Vote for Oddfellows!

Just kidding guys. We aren't running for President, BUT we do require your vote! That's right. It's time again to cast your vote for the Mountain Xpress Best of WNC 2012. We would really love it if you could take a few minutes out of your day to vote for us. All three of us at Oddfellows, plus our wonderful dealers, work hard to bring you unique, hand-picked furniture and housewares and we all love what we do. Hopefully, you love what we do too. And unless you want me to write blog posts everyday begging and pleading for proof of your love, it's wise to go ahead and vote!

Click Here To Vote!

Week In An Instant

Ah, technology. I'm continually amazed by what can be achieved with such a minimal amount of knowledge (me=technologically challenged). What follows are a few snapshots from my week. Be sure to stop in this weekend. We'll be open Saturday and Sunday despite the heat for those of you needing a quick break from all of the fun Belle Chere festivities downtown.

From Top Left, Clockwise:
1. We had a delivery to Columbia, SC this week and despite how incredibly hot it was, we had fun exploring. My favorite find was this beautiful house. How amazing is that circular window!?! Unfortunately we weren't able to spend a lot of time in Columbia but I'd love to go back. From what I could tell, there are definitely some interesting buildings and homes to discover.

2. I'm helping a dear friend decorate her new shop. We made a quick visit to Togar Rugs here in Asheville and became quickly entranced with their imported rugs. I was particularly taken with this kilim. If you haven't been there, please check them out. You won't regret it. Be prepared to stay for hours digging through all of their beautiful selections.

3. A quick shot of some items available at Oddfellows right now. That little toy bus is beyond cute, don't you think?

4. Our mid-century dealer brought in a selection of vintage screens, and I'm completely in love. I love the pattern and I'm currently thinking of how I can convince Husband Ethan that we need one despite not having an actual need for it.

5. I try to keep my inner cat lady under wraps, but if you know me well, then you know my inner cat lady is actually not hidden whatsoever and can be slightly weird at times (visit me in the winter, I'll wear my cat cardigan for you). Cats Forever! Anyway, I couldn't resist sharing this one. Our little Etta Bird loves to snuggle under the covers at night, and for once she stayed still so I could capture it.

T's Ten, Week of 7/22

I hope this week's top ten finds all of you well. I personally can't believe July is almost over. Time flies when you're selling antiques, I tell you! And...here are my picks this week.

1. I am in love with these red chairs (5 total). They're meant to be used outdoors, but I think they would be just as fun in a dining room with a fun teak table. Dealer #03, Set of 5 Chairs, $295.

2. The other morning, as I was turning on the warehouse lights, I had to stop in awe. Somehow, as things were unloaded and displayed post-container, I missed this teak cabinet from India. What I love about it is the Yves Klein blue paint that contrasts wonderfully with the lighter blue paint and the teak wood. Do you like the casually placed Yves Klein blue art history reference I just made? I knew you would. Dealer #03, Indian Teak Cabinet, $495.

3. This is by far one of the coolest pub signs we've got at the moment. I love the wood frame and the nautical elements are really striking. I know a really great teak cabinet with Yves Klein blue paint that this would match up with perfectly. I kid, but in all seriousness this sign would be so much fun in a bachelor pad, or even in a bathroom as an added element of fun. Dealer #44, Donington Pub Sign, $295.

 

4. This pressed metal mirror is really quite cute. Its painted surface adds a charming rustic quality and would fit nicely in a bathroom or hallway. Dealer #OMD, Pressed Metal Mirror, $55.

  5. This vintage slipper chair is super comfy. I love a good slipper chair, and the minty green leather with tufted buttons makes this particular chair irresistible. There's actually another one exactly like it, and I'm imagining a little girl's room would benefit from having these around. They are so sweet and delicate, as every slipper chair should be. And again, who can resist mint green? Dealer #08, Pair of Leather Slipper Chairs, $130 each.

6. This locker unit is Ahhhhh-mazing. Not only does it provide great organization, but it's got a little bit of quirk to go with it, which we all know I really love. Where's the quirk? Look closely. Each unit has been assigned a name, and the inner nerd in me is delighted to imagine what Graham, Jason, Pat, Lola, and "Nobody" did for a living, what they looked like, and if they got along with each other. Dealer #02, Locker Unit, $180.

7. I'm pretty sure Lola, whose locker unit is mentioned above, would have carried this 1960s tapestry purse around. Or at least in my imagination she does. What a stylish lady that Lola is/was! Dealer #83, Vintage 60s purse, $29.

