What I Bought At The Round Top Antiques Market (and a few other places too)!

April 7, 2017

Happy Friday friends. As you read this the hubs and I are headed back to Atlanta with my mom in tow. She’ll be visiting us for a week or so before heading back to Oklahoma.

I wish you could see our car….it’s loaded to the gills with luggage and the vintage finds I picked up at the Round Top Antiques Market and beyond. If you’re wondering what I mean by beyond, here’s the scope. In addition to shopping Round Top, my travel buddies and I, Marsha, Wanda and Sherry also stopped at antique stores, flea markets and Goodwill stores during our road trip. It was a thrifters dream.

Before I show you some of what I purchased, I wanted to share a bit more about our trip.

We left Dallas at 6:30 am on Saturday morning and made the trek to Round Top. Dallas to Round Top is a 3 hour drive so we had time to chat and plan our shopping strategy for the day.

Once we made it to Round Top we spent the day shopping then drove to Saledo, TX where we were staying the night. We stayed at the Inn On The Creek which is an adorable bed and breakfast. I share more about the inn next week but here’s a little glimpse of this charming spot.

On Sunday morning we left Saledo and headed to Waco for more shopping and finally made our way back to Dallas last Sunday evening.

Two days….lots of shopping and a whole lot of fun!

Now let’s get to the really fun stuff…what I bought.

If you remember from my previous posts, I had a list of items I was shopping for including ironstone, blue and white pottery, old design books and vintage jewelry. Although I wasn’t able to find everything on my list, I did find some plus a few things I didn’t have on my list.

WHAT I BOUGHT IN AND AROUND THE ROUND TOP ANTIQUES MARKET…

I had pretty good luck in the ironstone category. I found this pretty ironstone pitcher at a thrift store in Waco and it is in great condition.

I’ve sold several ironstone gravy boats/creamers in my Etsy store recently and was hoping to find some new pieces to add to the shop. This one has a pretty leaf and vine design on it and it was only $5.00.

This 3-piece English ironstone sugar/creamer set was a great find at a Goodwill we stopped at. And you won’t believe the prices–$5.49 for all three pieces.

I found this large ironstone bowl at Round Top and love the softly scalloped edge. It’s a great bowl for fruit or serving salads or pasta.

Another Goodwill score was a set of Federalist Ironstone cups and saucers. I’ve never come across this brand of ironstone before but couldn’t pass up the set which was priced at $5.49.

There were two of these blue and white gravy boats but one had a chip so I only bought the one. And it was less than $6.00!

My friend Marsha grabbed this blue and white vase but offered it up to me. #goodfriendssharetheirthriftingfinds

I found these blue and white bread plates at another thrift store for just $1.99 each. They are English transferware from Lochs of Scotland.

One of the booths I stumbled upon a t Round Top had bins of vintage lace for $1.00 per bundle. You know I had to add a few to my collection.

I was excited to come across a dealer at Round Top that was selling design books for 50% off the marked price. The books I purchased, were published between 1993 and 2008 and cost $6.00 each.

I spotted this beautiful silver-plated bowl in an antique store in Waco but it didn’t have a price tag on it. When I took it up to the counter to check the price I was expecting them to say something like $48. I was surprised and thrilled that it was only $12! #winning

One of my favorite finds was this cute elephant planter/vase. There were people around me when I spotted it so I played it cool and grabbed it when they weren’t looking.

Thrifting tip: be ruthless in the pursuit of a unique treasures

This cute plaid ice bucket and glass set (6 glasses) was a find at an antique store outside Ft. Worth. What a fun set for someone to use for summer entertaining.

These are just a few of the items I purchased on the trip. I’m coming home with tree boxes full of goodies, most of which I’m planning on putting my Etsy shop. I’ll be sure to let you know when the items are available. If you see something you’re interested in, just leave me a comment and I’ll email you the price.

Before I sign off, I did want to share an unexpected find.

Last night we stopped by my cousins’ house. I’ve been in her house many times but didn’t realized she was a blue and white collector. She has some beautiful vases, ginger jars and a full set of Blue Willow Dinnerware. When I spotted it, I commented how I’ve been looking for Blue Willow chins. Then she said something I didn’t expect…she said I could have it.

I’m happy to say that I am now a proud owner of a full set of Churchill Blue Willow dinnerware.

As I pointed out in yesterday’s blog post, it pays to go off the beaten path when antique shopping in and around Round Top.

Until next time…

5 Tips For Shopping Round Top Antique Market {and a few gems I spotted}

April 6, 2017

If you’ve been following me on Instagram you know I was at the Round Top Antiques Market last week. And boy was it a blast.

