Kudzu Atlanta Antique Market News

Vintage Jewelry: Making a Comeback

Sat, 12 May 2012 23:54:00 GMT

Vintage jewelry, much like vintage clothing, also never goes out of style. In a world filled with repurposing and recycling, it seems that vintage jewelry has been making a comeback. Replicas of beautifully crafted and ornate pieces are found everywhere. However, if you want to find some authentic and unique vintage pieces, go no further than Kudzu's very own Susan Lauren. We caught up with Susan to find out more about the beauty and timelessness of true vintage jewelry.

Susan, how did you get into selling vintage jewelry?

“Well, I was a big collector. I‘ve been collecting for as long as I can remember. I just decided that I have so much that I should share it with the public.”

When exactly did you start collecting?

“Many, many years ago. Probably when I was a little kid. My aunt was a big collector and we’d go to sales with her- estate sales, yard sales. And then we’d all get a little piece of jewelry. I just cherished it.”

So what did you like most about it?

"I liked the uniqueness and the craftsmanship of fine vintage jewelry. It’s made so well, and you can just look at it and see that it’s going to last. Once you’ve bought something, you’re going to keep it forever."

Where do you find your best stuff?

“Well I go out to Scotts Antique Market and I also buy online. I shop on Ebay, and sometimes people come in to Kudzu and I buy from them. I still buy from yard sales and estate sales- same thing I’ve done for years.”

Today with so many replica pieces, how can you tell if it’s the real thing?

“You can tell the difference between a replica and a true vintage piece because a replica doesn’t have the detail and it’s not very well made. You can tell it’s not going to last long. It has poor quality. And there’s something about a vintage, old piece that just has that look of quality that you don’t usually see. And once you do this enough, you can always spot a good piece.”

What about advice on how people who do collect this jewelry can keep it to its full potential?

“Well, you need to store vintage pieces away from heat, especially if they have a lot of little rhinestones. If they get hot, the glue will begin to melt and the jewels and rhinestones will fall off. I put mine inside a bag and then into a box. That way if anything does come loose, it’s all in the bag. Just be sure to keep it in a room that doesn’t get very warm. I have one piece in here that’s from the 1900’s and all the little stones are still intact. It was a well-kept and well-loved piece and someone was very careful with it.

What are some of the biggest trends right now with jewelry?

“Pins! Everyone wants the sparkly pins. A lot of young brides-to-be are buying pins to make broach bouquets out of them. We’ve sold a lot of them. People are looking for bargains. And this is the type of thing that doesn’t matter if a stone is missing or if it’s in perfect condition. They are taking 20 or more of these and putting them on their bouquets. Another thing that’s popular right now is repurposing old jewelry and making new necklaces and bracelets out of them- and the bigger the better! Large pieces are really popular."

If you had to pick one piece that’s your favorite, what would it be?

“This beautiful 1950s necklace. I just like the piece. It takes a unique person to wearsomething like this. It’s a very wild piece. I bought it from a woman who said it came from her aunt who was on the radio in Kentucky. She said she was very flamboyant and wore pieces like this often.”

How do you go about pricing?

“I go on the Internet and try to find as much information on the piece as possible. Also, if I get a good deal, I make sure to pass that along to the customer.”

Is there a piece you have that has a really interesting history?

“Yes, I have a boyfriend bracelet. It’s a charm bracelet and each charm has a different boyfriends name and date on it. It’s from the mid 40’s. Nothing sparkly, just a little charm bracelet, but it meant a lot to the person who owned it."Another piece that’s really interesting is this pendant. It has a stork on it with two birthstones on it, so it was probably a mothers and the birthstones represent her two children. I just think it is a very beautiful piece and to someone out there, it meant a lot.”

To see the pieces shown above and even more great finds, come check out Kudzu today. No matter your jewelry style, we’re sure you wont leave empty-handed!

World Fair Trade Day - May 12, 2012

Sat, 12 May 2012 23:39:00 GMT

Kudzu is extremely proud to be part of World Fair Trade Day this year. Not only are we participating in the event, but we also make it a year-round effort to support the needs of individuals in underprivileged areas by helping them sell whatever items they can make. Kudzu proudly sells items associated with Ten Thousand Villages and other non profit organizations who help people all around the world to sell goods in a fair and just way. The items are not only beautiful, handcrafted, and unique, but they also represent an amazing cause.

