BARBIEOLDNEWGREENREDO--JUST A GRANNY HAVING FUN WITH DOLLS< DIORAMAS STORIES AND DIY

BARBIEOLDNEWGREENREDO

Before Grand Opening....Vickie's Vintage has a few visitors...all the way back to 2018. Enjoy!

 AD-Free Blog

NOTE: I treat BMR, (my original no. 3 from 1960), the actual age she was in 1960 so now she is 76. So she dresses and acts that age, well a spry 76.)

Very early on the next day--Vickie opened the shop door early for Barbara M Roberts and her niece, Lara. Not only are they her building manager and landlady--they have become her very good friends.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Vickie's is ready for the crowd today---if yesterday was any indication.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

BMR: Congratulations Vickie, that was quite the opening last night.

Vickie: Thank you, I think we were surprised too and dinner was delicious, many thanks to you!

BMR:Well, the store looks fabulous, especially without all those people that were here last night. I have to get some shopping in. I saw a yellow outfit, I'm interested in.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

(Last night snapshot of Richelle, BMR and Lara on the stairs. These three are responsible for the re-construction of the building.)

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Lara: Auntie Barb, look what I found, I love this dress.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Zoe: There are two pair of slacks, the robe, and top here. How about this great golf skirt? Lara said you are quite the golfer.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

BMR: I love the little purse---and the skirt is perfect...not too short-you know I'm getting older and a certain amount of decorum is necessary. Yes, the whole thing...Vickie has such good taste and knows exactly what I like.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Ryan's Mom, Sandi, appears from the back room and chimes in: Oh, Miss Roberts---you always look so fabulous. You are a role model for all us women of a 'certain age.' (She giggles)

barbieoldnewgreenredo

BMR: Why thank-you. I really do try to be a role model. And, working with Vickie, Richelle, and Ryan has been a dream. 

Dealing with local regulations and acquiring historical status for this building wasn't easy and caused so many delays in construction. But, I think it is worth it!

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Vickie: We love the store, it's perfect. Thanks again, Miss Roberts. And, I'm glad you found something you liked.

BMR: (Big smile) It's always great shopping at Vickie's, my Dear.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Looks like we bought out the store.... Now breakfast!

barbieoldnewgreenredo

There's will always be great shopping at 
Vickie's Vintage!

(more on Vickie's Opening day later)

CAST:

BMR-Barbie no.3 in original #943 Fancy Free '
and Pretty Changes #2598 1979-81 
purchases were :

Lara Roberts-on the stairs-original clothesBlack Label #The Barbie Look late 2015

Richelle: Playline 2015 face on a Mattel articulated body in Mattel 2103 Fashionista dress/BLT09

Zoe: 1998-99 flat foot Barbie

Sandi:'Happy Family' Grandma in clone clothes maybe...not sure.

Midge:outside--anniversary Midge with eyelashes (articulated) in this and that, purchased green dress unknown.


Vickie's Vintage Private Opening

 AD FREE BLOG

Vickie's Vintage Private Opening

originally posted on 
Friday, September 14, 2018. 
Like always I have tweaked and edited...enjoy.


All the hard work is about to pay off...
what a scramble in the doll world...

Vickie's Vintage OPENING!!!

Outside the block is jammed with traffic, Channel 7 News is on the spot. Teresa interviews the 'movers and shakers' responsible for revitalizing this neighborhood including the alderman.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Chelsea's aunt picked the twins and her up from school in the Malibu Jeep they brought from California. 
Chelsea: Wow, what's going on at Vickie's?
Auntie: Interviews for the opening, tonight.
Stacey:Can we stop and get in line?
Auntie(mom):Not now, we will come tomorrow. Tonight is a Private Party!

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Close friends and helpers stand in line for support..and to get the first peek at the new Vickie's.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Vickie and her interior designer, Richelle, who arrives driven by fiance' Ryan who works at the Chicago Urban Renewal Office.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Vickie: Thanks, everyone for coming---we will be just a bit for pictures a couple of speeches and then the doors will be open. Please wait, we are so excited to open.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Teresa from Channel 7: Alderman can please tell our viewers how the opening of Vickie's Vintage helps the neighborhood.