I know you’re dying to see what I purchased but that will have to wait until tomorrow. I’ll show you what I bought along with more highlights from my trip.

Today I want to share some tips I have for shopping the mega Round Top market in case you ever want to attend.

If you’re never been to the Round Top before let me give you a few market stats…

The Round Top Antiques Market has been going on for 20+ years.
The show originally started in a single barn facility and now spans miles and miles over several towns.
The population of Round Top is just 99 but during the market season the number of people in town swells in to the 1000’s.
There are over 350 dealers at Round Top (actually, it feels like more than that).
Dealers comes from all across the US and the world. And some dealers even bring containers full of European goods to sell.
Several venues charge a fee to get in (usually $10 or less) but the majority of shopping sites are free. Parking is free in most cases as well.
The market is set up to accommodate cars, vans, trailers and even small trucks and buses.
Shipping services are available if you happen to find a furniture piece that won’t fit in the back of your car 🙂
Lots of the items are Round Top are EXPENSIVE but don’t let that scare you off because there are tons of affordable items too. There really is something for everyone.

SHOPPING ROUND TOP ANITQUES MARKET

#1. Plan To Spend Multiple Days Shopping. There are two major Round Top Antiques Market shows each year, one in spring and one in the fall. Each show last 5 days with many of the vendors actually setting up shop and selling a week or two before the official opening date.

The show spans over several miles with venues set up all along the main route and off the side roads.

Because the number of dealers is so large, the range of items that you’ll find for sale is beyond the imagination. There is literally something for everyone and items are every price-point.

In order to see all that Round Top has to offer, you need to plan for 2 to 3 days of shopping. Map out the areas you want to visit ahead of time based on the kinds of items you’re shopping for.

#2. Know What You’re Looking For. Everyone that attends Round Top has their own shopping list in mind. While many people are looking for large furniture pieces others like me are looking for smaller collectibles.

To keep me focused on what I’m shopping for, I’ve found it helpful to make a visual shopping list with photos.

When you make your shopping list, take time to study the types of items you’re looking for. If you’re a real collector, you want to know the real thing from a reproduction. And even though many of the dealers are selling authentic vintage and antique items you will run across reproductions, found objects and even a few ‘garage sale’ type finds.

#3. Wheel and Deal. If you’re not a natural born negotiator, make sure you have someone with’you that is. Like all flea markets and antique shops, the dealers are ready and prepared to negotiate price. So as not to offend a seller, you always want to ask for a better price in a polite way. I’ve found that asking the question, “what’s the best price you can do” always gets some type of discount. If the price still isn’t what you want to pay, throw out a price and see if the dealer bites.

Tip: If you see multiple items at one dealer that you are interested in, ask the dealer what discount they could offer if you purchased them all. Typically dealers will knock 10% to 20% off the price.

#4. Go Off The Beaten Path. One of the things we discovered last year headed to Round Top is that there are lots of great antique shops in the small towns outside the main market area. Most of the shops had a great selection of small items like collectibles, tabletop items and small furniture pieces. And the prices were more reasonable than the what you find at Round Top.

** Favorite local shop: Whistle Stop Antiques in Giddings, Texas

#5. Plan To Have Lots Of Fun. There is a lot to see and do in Round Top so a fun time is guaranteed. In addition to shopping, make sure to visit the ‘city center’ where Royers restaurant and pie shop are located. And keep you camera handy to snap photos of the beautiful farmhouses and churches as you pass through the city.

I’m already looking forward to attending Round Top again next year because there’s still so much to see and experience.

all images by ConfettiStyle

Favorites Of The Week {Spring Inspiration}

April 1, 2017

Happy weekend! Here’s my favorite links from the week.

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FAVORITE POSTS

How to find you niche and get paid for it.

These just might be the cutest garden markers I’ve ever seen.

Now this is a bathroom makeover! #gorgeous

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FAVORITE PINS

The wallpaper and mirror in this bathroom are just stunning.

How stinking’ cute and creative is this spring door arrangement?!

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FAVORITE PRODUCTS

I need these monogrammed gift tags in my life STAT!!! And these and these.

The pattern and colors on this geometric clutch are so fun.

This might be my new favorite spring candle. The White Camellia scent is heavenly!

I’ll see you back here next week. Until then, have an amazing weekend!

My Round Top Antiques Market Shopping List

March 30, 2017

If all goes according to plan I’ll be shopping up at storm at the Round Top Antiques Market in just a few days.

I attended Round Top for the first time last year. Even though I had an idea of what I hoped to find, the magnitude of the show (and the cold weather) stopped me from doing my best shopping. This year it’s going to be a different story. The weather is going to be warm, I’ve been brushing up on my vintage shopping skills and I’ve got a LIST!