To learn more about World Fair Trade and Ten Thousand Villages, please visit the sites listed below. And to participate in our World Fair Trade Day event, come by Kudzu today and pick up a punch card. Between now and May 12th, visit the three places listed on the card (and get your card punched!!) and you can choose one of three great rewards redeemable only on May 12, 2012.

http://www.wfto.com/

http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/

ANNIVERSARY SALE ON NOW!

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 18:32:00 GMT

You wont want to miss this huge sale celebrating the 5th year at our new location, (and 34th year overall.) Almost everything in the store will be on sale, with savings up to 40% off. Saturday and Sunday will feature live music, free refreshments, and special drawings, so ya'll come! We make shopping fun. Wednesday March 21- Tuesday March 27.

Atlanta's Best Vintage Clothing at Kudzu!

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 19:41:00 GMT

Vintage clothing, ironically, never seems to go out of style. And at Kudzu, you’ll not only find one of Atlanta’s best selections of vintage clothing and accessories, but one of the area’s leading experts on what to buy and when to buy it! We caught up with Channon Hunter recently to talk about what’s hip and happening in the world of vintage clothing.

Why do people buy vintage clothing?“Mostly to express their own personalities. It’s unique and a great fashion statement. Some people even buy it to be more environmentally conscious; they’re buying something that’s already been manufactured.”

Why do you love it, and where do you find your stuff?

“I love the hunt, love to shop, I’ve spent hours and hours shopping, looking around for things. But it’s fun for me. I go to a variety of different places. Garage sales, estate sales, people will come into store and bring in their grandmother’s old dress. It feels like a treasure hunt to me. I love it. And it doesn’t hurt that I’m obsessive-compulsive; I can go to a sale or a store and go through every single rack of clothing piece by piece. It’s what I love to do. And I’m lucky enough to able to make that into a living.”

So what’s trending right now in vintage clothing?

“For men, I’ve been selling a lot of military jackets, and also snap-front cowboy shirts. With women it runs the gamut. For women, theme parties are big. You know, 50s, Mad Men, that kind of thing. This winter I’ve sold a lot of the swing coats with fur collars. People seem willing to buy fur if their convinced it’s vintage and has been dead for awhile! As far as accessories, I sell a lot of hats, all styles but fedoras seem big; also 70s tooled-leather men’s belts. I seem to be selling a lot of 70s stuff . . . everyone says the 80s are big, but I have a few 80s outfits that aren’t moving. Everyone seems to like the 70s, they’re big, especially for men.”

Does interest in vintage clothing ever wane?

“It’s pretty constant. I can always count on steady interest. Men, surprisingly, seem more and more interested in vintage clothing. They’re being more individualistic, adding some color to their wardrobe. Women are usually the ones who are more expressive with their clothes, but that seems to be changing; men are more and more willing to be more expressive with their clothes. It’s cool.”

How about your tastes?

“I probably wear more 70s style than anything. It’s especially fun to wear vintage for special occasions . . . parties, weddings, that sort of thing. But mostly I just wear whatever I like. But that’s the beauty of vintage clothing; if it looks good to you, then it looks good! Buy what you like. Wear what you like. Be an individual.”

RAIL ARTS DISTRICT EVENT FEB.11

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:39:00 GMT

Join us for our third annual Rail Arts District event Saturday, Feb. 11. Kudzu helps to sponsor this consortium of local artists, galleries, and shops that will showcase art and artists all day this Saturday in the surrounding area. Shop, drink and dance the day away at RAD! As a part of the event, Kudzu will feature a group of local fine artists, as well as collections of Southern Folk Art including works by RA Miller, Howard Finster, Missionary Mary, and others. Saturday afternoon will also feature Sale Prices, Live Music, and Free Wine and Refreshments, so come on in, 'cause it's all happening at The 'Zu! For more about RAD, go to www.railartsdistrict.com.

Kudzu is great after Christmas too!

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 21:48:00 GMT

Over the years Kudzu has become a favorite destination to bring family, friends, and those out of town guests during that after Christmas lull. So come on in Dec. 26-31 and enjoy a bit of holiday cheer, great sale prices, and a pleasant hour or two exploring Atlanta's most unique vintage home store.

Holiday Shopping Parties are Back!

