Porch Life and Patio Hangs
a garden variety of vintage and secondhand finds for outdoor warm weather life
Happy Thursday, friends!
I should probably stop promising posts on certain days as I continue to ride the unpredictable wave that is freelancing + renovating + newsletter hustling! BUT I have hopefully made up for missing last week’s Curiosity Dispatch with today’s delightful smorgasbord of springtime finds perfect for spending time soaking up sunshine and nature.
In the few months we’ve lived in Minnesota, I think about 98% of people I’ve encountered have said something to the tune of “why the heck would you move to the Midwest of all places?” Which is always a little amusing as I think a lot of people feel that way about the place they grew up in, especially the cities and states that rarely make the Top 10 lists of “best” anything.
But the answer is really quite simple.
This view.
After spending two years in the melting, oppressive Texas sun, I was desperately craving g r e e n. We had a beautiful backyard in Austin that I think I spent approximately 20 minutes in during the annual three-day stretch in early April when it’s 75 and breezy. It became a somber ritual to wake up every morning, look out our bathroom window and see the vibrant, springtime flora and fauna shrivel up into dried, crunchy, summertime kindling.
I’ve had a fantasy since childhood of owning a creaky, wonderfully eccentric old home surrounded by lush, slightly chaotic gardens ever since my grandma sat me down to watch Martha Stewart, who filmed the early seasons of her show in her beloved Turkey Hill home. Coming to the Midwest made it feel like this vision could finally come to fruition!!
While I am far from having the skills (or budget) to develop a burgeoning green thumb this year, the extravagant green landscaping and perfect springtime breeze these last few weeks has me brainstorming the magic I want to create in our outdoor spaces as the sun continues to linger a little later.
It’s so easy for my routine to lead me to a night of mindlessly scrolling or binge watching when really, the better show is outside!!! Birds, wild rabbits, wandering deer, people headed to the park, people coming home from work, people out on a walk - there’s a whole world out there outside of my phone and laptop and television - who knew!!!
I don’t think you need to have massive square footage to achieve an outdoor oasis. When I lived in San Francisco I managed to squeeze a bistro table and two chairs onto our tiny backyard deck and hang some lights. The few evenings spent out there with a glass of wine have become a far longer lasting memory than any evening I’ve spent as a couch vegetable watching Real Housewives (though, those moments have their moments, y’know. Balance.)
So this is your sign to read this, maybe add to cart, maybe get on Facebook Marketplace and then get offline and respectfully, touch grass.
Or maybe recreate the above photo from the 2005 Pride and Prejudice, which I frequently mentally reference when I think about the shift in the seasons from peak spring to early summer.
Let’s get into the finds.
If you’d like to cosplay as the effortlessly chic, casually comfortable gardener….
But wait! There’s more:
Carhartt Jacket - There are thousands of worn-in Carhartt Jackets floating around eBay in varying prices. Some are definitely much more expensive than others, so set a price maximum and go digging! I would also recommend searching for: field jacket, waxed cotton jacket, vintage barbour, vintage chore coat
some other good jacket options are here, here, and here. Oh, and here.
White Tunic Blouse - It’s giving Dôen at a literal quarter of the price. Or try this one, this one, or this one. Or this one!
90s Does 40s Wrap Dress - This silhouette is so breezy and classic and perfect for an evening dinner out in the garden. Another good option here, and shorter more sheath shape, here.
50s Straw Hat - No gardener cosplay is complete without a stylish hat. This one has a neck tie which makes it even more adorable despite the fact it’s modeled on a mannequin head from my nightmares. This one is also good. And this one is so whimsical.
Fine Art Clogs - While real garden clogs are both cute and necessary, these clogs are cute and… also necessary. Icon Los Angeles made a series of clogs, shoes, and handbags with famous works of art on them. I would also recommend these and these. Oh, and these Hunter boots are amazing.
Alex Mill Cashmere Socks - New, but cute. And cozy. And perfect with a clog and a worn-in jean.
Vintage Levis - Speaking of worn-in jeans. There are literally hundreds of thousands of pairs of vintage denim floating around the internet. Pricer, but nice distressing. And a decent price point, here.
Mohair Cardigan - A cozy, slightly baggy sweater for the crisp morning air or slight evening breeze. I also love this one (very on theme!), this one and this one.
Antique Circle Quilt - The ultimate picnic blanket! There are so many vintage blankets and quilts looking for a new chapter of life. Obviously they vary in price and pricelessness, so set a $$ max in your search. I think a slightly thrashed one is perfect for a day at the park or even dressing up your small patch of front lawn. I also love this one and this one.
MCM Cutlery Set - This set is much bigger than just the spoons! Super fun for floral garden party vibes. Also check out this set of funky knives, and this one (fun! expensive! overseas! but so chic!)
Woven Lawn Chair - The nostalgia of the lawn chair. This is where your local FB Marketplace or Craigslist would come in handy, but there’s also so many floating around eBay and Etsy if you’re willing to find ones where the shipping doesn’t cost more than the chair. Also, macrame lawn chairs were a crafting trend in the 70s and results are just pure camp, no pun intended. You can buy old craft books on Etsy if you want to make one yourself!
Plaid Umbrella - While it’s not a traditional patio umbrella, I feel like you could have some DIY fun with an old umbrella. The colors and patterns are just unmatched to modern umbrellas. Maybe hanging them from a string of lights or having them available to guests at a sunny garden party? I also love this one.
Floral Plates - So many plates looking for new life. So many. These fish ones are fun, too. Oh, and someone needs this frog plate for their summer dinner party.
Vintage Swan Watering Can - Is it practical? Most signs lean towards no. But damn, it’s a showstopper.
Woven Seagrass Drinking Glasses - Another party category with a plethora of options. These are fun cocktail glasses, if that’s more your vibe.
Applique Risque Lady Napkins - If you’ve been here awhile you know I live for the vintage appliqué napkin, especially the risqué variety. Expensive, collectible, adorable. I also love these and these. Oh, and these fish ones.
Aluminum and Wood Lawn Chairs - More lawn chairs! I also love wrought iron, which FB Marketplace currently has no shortage of in my area. Go forth and search! Sand down the cheap, crusty rusty set that’s free and spray paint new life into it!
Plaid Picnic Basket - A must for an afternoon of wine and cheese with your pals (or just you and a good book.) I also LOVE this watermelon shaped one because it’s so over the top.
Vintage Carved Garden Gnome - Every garden needs a gnome, I don’t make the rules.
Wood Salad Bowl Set - This set!! The utensils really make it. I also love love love this set - so 60s/70s fun!
Well, there ya have it! Go forth and shop! Or get creative with stuff you already have. Or check out the free section on Craigslist. Here’s to hoping this inspires you to get outside and soak up the sun (with SPF on, ahem.)
Until next time,
Xo,
G
In case you missed it….
I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through an Etsy link, which I greatly appreciate as it helps fund this space!
Oh I'mma NEED some art clogs. Your best finds yet!
The aesthetics of this post is so dreamy and beautiful 🖤 Can't wait to see how your home turns out!