Krrb Blog

The Hot Corner – Nick Klaus, Los Angeles, California

Vanessa Londono — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:02:31 +0000

This heavy centerpiece base is missing the crystal bowl it held. Photo: Krrb.com/NicksRentPayment

As part of the series called The Hot Corner, we’ll be featuring Krrb corners that catch our eye with their well-curated inventory. Whether it’s upcycled, secondhand, vintage or handmade, be sure to see for yourself why we think these Krrbsters have it going on.

It isn’t getting easier for college graduates entering the job market. To pay the bills, Nick Klaus, a recent communications graduate of University of Southern California sells retro finds on Krrb. Nick won us over with his great descriptions and odd (yet cool) items for sale on this week’s Hot Corner.

This atomic inspired candle holder is retro-tastic! Photo: Krrb.com/NicksRentPayment

Nick came across Krrb via Apartment Therapy’s renovated classifieds. (Ed. Note: If you haven’t seen it, check it out here!) The marketplace is ideal for him to sell the collectables he hunts down in Los Angeles. On the odd night, Nick does standup at the Comedy Store.

Doesn't this Bauer Ringware pitcher belong on your dining table? Photo: Krrb.com/NicksRentPayment

See why Nick’s corner is smoking at Krrb.com/NicksRentPayment and help him make his rent! You can also read his design geek blog for the latest witty musings from this Los Angeles transplant.

Member Spotlight – Park Slope Vintage on the Experience of the Hunt

Vanessa Londono — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:12:16 +0000

Meet Sarah and Lawrence, the lovebirds behind Park Slope Vintage.

For young married couple, Sarah D’ Andrea and Lawrence Melilli, weekend hunts for furniture are almost an extension of their honeymoon. They pick interesting destinations (to ensure they have a great time even if no purchases are made) and hit the road. Sometimes they come back empty handed and sometimes they fill their car to the brim with dusty typewriters and armchairs that sell on Park Slope Vintage. In the end, it’s more about the journey then the secondhand treasures for these lovebirds.

Mid-century finds, like this desk are stacked up around their third floor walk-up apartment.

Tell us a bit about yourselves. Where are you from and where do you currently live?
Sarah: I am from Atlanta, Georgia and came to NYC after college. Lawrence is from Long Island and went to college in the city. We met through friends at Union Hall in Park Slope, and 5 years later we’re married and still live here.

What is the most awesome thing in or about your neighborhood?
It is too hard to choose only one. Top 4: Culture (yum!), Talde (double yum!), Prospect Park Bandshell (Wilco!), Union Hall (obviously).

List the top 5 places you go locally to discover hidden treasures?
We don’t really go local to find vintage items. Vintage stores in New York City have already unearthed and curated their pieces. For us, the fun is finding something amazing where you’d least expect it. Vintage stores have taken the fun out of it.

Did you go to garage sales, flea markets, thrift stores as a kid?
Sarah: I LOVED garage sales as a kid. When my sister and I saw a sign in our neighborhood, we’d go home and dig around in the couch to find change, then go buy presents for our parents. Mostly, they got cat figurines and old shoes.

The lines of 50

How did you begin collecting mid-century furniture?
We first bought a mid-century credenza, and it didn’t match any of our other furniture. So we slowly began collecting pieces to create a cohesive room. It turned out to be so much fun, we just kept going.

How often do you go to garage sales, flea markets, etc.? Any personal tips you’d like to share?
We always stop when we pass one. Never count any place out when looking for vintage things. You never know what you are going to find.

This Magnus Electronic Chord Organ plays the sweet music of yesteryear.

Are you a hoarder or a minimalist?
I am a minimalist, and Lawrence is a hoarder. We always have to find a balance.

What is your most cherished handcrafted, secondhand, vintage, upcycled object you possess? What’s the story behind it?
Lawrence: I went camping one summer, and, on the drive up, we passed a garage sale. We stopped and I bought a bust of a sea captain. It was $1. I also bought a Supertramp 8-track, but that’s not nearly as cherished.
Sarah: My most cherished vintage item is silver bracelet given to me by my great grandmother. It’s so unique and I think about her every time I wear it.

This urban couple goes outside of city limits for their vintage hunting.

Tell us about one of your recent fruitful trips.
Last summer we went to Providence, and, on the way, found so many great things. The whole time our car was packed to the max. Our hotel valeted and we passed off our car not only full of furniture, but full of dusty, old furniture. Imagine, first a Porsche, then our car full of 50 year-old chairs and typewriters.

Thanks Sarah and Lawrence!

I Want This – Purrfect Ginger Cat Teapot

Vanessa Londono — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:57:44 +0000

Purrrr yourself a relaxing cup of tea. Photo: Krrb.com/deluxethings

There are two kinds of people in the world— cat people and dog people. Yet I (a dog person) am strongly drawn to kitschy quality of this Ginger Cat Teapot. The vintage teatime companion comes from an estate sale in Pasadena and I would like to adopt it. Maybe it’s the lack of allergy symptoms that usually plague me around felines, maybe it’s just quirky and fun. Either way, this is one cat I want to bring home.

