Kitty in the Craft Room

I've been spending lots of time in the craft room lately trying to keep up with the demand for aprons and The Mitten has been my constant companion. Every time she hears the whir of the sewing machine she comes running. She loves to watch the needle bob up and down and always tries to attack random threads as they are dragged across the sewing table.

Oh look! She has even selected an assortment of trim for an apron. The Mitten loves all trim but I think ric rac is her favorite.

Love, Kelly

Happy Birthday, Emily

Today is my first born offspring's birthday. Emily is 22 years old today. She's one of those unfortunate people who's birthday is right after Chritmas. But check out the fabulous cake her mother has prepared for her! What a lucky girl to have a mother who is so skilled in the culinary arts.

Happy Birthday, Emily. We love you.

Love, Kelly

Top Ten Sellers for 2009

As far as sales in the year 2009, I would describe it as "The Year of Living Practically'. 2009 found us in a deep recession with everyone concerned about saving money. With this in mind, we have tried to stock the shop with relevant and affordable merchandise. Here is a list of our Top Ten Best Sellers for the year:





Small Tables priced under $50.

Rockers of all shapes and sizes in any finish. They seem to sell as soon as we put them out on the floor!
Vintage aprons have become so popular lately. Ours are priced at around $18 and they are not necessarily purchased to be worn while cooking. They have been THE fashion accessory of the moment!

Globes, vintage and new have always been a big seller and this trend has continued throughout 2009. Vintage embroidered pillowcases are a beautiful yet practical addition to the bedroom. Even if they are not in mint condition, they have sold well if priced right because they can be used as "cutters" for sewing projects.

The classic cowboy boot never goes out of style. What's fun this year about cowboy boots is that we are seeing them worn with just about everything...skirts, denim, dresses, shorts, and even to the beach as in my daughter Karen's case!

Old typewriters. It's the nostalgic clickety clack of these ancient beauties that has caused a recent surge in their popularity. In fact, the first item that was purchased in our shop the day we opened four years ago was an old typewriter for $50.

Nightstands and small dressers. It seems they provide some extra storage in a small space. And they are not just for the bedroom anymore. Nightstands are making an appearance in kitchens, hallways and even bathrooms!

Wooden chairs painted in fun colors. Mixing and matching different colors and styles around a dining room table is this year's big trend. Ours sell for about $30 each.

And finally, rounding out our top ten list: book cases. A practical catchall for more than just the books in your life.

So, fellow shop owners, what were your top sellers this year?

Love, Kelly

I believe I''ve been suffering from PHED (Post Holiday Exhaustion Disorder). The last few days have been sluggish and unproductive ones. As much as I enjoy the concept of Christmas, the reality is often something quite different. What should be a break from our usual hectic routines, the holidays more often than not turn into a harried race of shopping, cleaning, cooking and stressing. And then after the big day and it's all over but the shouting you are left with a feeling of dissapointment and ultimately complete exhaustion. Sigh.

Every year I have this fantasy of getting away at Christmas. Sitting on a beach somewhere, staring at the ocean with absolutely no responsibilities sounds like a dream come true. Maybe next year.....

Love, Kelly

Merry Christmas

Just a quicky post to wish you all out there in Blogland a very Happy Holiday! Second Hand Chic will close at 2 pm today and will reopen at 10 am on Saturday, December 26.

Be safe and merry!

Love, Kelly

New Aprons

When we first opened Second Hand Chic four years ago we had an inventory of about 150 vintage aprons. Truthfully, they were not big sellers. Recently though, vintage aprons have become all the rage. As a result our apron inventory has become seriously depleted and I've had trouble aquiring more aprons at a reasonable price. Halloween really wiped us out because apparently the hot costume this year was the "Fifties Housewife". I decided it was time to delve into my stockpile of vintage fabrics and stitch up some new aprons to keep up with the recent demand. Here is the result of a weekend apron sewing spree....

Each apron pictured here sells for $18 and I've decided to part with two of my beloved mannequins; they sell for $100 each. So hurry in, these aprons are moving fast!

Love, Kelly

Capital City Antique Mall

For our fifth and final Vintage Christmas Monday we'll be visiting the Capital City Antique Mall here in Salt Lake City. Here is owner, Monica Zoltanski with her little helper, Chewie. Monica recently purchased the business from Moriarty's and has made some sweeping changes. The shop has a fresh new look and lots of new dealers. The assortment and variety of vintage Christmas decor throughout the mall is quite impressive. Let's take a gander...

Here's Holly working on her booth. It's vintage Christmas all year long at Holly's booth. She describes her obsession with vintage Christmas decor as "a hobby gone wild".

Capital City Antique Mall

959 South West Temple

SLC, Utah 84101

801.521.7202

Mon-Sat 11-6 Sun 12-5

Or check them out on Facebook

If you'd like to see more Vintage Christmas Mondays just click on the VCM on my sidebar. Thanks again Joan at Anything Goes Here being the hostess with the mostest!

Love, Kelly