8. Map chests are always an item I'm drawn to immediately, despite not owning many maps. In another life, I would have been an architect and would've put this one to good use. I love that map chests are designed so well, and provide function at the same time. The black lacquered handles on this one are especially nice. Instead of maps, I'm thinking I could lay flat all of my family jewels and diamonds! Dealer #03, Map Chest, $575.

 

9. Lately, husband Ethan has been keen on scolding me for lack of organization where my purses and accessories are concerned (as usual). Well, Ethan, allow me to present this beautiful wardrobe. Aside from the beautiful carvings on its front, it would perfectly contain said purses and accessories without your beautiful blue eyes ever having to see them again! I think this piece would function just as well in an entry way to contain guests' coats and purses, by the way. Dealer #44, English Wardrobe, $425.

 10. I'm so in love with this birdcage right now. Its perfect teal color makes me weak in the knees, and I think it would be really fun to hang necklaces in if you don't like my map-chest-as-jewelry-box idea. Dealer #FF, Victorian era Birdcage, $195.

   

 

 

 

 
 

Do you instagram?

Ever since getting an iPhone, I've been hooked on Instagram. Occasionally I'll add an instagram photo to this blog, but if you would like to follow me for fun photo updates on the shop, as well as small tidbits of my life, you can search for "oddfellowtarleton" to follow!

T's Ten, Week of 7/15/12

Have you guys had a chance to visit us yet? The shop is looking wonderful, I must say. The new furniture has yet again allowed a wonderful transformation to take place and I think Tom did a great job on the last buying trip. There's a little something for everyone! Now...after a bit of a delay, here are my top ten picks for this week!

1. I'm absolutely smitten with this anchor. It's a heavy little beast...and please allow a terrible pun: it would really anchor any room you put it in. Har Har Har. Anyway, I think it would be an awesome statement above a mantel or on any wall, really. If not that, then it would make a wonderful alternative to dumbbells. Who needs a home gym when you've got an anchor!?! Dealer #44, Large Anchor, $375.

 2. For some unknown reason, I'm just recently discovering how quintessential andirons and firedogs can be for a hearth. The weirder the better, I say. These firedogs do the trick and I love their figural quality. They date back to the 1880s and I'm particularly taken with the draping of these ladies' skirts. Dealer #133, 1880s Firedogs, $295.

 3. These hand painted cabinets from China are truly stunning in person, so I apologize for the "eh" photo. What I love about them is the juxtaposition of the heavy black background with the meticulously painted gold insects and florals in the foreground. These would be perfect flanked beside a sofa or would even be great bedside tables as well. Dealer #444, Hand Painted Chinese Cabinets, $325 ea.

 4. This sweet little driftwood lamp has been winking at me from across the warehouse, I swear. I've had it on my mind since the dealer brought it in last weekend and I may have to snatch it up before anyone else does. Driftwood has become a fast favorite of mine. I love driftwood's sculptural qualities and I'm a big fan of bringing nature indoors. This little lamp does the trick, and even better, it's got a tiny light pull that makes it even more charming (if that's even possible!). Dealer #076, Driftwood Lamp, $78.

 5. Guys. Let's all just take a step back to admire this piece of furniture. Who needs a rectangular table when this semi-circle wonder is around!?! I'm not always in love with the traditional demi-lune style tables (give me some time, I may come around), but this table is really quite delightful and a more modern twist on the original. I also feel like if not implemented as a coffee table, then this table would be a fun element added to a retail shop for displaying clothing or housewares (local retailers take note!). Dealer #44, Semi-Circle table, $325.

 6. This movie marquee is pretty self-explanatory, and would be fantastic pretty much anywhere. I like the idea of using it in a large, funky kitchen or in a child's bedroom. I also love the bright, blinking lights and wouldn't it be cool to use the marquee letters to spell out your name!? With this sign, everyone is a star! Dealer #NYA, 60s Movie Marquee, $1400.

 7. I'm a big fan of organizing. While my husband will disagree with that statement, it's really true. The thing is, I require furniture to keep me organized and this dental cabinet would be perfect in our home office for storing away things that Ethan would prefer we didn't own (like a nose-shaped pencil sharpener, or my growing collection of unused notebooks, but I digress...). I also like the little nook with glass sliding doors for displaying knick knacks. Dealer #03, Dental Cabinet, $450.