Alderman: Well, Teresa---a year ago this block was infested with crime and absentee owners. And, worse owners who didn't want our fair city to retain its neighborhood atmosphere. Thanks, to the BMR Limited, and Ms. Barbara M Roberts, we have renewals on these historic buildings and renewed interest in the area. This improves the tax base as well as the quality of life for all. Investment in the history, will bring big returnw for the future.

Teresa: Thank you, and Ms. Roberts, what does this building mean to you?

barbieoldnewgreenredo
                                                                   
Barbara M Roberts: Well, Teresa, it isn't what it means to me, but what this renovation will do for the community. We have plans for renovations on fourteen structures within this block. We've been inundated with businesses who wish to lease, and many renters wanting to rent upstairs apartments. Vickie's is special and Vickie represents the best of entrepreneurship, staying true to her neighborhood. This business will be a great start for revitalizing this community.

Teresa: Thank you, Ms. Roberts. I understand your niece, Lara Roberts, has been managing the project. 

BMR: Yes, Lara is right here next to me, my right hand Girl!

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Teresa: Did you get all that, Ian. 
Ian: Sure, I'll move behind you now.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Vickie: Richelle has been the designer responsible for all the details of the building renovation. 

Richelle: It has been very gratifying, I can't thank BMR for all their innovative ideas, and the office of Urban Renewal.



barbieoldnewgreenredo

Alderman: Can we get a few shots inside? Then I have to shake a few hands and leave, I have a fund raiser!








barbieoldnewgrenredo

Everyone waiting in the line is patient.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Vickie picks up a box of flowers on the front stoop, as everyone pours into the store for more photos.


barbieoldnewgreenredo

Alderman: All these shoes, don't take video of these, my wife will buy out the store. 

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Carly: Are those from Joe? Why three I wonder?
Vickie: They are beautiful. I'm glad we have some water for them. I wish he was here. He left the corsage for me at the house, I must have missed him, again.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Richelle, BMR, and Lara pose for photos.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Alderman: Congratulations, Vickie---the store looks wonderful. I hope you have enough merchandise--after our news clip airs, you will be very busy.

Vickie:Thank you for coming and all your help on clearing some of the building obstacles. 

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Vickie: This is so exciting----Let's open the doors and let all our friends in. 

barbieoldnewgreenredo

The crowd is excited....this shop is right around the corner from the HFIM house.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

They had no idea, what a big deal tonight was. Getting inside took some time....!

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Teresa Channel 7: I understand, Zoe, you are from Canada, and have worked for Vickie since the store opened last year. 

Zoe: Yes, Vickie was a great help in giving me part-time work so I could go to school and work at a pre-school in the mornings. I'm so excited to manage the bridal shop...we have oodles of dresses and accessories.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Carly: It's a great place to work, Teresa, and I also work part time as a ballet instructor. Jeffrey here, works in Urban Planning. He has two buildings on this block he is involved with.

Teresa: That's amazing, Jeffrey, I've seen some of the construction going on, I had no idea it was such a big project.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Teresa: What is your relationship to Vickie's Vintage.

Mom: I'm Ryan's mother and Richelle will be my daughter-in-law, if they ever have time enough to get married. I'm hoping the wedding boutique will remind them...they have postponed twice now.

Teresa: (Laughing) well, I guess we won't share that with our viewers. 


barbieoldnewgreenredo

Upstairs on the balcony, Vickie gets a chance to speak with Barbara M R.

Vickie: Oh, do you like what we finished the store?

Barbara: The store far surpasses, what I had dreamed it could be. I Love the refurbished cabinets. I can't wait to shop. 

Vickie: Oh, thank you---we worked so hard on them. Everything has been refurbished, it's hard to imagine everything is OLD, except for pantyhose, underwear and some jewelry. All the fixtures and furnishings were REDO's.
.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Vickie: I have a few wonderfully vintage outfits set aside for you. Can you come by tomorrow?


