This weekend I attended the
International Antiques and Collectibles Show (ICA) at Metrolina Expo here in Charlotte. It's one of my very favorite local hot spots for great deals and unique finds. The show takes place once each month during the first weekend of the month and I try to stop by as often as possible. Lucky for me, I live only a few minutes away. Every time I go, it's like coming home. There's something about perusing the aisles, looking for treasures and not knowing what you'll find. I rarely leave empty-handed. Needless to say, this month's show did not disappoint.
I'm not sure how most decorators work, but I usually start a room with one piece that inspires the entire direction of the design. Sometimes it's a pillow or a piece of art and other times it's a fabric or a unique what not. Let's just say I purchased quite a lot of inspiration this weekend. I thought I'd show you some of the great items I saw and purchased.
I hadn't been there 5 minutes when I ran into these rectangular floral mirrors. They had an extremely retro vibe, but something about them intrigued me.
There were two of these and they were priced at $5/each. In the end I decided against them, but I'm currently kicking myself because I could've used them in the same way this much, much, much pricey and larger scale version from Ballard Designs is used.
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Ballard Designs
The same retailer had a number of items that I thought were fabulous finds. Like this ottoman for $65 and this huge organic light pendant for $50.
I spotted these great pillows out of the corner of my eye and immediately asked the price. The vendor's response, "2 for 5". I said, "Dollars?"
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I'm sure I don't need to tell you that I quickly handed him $12.50 for all 5.
Shortly afterwards I ran into this beautiful round tablecloth, complete with black pom-pom trim.
A bit of a splurge at $25.00, but almost a dead ringer coordinate to the pillows. I have no doubt they will find a home in a client's dwelling soon.
I was oh so close to buying this French Provincial piece (in the middle). At $45 I don't think it was a bad deal, but I wasn't quite ready to pull the trigger.
This is what I'd do to transform it. I think in a cute color this would be an excellent addition to my bedroom. I guess there's always next month.
Although these country chic pendant fixtures wouldn't actually work at my house, they were all the rage at the show.
She also had the cutest fabric birds made from remnants.
Identical to the one's seen here. So very cute. How precious would these be in a nursery.
All in all, I think it was a very productive trip. I know that not everyone lives close enough to visit the ICA Show, but rest assured that there is probably a similar flea market or antiques mall near you. Find one
HERE. If you do live in a drivable distance to Charlotte, I'd highly recommend making the trip, especially in April and November. Hope you had a great weekend! I know I did.