Want a kitty to call your own? Pounce on the Ginger Cat Teapot on Joanna Elizabeth’s Krrb corner in Glendale, California.

No related posts.

Quick Picks – Travel

Vanessa Londono — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:10:00 +0000

Safe travels! Photo: Krrb.com/realtimetravlr

Welcome to “Quick Picks” where we scour Krrb for remarkable finds and amazing pieces guided by just one word. Today’s word: Travel!

Vintage Dollhouse in Brooklyn, New York

This retro Fisher Price dollhouse breaks apart for travel. Photo: Krrb.com/olivialane

Exploring the nooks and crannies of a Vintage Dollhouse ($199) is a trip down memory lane. The retro children’s toy can be found on Olivia Cleans Green’s Krrb corner. We’ll also take the Care Bears 1980s metal lunch box ($30) to remember our childhood.

Get it all here: Krrb.com/olivialane

Vintage Samsonite in Des Moines, Iowa

This set stands out in a sea of black suitcases. Photo: Krrb.com/just1jen

A pair of vintage Samsonite luggage on Jen’s Krrb corner is a stylish way to stand apart from the multitude of black suitcases at the airport. While it’s not an ideal travel companion, the stallion lamp is a surefire win.

Get it all here: Krrb.com/just1jen

Bike Club in Manhattan, New York

Travel in a pack. Photo: Krrb.com/ManifestStefany

We love the energy of ManifestStefany’s Krrb corner. Sign us up for the bike club with trips all summer long around the Greater New York area.

Get it here: Krrb.com/ManifestStefany

Pet Travel Carrier in Hernando, Mississippi

Adorable dog sold separately. Photo: Krrb.com/tinybrownpup

Check out Tiny Brown Pup’s Krrb corner for a pet travel carrier and more. We’re also willing to toss The Story of Jane by Catherine Cusset into our weekend bag.

Get it all here: Krrb.com/tinybrownpup

Pestamel Towels in Chicago, Illinois

The flat weave of Turkish towels make them ideal for traveling. Photo: Krrb.com/Mayseek

Adding a few Turkish flat woven Pestamel Towels ($55) to your suitcase will give you function without the bulk. Mayseek’s Krrb corner also has a Indian Gudri Kantha Quilts ($89) and Kilim Handbags ($325) for other worldly treasures.

Get it all here: Krrb.com/Mayseek

Handcrafted Coasters in Manhattan, New York

Made of maps and travel brochures, these coasters make a great gift. Photo: Krrb.com/OnTheFringe

Browsing the handmade decoupage items on On The Fringe’s Krrb corner is like rummaging through a lifetime collection of paper. We like the creative use of travel maps and brochures used in Handcrafted Coasters ($6).

Get it all here: Krrb.com/OnTheFringe

Travel Size Dry Shampoo in Brooklyn, New York

Toss a travel size dry shampoo in your suitcase for easy hair maintenance. Photo: Krrb.com/skinnyskinny

You’ll want to toss every one of the organic toiletries from skinnyskinny’s Krrb corner into your Dopp kit. We suggest you don’t leave the travel sized organic dry shampoo ($9) behind when you travel.

Get it all here: Krrb.com/skinnyskinny

Anvil Travel Case in Deerfield, Illinois

You can leave this stylish Anvil traveling case out in plain sight. Photo: Krrb.com/10301

A.Klein’s Krrb corner has the perfect travel solution for your valuables. This Anvil Travel Case ($60) also makes a great coffee table.

Get it all here: Krrb.com/10301

Eco Duffel Bag in Manhattan, New York

Made of cotton canvas, this duffel bag has plenty of room for all your souvenirs. Photo: Krrb.com/thetafari

The Tafari’s Krrb corner is known for their quality eco-friendly products for the body and home. The roomy Eco Duffel ($60) is great for a season’s worth of getaways. We like the lightweight hoodie ($60) for those breezy summer nights.

Get it all here: Krrb.com/thetafari

Did we miss something? Did we chose one of your corner items and you want to add something? Let us know and post below…

5 Easy Pieces – Luggage

Vanessa Londono — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:24:01 +0000

Never fly without your vintage Samsonite. Photo: Krrb.com/vintagebaubles

As part of a series called 5 Easy Pieces, we’ll be gathering our favorite upcycled, re-purposed, vintage, and handmade stuff from around the web for you to buy or make yourself. So stay tuned for quick lists of 5 must-haves and get ready to wish you had thought of that.

