooper lamp and is very unique.

With a classic shape, this lamp would pretty much work anywhere.

This lamp would be a great floor lamp with a large shade on it and could go very contemporary or traditional. 

5.  Side tables

 

Side tables are so easy to find and in a variety of sizes and styles.  They are a better alternative to new pieces because they are often more well made and more affordable.  You can use them beside a sofa or chair, a bed, in a bathroom, or even an office.  This one above, a vintage acrylic table has the benefit of giving you usable surface space without the visual impact of a solid table. 

This handmade riveted copper cube would make an incredible table beside a sofa or could even be used as a cocktail table in front of one.

I thought this one is really great and just needs a top.  You could use glass, marble, or even a large tray.

This one from the 60's would look great between a pair of chairs even if they were more traditional.

Nesting tables are also a great functional and decorative piece.

 

 

 

I love vintage and hope that this piece will encourage you to go out there and find things that can give your home style.  If you were not interested in vintage before I hope you might be willing to give it a try now.  Also with vintage pieces you can think outside the box and use them for a different purpose than they were intended for.  Another great thing is that these pieces are virtually one of a kind in that you are not likely to find another one like it. 

 

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  All of these images are courtesy of Brian Kelley/Imagine Photography/Brian's Style Guide and are protected by copyright law. None of these images may be used, edited, reproduced, transferred, published or distributed in any form or by any means whatsoever without prior written permission.





The 5 Core Shoes for Your Wardrobe



It's no secret that I love shoes.   I would say that in the past I bought what attracted my attention and even better if it was on sale.  That is to say that I bought shoes with no rhyme or reason and had a collection of shoes that didn't always work well with my wardrobe.  Or at least as I began to expand my wardrobe I found holes in my shoe collection.  What works for me is that if my wardrobe and my shoes are a collection of items that are basics that go well with each other, accentuated with pieces that are more statement pieces, then I have a pretty much endless combination of looks.  If you have an endless budget then you can buy many pieces that are stand alone pieces and work them into a look down the line.  Or you can buy outfits where the pieces work well together but don't really go with other things.  For me I haven't won the lottery so I focus on buying good quality key pieces that work together and give me options.  When I buy a piece I think about how it will work with what I already have and what looks it will give me that I don't currently have.  If it doesn't give me multiple new options, even if it is on sale, then it goes back on the rack. 

I use the same thought process now with shoes.  Not that long ago I had a good friend who's advice and taste I trusted go through my closet and help me purge items that needed to go, help show me what worked with what and in combinations that I hadn't put together, and to identify holes in my wardrobe and what key pieces I could focus on.  If you have never worked with a stylist or wardrobe consultant don't think they are only for the wealthy or famous.  Many stores offer that service, you just have to find someone that understands you and knows where you want to be stylistically.  For me I was fortunate to have my dear friend Jon Stone at The Independent, Little Rock help get me back on my sartorial track.  And what's an added bonus, it actually saves you money.  If you run around buying things that don't work whether they are on sale or just not you and they end up never being worn then you've wasted money. 

I want this piece to help you see where to go from where you are now, identify shoes that will give your wardrobe bang for your buck, or if you want to just start from scratch you can have a road map of how to get there.  So here are what I consider your building block shoes, your core pieces, or your bone structure of your collection.  I say this because I have found it to be true in my wardrobe.  I'll put them in order of what I would buy first if I was doing it all over again and why. 

A black loafer.  There are many variations on the black loafer...penny loafer, plain slip on loafer, chunky, sleek, tasseled, etc.  For me I wanted a simple penny loafer but not your Bass ones but ones with an Italian flair.  This is where personal taste comes in and maybe there are some "right or wrong" choices to an extent it really comes down t but you need a black loafer.  You can wear them with pretty much any suit, jean, chinos, or trouser.  They are the little black dress of the shoe department.  I opted for a black Salvatore Ferragamo loafer that is as comfortable as it is stylish.  Also Ferragamo puts their shoes on sale twice a year, in June and in December.  So on sale and fills a hole in the wardrobe?  Yes please!

Another good shoe to have is a great brown lace up.  There are endless options here too and it comes down to personal taste.  If you can have several, then of course by all means do.  But if you had to start with one I would pick something classic for sure.  Perhaps a wingtip which can work with suits to jeans to chinos.  I had bought my Johnston & Murphy wingtips to go with a suit.  Later I added a pair of dark brown lace ups from Scarpe di Bianco.  The di Biancos being so dark give me the versatility of going from daytime to nighttime where a black shoe is usually preferred. 

Another key shoe to have and one that is extremely versatile is a brown suede loafer.  These can vary from a penny loafer to a horse bit loafer or even a driving moc, but for me I wanted a chocolate brown suede horse bit loafer.  Classically cool and goes with anything from denim (light, dark, or even white) to nice grey slacks, navy trousers, and of course chinos.  There are tons of them on the market but for a combination of style, comfort, and just plain great looks I was happy to find my Salvatore Ferragamos.  My best endorsement for them was that the first time I wore them I ended up being in them for about 10 hours and without a blister or a blemish on my foot.  That was also without socks, but I did have washable insoles in them which I always suggest doing with loafers.

