Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah

Today, we are closed for Shemini Atzeret, the "assembly of the eighth" day. It is perhaps best explained as a sort of residual celebration reserved for those of Jewish faith following the conclusion of Sukkot (a holiday intended for all peoples). The day after Shemini Atzeret is known as Simchat Torah, the "rejoicing of the Torah".

Throughout the year, a few chapters from the Torah are read at synagogue each week. Beginning with Genesis I and closing with Deutoronomy 34, the final chapters of the year culminate on Simchat Torah. The cycle is immediately begun again (with Genesis I) as a reminder that the Torah is a never-ending circle.
An image of the Torah.

Simchat Torah is a time of great celebration. There are processions of the Torah around the synagogue, as well as much singing, dancing, and drinking. Like any good holiday, work is not permitted.

You know, a person could really get used to all of these three day holiday weekends.
(Don't worry--we'll be back on Sunday.)

Martha, Martha, Martha!

On Monday we attended the live broadcast of Martha Stewart's special on consignment and thrift store shopping.

The set was even more beautiful in person (the lighting situation was particularly spectacular), Martha was charming as usual, and OMG... Iris Apfel was the special guest!


Iris styled several mannequins in her signature look (bold separates complimented by even bolder accessories) and discussed how she first fell in love with fashion on a shopping trip at age 11. Martha joked that little Iris wears 25 lbs of jewelry--judging by those heavy bangles and multi-stranded beads, we're not sure how much of a joke that is.


Other guests included international model Tatiana Sorokko and designer Ralph Rucci showing off a few of Tatiana's favorite vintage pieces. Cited as one of the "best dressed women of all time" by Harper's Bazaar, 60 pieces from Tatiana's personal collection are currently being shown at the Phoenix Art Museum.


All of the audience members were bedecked in their best vintage, consignment or thrift store finds. The Martha assistants liked our look so much, they gave us prime second row seats, next to the live Martha "tweeters." The leopard jacket, floral pin and vintage rings are all from Vintage!

The Martha Stewart Show airs weekdays on Hallmark Channel. Check your local listings for showtimes.

Sukkot

Up next on our (very full) plate of September Jewish holidays this year is Sukkot, which translates to "Feast of Tabernacles." Finding its origins in agricultural harvest time, Sukkot spans seven days and begins with a day of special prayer services and holiday meals.

A sukkah, or temporary leaf-covered hut used in the celebration of Sukkot.
Image via OrveShalom

Traditionally, the Jewish family will serve all meals (and sometimes even sleep!) in a sukkah for the duration of the holiday. Blessings are recited with the four species in hand.


If you're looking for us, we'll be in our sukkot until Sunday.
See you then!

New Auction Window: The Doc is In

Transport yourself to a time not so long ago when Freudian psychotherapy, "finding yourself," and draft-dodging were all the rage. Take a seat on the orange fiberglass chair and let your unconscious spill out as it may--the doc is here to help. There are several Holtzman inkblots to get you started. And if that's not enough, (for a small additional fee!) your session may include a gentle hypnosis brought on by the maze-merizing Paul Klee print.

If you feel nervous, don't fret. Just squeeze the Alexander Girard curly cue pillow tight, rub your toes on the (possibly) yak fur rug, and make friends with a ceramic cheetah.

Ah, yes, sanity can be yours too!

Rounding out the mid-century theme are the Danish desk, white donut phone, and Wil Van Den Bos photo clip mobile. An arts and crafts dodecahedron bank, Luxo clamp lamp, and Remington typewriter are also available.

Auction ends Tuesday, September 28 at 8:00pm. Bids may be placed on the auction clipboard near the register or by phone (212) 871-0777.

Happy bidding!

Meet Ashley

Introducing Ashley so early in the game seems a bit like skipping the yellow brick road and heading straight for the Wizard. You see, Ashley is the mastermind behind this blogging and tweeting business, so she would much rather keep her identity a secret! A self-professed internet and fashion geek, Ashley studied philosophy and biology before downsizing her two-story Louisiana townhouse to the more modest standards of the Big Apple in 2009. Armed with a dollar and a dream to "make it" in fashion journalism, Ashley took her former vintage dealer and avid thrifter skills straight to the bank Vintage Thrift.  And they couldn't love her anymore if they tried.



Stop in and say hello to Ashley.

Say Goodbye to ShopCat

We weren't looking forward to this day, but the time has finally come. We are sending our beloved ShopCat off to a new home.
Shopcat, we want you to know that despite your crooked ears and eyes, we loved your Napoleon-esque bravado. Also, please ignore that price tag we stuck on you. In our hearts, you were truly priceless.

Rosh Hashanah

In case you are wondering why we're closed on a seemingly bright and sunny business day, break out your Jewish calendars (and shofars), because it's Rosh Hashanah time!

Rosh Hashanah represents the start of the Jewish new year. Like many holidays, it is observed as a day of rest (hence, the closing) and extends the length of ten days set aside for repentance. The culmination of the holiday falls on Yom Kippur.

One Rosh Hashanah tradition involves the blowing of the ram's horn, or shofar.
Image via Wiki

As the Hebrew saying goes, shana tova, and we'll see you on Sunday.