 8. Well would you look at this! A Kai Kristiansen (look it up!) Danish sofa long enough to fit a small army. Or a family of four. Check out those armrests because they don't get better than this. I'm in L-O-V-E with this sofa and you should be too. Dealer #123, Kai Kristiansen Danish Sofa, $1199.

 9. These iron and leather chairs are hard to handle. As in, I cannot handle the fact that they aren't mine already! I love the delicate iron frames and the worn leather seats are really gorgeous. Also, I promised I would never exceed 10 items in this list, but surely we all agree that this pub table is too good not to include. I love the bright blue iron base with the circular wood top. Dealer #44, Iron and Leather Chairs, $395 and Pub Table $345. 

 10. I keep wavering on which item from the container is my favorite. First, it was a little red toy bus. Then I was taken with a framed photograph of a high school swim team. But after much deliberation, these teak wood bowls are by far my favorite. They are beautifully crafted and as my friend Natalie said, they radiate positive energy. Dealer #44, Teak Bowls, $95 ea.
 

Maria's Family Nest

Recently a dear friend of the Oddfellows family was featured in the July issue of WNC Magazine. Maria was sweet enough to mention the shop in the article, and I've already spotted a few items in the photos that once called our warehouse home.Maria, a decorator herself, has done a wonderful job in creating a comfy, inviting home. I really appreciate her eye, and I think you'll enjoy reading the full article here. Also be sure to check out Maria's blog, Vintage Simple for more design inspiration.

Photographs by Whitney and Dustin Deal of Oh Darling Photography

The Eagle Has Landed: Container Day July 2012

The eagle has landed indeed. Hopefully by now some of you have had the opportunity to stop by the shop to see what I mean, but if you haven't, let me just say every nook and cranny has been filled with new goodies fresh off the boat. We're filled to the brim with "new" antiques, including fresh pub signs, stained glass, chesterfield sofas, chests, cabinets, buffets, and even a World War II water tank! Part of what I love about my job at Oddfellows is getting to experience container days first hand. Each new addition that is carted off the container into the warehouse is a welcome surprise, and every box unpacked is truly like Christmas morning for me. Yesterday proved no exception. Yes, it was hot. Yes, it was a lot of work. But I cannot reiterate how much fun we have doing it! The energy is really awesome on container day, particularly when our customers are able to walk away with a new treasure. Here are a few pictures from yesterday for you to enjoy. Stop by or leave a comment letting me know what you think!

Here is a shot of 40 feet of furniture goodness. The container arrived right on time, and our helpers for the day began offloading right at 9AM.

Just before the blood, sweat, and tears began. These men are gazing fondly into the box thinking, "What have I gotten myself into?" We have exactly two hours to get everything unloaded and into the warehouse and at times it can seem like a very daunting task figuring out where each and every item will be placed.

To the left is my friend Dennis, whose mirrors we carry in the shop. It was his first time helping unload and hopefully we didn't scare him off for the next one! To the right is my husband Ethan in action. Lots of sweat going on in these pictures. One of my favorite things to do at the end of container day is ask Ethan two questions. First, I like to know what his favorite item is. Second, I want to know the heaviest thing he lifted. The foundry part Dennis is scooting was, according to Ethan, the heaviest.

This is a shot toward the end of unloading and it just goes to show how quickly the front room can fill up despite emptying it out a couple days prior.

Donuts! I told you in my last blog post there would be donuts involved. I'm just checking to make sure you're all paying attention:)

A very foggy photo of the never-ending abyss. It's always amazing to see just how many things you can fit into one small space.

My favorite photo of the day! Everything you see in the warehouse in the next few days was literally brought to you by this handsome group of men. Left to Right: Dennis, Ethan, Mike, Adam, Chip, Mike, and our fearless leader Tom.

And here's a little sneak peek for you. By the end of the day I was able to assist Kelly as she styled the front room into place. An excellent job, and one of my favorite container days to date. A big thank you to all that were involved!

The container is coming!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! The container will be on its way to Asheville tomorrow morning. In the meantime, have you ever wondered what our front room would look like if it was empty? It looks a little something like this! We've cleared almost everything out in preparation for the container's arrival tomorrow bright and early. Stop in today for some extra special deals, or just to try out the temporary roller rink. The goodies will be out on the floor for your viewing pleasure by about 12:30-1:00 tomorrow!!

Stay tuned for a behind the scenes look at what happens when a new shipment arrives (here's a hint: donuts and strong muscle men), and a new T's Ten will happen next week!

Ode to Carolina Beach!