Durable Duffel Bags

These waterproof duffel bags are made of sailcloth. Photo: Uncommongoods.com

Trek the Sahara Desert with a handmade duffel worthy of any adventure. Made from sailing cloth, these lightweight bags are waterproof, odor resistant and in it for the long haul. To get your own all-terrain luggage (currently on sale for $99), visit Uncommongoods.com.

Personalized Luggage Tags

Never lose your luggage again. Photo: Etsy.com/shop/OfTheFountain

Etsy seller Of The Fountain has personalized leather name tags ($25.95) for all your belongings. We love the look of these hand stamped luggage tags. You’ll never fear losing your suitcase again with one of these securely attached to your bag. For more tag options, visit Etsy.com/shop/OfTheFountain.

Carry-all Everywhere

This durable bag can travel with you across the world. Photo: Etsy.com/shop/abizema

Leave the fuss at home when you’re making your way across South America. A military grade weekend bag ($150) from Abizema will hold all your belongs securely. To get your hands on this beauty, visit Etsy.com/shop/abizema.

Dopp Kit

Pack your tolietries in style. Photo: Krrb.com/hudsonandbleecker

Keep your toiletries organized with a dopp kit ($32) from Hudson and Bleecker. The classic travel accessory is roomy enough to hold your sunscreen, bug repellent and more. If you’re ready to toss one of these into your suitcase, visit Krrb.com/hudsonandbleecker.

Weekend Bag

This bag is the perfect size for a weekend adventure. Photo: Moop.supermarkethq.com

When you’re in the mood for a quick getaway, you don’t have to dust off your suitcase. The Porter is large enough to hold clothes, books, a blanket and more and still compact enough to toss over your shoulder. This large canvas tote ($91) has pockets and closes with a few snaps. To get ready for your next day trip, visit Moop.supermarkethq.com.

Fill Us In

Tell us what’s missing, what we need to know, and who is making heads turn. Share in the comments!

Mother’s Day – 5 Gift Ideas Your Mama Will Love

Vanessa Londono — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:34:04 +0000

Here's to all the mothers out there (including my mami!)

Your mama fed and raised you, so now it’s your turn to reciprocate the love. Mother’s Day is Sunday but don’t wait until then to show your mom how much she means to you. If you’re stuck on what to get her, here are five inspired gift ideas that she’s sure to want.

Handmade Jewelry

Isn't this dainty brass heart just charming? Photo: Krrb.com/BrooklynCharm

Show your mother appreciation this Sunday with some shiny jewelry. We love the adorable selection of personalized charms at Brooklyn Charm. The Williamsburg shop is also giving away free charm necklaces to mothers and their kids who visit our store from the hours of 10-1 on Mother’s Day. The mother has to accompany the children, and vice versa, both will get a free charm and chain. If your mother likes more feminine pieces, check out Kira Kira Jewelry who has a 10 percent discount through Sunday right now. Looking for something more natural, visit Friedasophie who incorporates organic shapes and gemstones in her designs.

Locally Made Soaps and Candles

Indulge your mom with some relaxing bath products. Photo: Krrb.com/BeehiveAlchemy

After all the hard work of raising children, it’s time for your mother to relax. Treat her to calming spa products. The soap and candle gift boxes from Ebb and Flow pack a lot of punch. We’re also keen on Meow Meow Tweet with their organic vegan products ideal for the “Earth Mother” in your life. If you’re looking for more than just soaps, San Francisco-based Heliotrope carries soy massage candles and aromatherapy mists. If you’re still in doubt, pick up some neutral beeswax candles from Beehive Alchemy.

Artisanal Food

Forget the delivery of generic flowers, go with artisan ice cream. Photo: Krrb.com/phinphebes

If you live in Brooklyn, a delivery of artisinal ice cream will please your mother more than a bland bouquet. Check out the unique flavors available through Phin and Phebes. If she has a likening to spice, then you’re sure to do right with a selection of heated rubs and jellies at Texana Lane from Austin. Saucy By Nature offers a wide range of chutneys and sauces your mom won’t want to put down.

Handcrafted Accessories

After carrying you for 9 months, she deserves a new handbag. Photo: Krrb.com/hawkandcarry

It doesn’t matter how old you are, chances are your mother is still carrying around emergency bandaids and snacks in her purse. It’s time to treat her to a new handbag and Krrb’s got the scoop on some pretty options. If mom likes the feel of leather, pay a visit to Hawk and Carry, where the lush bags are handmade. If you’re looking for something with structure, Commeun carries Indonesian handwoven tote bags. For the mother on the go, you can’t go wrong with a messenger bag from Whether Bags, which come in a range of colors and prints.

