The Vintage Flea of OTT is this Sunday 8/28!

Join us for the best vintage shopping in OC!  Come early for coffee, donuts, 

and the best selection!

Need more info? Call 714-573-1025 or see VintageWhimzy.com

How to Shop a Flea

Alex Bell and Shira Entis know their fleas, from Elephant’s Trunk in Connecticut to Portobello Market in London. Which you would expect from the girls who started the awesome line of handbags and totes called Fleabags.

“We’ve been lovers of flea markets forever,” Bell says. “When I met Shira at Brown University, we bonded over great market deals.” Currently, their favorite markets are Chelsea’s on 25th street and that up-and-coming hidden gem Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market (406 West 39th Street) on Saturdays. As quasi professionals, however, they never venture forth without a game plan, which includes the following advice:

1. Keep your eye on the ball. “We try to talk beforehand and focus ourselves a little bit,” Entis says. Markets are open on various days, but the girls prefer Saturdays (the most vendors turn out) and suggest arriving when the gates open (usually around 9 a.m.). Most important, know what you’re looking for before you get there.

2. Weather makes all the difference. “On a cold or cloudy day, fewer vendors set up,” Bell says. “That means there are fewer shoppers too. So, the vendors there are more likely to make a deal. One of Shira’s most successful excursions happened at the outdoor Chelsea flea on a cold and windy day. Only three vendors made it out and because Shira was their only customer she walked away with a huge box of YSL blouses and antique brocade fabrics. Great finds!”

3. Your outfit might, too. “When marketing outside of the city, we try not to look like New Yorkers,” Entis says. “Especially no jewelry!” When you are in Manhattan, the jig is usually up and vendors know a tourist from a seasoned shopper a mile away. Dress casual and for comfort. You don’t have to prove anything about your vintage know-how.

4. Let them do the talking: “Being coy is the name of the game,” Bell says. “No one is going to give you a deal if they think you’re going to turn around and sell it on eBay. But on the flip side, don’t be naïve.” It’s O.K. to eventually let them know you know Balenciaga from Target and that you’re not going to get pushed around.

5. It’s O.K. to be thrifty: “We rarely spend more than $100 during the entire day,” Entis says. “And, we always have a good bartering session with the vendors,” Bell adds. Entis scored a vintage Chanel jacket for $40, and Bell found a pair of new Oscar de la Renta heels for $15 at the Chelsea flea. “If you are buying multiple items, they’ll usually give you a better deal rather than just buying one item,” says Bell, who along with Entis stocked up on military blankets from vendors for their fall 2011 collection.

6. Go with a friend: “We like to help each other,” Entis says. And what’s more fun than shopping with a friend?

http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/07/how-to-shop-a-flea/?_r=0

The Cheat Sheet To Finding The Good Stuff

1. In Peter's world, it's all about the couture details, craftsmanship, and the sign of an artisan's hand: Look for hand-stitching, nail-head trims, embroidery, and hand-woven textiles. It makes anything more special.

2. Look past the scratches, dust, and dirt. Not only can you have anything restored, cleaned, or reupholstered (see below for a list of resources), but you can also change the finish on a table. Try to survey the options while focusing on the possibilities—not on the limitations. In the world of interiors, there really are very few.

3. Don't focus on provenance—unless you really know what you're doing, or are shopping at an auction house that guarantees authenticity, you don't want to splash out big money on something that might be a reproduction. (If you see something too good to be true, it probably is.) This is not to say that there aren't treasures around—just take a deep breath, get out your phone, and search the internet for originals so you can confirm that the details are correct (the wing of the arm, the stamp on the bottom, the type of wood).

4. Measure your space before you go. Beyond the parameters of the area you'd like to fill (i.e., the space allotted for a coffee table), bring measurements for the supporting furniture (i.e., the height and length of your couch, etc.). If you live in an apartment building with small elevators, or a house with unusual doors, be sure that you'll be able to get the item inside!

5. Interact with your potential purchase. Sit in the chairs and make sure they're comfortable and that they don't wobble; make sure a table is the right height, etc. Don't be shy about giving your potential purchase a test-drive.

6. If you're interested in an item, but not overly attached, walk away—do a second lap at the end of the day. If it's still available, you'll have much more negotiating power.

7. Know your budget—and don't forget to factor customs and shipping in (see below for a list of resources). It's easy to get totally carried away in the moment, so know your upper limit.

8. Look for pairs and sets: Vendors generally hate to break them up, so you're going to get a better deal. Besides adding symmetry to a space (see below), you can often use an extra lamp or chairs in a different room.

http://www.goop.com/journal/see/275/the-flea-market-guide?utm_source=goop+issue&utm_campaign=201db18bc9-275_The_Flea_Market_Guide_3_13_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_5ad74d5855-201db18bc9-193176

Vintage Dresdens @ Whimzy!

We have just unveiled a beautiful collection of vintage Dresdens for Valentines day!  These are in store now and won't be around for long. 

Produced in Germany since the early 19th century, Dresden foil designs are still made today using the original antique molds. There are hundreds of  different styles and subjects, ranging in age from old to recent.  Our collection features vintage pieces of foil hearts, large arrows, heart shaped trim, and several cupid style items.  What a fabulous item to add to a special Valentine's Day creation!  Stop in quick and  pick up your favorites!

Getting it Together

Well,
We  have been working very hard on the shoppe for the last week and it is coming along nicely!  There is nothing like shifting and moving everything around to inspire something new!  I think you will like what we have "in store" for you!  The reveal happens on the 23rd of August right before the Vintage Fleamarket on the 26th.  We encourage you to stop in and see all that is shiny and new!

