Antiquing

Today I indulged in one of my favorite past times, antiquing. I don't know what it is about wandering through a store full of old things, maybe it's the fact that everything in there has a story to them, a life before sitting on the shelf waiting to be a part of yours. I tend to have a nostalgia for times I haven't lived through. It also is in my blood, I think. One of the few memories I have of my mom, who died when I was seven, was going antiquing with her. She would always let me pick out one thing and even though I would never be entirely sure what I could do with an old bobble head dog or a veiled hat it would feel so good to take something home with me. Also, my aunt and uncle own an antique auction website and their house is filled with fascinating things up for sale. The kitchen of my dad's house is filled with old tin signs and salvaged containers and things from my great-grandparents candy store in Queens. So when I'm antiquing myself I feel so at home even though I'm in a room filled with the things of strangers.

Today I was looking for a typewriter from the 40's-60s, black and shiny and beautiful, because I feel like the next Great American Novel should probably be typed on an old fashioned typewriter. The words just feel more sincere as you're writing them. I was also keeping an eye out for vintage fabrics, or clothes from which I could take the fabric to do some recon work (even though I've yet to try and fix my sewing machine with three dresses waiting to be altered, I keep on wanting to pile on more projects). Of course, I will walk away with neither of those things, but while I was in one of my three favorite local antique shops I was searching through their extensive, and fabulous, clothing collection when I stumbled across one of my greatest finds ever. It was a black leather 1960s German motorcycle jacket that fit me perfectly. It is a truly amazing piece and it feels so good on. The tag reads "Echtes Leder" which only translates to "genuine leather" so I don't quite think I managed to get myself a real Label out of the deal as well but honestly, it doesn't even matter. My breath catches when I put it on imagining its original owner scooting around 1960s Berlin, she is that kind of girl I always wanted to be but didn't quite have the attitude. And now I can have a little piece of that spirit with me. It might result in some great stories. I walked away with it for a total of $44 which is an unbelievable steal. It's one of those purchases that leaves you feeling good for a long time.

Unfortunately I bought it in the middle of June, so there won't be too many opportunities for me to wear it for awhile. Right now I am wearing it with a simple black dress and a lightweight scarf of gradient reds. In the fall it will look great paired with girly dresses and boots, or with a good T-shirt, skinny jeans and heels. I already have a handful of outfits in mind!