Everything old is new again… again. Retro colors ands style lines are popping up all over the place from your local Target to Macey’s. Although you can now easily walk into a store and decorate a whole room or house in these “faux” pieces a lot of people are starting to appreciate the “Real Mcoy”, and the treasure hunt to find just the right pieces. But what exactly is Retro, where and how do you find the best pieces?

When asked what I sell on eBay I usually describe my treasures as “delightfully tacky antiques”, and break them down into 5 basic categories:

1940’s “I love Lucy & Ricky’s apartment”

1950’s “Happy days in Mrs Beaver’s home”

1960’s “From BoHo to Eames Era”

1970’s : “A whole bunch of Brady”

Timeless “Not so shabby cottage chic”

If you are a retro lover you probably know which style is your favorite. You might even know some brand names or key words to help you along. But do not limit yourself to having to find a complete set of vintage atomic dinnerware or glassware, mixing and matching is half the fun. Not only can retro pieces similar in design or color go together but they can also look wonderful mixed in with some new pieces. Pick a color scheme and try a eBay search using just the color and the words “vintage and Retro” you might be pleasantly surprised by what you find. Buy what you like, what brings back memories or makes you smile. Your home should be a reflection of you and should make you happy and comfortable.

For those of you new to buying retro just add the words “retro  vintage"  to any of the following, click search and enjoy the ride.

• Atomic
• Eames Era
• Chic
• Anchor Hocking
• Fire King
• McCoy
• Shawnee
• Pyrex
• Syracuse
• Melmac
• Texasware
• Plasmetl
• Dallasware
• Bakelite
• Carnival glass
• Blinko
• Fenton
• Jadite
• Ballerina (glass & pottery)
• Swanky Swigs
• Hull
• Weller
• California Pottery
• Chintz
• Fiberglass Lamp
• Laughlin
• TV Lamp
• Royal Copley
• Shenango
• Syracuse china
• Universal Potteries
• Wall Pockets
• Chalkware
• Fiesta
• Paint by Number
• Aluminum
• Fire King
• Anchor Hocking
• Ware ever
• Bar ware
• Linen
• apron
• hankies - hankerchiefs

These are some of my favorites  and I am sure there are lots more.

Here are some shopping hints:

• Do not limit your searches, you never know the treasures you might find. Sure a McCoy planter is nice but there might be a wonderful unmarked piece that fits your tastes just perfectly.
• If you find a seller you like let them know what sort of things you are looking for and your colors. Most of us see far more items then we purchase or have time to list.
• Look for ads with good photos and more than one view. You want to be sure what you are buying
• Remember to read the description of the item thoroughly, check for shipping charges and ask the seller any question you might have. Do not assume anything. Most eBay merchants love their job and dealing with their customers. Any reputable eBay merchant wants you to be thrilled with your purchase.
• ALWAYS CHECK YOUR SELLERS FEED BACK. It is the best way to know who you are sending your hard earned money to.
• Be sure to DOUBLE CHECK the measurements. When a lamp is by itself in a photo what you thought was a looked like a 20” table lamp just might turn out to be a 10” bedside lamp.

And remember today’s retro pieces can become tomorrow’s antiques.

Check out Possibilities-Auctions for some super treasures.

Good Luck

Infinite Possibilities Abound

Andre'