Whimzy's First Junque Trunk

May signaled the first Annual Junque Trunk!  What is a Junque Trunk you ask?  Well, we invited a bunch of our artist friends to clean out there precious supplies and bring the excess to Whimzy to sell.  We had a fantastic turnout-Artists as well and shoppers!  There was some primo booty for sure!  And the prices were fantastic!

We had so much fun, we are planning to do it again!  Stay tuned for your chance to be part of Whimzy's "Junque Trunk 2"!  www.VintageWhimzy.com

Special Saturday Spectacular!

Artist Julie Nutting joined us for a class last Saturday!  Let me tell you this lady is FABULOUS!  We had a full house and so much fun creating her "Collage Couture" canvas piece!  The girls learned so much.  Everyone came out with a truly original piece of work!


Julie now has a book!  I was lucky enough to have a moment to browse through it during class.  It is chock full of her creations as well as instructions.  I had no idea how many of these gorgeous collages she has done!  Each with it's very own feeling.  The colors are marvelous!  The subjects are beautiful!  Julie is amazing!  Click  here  to take a closer look!


Whimzy will be ordering a batch for the store!  Stop in to add this distinctly different artist to your collection!

Summer Swank!

Sizzling Summer Swank!

These are a great little find!  Perfect for filling with treats for someone special!

Whimzy! has a fine assortment of seashells to add to your summer decor.  I have a tray of them in my bathroom!  A touch of the sea just for me!

We also feature these hand glittered Sea Siren tags and cards!  They make any gift special!

Grab them quick before they're washed away!  You can add soothing summer spirit to your home all year around!

Visit us soon for the best selection!

WHIMZY! 474 El Camino Real, Tustin 92780

714-537-1025

New and Noteworthy!

Lots of new fabulousness is going on at Whimzy!  Dianne has been shopping and scouting to find wonderful whimzical new goodies for you!  Here are a few!

 

 Old statue, but new little hot pink skirt!

 We have new-old dress forms!  So great for your work space!

These hand carved wooden birds are beautiful as-is or you could make them special yourself! 

These are just a few of the new offerings at Whimzy!  Stop in and visit us soon, won't you??

Great things are happening in Old Town Tustin! Mark your calendars for some MAJOR bargain shopping!

"Rustin' in Tustin Days"
Thursday April 15th through Saturday April 24th.

Participating Tustin Old Town stores and restaurants
will be offering discounts and special offerings!

This a huge 10 day event !!!!
For more information:
Marge @ Old Town Flooring - 714 730-3567
Dianne @ Whimzy - 714 573-1025

Event information will be available at participating stores and
the Tustin Museum during opening hours:Tues. & Thurs. 9am to 2pm

Stop in and shop 'till you drop! It's going to be great!

JasVil Fleadom!

If you have never come to the Jamestown Village Vintage Fleamarket-mark your calendar! Every 4th Sunday we fill the Whimzy lot with goodies from all over. Not only do we have donuts and coffee to give you a shopping buzz, but we have all this great stuff! Check it out! The next Fleamarket is on Sunday, August 23rd from 8am to 3pm. Join us! Stop into the store for some great deals and the low-down on Glitterfest Fall!

Photos that Sparkle!

Hey Everyone!

I know I am late, but sometimes life just gets the best of me! This weather totally clouds what little brain I have left!

Here are some photos my wonderful friend Stacey Steimle took at Glitterfest! I hope you were there, and are planning to come again on October 10th! It was a very sparkly day that just could not have been more wonderful! Enjoy these and I hope to see you at
Whimzy or Glitterfest Fall!

Whimzy had a PARTY!

I can't believe that Dianne and I have been tending the shop for 4 years already! It has just whizzed by for me! On Saturday we hosted a little party to celebrate another wonderful year with our friends. So many great people stopped by and visited throughout the day. We had a tasty buffet of all our favorites including rosemary cashews (always a hit!), cupcakes (can't go wrong there!), and some of the most decadent cheeses I have ever had! Dianne is so great at putting things together!

Kim Kostka of Saltwater Studio stopped in and let me say, I really like that girl. She is super talented and so willing to share!
I am looking forward to some big plans with her
and Whimzy!

We also had our first Artist's trunk show! Jennifer Dimas was here with a magical assortment of her bejeweled treasures. Jennifer has been creating for Whimzy since 2005. Her vintage jewelery bracelets and necklaces are not only scrumptous to wear but, the have history! She also makes
jeweled bottles. Each piece features a menagerie of findings that just work wonders together!

All in all, it was a very successful day! Great friends, tasty food, and most of all a celebration of heart, soul, and connections that Whimzy has given us back. It is the people we meet, the friends we make, and the stories we share that makes all the hard work worth it!

After the Show!

Welllll!!!

We just finished the LA Mart experience and we have some absolutely wonderful things coming! I think spring is gonna be big! It was just Di and me and very laid back. I have to hand it to some of the artists up there-they really put it all on the line. I am talking about a whole floor they devote to "temporaries", generally little companies/artists showing there wares for us to buy. It was great, and really nice to see how people get their products noticed. We also found some artist's hand made pieces in one of our favorite showrooms. Again, nice to see little people getting into the big retail door. We concentrated on items made in the USA, which seem to be growing in variety and selection. Some of these beautiful things will be in the store in the next 6 to 8 weeks. I will keep you posted! No pics of the mart just of the shop!