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Through the years I've developed a love for jewelry.  Don't worry, I'm not driving my husband to the poor house.  Fine gems really aren't my thing.

But oh vintage jewelry, how i love thee.

So beautiful and sparkly, right?  We have so many similar sparkly and beautiful pieces in the store.

This past weekend I borrowed some necklaces to wear while I worked and now I think I may have to take them home with me.   This whole “borrowing jewelry while you work” thing could pose a very big problem, or just lead to a very large collection of vintage necklaces which wouldn't be half bad.  We have loads more than I've pictured here so come on in this weekend and check 'em out.

Cheers to a vintage life well lived.

Jessica and Julie

(First 3 images via pinterest)

If you're not in the area, let me be the first to inform you that it sure is hot in our neck of the woods.  Now please don't misunderstand me – I'd rather be sweatin' to the oldies than freezing cold.  But the heat has really made it next to impossible to paint any furniture.  Fear not.  We always manage to dig up some “new” vintage stuff to bring into the store each and every week.  And this week we're even putting some of it “ON SALE”!!

You know it!!!  Thursday, Friday and Saturday is the Glen Ellyn Sidewalk Sale, so come on down.  I don't have any pretty pictures to share since we're busy getting stuff ready, but believe you me, we will have loads and loads of items out on the sidewalk “ON SALE”.  I'm not sure why I keep using “quotation marks”, but who really cares when there's a “SALE” going on:)

So, don't let a little heat get in the way.  Things don't last long around here so don't delay.

As always, cheers to a vintage life well lived!

Jessica and Julie

I love it when I come across a clever little idea for how to use the most basic item.

How fantastically cute and clever, don't you think.  I mean, I'm certainly familiar with the whole stacking of vintage suitcases to create a small nightstand/side table thing, but this one has actual legs on it, which makes it so functional and cool.

I still do love this classic look.

The mirrored tray (or just pain mirror) on top makes it so functional.  And those beautiful suitcases are to die for.  But these just look so fresh and modern yet classic.

We have loads and loads of vintage suitcases in the store, so come take a look!  I'm picturing the blue one above in my sons room;)

Cheers to a vintage life well lived.

Jessica and Julie

(All images via Pinterest)

I wanted to share a quick “Before & After” before I sign off for the weekend.

If you could see this piece in person you would understand why it desperately needed a paint job.

Did you notice the faux stone painted in the bottom shelf. I’m sure this worked wonderfully in someones house, I just wasn't feeling it. So a paint job it got.

The wonders of paint never cease to amaze me.
Have a fantastic weekend dear readers!

Cheers to a vintage life well lived.
Jessica and Julie

Lately, I have been so inspired by color.  Red, Green, Orange, Yellow, Blue and every color in between.  Before I begin painting any piece of furniture I’m always a bit of a sceptic…wondering if it will turn out as good as planned.  Well, I have to say that every single time a piece is completed I’m pretty impressed with how amazing it looks.  This week is dedicated to Orange and Red.

So what do you think??  This color combination is pretty invigorating, isn’t it?!  Makes me want to paint some furniture.  The next table that crosses my path just might end up one of these colors.  That would be a good thing. Every room needs a little bit of spice.  If your room needs that bit of spice, Gather and Collect has you covered.  Color is our middle name.

So, what colors inspire you?

Cheers to a vintage life full of color!

Jessica and Julie

(All images via Pinterest)

Yes, you read the title right and no, I'm not trying to be cool like that. If you've ever been to New Buffalo, MI then you know what I'm speaking of. Da Barn is one of the coolest vintage shops I have ever been to, hands down. Well, aside from our little shop, of course;).
I've spent nearly every summer/fall weekend in the area for the past 11 years and for some reason this past weekend was the first time I stepped into this place of awesomeness.
Unfortunately the prices were a bit higher than I'd like so I left empty handed. BUT, I left filled with inspiration.

I was utterly amazed by the beautiful organization and styling of this place. The owner is most definitely not only a great curator of all things vintage, but he also has a keen eye for design, which I definitely appreciate.
So, if your in the New Buffalo area this summer for a visit to the beach, stop by this shop for a visit. You won't be disappointed.

Let us know if there are any amazing vintage shops in the area that you think we should visit. Inspiration is everywhere!

Cheers to a vintage life well lived.
Jessica and Julie

I came across the cutest home tour that I completely appreciate.  If you've been to our store, you'll understand why.  And if you haven't and you're local, well that's just a shame;)

I'm more of a gatherer, not so much of a collector.  The clutter of a collection seems to unfortunately get the best of me.  I say unfortunately because I really want to be a collector of many things such as pottery, glassware, etc…it just doesn't seem to work out.  BUT, I have found new collection inspiration that i may be able to deal with (hint: last photo).  I seem to be alright with collections on walls (hence my growing gallery walls), so this just might work:)

(For a full home tour, click here)

What do you like to gather and collect???

Cheers to a vintage life well lived.

Jessica and Julie

I am a complete sucker for a beautiful piece of vintage art.  Nothing high end, in fact, just the opposite.  I love the lost, no-longer-appreciated art of the world.  The stuff people sell for a few bucks at local garage sales.  Everything from florals, pencil drawings, scenic watercolors, and paint by numbers.  I love them all and have a nice collection of most of the aforementioned in my own home.  Some pieces stay for a while, while others tend to move around the house.

Here's a few inspiration photos including vintage art to make a space feel cozier and more lived in:

(All images are via my pinterest)

Notice how most of the above images are gallery walls.  I guess you could say I'm sort of obsessed with large groupings of vintage artwork as well.  Which is why having a store filled with vintage art is a dream come true.  Here's a taste of what's in the store:

Come on in and start creating your own gallery wall.

Cheers to a vintage life well lived.

Jessica and Julie

Today I feel inspired by yellow and green.  So fresh, crisp and young feeling.  Take a look…

I mean really, wouldn't you agree.  We have lots of color in the store for you, but today I was in a yellow and green kind of mood.  Who knows what tomorrow may bring…

Cheer to a vintage life well lived.
Jessica and Julie