By: Juliet Siu of Lace N Ruffles

I’ve been a frequent pinner on Pinterest for a while. I was thrilled when I first explored Pinterest – finally there’s an awesome paperless way to save and display all my favourite visuals! I used to keep folders of images that I cut out from fashion mags since I was a teenager and pinned them onto my wall facing my study desk. That was where my mind went for a feed and a bit of rejuvenation in between the boring studies! This morning I took some time to rearrange my pins and pin boards, and that was when I realized how many obsessions I have in life, and so much more are the little secret moments when I indulge in a bit of guilty pleasure.

Flashing back to my memories, my appreciation for vintage Chanel was nurtured when I was a teen, when my mom used to bring me to Hotel Peninsula in my hometown Hong Kong for afternoon tea regularly and we’d drop by the Chanel store in the hotel arcade for a treat for the eyes. Back in the 90s and before that, Chanel was all about the glitz and gold, the massive clip-on earrings and waist chains with chunky charms. Visiting Paris on honeymoon during Christmas last year, one of the most important mission I was on (that I didn’t tell my husband) was hunting for rare and unique vintage Chanel items. My research online brought me to Les 3 Marche des Catherine B in the chic suburb of Saint Germain des Prés in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. My eyes were glittering like a 5 year-old girl walking into a chocolate factory, and it didn’t take long till this beige quilted leather shoulder bag with tassels from the early 80s’ Chanel collection melted my heart.

The easiest way to work vintage style into your wardrobe is to accessorize. I’ve picked up two other pieces of cuties, clip on earrings that can be worn for every occasions – team up with a little black dress for an evening dinner date, or with a white lace summer dress for the day for a bit of old Hollywood glamour.

This little boutique stocks up to hundreds of styles of vintage Chanel as well as Hermes including bags, shoes, clothing and accessories, and it’s no doubt a Chanel lover’s paradise!
Until next time, Catherine B.

What are your favourite vintage boutiques in Paris? Share your insider’s tips in comment below!

Les 3 Marche des Catherine B.
1 Rue Guisarde
Paris
+33 1 43 54 74 18

Written by: Henry Peterson

The simple fact is this one:

The Chuck Taylor All-Stars sneaker is the number one selling basketball shoe on the planet of all time.

I suppose we could say, "enough said," but there's much more to know. For those men and women who now wear the iconic Converse brand in the All-Stars athletic shoe for fashion, many are unaware of the significance of the Chuck Taylor name.

Chuck Taylor was a basketball player who reached the semi-pro level. He eventually became a coach to a number of college All-Americans and future NBA players in the 1940s. He loved the original Converse All-Stars sneaker and promoted the athletic shoe at basketball clinics across the United States. In 1932, his name was added to the ankle patch, and the Chuck Taylor All-Stars sneaker was launched.

There have been incredible advancements to athletic shoes over the last few decades, including padded ankle support and lunar air-like midsoles, etc. So, Chuck Taylors (Chucks) are not the sneakers you would see on an NBA court these days, but you will find them defining fashion footwear and maintaining their legendary status in sports history. In 2017, the Chuck Taylor All-Stars sneaker is celebrating 100 years old.

Bruno Mars nails the high fashion kick of it in his music: "Got Chucks on with Saint Laurent, gotta kiss myself I’m so pretty," he sings in Uptown Funk.

In their low-top and high-top silhouettes, Chucks are versatile fashion footwear, and many women have added them to their wardrobes. InStyle.com says that these sneakers look amazing in at least 20 different ways, and they suggest tying up a pair now. For instance, the All-Stars complete the casual look with a pair of ripped jeans and a cozy sweater. Camo and stripes clothing and these kicks make the ultimate fashion statement, as well as low-top All-Stars with sheer, feminine socks for that collegiate style.

Chuck Taylor All-Stars come in a rainbow of beautiful shades to collect in this uni-sex shoe. Mediterranean Blue, Hyper Orange, Purple, Pink, Lemon and Sunset Glow are just a few new shades to consider.

