For the Love of Antique and Vintage Shops

California's Central Coast is fortunate to have a number of antique and vintage stores filled with treasures from the past that you can use, decorate your home with, and wear.

Monterey's Cannery Row is home to the largest antique mall on the Central Coast. With over 21,000 square feet and 150 dealers, shoppers are bound to find something that catches their attention whether it happens to be science fiction books, jewelry, china, or lace. Even the building itself is an antique - it used to be a Carmel Canning Company building back in the 1920s.

Even if you don't live on the Central Coast and can't make it out here, I encourage you to check out antique stores in your area. The quality and beauty of antique items make scouring shops completely worth it.

New Items - Skeleton Key Necklace, Bolero, and Floral Fairy Hem Skirt

New items from Secondhand Passion:

This black skirt with gathered waist (front and back) and asymmetrical hem has been decorated with two removable black floral pins (approximately 4 inches tall) and a blue floral appliqué attached to a pin (measures approximately 6 inches across). One of the black floral pins is sequined and the other is made of lace and has a beaded center. The blue floral appliqué has iridescent sequins and purple beads. The skirt measures approximately 26 inches at the longest point starting at the top of the waist.

More skirt details:

Brand - Wet Seal
Size - Small (listed on tag)
Material - 47% polyester, 47% rayon, 6% spandex (very stretchy)

Listing here.




This upcycled black crushed velour bolero with navy blue beaded and iridescent sequined appliqué pin works well with skirts, dresses, pants, or jeans. Closes with tab and button.

There is no size tag, but this would best fit someone who wears size X-Small or Small. Fabric is stretchy.

Measurements (taken flat and unstretched):

Length - 13 inches
Chest - Approx. 30 inches (will fit a bust up to about 34 inches)
Sleeves - 24 inches each

Brand:
Jumping Joy

Appliqué measures approx. 3.5 inches across.

Listing here.




This elegant and nostalgic necklace has white marbled beads with a subtle yellow tint. An approximately 2 1/2 inch tall antique key from the late 1800s or early 1900s hangs from a large jump ring with an antiqued/oxidized patina. The necklace itself is approximately 15 inches long.

Listing here.

Photos by Reija Bolwell of StudioR, Santa Cruz (http://www.studiorsantacruz.com).

New Secondhand Passion Item - Upcycled Steampunk Purse

This upcycled black purse has braided fabric and a watch dial pin with a red vintage cabochon in the center. The watch dial is an antique from either the late 1800s or early 1900s. It's in great condition and still has its hands. The pin is removable and can be placed on different parts of the purse or on other items.

The fully lined inside compartment of the purse zips to safely secure contents.

The purse measures approximately 8 1/2 inches high and 7 inches across. It hangs down approx. 31 inches including the strap.

Material: 60% cotton and 40% olefin.

Available here.