Flowers and Plants

Give you mum the gift that keeps giving. Photo: Krrb.com/twigterrariums

Flowers are the quintessential Mother’s Day gift. While we’re not hating on the tried and true bouquet of blooms, we do think you could do a little better. Twig Terrariums sells personalized moss terrariums and miniature DIY kits for those crafty mothers. If she doesn’t quite have a green thumb, pick up a striking air plant design by Roots in Rust at the Dekalb Market in Brooklyn. When mom prefers her flowers dried, head to Raganella for natural tea mixes made of flowers and herbs.

Tell Us

What are you getting your mama this Mother’s Day?

Weekend Wanderer – London, Miami, Toronto

Vanessa Londono — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:20:19 +0000

Sample a few dishes this weekend. Photo: Petanqueandpastis.typepad.com

It’s Friday and we can’t wait to unchain ourselves from our desks and get out and about. Weekend Wanderer is a series that you’ll find every Friday morning featuring a few activities we’d like to explore. Check them out for yourself or do something in your neck of the woods. Either way, just get out and wander.

I Love You, London, England

Photo exhibit "I Love You" opens tonight. Photo: Tenderpixel.com

Check out the opening of “I Love You” tonight at Tenderpixel in the heart of London. The group show curated by Richard Ansett includes work by Grace Brown, Natasha Caruana and Pete McGovern. Photography by these artists explore the motivation behind the image captured. Curator Richard Ansett cleverly challenges the assumption that photography is generally accepted as a truthful representation of reality. To see the exhibit, visit Tenderpixel at 10 Cecil Court, WC2, London.

Indie Fashion Party: Style Rack, Miami, Florida

Dress for a night of fashion, both new and vintage. Photo: Chalkmiami.com

Check out the South Florida indie fashion scene on Saturday night. Head over to local hotspot Chalk for Shop Bar, a pop-up vintage boutique and a trunk show with designers Mandalynn, RDo, and Fake Frivolity. Part of the proceeds go to the South Florida Cancer Association. To check out Saturday night’s show, visit Chalk at 1234 Washington Avenue, Miami.

Mother’s Day Brunch at Casa Loma, Toronto, Canada

Give your mother a breakfast fit for a queen. Photo: Democraticunderground.com

Your mama deserves the royal treatment this weekend. We suggest you treat her to a Mother’s Day brunch at Casa Loma. The brunch takes place in the library of Toronto’s most famous castle. Guests can also roam the castle on a self-guided tour. Get reservations and visit Casa Loma at 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto.

What are you up to this weekend? Do share…

The Hot Corner – My Brooklyn is Better, San Francisco, California

Vanessa Londono — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:10:26 +0000

A limited print by Ryan McGinness incorporates the surf and skate culture of Virgina Beach where he grew up. Photo: Krrb.com/mybrooklynisbetter

Antonio Guzman of the My Brooklyn is Better Krrb corner is a New Yorker at heart. Born and breed in his corner’s namesake borough, Antonio relocated to San Francisco six years ago yet continues to blog on music, art, and more that spikes his interest under the same online identity. Have a chance to buy some of the items that caught his discerning eye on this week’s Hot Corner.

‘Places You Can’t Imagine’ print by Chuck Anderson won't be making the move with Antonio Guzman. Photo: Krrb.com/mybrooklynisbetter

Antonio moved across the country with his belongings but left behind the memory he had of growing up in Brooklyn. Now, he’s making another (smaller) move and is selling prints by artists Chuck Anderson and Ryan McGinness he collected years ago.

How neat is this "Lights for Drowning" print by Chuck Anderson? Photo: Krrb.com/mybrooklynisbetter

Check out the blog that inspired a Hot Corner. You can also follow Antonio on Twitter to see what this East Coast transplant is doing.

I Want This – Erotokritos Pumps in Paris, France

Vanessa Londono — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:23:22 +0000

Resist the urge to strut in these pumps. Photo: Krrb.com/calire

A beautiful pair of shoes are the key to my heart and these glamorous leather kitten heels are the perfect way to pump up style during the warmer months.

The vintage-inspired fashionable footwear have never been worn. The orange and gold tones will compliment the summer tan that comes with beach trips (and 45 SPF!) all summer long.

Want to pick up these Parisian lovelies, visit Erotokritos Pumps on Calire’s Krrb corner in Paris, France. (All the better if I make the trip to pick them up in person!)

Vocabulary of a Flea Market Seller

Vanessa Londono — Tue, 08 May 2012 17:21:21 +0000

When it comes to selling, it’s all about the pitch. Of course, it gets a little tricky when it comes to selling old items when their history is, well, a mystery. Labels can vary (inaccurately at times) from antique to vintage to retro to secondhand — depending on the seller. But variety is the spice of life!

So, we took to the Williamsburg waterfront location of the Brooklyn Flea to hear what vendors had to say about the same rusty tin dish. While most were confident about the vocabulary they would use, there was some uncertainty. To see what Brooklyn Flea vendors had to say, watch the video.

The crowds gather at Dan's Parent's House booth at the Brooklyn Flea in Williamsburg.