The definition of an antique takes on new meaning at Flower Child, where nothing is 100 years old, but rather dates from 1930s Art Deco to 1980s. “Today, everything 30 years old is considered mid-century modern or vintage," store owner Joe Valenti explains.
Take clothes, for example. The latest in vintage clothing is coastal grandma. (Think Diane Keaton in Annie Hall with her floppy hat and oversized linen shirt. Furniture is straight out of an old Dick Van Dyke sitcom when everything was solid wood, Danish modern was in vogue and cabinetry boasted super clean lines.
Yet, while trends may come and go, making smart vintage purchases is always in style. For example, before shopping, Valenti suggests taking measurements. “Always make sure you measure not only the size of the space for the item but also the door it’s going through. Oversized items can’t fit in elevators. So measure everything twice.”
Because of potential issues with bedbugs and allergens and the need for cleaning, he advises against buying on Craigslist and suggests exclusively making purchases from a reputable person. “Thorough cleaning takes a lot of work. Never go by yourself to make a purchase and always remember that you can’t come back and make returns when you buy on Craigslist.”
11508 Clifton Blvd., Cleveland, 216-939-9933, flowerchildvintage.com
