*under construction*


29 May 2009

Pack it Up

Any way you pack them or stack them --
vintage luggage is simply gorgeous.

I love the way they look, and of course, that they are old and have history -- they fill my mind immediately with the images of old sepia photos, train stations, linen clothing and floppy hats and red lipstick.

I could spend hours on end with this vintage luggage on Ellis Island -- going through it piece by piece, wondering what their history is --
What stories
they have
to
tell


I love how the original tones and shades vary-- and how time and the elements have
weathered
them


... the distinct and differing textures - original and from wear and tear



Where have they traveled? What have they seen?



What sort of secrets do they hold?



I've been looking for just the right ones to use as a side table next to the sofa in the Guesthouse. I thought it would not only look great, but it would be a nice tie-in to the fact that many miles were traveled to arrive. But, like everything recently in Museville, it's proving to be more difficult than I initially thought.
I started thinking what type and style of vintage luggage I wanted.
The possibilities (in theory) are truly endless --

You could choose similar types and colors for your stack...


Or you could be highly organized and tidy and choose the same style but in different sizes...


And some are the type that want an exact match.


Me? I like to mix it up -
This stack is
fabulous.


I am crazy about this piece below- The luggage is beautiful and accessories are perfect. ... the stand that it's sitting on? Not loving that.

I'm happier now that I really do have a game plan and a vision for Museville - from the big things to the small, it much more cohesive in my mind -- it's actually starting to feel like home, and as crazy as this all has been, it makes me really never want to move again. At least not for a long time.


So... a stack of suitcases have been added to my long and always growing list and the hunt continues --
I did find these lovelies from the UK on ebay this week--


... Now, don't you go and bid against me!
Have a wonderful weekend!
xo
photos from flickr, google & ebay

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am a long time lurker and have to come out of the shadows as you have one of the best blogs. Every single one is incredible, your taste is perfection. And your music ain't so bad either!
I sold a huge Louis Vuitton trunk that stood up on its side and when opened had compartment drawers and even a hanging rack for $30 in the 1980s. I know, I know.....
G in CT

Zita - Mlle Magpie said...

Good luck bidding on Ebay! Hope you get your great vintage suitcases!

the wild raspberry said...

i love them all!
i'd love to have a claim ticket for one of those trunks in new york! oh the history...
have a wonderful weekend...good luck on ebay.
chasity

Nadine @ BDG said...

I love the casualness of a stacked table-- I've been using an accordion case as an end table and a traveling case for a sewing kit-- so I feel right at home with your entry.

Linda Q said...

Hi, hadn't dropped in in a while.
Love your post. So funny because just this week I have been dreaming of stacks of old luggage. I too like the look. Don't know where it would go but want one sometime, maybe when we redo the Master. Loved all the photos you posted. Good luck on eBay!!
Linda

Alicia said...

Perfection.
I must admit I'm a bit nutsy over vinatge luggage stacked. I found my best pieces at this hole in the wall junk shop. Thank God it looked scary from the outside because the lack of traffic gave me 3 hours inside to wander in awe. I walked away with 4 pieces icluding a huge leather suitcase embossed in a croc pattern with satin lining & trinkets inside for $15.00. No kidding.
It was my favorite end table for the longest time...until my new puppy destoyed it but I love Irma Jean more so that"s all that matters. Now..then I was crushed.
Have a wonderful weekend & great thanks for the amazing images.
Good luck on ebay!!!!!!!!!

Linda@ Lime in the Coconut said...

Ya know, Darlin' Isa...You are loved.

I saw your title of packing it in...and actually took a long cold breath. I let it out in a relieved sigh as I read your post.

I am so glad you found your home. And it is starting to fit. You have an amazingly beautiful eye...and it is such fun to see you find pieces that reflect the soul of your home.

I'll keep my eye out for you for those gorgeous and timeworn suitcases.

{smack}

Unknown said...

your luggage pics are full of memories- love vintage luggage too -never thought about where they have been -ummmm

Helen said...

I used to travel a lot on business and every time I retrieved my luggage from the carousel, my heart skipped a beat when I spied someone's antique suitcase circling round. Those were few and far between ..... but SOOOOO classy!

Good luck with your bid, Isa.

Maison Douce said...

What a wonderful collection of pictures.... I too love old suitcases and use them for display whenever I can!! Thank you for the inspiration!
Isabel

Victoria Hayden said...

I love looking on your blog! Always something visually appealing...like eye candy! Always a story to be told along with the pretty pictures, simply~beautiful!! I love all those suticases as well...too many to pick just one favorite. I am a follower and love stopping by. I wanted to invite you to my blog as well and see the great giveaway I am having! A very cute Whimsy Birdie Bag designed by me and a Yummy Cupcake Pincushion too! Have a great weekend!

Hugs to you,
~Victoria~

The Bliss Journey said...

Love old luggage. I have my Mom's in storage and have been thinking about using them as a side table. Have a great weekend.
Kathleen

donna baker said...

Miss Isa, I love the old suitcases, some more than others. I too collected pieces, but never could really find anything to do with them. As for storage, I didn't like the smell inside. I finally began to paint on them; like pearls hanging out the side or necktie coming out of the top; like someone had to hurriedly get out of Dodge. I'll take some pics of those and post them Sat. nite for you to see. I'm such a big fan of yours!

vicki archer said...

Bid up big - these vintage suitcases are a wonderful idea...Good luck and happy weekend Isa, xv

Blue Muse said...

Hi G - I've admired your gorgeous home and property through Artie's blog, and absolutely love it.
I'm so very pleased that you came out of the shadows! xo
Oh, btw, there is a LV trunk like you described on ebay right now ... are you sitting down? $6000!

My coconut Linda -- you won't be rid of me that easy! xo

I appreciate each and every one of you and I love reading what you are thinking about. Thank you for always taking the time to chime in!
Have a wonderful weekend! I'm off to my son's lacrosse game - CIF Championship game - last one of the season! Maybe I'll actually have some extra time now ;)

The Stylish House said...

Hi Isa,
I have lugged around many suitcases, but none has ever looked as luxurious as this collection of vintage luggage! Love your site it is always a beautiful place to visit. Cathy

Millie said...

It's the memories associated with the lugggage pieces that really counts isn't it Isa. Funnily, my strongest memory of luggage is packing my suitcase ready to go to Hospital as my first child was about to arrive. As I laid the new baby clothes gently inside, I had an incredible feeling that by doing this small act, my life was never going to be the same again. And gosh, isn't that the understatement of the century! Good luck in your search for the right pieces.
Millie ^_^

niartist said...

Don't you know that I had like 8 really great ones in my basement until last May when I sold them at a garage sale for $2/each!? Sorry Twin! If I had only had my super twin power then, I would have held onto them, and sent them your way. I'll keep my eye out up here too, it's pretty easy to find.

Carla said...

Great luggage photos. What a collection! Luggage has such wonderful connotations. Where has she been? Where is she going? What happened along the way? A faithful companion that gives nothing away. Carla x

boubou said...

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Well if you wanna be inspired by my collages/Scrapbook or just dream, come and visit my blog :)
a bientot !
Boubouteatime xx
ps : lovve this post !