Over the years I’ve found that shopping with a list when I go to a flea market or antique store keeps me focused and yields better results. So when I hit Round Top this year not only will I be shopping with a written list but I’ll also have photos to serve as inspiration. Want a peek at what’s on my shopping list…check it out below.

Since I love all things chinoiserie, I’ll be on the hunt for anything in that genre. I’m hoping to luck upon some Staffordshire dogs in white both for me and my Etsy shop.

I’ll also be looking for vintage fashion books. I may have mentioned this before but I have a degree in fashion merchandising and spent most of my corporate career as a buyer and merchandising executive. My love for fashion runs deep!

Right up there with my love of fashion is my love of vintage jewelry. I love finding pieces that I can use to make my own custom jewelry and anything tassel and bejeweled is what I’m looking for.

One of the things I sell a lot of in my Etsy shop is vintage toast racks. I show them as a desk accessory holding stationery and notecards which is such a fun way to use these days. I found a couple last year and Round Top and hope to find some unique pieces this market.

One of things on my personal shopping list is vintage dinnerware. Even though I can find pieces locally, I hoping to find a few unique designs to add to my collection.

Two items that I think I might not have luck finding are vintage wallpaper rolls and Asian art brushes. I don’t often see these items when out shopping but I’m hoping that Round Top will deliver.

Also on the chinoiserie list is a monkey bowl and a pair of bamboo stools. I lucked upon a blue and white monkey last year and posted a photo on Instagram. One of my followers wanted to purchase it so I sold it to her. Now I’m on the hunt for another one which I will be keeping.

Bamboo stools….wish me luck!

So there you have it, a look at my Round Top shopping list. And in case you were wondering, I’ll have my eyes open for other items as well like ironstone, blue and white pottery and brass pieces.

You can check out last years trip to Round Top here.

MY ROUND TOP ANTIQUE MARKET SHOPPING LIST

p.s. In route to Round Top we’ll be stopping in Jackson, Mississippi so if there are any great antique stores or flea markets in that area leave me a comment and let me know.

Furniture Fave: Acrylic Console Tables

March 27, 2017

Cheers to a new week! Did everyone have a great weekend? I started the weekend working with a client and then spent the rest of Saturday running errands and trying to get my desk organized. I spent a good part of Sunday working, doing laundry and getting ready for our road trip. We’ll be hitting the road on Thursday morning headed to Texas and the RoundTop Antique Market. I’m beyond excited to shop RoundTop again, spend time with friends and make our pilgrimage to the Silos in Waco. I’ll be sharing my adventures on Instagram so hop over and follow me if you don’t already.

The goal for the next few days is to see just how much time I can squeeze out of the day and get checked off my to-do list! Wish me luck.

Today I wanted to share a little about one of my favorite furniture pieces–acrylic console tables. I’ve been a fan of acrylic furniture for some time and love the clean, crisp look a piece of acrylic adds to a room. In the process of researching an acrylic console tables for a client, I’ve come across several style options and a range of prices. In general, acrylic can be expensive because the price of plastic has risen over the last few years. But, I’ve found the best deal at CB2, the sister company to Crate and Barrel.

The Peekaboo Console Table is available in two sizes–38″ which sells for $379 and the 56″ which retails for $699. In addition to the price, I love the thick molded acrylic and the waterfall design.

Acrylic console tables work perfectly in a large room with lots of furniture. The clear material adds dimension without creating additional visual clutter. And the waterfall design adds a modern touch.

For my clients project, we’re planning to nest a couple of upholstered stools underneath which will provide additional seating and visual interest.

Here are a few other ways you can decorate with acrylic tables…

ACRYLIC CONSOLE TABLE INSPIRATION

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♦ love the look of acrylic against a dark wall

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♦ a small acrylic table with ottoman underneath fills a small wall space perfectly

via

♦ in a narrow hall or foyer space, an acrylic console table creates a landing spot that doesn’t impede the flow

via

♦ when you want your wallpaper and accessories to be the star of the show, an acrylic table is a great option

via

♦ I love the look of an acrylic table used as a nightstand/bedside table

via

CB2 has several different acrylic furniture styles including a desk, coffee table and this gorgeous chair. If you’re in the market, they are definitely worth checking out.

I’ll be back tomorrow with part 2 of the Spring Thyme Recipes & Style Blog Hop so make sure to come back for some more Easter inspiration. If you missed part 1 of the tour, you can check it out here.

Shopping TJ Maxx from the comforts of home

March 15, 2017

Are you aware that TJ Maxx has an online store? That’s right, you can shop TJ Maxx from the comforts of your home.

The product assortment in the online store isn’t as extensive as what you’d find in your local store but the prices are the same. And I see items online that I’ve never seen in my local store which might give me another reason to shop online.

