Vintage kitsch that grandma would love
My grandma was one cool lady. She took vodka in her 7-Up, swooned over Elvis and is the reason why I adore cats so much. With Mother's Day on the horizon, and vintage housewares being all the rage, I figured I would dedicate this column to hip grandmothers everywhere (even if they are unaware of how hip they are).
One thing you usually could find at any grandma's house is kitschy wall art. My Nana's velvet Elvis painting complete with a gold embellished frame was classic, but not so much my style. A print of Andy Warhol's "Silver Elvis" might be more suiting. Another time-tested grandma staple is needlepoint. I have been obsessed with old needlepoint art for a while now, and Philadelphia-based Vintage Looks is a Web site dedicated to finding all the discarded floral needlepoint art one's heart desires.
Vintage Looks is loaded with other housewares that will make you nostalgic for grandma's cooking and summers on the porch drinking iced tea and playing with your dolls. They have old rotary phones (which are more cute and less practical) and a like-new 1970s Sears toaster that makes me wonder what modern appliance makers are thinking with their bland designs. If you have some money to spend, VL also has furniture that is not as expensive as some antique sites. But for someone looking to do their place up with grandma- (and Oprah-) approved antiques, a trip to the South Side might do you good.
On a recent trip to my mom's house, I stopped at David McClain Antiques in the Beverly neighborhood. The shop is run by David himself, out of his own home. The place was littered with impressive vintage gems, and compared to the prices I'm used to seeing on the North Side, were extremely reasonable. I found an antique cabinet I'm itching to buy for about half of what I have seen it cost at other antique shops, and the shop is sunny, cozy and a perfect place to spend an afternoon scouring.
I love Italian food a whole lot, and I have my entire family to thank for that one, but fresh herbs are something that many Italian grandmothers would not go without. Sprout Home in Wicker Park sells a variety of herb options, including a organic lemon basil plant in a charming eco-friendly pot, perfect for any windowsill. They also sell Matchbook Gardens. Matchbook Gardens look like an ordinary matchbook, but when you tear out a matchstick (complete with seeds on the tips) you just plant the stick in soil and can grow a flower or herb garden -- perfect for the reluctant gardener.
Whether she was sweet and polite or loud and brassy, grandmas knew how to make us feel at home. From providing us with delicious food to a cozy place to watch "Golden Girls," we should be grateful for their kindness, wisdom and, of course, style.
Floral needlepoint, $35 at vintagelooks.com
Classic mustard and chrome Sears toaster, $35 at vintagelooks.com
Loft bud vases, $3.79 each at Sprout Home, 745 N. Damen Ave
USDA certified organic lemon basil in biodegradable rice husk pot, $15.75 at Sprout Home, 745 N. Damen Ave.
1960s modern club chair, $425 at vintagelooks.com
Matchstick Gardens, about $3 each at Sprout Home, 745 N. Damen Ave.