 

 

I also want to suggest a chukka boot.  Now chukka boots may have come from WWII boots the British soldiers wore in the desert campaigns in Africa but today's chukka boots are much more sophisticated that combat boots.  They come in leather and suede in just about any color you can imagine.  While there are occasions for them all I feel the suede ones are a good choice and can give your feet a boost from early fall all the way to the first days of spring.  Suede chukkas can be dressed up or down and pair with suits to jeans.  I have them in brown, dark navy, and tangerine.  I opted to show my tangerine pair which are from Donald J. Pliner and are extremely comfortable. 

 

 

 

The next pair of shoes I want to talk about are monk strap slip on shoes.  Probably for the sake of versatility a brown pair would work better in most wardrobes.  They come in single and double strap versions and can be quite simple or can have wingtip detailing.  Anything you would wear brown lace ups with you could wear the monk straps with, but the monk straps look even more at home with more casual attire.  I do not have a pair in my wardrobe yet but I am looking for the perfect pair, which of course may take some time but that is ok.  The ones I photographed are from Scarpe di Bianco and were borrowed from my friends at The Independent, Little Rock.

 

 

Ok so those are the key 5 shoes to have but there are SO many more that can round out a shoe wardrobe.  It's great to have a good pair of boots that can handle the rain or slush or just look great while you knock around town.  Endless options and style choices but I opted to show these pair of black ones I got from Banana Republic.  I wear them with denim or even trousers.

 

I also love a good pair of driving mocs and again the style choices are endless but a nice pair of brown leather ones will give you tons of options with denim, chinos, and shorts.  These are also from Banana Republic. 

Now how would you live without a pair of sneakers?  Yes you can opt for Nike Air Jordans if that is your style but for me I like to keep it classic with a pair of white leather Converse Chucks.  These are the slim versions that also come in black leather, which I also have.  I am not as big a fan of wearing them with chinos although they do work that way, so I keep them to denim and shorts.

If you have the basics down and want to branch out to more statement pieces that you might not wear as often but can really give your wardrobe some punch, then color is the way to go.  Here is a pair of red Calvin Klein driving mocs and some blue suede oxfords from JD Fisk.  I get loads of compliments on them but because they draw attention I keep their appearances down a bit.  Actually these shoes have been in my closet from when I was buying without a road map but I am damn glad I have them. 

 

A more recent addition are these suede Gucci loafers that I couldn't pass up even though they weren't on my list of shoes I "needed."  However, they are a great example of a shoe that might not go with everything but the things they do go with yield a great combination. 

So there you have it, a what shoe to buy if you don't have it already list.  Or maybe it gave you some ideas of what to wear with them if you already have them.  Don't think you have to go with high end brands but I would always encourage guys to buy the best quality shoe they can afford, especially in the core 5 shoes.  With the statement pieces it is ok to go for a look without spending a good bit because those shoes are worn less and are more for fun.  But a quality shoe does speak for itself, lasts longer, is more comfortable, and the quality is recognized by men and women.  So if you want to put your best foot forward whether it be in business or in the dating world, make sure your feet are clad in something you can be proud of. 

So for a review here are the key 5 shoes, 7 shoes, or 9 shoes to have or start with.  From there the sky is the limit.  And check out the Brian's Style Guide page on Facebook for more style tips and inspiration!

 

All of these images are courtesy of Brian Kelley/Imagine Photography/Brian's Style Guide and are protected by copyright law. None of these images may be used, edited, reproduced, transferred, published or distributed in any form or by any means whatsoever without prior written permission.

 



 



My Spanish Stew Recipe in At Home In Arkansas

Some time ago I was contacted by Chip Jones, Editor-in-Chief at At Home In Arkansas, to do a recipe for the magazine.  It would be featured in the Jan-Feb issue and they wanted it to be seasonal and a stew dish.  I tried a few options but decided that for something that would photograph well, be easy to prepare, and delicious that I would choose my recipe for Spanish stew.  This recipe was one we loved growing up and that Mom always prepared so well.  I made the change of adding carrots to it and cooked it in a Dutch oven instead of a crock-pot but this dish is pure Mom.  We all have memories associated with food and certain dishes take us right back to a certain place and time, or a special person.  I have never been fond of pretense and simple dishes done well speak more to me than something with 100 ingredients that is more about showing off than nourishing your soul.  I feel that same way about most things whether it is what you wear, how you decorate your home, or how you live your life. 

So once the recipe was selected it was time for the day of the shoot.  I was super excited that my neighbor and local photographer Nancy Nolan would be shooting the dish at her studio.  When I got there it was time to get the stew on the stove and piping hot.  In no time the whole place was filled with the aromas of the stew.  Now the shoot was not a rush job at all as we took our time to make it right and in the process we worked up an appetite so the stew was a welcome treat.

I enjoyed watching Nancy work...getting the camera and everything all set up.

We went through a variety of props before settling on the right bowl.

I was in heaven since Nancy's studio also has a very nice kitchen to work in!  The light is magical.

Nancy working on giving a preview of the finished image.

I hope that you will pick up a copy of At Home In Arkansas and check out the recipe and all the other wonderful pieces they have!  You can also check out a digital edition on their site and on their blog.  Can you tell I want to make sure you check out my recipe?  LOL  I am even going to not put it here so you can see it in all its At Home glory.  They know how to do it right don't they?  Thank you Nancy Nolan for making my stew look so good and thank you Chip Jones for your friendship and always being there. 

All of these images are courtesy of Brian Kelley/Imagine Photography/Brian's Style Guide and are protected by copyright law. None of these images may be used, edited, reproduced, transferred, published or distributed in any form or by any means whatsoever without prior written permission.