Yes, Please!: P to the O to the S to the H

Monday, September 22, 2008

P to the O to the S to the H

In 1997 P.O.S.H. opened its doors in Chicago, determined to offer something unique to the consumer that was tired of the "sameness" that had crept into the marketplace of home & table decor. The small shop was met with a warm reception as the search for pieces that haven't been mass-produced for coast-to-coast consumption was shared by many.

"At some in your life, you want something that is real!" That thought is what drives P.O.S.H to search high & low for the items that stock its shelves- an eclectic assortment of vintage Hotel Silver, Restaurant China & Flea Market finds. Found in such disparate places as old American china warehouses to the antique markets and auctions houses of Europe, the items sold at P.O.S.H are often one-of-a-kind or limited in quantity.

I must admit that I am smitten with their selection of items and return to browse quite often. Here are some of my current favorites:

Bistro Pads
Unused, vintage Bistro Order Pads found at market in the city of Blois, France. Supplied by beverage companies, they were a popular form of advertising in the café culture of France. These would be perfect for jotting down recipes, shopping lists or Rummy scores.

Baker's Twine
I would prefer to use these in their intended manner: tying up baked goods and packages. However, I know Elliot & Emma would find their own pleasure in batting them about the house.

Vintage Czech Shoulder Bag

Vintage Chicago Athletic Association Plate and Boullion Cup & Saucers

Acquired at auction, china produced exclusively for the Chicago Athletic Association (CAA), one of Chicago's oldest and most distinguished private social clubs. Reflecting the gracious heritage of the now-shuttered club, it is a reminder of a simpler time and of a proud era in our city's history. The club's distinctive Cherry Circle logo is probably one of the most famous cases of mistaken identity. First appearing in 1915, the unmistakable cherry red C within a blue circle later went on to also become the logo for a certain beloved local baseball team. Indeed when CAA member William Wrigley purchased the Chicago Cubs in 1925, the team adopted the Association's logo and continues to use a variation to this day.