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:01:00 GMT

Don't miss our famous annual Holiday Shopping Parties, every weekend until Christmas. Come in any Saturday or Sunday and enjoy Live Music, Free Refreshments and Beverages, door Prizes, and Sales Sales Sales! These annual events have become a holiday tradition, so brings some family or friends and have a great time discovering unique gifts. We make shopping fun!

New Load Painted Vintage Furniture just in!

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 22:38:00 GMT

Come see our new selection of painted vintage furniture just in from Ohio. Great selection of dressers, tables, chairs, bedrooms, etc. in lots of fun colors and styles, and all at great prices. Chabby chic wonderful!

Goodbye! Summer Sale Wednesday 20th - Sunday 25th!

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 22:12:00 GMT

Don't miss our annual end of summer SALE with savings up to 40% off! All yard art, outdoor furniture and pottery on sale, plus big savings on industrial, mid-century, vintage clothing and jewelry, antiques, books records, just about everything. Be cheap - come to the 'Zu!

Come see Kudzu at The AJC-Decatur Book Festival Sept 3-4

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 21:40:00 GMT

We invite you to stop and and visit us at The Kudzu Retro Reading Lounge at the AJC-Decatur Book Festival, Sept 3-4. This wonderful annual event has grown into the Southeast's largest book fair, and Kudzu is happy to be a part of it. We will be set up on the square with groupings of our vintage patio and garden furniture, as well as a great selection of vintage and collectible books. Stop in, pick up a good book, and stay a spell!

Beat the Heat with Kudzu's Vintage Sodas!

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 21:34:00 GMT

Want a taste of childhood past? Vintage sodas now at Kudzu! Come try our delicious icy cold soda pops made with original formulas - no corn syrup, real cane sugar, yummmmm! Remember Frostie Blue Cream? Nugrape? Nesbitts Orange? How about Moxie Elixer, Nichol Kola, or Bubble Up? Mix and match and make your own 6 packs, or take a home a Vintage Sampler Pack. Bottled using original formulas by a specialty soft drink company, these are a real blast from the past! Flavors available include: Americana Black Cherry • Americana Huckleberry • Bulldog Root Beer • Dad's Root Beer • Moxie Elixir • Earps Sarsaparilla • Sioux City Sarsaparilla • Frostie Blue Cream • Frostie Root Beer • Bubble Up • Howdy Lemon Lime • NuGrape • Sioux City Birch Beer • Orca Black Cherry • Mr. Cola • Pig Iron Cola • Nichol Kola • Nesbitt's Orange • Suncrest Orange.

Summer Sale through July 3rd!

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 21:34:00 GMT

Save up to 50% during Kudzu's Summer Sale, on now through July 3rd. 1000's of books and records reduced! Big markdowns on furniture, pottery, yard art, and much more. See ya at the 'Zu!

New Shipments Industrial Furniture and Barnwood Furniture

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 21:34:00 GMT

Just in! Truckload of weathered barnwood furniture handcrafted in Amish country, Pennsylvania. We have a great selection of farmhouse tables, bookcases, hutches, and cabinets. Each piece is unique and hand built from wood salvaged from 100 year old barns. We've also just received a new shipment of wonderful industrial furniture, heavy wood and iron pieces that make strong statements. Come discover what's new at "Atlanta's Best Antique Market!"

New Garden Art, Garden Furniture Arriving at Kudzu!

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 21:35:00 GMT

Spring has arrived and we are receiving new shipments of wonderful items for your garden, porch, and outdoor living on a daily basis. We've got great selections of retro 1950's, 1960's lawn furniture, including patio chairs, chaise lounges, and gliders.

For decorating the garden, we've got a large selection of colorful and unique metal garden animals, benches, trelliss, and planters.

Out in the pond garden, we've got some neat modern stone sculptures and fountains, and custom metal art from some of our favorite artisans. Plus, the shop is filled with unique one-of-a-kinds that our talented dealers have been hunting for just for you. come on in and discover springtime at the 'Zu!

Art Event at the 'Zu!

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 21:35:00 GMT

Don't miss a special arts day at Kudzu Saturday, Feb. 12th. as the 'Zu is a featured stop on the 4th annual Rail Arts District Tour. This arts and performance focused event highlights arts studios, arts retailers, and performance venues in the area surrounding Kudzu. The 'Zu will feature Live Music all afternoon and into the early evening, Live Artists to meet, and free beverages and refreshments. Plus special sale prices! So come be a part of a happening!