Last weekend I was lucky enough to take a vacation! I had not had one in two years, minus our wedding last August, so it was time. I trekked six hours with five girlfriends to Carolina Beach and could not have asked for a better time. Sometimes vacations are necessary for relaxtion; for me, they are necessary for inspiration. What better place to be inspired than by the seaside? As I was looking through my photos, I noticed that there are a lot of the same elements in the shop right now, which is a big plus. Since I couldn't take the beach back to Asheville with me, I can just create one in my home!

 

One of my favorite parts of the trip was the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, which we visited at night to fully take in all of the bright lights and colors. In the above photo, I was really taken with this amusement park ride for its graphic quality. I really wanted to take one of the rides home, but obviously that isn't feasible. Until I was reminded of this boat ride we've got at the shop.  Amusement Park Boat, Dealer #44, $750.

 Here's a shot of the girls trying their hand at skee ball. There's an arcade on the boardwalk, and we spent our tickets on Chinese yo-yos, mini dessert erasers, and neon vampire teeth, to name a few.

We didn't get to spend a whole lot of time in downtown Wilmington, but I enjoyed what time we had there. The above photo was taken on the boardwalk by the waterfront, and I was really taken with the industrial lights. We have plenty of them floating about the shop, but these are my favorite! Industrial lights, Dealer #44, $50-75.

 I love seashells, and when I was little my family and I would spend summers hunting for them at Emerald Ilse, NC. These clam and oyster shells I spotted by a restaurant in Southport did not fail to delight me. I love their rough texture and the large barnacle below mimics them nicely. Dealer #076, Large Barnacle, $48.

 This is my friend Erin, posing in front of a classic car we saw in Southport. Unfortunately there isn't a classic car in the warehouse right now, but I'm workin on it!

 

I really wanted to sneak the life preserver from the ferry boat into our car, but alas, my  fear of port authority hunting me down was greater. Luckily, we've still got a few life preservers of our own floating about the shop and I can snatch those up all day long without fear! Dealer #44, Life Preserver, $65-95.

 The above photo was taken on our first beach day (with instagram), and is one of my favorites. I have been looking at it off and on since the trip, trying to recall the sounds and smells of the beach. The oil seascape below only further awakens my senses, despite the fact that Carolina Beach had no mountains or palm trees (that I'm aware of). I love that it's tiny, and the colors in the oil are close enough to my photograph that I can recall the beach anytime I want! Dealer #44, Oil Painting, $28.

 On our way back to Asheville, we stopped in downtown Wilmington for some last minute shopping, and I'm really glad I stumbled upon The Wonder Shop. So many awesome vintage clothes and accessories to admire. I could have spent hours perusing, and I was really taken with this mannequin. Meaning I wanted to take her home with me as an added eclectic element to our decor. Much to my husband's chagrin, I have a second opportunity to do that with the mannequin to the right, since it's for sale in our shop. Dealer #44, Mannequin, $175.

 Here are a few more photos, including the marsh landscape we walked through in order to reach the beach. Thanks for indulging me, and be sure to stop by the shop this week. We are open despite the heat!

P.S. If any of you find yourselves in the Carolina Beach/Wilmington area, here are my top five things to do:
1. The Fat Pelican in Carolina Beach-Unfortunately I didn't get a good picture of this place, and honestly, the picture would not have done it justice. The bar is floor to ceiling filled with beach ephemera and handwritten notes from its many patrons over the years. There is nothing better in this world than a good dive bar, and this one did not disappoint. Plus they keep a large refrigerator in the back stocked with hundreds of beers to choose from.
2. Carolina Beach Boardwalk At Night-Truly a must! I could have taken thousands more photos of the amusement park rides (some of them dating back to the 50s!), the old arcade games, and the tacky gift shops.
3. Britt's Donut Shop-Essential to your trip, and you won't regret it. The shop has been in business since 1939 serving up glazed donuts. They melt in your mouth. I brought some home for my husband, and let's just say they lasted less than a day.
4. Day Trip to Southport- A customer at the shop recommended that I visit Southport, and luckily my special tour guide for the weekend knew all of the right places to take us. We got there via ferry boat, which is always a delight, and indulged in good old fashion seafood from the Yacht Basin Provision Company.  I recommend the crab cakes and conch fritters, followed by a stroll through Southport's quaint downtown waterfront.
5. The Beach!-No brainer, right? Luckily the tide was pretty low the whole time we were there, although a wave or two did take me down and steal my sunglasses! No better place for inspiration than the beach, I say. I brought home a jar of seashells, and still keep finding sand in unusual places.