When tons of celebrities are slipping into old-school kicks like Chuck Taylors, than the classic trend is alive and well as street wear. These cool-looking sneakers are favored by stars like Rihanna, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and Jennifer Aniston. Michelle Obama has made a determination to bring fitness awareness to the youth of America and can be seen running around in her Chucks regularly.

In the meantime, the famous Chuck Taylor sneaker continues to defend its trademark uniqueness and humble history by battling out in court. Converse recently won a key victory that ensures other companies cannot copy Chuck's' signature diamond-patterned outsole.
Still, future knock-offs will appear, trying to dupe the familiar rubber-toe band, toe cap and stripes. Those features aren't legally protected.
It doesn't matter, because one pair of Chuck Taylor All-Stars is sold every 43 seconds.

Married to a lover of vintage markets?  Stumped on what to get them this Christmas?  Don't fret!  We've searched high and low to find unique gifts that are sure to win the hearts of vintage and handmade lovers!  Bonus: These are all sold locally in the Phoenix metro area - so you are supporting local families & the local economy while doing your holiday shopping!

Price: $2450+
Connect with C + D here. ​​

In Arizona, we practically live outdoors (except for July!).  From barbeques to watching for shooting stars, memories are made with the family in this space.  To further that experience, connect with your family around one of these attractive tables.  Featuring built in planters and beverage troughs, the style that exudes from these pieces elevates any backyard to the next level.

Beyond excited to announce our upcoming market at Peoria Sports Complex!  This has been in development for quite a while.  After LOTS of hard work and dedication, Front Porch Pickins will be showcasing the West Valley's first annual large-scale vintage market!   We are pleased to present an opportunity for our fellow, local vendors to demonstrate their talent to our community.  Buy local.  Support local.

SAVE THE DATE!  Nov. 8, 2014

To apply to be a vendor, please fill out our online application form here.

Thank you for your continued support in our junkin' and pickin' business!  You are appreciated!

Every parent knows what I'm talking about when I say no-kid crack.  It's that high you experience when your kids are with a babysitter, and you realize: OMG! I have time for ME!  Well today, I experienced a new high.  I think it can officially be called Pickin' Crack. 

This week, I was invited on a virgin pick (no one had viewed or purchased any items prior to my visit) at an abandoned / deteriorating property.  I, like many Americans, love going to yard sales, thrift stores, and seeking the elusive mother-of-all deals.  I've watched American Pickers and dreamed of doing something similar.

This was my BIG break!!!!  I had knots in my stomach during the days preceding the pick.  I prepared by wearing a baseball cap with built in LED lights to be used as my flashlight.  I borrowed tennis shoes, as this Arizona girl rocks flip flops 99.99% of her life...  I also made sure to wear pants and a long sleeve shirt.  While I'm willing to dig through dirt, I fear spiders and other crawly things.  They MUST avoid my skin at all times!  Insert shiver.  Lastly, I brought along bottled water.  Most pickin' sites do not have power or water, as they are often barns and storage sheds.  Gloves are another essential, to keep your hands free of dirt and splinters.  One thing I hadn't considered, was bringing a dust mask.  After twenty seconds of being in the first building, I was hacking up a lung.  

I scored a large amount of vintage pieces, including luggage, furniture, wooden crates, wire baskets, baby items, and more!  I can't wait for you all to see them.  I know you will fall in love as quickly as I did!  Below is a very brief preview of what we'll be selling soon.  Be sure to follow us on our facebook page here to have an opportunity to purchase an item in the near future

Experiencing struggles in my current full time job, I have had many people suggest I seek out another full-time position with competitors, etc.  I however, have secretly hoped in my heart that through investing myself into our Front Porch Pickins market, as well as our vintage resale efforts, that I may have a career via my love for pickin'. 
Perhaps this is the first step towards that dream.  The bible says God will give you the desires of your heart.  And He knows.... my heart is full of vintage.

Des