An if you can’t find your size (hello shoe department 🙂 or two of one item, the online store might have the item so its worth checking out.

When I checked out the online store the other night, I saw several items that peaked my interest. Let’s go shopping shall we…

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Minted | A Favorite Artwork Resource

March 2, 2017

Sorry that it’s been quiet here on the blog this week. I’ve had good intentions but I’m working on several projects right now and something had to give. Anyway, I’m back today to share a favorite shopping source with you.

Almost every design project I work on involves artwork and you know that choosing artwork for your home is a very personal thing.

One project I’m working on calls for a special piece of art over the mantel and in the entrance hall. The client is looking for abstract art and doesn’t want to spend an arm and a leg. That’s where Minted comes in.

I’m sure most of you are familiar with Minted but if not let me share a bit about their site.

via Minted

Minted is an online resource selling a range of products including Artwork, Decor, Stationery and Wedding goods.

Along with Limited Edition Art Prints, they sell Fine Art Prints, Drawings, Commissioned Original Art and Photography Art. Everything they sell is created by a community of artist and designers that are located in all 50 states and more than 60 countries.

Minted makes it easy to find the perfect piece of art, allowing you to search by style, color, shape and type.

Since I’m looking for abstract art, I searched their site and rounded up a few of my favorites for you.

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♦ Mesmerize by Melanie Severin–it was the colors in this piece that caught my attention. I love the pink and soft aqua color combination. Color combinations like this are very versatile which make this piece ideal for just about any room.

♦ Poppies I by Iron Range Artery –I was drawn to this artwork because of how bold and dynamic the colors are. Depending on your style, this piece might be too strong for a foyer but could work in a family room or office.

♦ Foilage Trails 2 by Very Marta–I love the watercolor effect of this piece and can see this in a feminine space like a home office, guest bedroom or nursery.

♦ Dash by Katie Craig–I’m all about blue and teal these days and this piece has such a refreshing feel to it. I could see a pair of these hanging over a sofa.

♦ Lush Composition by Melanie Severin–this is the piece of art that my client is most drawn to for their entrance hall. The black adds depth while the other colors keep the piece from being too heavy.

♦ Ivy by Prima Studio–finding a piece of art that doesn’t lean too masculine or too feminine can be challenging. This piece is really pretty and the dark colors can speak to him while the soft colors speak to her. I can imagine this in a bedroom with white and neutral bed linens.

Waiting For Summer by Beth Allen–what a great name for a piece of art and it does feel like summer to me. I envision this piece in a living room or even in a breakfast area.

Bouquet 1 by Sue Prue

If you’re looking for artwork, I highly recommend you check out the selection at Minted. Most of their Fine Art Prints are available in multiple sizes and frame options. Unframed images are also available. And you can upload images of your room and see what an art piece will look like in your own home.

This is not a sponsored post. I’m just sharing one of my favorite shopping resources with you.

Favorites Of The Week {a random mix of great stuff}

February 25, 2017

Whew! What a week it has been. I’ve been running in 50 different directions sourcing products, working on projects and trying to wrangle the paperwork on my desk.

I wish I could say this was going to be a low-key weekend but it’s not. I’m spending all day tomorrow in meeting with the non-profit agency I work with then I’m doing some major house cleaning. We do have a fun outing planned for Sunday morning but the rest of the day will be spent working and preparing for the busy week ahead. Oh, I am planning to shut things down so I can watch the Oscars!

I hope you can find some downtime to enjoy a few of my favorites from the week.

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FAVORITE POSTS:

This interior designers home is beautiful and the property is breathtaking.

I loved this interview with interior designer Danielle Colding and her answer to the question ‘what does success mean?’.

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FAVORITE PINS:

The image below is from one of my new, favorite Instagram feeds–@erinkestenbaum.

This is a gorgeous living room designed by one of my favorite designers.

I can tell this bedroom is really beautiful just from this photo.

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FAVORITE PRODUCTS:

These pastel teaspoons are perfect for spring.

Loving this market tote! It’s on sale and I also spotted a similar design in stores on clearance for $17.99.

If you’re looking for a stylish rug in a neutral color, check out the Farrah rug.

Loving this emerald green soap dispenser from H and M Home. This glass cup and this glass jar are also part of the collection.

For all you fashionistas out there, there’s a postage stamp made just for you!

Speaking of fashion, I’m totally in smitten with the pom pom sneaker trim. These are the cheapest I’ve seen so far but this brand does not fit my foot. I’m thinking a DIY might be in order. You can buy shoe clips here and a pom pom making tool here. {affiliate links}

Enjoy your weekend!

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