Barbara: Of course, Lara has her eye on something, I can see her now. Oh, they are all coming up the stairs now.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Minutes later the upstairs Wedding Boutique  is jammed.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

And so is the downstairs. Ian gets video of the swirling crowd.


barbieoldnewgreenredo

Jessica: Look at these fabulous designer sandals! Such a bargain!

barbieoldnewgreenredo

The clothing turntable spins constantly.
 Midge has found a dress, too.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Mom: Young man, can you put this aside for me. 
Patrick: Um, I don't work here, but I will take it back to the desk. Your Ryan's mom, right?
Mom: Sure, that's me.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Lara: Attention, Attention! On behalf of BMR Enterprises, we want to thank you all, for your part in making this endeavor possible.  Ms. Roberts has requested we all move to Tony's Seafood in fifteen minutes for a buffet dinner and celebration. Vickie has asked anyone wishing to purchase anything, please bring it to the desk and they will save it for pick up tomorrow. 


barbieoldnewgreenredo

Kevin: Belle, do you want to walk over to Tony's with me? 
Belle, sure, how have you been? I hardly ever see you at the house anymore.....(they continue talking and leave).


barbieoldnewgreenredo

Mom: Well, I say this is a lovely success. Especially the wedding department---remember that, a wedding?

Ryan: Mom, we have ALL been kinda busy---this project has taken way more hours than you can imagine.

Richelle: I know Mom, as soon as we can clear our calendars a bit. Let's go eat, I'm starved.

Everyone leaves and Vickie, locks up. 
Outside...look who pulls up after everyone is gone.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Vickie: JOE! I can't believe you came?
Joe: Honey, I only can stay a minute, I have to get out of here. I can't be caught on camera---you know...undercover is the job. 

Vickie: I know...but I miss you! Why three roses? 
Joe: One for every week we have been apart. Goodbye, I have to go. (He drives off) 


barbieoldnewgreenredo

(Joe looks in the rearview mirror. She's so beautiful...I hope she can wait a bit longer.)

Vickie waves and tries to smile.

Vickie's sighs. (It's my big night...and it seems like we say good-bye a lot. Maybe too much.)  

....always continuing... ;-)

Vickie's Vintage DIY: How to make the store fixtures and displays,


We took a mini-vacay this week, so I'm still catching up. 
When work was still being done on most of the shop. (originally posted 2018), I'm hoping to continue this long as we have readers. Below, you never know what you may find in a thrift store---definitely peruse the frames...I've picked up windows, doors and even a bench...from frames.)


barbieoldnewgreenredo

Vickie found this great door at a thrift shop (it's a photo frame) and the scale is perfect.


barbieoldnewgreenredo

We Painted one coat of silver over the red...left it blush just a bit.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Then I added some gel-medium (you can also use watered down modge-podge) to some Charcoal Gray acrylic paint(think craft paint--I avoid Apple Barrel--it's thin and pigment lacking) and then quickly painted and then immediately wiped it off with paper toweling, and let it sit over night. This technique is called glazing.

The girls put on sticker letters and Victorian flourishes. Here, Vickie cleans the residuals off the glass. 

In the Bridal Boutique, the closets are ready to set up.


Tutorial on painting plastic doll closets is here.DIY Doll Closets.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

The girls filled the spaces with color grouped clothes---The full skirts really eat up the floor space. Hose, shoes and accessories were added to the shelves. Everything a party girl may need, well we need more accessories here.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Where the handles were on the top of the closets, were two raised screw holes---I put a piece of bent coat hanger into the holes to display dresses on. Double- stick tape holds shoes on small squares of white cardboard, easier for moving around and not permanent. Luckily my basement walls are gray and extend the 'look' of the shop. We are just a foot from the real basement ceiling and the vent is above, so I block the whole shop off with a piece of foam-core to keep it clean, when not in use.




barbieoldnewgreenredo

The first cabinet on the left ended up being all pink/maroon. Goodness, Mattel's heavy on pink. 
The Mirror guy--WAS still slacking off. (lol, me)

(In 2023 and now this area on the left and along the stairs holds Tuxes and Ken's seasonal dress clothes-below)


Carpet on the second floor was cut from new placemats. Other furnishings,... 

barbieoldnewgreenredo

 the benches were cut from an existing deep box thrift store frame. These were made so easy, two cuts for Hubby's mitre saw and then I used silver spray paint.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

They benches were supposed to be for customers to sit, but Vickie crashed and took a nap---sigh, what a slacker...lol.


