T's Ten, Week of 8/5/12

This week's ten picks are brought to you by the word LOVE! Not only because I love all of the things I'm featuring today, but also because tomorrow is my wedding anniversary. That's right, Ethan and I have made it one year as a married couple (and still going strong after 5 years total). Allow me to indulge you with a photo as evidence:

I thought about including a wedding photo, but let's face it: this photo perfectly captures who we are as a couple. We always have fun together, we're always a little silly, and we love each other a bunch! Plus if not for Ethan's patience and tolerance, I would not be the proud owner of a mounted duck head, a German school chart with the anatomy of a lobster, or a plastic deer that lights up that I've had since high school (yes, the other items came from Oddfellows). So here's to Ethan, for many, many reasons, but above all else because he continues to love me despite my ever-changing plethora of weird housewares.

And now for this week's ten stunners!

 1. These English oak doors are incredible. They date between 1910-20 and have a wonderful Gothic quality about them. But the reason I was first drawn to them was because of their great shape-I love how narrow and tall they are. They are massive, but because of their shape don't feel very overbearing, which I really appreciate. Plus the carved panels are just exquisite. Dealer #44, Pair of Oak Doors, $695.

 2. I'm utterly smitten with this chair and its matching partner. They are wrought iron with a fantastic, aged patina and the fan backs add an element of drama to them, don't you think? I think these would be fun indoors or out and if I had a fancy veranda, these guys would be coming home with me. Even better, they are a great steal, price wise. Dealer #44, Fan Back Wrought Iron Chair, $125 ea (2 available).

3. This industrial lamp is a new favorite of mine, so much so that I decided it belonged on our front counter! I love the fact that the lamp is adjustable and can swivel around, and the tiny cut out holes allow for a nice twinkling effect, which reminds me of cutting the tops of mason jars to collect lightening bugs. Anything that reminds me of summertime as a kid is going to tempt me! Dealer #AE1, Industrial Light, $195.

 

4. I may have featured this previously, and if so I don't regret it. It's so good that it deserves to be posted over and over again. I can't tell you enough how wonderful pub signs, and signage in general, is for any room. I think they add a wonderful element of graphic design and provide an eclectic touch without overwhelming a space. I particularly love this one because it's summertime, it's hot, and we're all dreaming of being back at the beach. Do you remember the big anchor I posted a few weeks back? Well, if that guy isn't quite for you, then certainly this anchor will be! Dealer #44, Pub Sign, $195.

 5. Another dark, secret side of me some of you might not be aware of is my love of vintage clothing and accessories. Dark, because I keep a stash of vintage clothing in the back of my closet and secret, mostly so that Ethan won't see all of my hidden treasures and make me give them away. So you can rest assured knowing these vintage skirts pull at my heartstrings. They range in price, size, and age but I love them all. Anything that's being produced these days fashion-wise doesn't compare for me. Dealer #83, Rack of Vintage Skirts, $15-35.

 

6. Every time I walk past this lot of old tools, they tug at my heart a little bit. One of my earliest memories is spending time in my dad's workshop with him, and I was always fascinated with his assortment of woodworking tools and other odds and ends. Although my dad lost his battle with cancer in October, he is still very present in my life and pops up at unexpected times. I love that with these tools, he shows up at work. If I think long and hard about it, my love of design and furniture really comes from him, and all of those afternoons we spent in his workshop. Dealer #03, Old Tools, Ranging in price from $14-30.

 

7. This pitch pine wardrobe is amazing, don't you think? I love everything about it. I love its height, the faux bamboo details, even the finials at the very top. I also love that it can hide away coats and accessories in a very sophisticated way! Dealer #44, Pitch Pine Wardrobe, $ 695.

8. Sigh. Big, big sigh. I am absolutely in love with this wood slab end table. I'm a big fan of bringing the outdoors inside, and this table does the trick in a sleek, modern way without turning your space into a lumberjack's haven (not that that's exactly a bad thing!). Words can't describe the rest of how I feel about this table, other than I NEED it in my life. Dealer #123, Wood Slab End Table, $225.

 9. Do you know what would look lovely paired with the wood slab end table? This chair!. There are actually four of them total, and the dealer tells me that they date to the 1940s and feature a wooden telescope frame with new canvas seating. I'm telling you, they are beautiful in person and actually quite cozy. I would use them in our dining room or in an enclosed porch with a cowhide rug, flanked by a wood slab table I know of... Dealer #FF, Director's Chairs, $125 ea (Four Available).

10. Last but not least, this show stopping glass and lucite base coffee table is amazing. Lucite is really popular with our customers, and this table really captures the eye. I love that despite its large square size, it doesn't feel like it takes up a lot of room because of its translucence. The cascading lucite base is mesmerizing...I really can't take my eyes off it! Dealer #133, Lucite and Glass Table, $795.

And now, a word from our sponsors:

Week In An Instant

This week's photographs, clockwise from left to right:

1. This shot was taken at the WNC Farmer's Market on Brevard Road. My mom was in town visiting from Virginia, and she loves to check out the market while she's here. I loved seeing all of the beautiful fruits and vegetables. We were able to grab a week's worth of produce for under $20!

2. One of our dealers at the shop brought in this cool Polaroid camera in the shop earlier in the week. I just love how this turned out, when I put the camera on a kilim rug also available at the shop.

3. This shot was taken near the cow pasture at Warren Wilson College. I have been spending a lot of afternoons at the swimming holes near campus with Ethan. It's a great way to cool off and spend some time surrounded by our beautiful mountains.

4. By far the hit of the week, this cocktail special at WALK (West Asheville Lounge & Kitchen) actually has a fresh, homemade berry popsicle in it. So refreshing after a hot day in the warehouse!

5. I picked up some new cactus plants this week to keep our owl company. I got this concrete owl from Oddfellows (duh!) and it remains one of my favorite items ever.

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.