Friday Finds | Vintage Silk Ribbon and Suitcases

My entire life, I’ve been an avid collector. Not of stamps or coins or bottlecaps or dolls. What I’ve collected is found objects: stones, wood, beach glass,  seed pods,  bolts, washers… you name it, I’ve picked it up off the ground and pocketed it. I have an incurable attraction to little things that catch my eye and have a certain feeling about them, a sense of  “ordinary, but out of the ordinary.” I have glass vases  filled with my most special pieces from significant locations, and little shrines full of unusual bits and bobs.

I find these items in riverbeds, on streets in the gutter, and littered on tables at antique markets. I’m drawn to objects patinaed by age that seem to carry a weight, a history, and a personality: mirrors, jars, keys, fishing lures, beads, ribbons, buttons. There is an appeal to these things that are not new: they are already part of the world and in that sense have become, to me, somewhat more wonderful.

This habit of collecting and admiring found objects is so quintessentially *me* that it has shaped the way I view the world. It inspires where I choose to travel, what types of fashion I favor, and, above all, what I love to photograph. With that in mind, I’ve decided to start a series of blog posts about my treasures and talismans called “Friday Finds.”

Today’s post, though belated, is dedicated to the departing of a favorite neighborhood vintage curiosity shoppe, “Private Screening.” I’ve purchased some of my favorite costumes, props, and tchotkes there. After 18 years in the same location, they closed their doors on the last day of this month. Last Sunday, I was lucky enough to stumble in (rather shocked at the discovery) while they were clearing out stock at 50% off.

Most of the stuff I gravitated to had already been sold–vintage lingerie for the boudoir studio, classy shoes, and collectible jewelry. I had to scrounge to find what I was looking for, but I knew there was something there. After a few minutes I found it… a stash of vintage silk ribbon at no more than $1.50 a yard! I was tempted to buy it all, but there was too much, and in too many colors. I limited myself to six spools in spring pastels… a lovely faded rose, white, soft yellow, purple, and two shades of green. Only *cough* 80 yards of it. I may never have to buy ribbon again.

But! It looks sooooo good with the packaging I’m designing. Just wait. You’ll see!

And there, next to the door, was just what I knew I’d come for. Three old suitcases with distinct personalities perched one atop the other. Each opens and closes and one (the coolest by far) opens sideways, has separate square compartments and clothes hangers inside. And a pair of keys for the locks!

These puppies are so sturdy you can stand on them. You better believe they’ll be a prominent feature in the boudoir studio (one as a lingerie/jewelry display case) and in future engagement shoots. Hell, if we take a train trip any time soon, I’M going to use one for my luggage. (IF I can get it to stop smelling severely musty. Ugh.)

Anyhow, enough chit-chat. Here are the pics. I realize I should have taken some with the cases open but, oh well, another time. Enjoy!