barbieoldnewgreenredo

Original 2018, these were odd thrift store finds---the desk/pencil cabinet, added a top, (a fairy garden fence), and the body jewelry stand was perfect fashion doll size.(This poor doll tipped over and broke---and eventually replaced by 2  Gray doll Mannequins,) 


(The DIY post for mannequins HERE.)  


barbieoldnewgreenredo

This cabinet is still handy for jewelry, hair accessories, mini purses or fill the cabinet with toiletries. It changes with the seasons. (We still use this and it what it holds is always different)

barbieoldnewgreenredo

The Jewelry doll form had a few purses and a low profile wedding dress. We added some bling and it was fab! (I was limited as to what I type of dress I could display on this.)


barbieoldnewgreenredo

Another thrifted jewelry stand----white and holds everything.  
2026 note: This piece was purchased second hand. But, they are still available reasonable on Temu in black and for $$$ at Michaels, but just a spray away makes it a perfect fixture in your color choice.

And it still works wonderfully, I can have multiple shoppers around it, spin for photos, and usually has a seasonal display on top with three separate outfits.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

This 'First Display' was color and style coded and filled with fashions, purses and belts. Even some room for  suitcases below.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Carly kept busy cleaning the last of the construction dust. The cabinet behind her, held swimsuits, underwear, and camisoles. (This cabinet has been replaced with acrylic box designed for real life organization.)
as shown today below.


It's fabulous for a seasonal displays---mixing clothes and accessories! (Last Fall). It was a thrift store makeup organizer.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

I freshened this checkout (thrift store) with some silver tape, black contact paper, and some white stickum paper in the cubbies.
(It's still the perfect counter with a working money drawer, phone, and charge card 'bings' when it is used.)

barbieoldnewgreenredo

 The Grand loved it. I didn't do anything on the back. ($1.99 was a steal). Oh, the girls store bags in the holes below.

barbieoldnewgreenredo
The shoe shelves was two shadow boxes with glass covers, I pulled off the covers and reset the hinges so the cubby parts are hooked together and it can be used straight or cornered.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Eventually the corner set up was perfect for the shoe shelves. Here, Zoe straightened all the shoes and purses in here. (Now I only keep shoes in here), purses are designated in this display, below)


The bottom piece was thrifted and has 5 shelves, which  switches out. Fall and Winter has lots of boots, so we need more room. The second shelf was purchased from $ store and works great as most purses fit inside) .
The whole thing is taped together and stuck to the wall.  Or, one bump and you get a cascade of accessories on the floor. 


No space goes unused, so top of the accessory shelves are these hat mannequins and coordinating clothing hung on push-pins through the foam core upper wall.

(2026 This is still the favorite of my doll blog. We switch it out maybe 3-4 times a year...and it's great having shoes and accessories easily accessible for quick changes.)

(back to the story)
Upstairs hums with an Undetermined Sound: Zzzzzzzzz-Zzzzzzzzzz-Zzzzzzzzz.
 
Zoe: What is that! (She looks around)
Zoe: Carly can you hear that noise...?

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Zoe: Never mind, I think it is coming from upstairs! I'll check.


barbieoldnewgreenredo

Zoe: Vickie---it's time to wake up----we open in a couple of hours. 
Vickie: Uh, ....oh...? What time is it? 
Zoe: Almost 5, you had better go home and change! The Grand Opening Party at 7pm.

barbieoldnewgreenredo

Vickie: Okay, Ladies----hold the fort. The flowers still have to arrive and the mirror guy. I'm going home to take a shower, um...everything looks great and thank you so much for everything you both do!

Carly: Sure, hurry back and please bring coffee. We sure need some.

Vickie: Anything for my team. If Joe calls, tell him I'm on the way home.

(Next---I think the Grand Opening...and tour)

All the opinions and photographs in this blog are my own. I have not been paid or reimbursed in anyway for my opinions, posts or any products shown or anywhere I shop.

Thanks always for visiting. 
I will try and respond to every comment and answer every question.

 Please do not use photos without linking back to this blog without my permission. 


Sharing at these fine blog parties! 



Thank you for your cooperation, Sandi Magle


Sandi