random ramblings: coolly cooky

I've always been fascinated by those people who have wit of lightning speed or just an off-kilter view of the world. That's one of the reasons I love fashion--seeing the surprising combinations different people make. But, hands down, one of the prime examples of this kind of out-of-the-ordinary thinking is a store on Great Jones in NYC called Partners & Spade. The shop is a mish mash of random stuff--some kind of art/ad/creative project of Jack Spade [husband of the well-known handbag designer, Kate, of course]. And I kid you not, five minutes in there is like a wacked out acid trip.

There are antique wooden figures ($3500)..

Framed artist palettes ($345+)..

And polaroids of strangers next to drawers filled with pistachios or gavels.

The first time I went there I walked around in a creeped-out daze, wondering how someone even gets the idea to pick these items up, much less throw them in a drawer no one will see unless they're a particularly nosy shopper. [I kept batting my boyfriend's hand, telling him not to touch anything.. but he opened every drawer to reveal these crazy things!]

I think that's partly why I'm so drawn to this new Etsy shop, Hindsvik [I also keep thinking it's a Scandinavian-based effort, which it's not, but that only helps in my mind these days]. I probably would've overlooked most of the objects for sale if I'd passed them in a vintage store, but the owners of Hindsvik have selected and compiled every item with such care that they really feel like they tell a story that needs to be heard. Plus, the pieces are a great, unique, and easy way to add personality to a[n Ikea-filled] home.

Some of my favorites include:

A playful ship wheel lamp ($45)

A cheerful vintage blue coffee pot ($49)

A giant wooden "&" ($125)

And an antique wooden key collection ($16)

Do you think this kind of eye is something you're born with, or something you can learn? Here's to hoping it's the latter. I'm itching to go on a vintage hunt!