What I treasure most when I meet another mother is how her face lights up when she talks about her kids. I want to immerse in it like a pool of magic potion. I don't know what is better, to be a mother who is completely in awe with her children or to be a child completely loved by my mother. Both have no speck of blemish and I was touched by this pure and natural love story, it created commotion in my heart right then and there. I settled with a sigh of contentment and reminded myself to be both, always the best mother I can be and be the best daughter possible. What caused this frenzy inside of me was a visit to my new and soon to be life long friend (if she'll let me) and the best kept secret in Glencoe, Kathy and her "Vintage Swank".
When I asked Kathy about her children, her answers steadily flow with happiness and triumph. I was so consume with their talents and passions, that I could of just blogged about their lives. From the stories she shared, these kids who grew up on the same playground as the one my kids are playing on now have become dynamic young adults. I want her smile to be the one I aspire to. Her youngest and only son Joe, is finishing up barber school in the city. I mean, how cool is that? There is a picture of him on the wall in his room, a young Jimmy Dean? A man born in the early 90s, but transported from a different era - the picture vibrates "old soul". It's gets you - you paused to think "is he famous, did he write an amazing screen play, record a hit song from his backyard". Her love for her children easily layers into her love for vintage items.
As an inspiration from her son, she's collected men's vintage grooming products and displays them in the clear open living space. Now, a empty nester and long-time single mom, this house still represents the children who grew up here. The harmony of both, what use to be and what is now, yelps "we are many people, but we are one".
Kathy has been collecting, buying and selling for 10 years now. She searches high and low for what she loves. She saids there has to be an "integrity piece" in purchasing these items. Clearly, that's the common denominator when it comes to collecting. If you love it, it will work - it's how these talented women bound these found objects from different eras, scopes of life and purpose, together. The taste is consistent and these treasures share the same elements - eclectic, some call it. Brilliantly compose, I say.
To ask this, almost always guarantee a pause in a conversation, "what is your favorite piece?" It may be a novice question to ask, but I want to know. Kathy pointed out this Greyhound laying low in her living room. She found this at the nearby Winnetka Antique show. It is originally from a Greyhound bus from the 1950s. What a treasured and best friend to have around.
Kathy's style has evolve over time. When she was married, she lived in a very traditional home with traditional things and when she got divorced, she shed her layers. The first thing she did with her style evolution was slap leopard printed carpet on her stairs. It's the first thing you see when you walk in and I even asked her, "Do you ever throw parties here?" A perfect venue for a girl's night out not far away from home.
One of Kathy's advice when starting to collect items for your home is "to bring a new item in and arrange it with what you have". Another good pointer is that "you never find what you are looking for", so "don't be afraid to mix it up". Know that it "takes time".
"It doesn't have to work for you to work with it" she adds. This part of her home is a true testament to this philosophy. Take a look at the disco ball hanging from the ceiling matched with the white organic-like puff accenting the heavy renaissance wood. Now look at the rest of the elements: chipped white paint of the framed mirror, texture and color of the pillows, leopard print rug - it works, but you would of never imagine it would.
Here's the perfect reflection of a woman being true to herself. She bought home this polished sculpture of a dog that she loves. Here he sits guarding her fireplace - she adds warmth by adding a roughed up plaque and delicacy of an angel wing and glistened it with a jar of marbles. Done and done.
A collection typically starts with discovering one piece and an urge to add more streams along. Kathy's main obsession is anything "Hollywood Glam" like these portraits of women throughout her home. People might feel uncanny to display portraits of someone they don't know. I find the concept quite alluring - it gives me a reason to make up a story. Don't feel incline to just showcase who you know. The not knowing is captivating.
Another advice she gives is to "not plan for so much", when you are collecting. Mix high end finds with more moderately price pieces. If you don't care about imperfections, the heart aches will be less and less and you'll learn to appreciate these pieces even more.
Here's a picture of one of her daughters' room, Rachel. Rachel lives in New York City and is an assistant to a Fashion stylist (can we say dream job?). She writes her own blog: http://thingsilikerightnow.blogspot.com/ . I checked it out and the apple does not fall far from the tree. She's a genius, you don't just teach yourself a good eye - you're born with it. Must be a trait she inherited from her own mother.
In Rachel's room, you'll find these lovely pink flamingos - so out touch, but so perfect. So sweet and darling, yet sassy. Who would of thought?
Her younger daughter, Becca is at the University of Arizona studying Phlebotomy. Her room has been transformed into Kathy's business "Vintage Swank". In her own home, Kathy sells vintage pieces she's collected over the years. She's done all the hard work for you and right here in Glencoe, you have your very own vintage shop. If you are an avid collector, you know the biggest downfall is the time it takes to find something unique and the process of getting it home. She eliminates both those for you. If you're new to this, her home is the place to start. It's inviting and she'll guide you through the art of collecting. You'll find something that speaks to you (trust me, there's are many) and you can start your adventure from here on out. The plus side, (my own plug) you can buy a whole vignette because her work and talent has compose all these finds to be completely intended.
Not only does she sell items, you can consign her to find pieces for you. My personal advice with my own noted journey, when you know someone who has the "ins" with the dealers, chances are you and me being an "out" will have better luck with Kathy, our gal for the task. Typically, a trusted friend in the "community" will get first dibs and negotiate better deals - only in return will help you and me on our endless and exhausting mission.
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