Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Finding Vintage Suitcases

Via
I've been finding vintage suitcases lately.  Lucky me!  Goodwill and flea markets.  Didn't set out to find them, they found me.  Don't you love when that happens?

My daughter is about to get her first apartment! I'll be helping her decorate and fortunately, she loves vintage.
This is the set I'm giving her.


I like that all 3 match and love the brand name.



The other 3 finds will be used in one of my son's rooms. 




These belonged to missionaries to Sweden.  Love that some of the tags and stickers are still in tact.





All of them were real bargains. 

Now, for myself, I'd love to find a set of these...
Via

So many ways to decorate with suitcases.
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Even pets like them.

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Or what about a medicine cabinet?
Via

There's the Louis Vitton again. 
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Via
Posting to All Things Inspired,  Nifty Thrifty Tuesday , Wow Us Wednesday , Vintage Inspiration Friday, ,Feather Your Nest, Inspiration Friday, Show and Tell Friday
There's got to be a set waiting on me somewhere...

70 comments:

  1. A Vintage VineMarch 23, 2011 at 6:09 AM

    I'm loving the LV's too! I see suitcases and then I think...."where have they been"....? Great post! Thanks for sharing!

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  2. LibbyMarch 23, 2011 at 6:11 AM

    You really struck gold! I shop goodwill and thrift stores all the time and rarely see vintage suitcases of that quality. If you found those you will surely find some for you too!

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  3. MelissaMarch 23, 2011 at 6:15 AM

    Love these! Would like to find some myself.

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  4. Suzy's Vintage AtticMarch 23, 2011 at 6:15 AM

    I love vintage suitcases, they look so good stacked up and can be used to store all sorts. Today's suitcases are no where near as nice as vintage ones! I very much like the ones you have bought.
    Isabelle x

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  5. ChrissieMarch 23, 2011 at 6:22 AM

    I love vintage suitcases. Yours are especially snappy! I think your suitcase decor photos are the best of all!

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  6. DebbiedoosMarch 23, 2011 at 6:26 AM

    Very cool Tammy! I loved all your features too. The white ones next to the white bed, just wowed me! Love that look. How lucky your daughter is to get that set. Have fun decorating!

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  7. UnknownMarch 23, 2011 at 6:32 AM

    Oh my, I have a deep seated longing for old suitcases...drool !!!!
    I love them all...lucky ducky..lol
    glenda

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  8. AnonymousMarch 23, 2011 at 6:37 AM

    I do love it when things find me. Alas no vintage suitcases have yet - at least not ones with a reasonable price tag and a lovely name like Lady Baltimore. A name like that just screams nostalgia. The vintage hat in your photo certainly fits well with that name. I'm quite taken with that name can you tell? Wondering if I can change my name.

    Cheers,
    Lisa xx

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  9. Sherry@Back2VintageMarch 23, 2011 at 6:38 AM

    I need to come shopping with you. I sell every piece of vintage luggage I find and I haven't found any lately! Unlucky me!!!

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  10. Lou Cinda @ Tattered HydrangeasMarch 23, 2011 at 6:43 AM

    I feel that the set meant for you will "find you". These are great finds! I have been looking for some too, but have NOT been so lucky!

    Love the details on these! Lucky Girl!!

    Lou Cinda

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  11. StinaMarch 23, 2011 at 6:43 AM

    I really likt the pictures.:-) Stina

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  12. BrittanyMarch 23, 2011 at 6:43 AM

    Oh my, I LOVE old suitcases - my hubby thinks our house is gonna get overtaken by them ;) When I see one at a thrift shop, I just can't pass it up. I love the blue set you're giving to your daughter - they're sweet!

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  13. Sarah HoweMarch 23, 2011 at 6:49 AM

    ACK!!!! MUST show my mom this blog! She's just started collecting some, and isn't sure what to do with them, and I simply LOVED this post!

    Thank you for sharing.

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  14. Sylvia N.March 23, 2011 at 6:53 AM

    Stopped by from Wow Us Wednesdays....CA-RAZY for these suitcases! If we didn't have a foot of new snow out front, I would be halfway out the door to the thriftage right now! LOVE THESE!

    New follower=)

    Jerri
    www.thrownandfired.blogspot.com

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  15. janetMarch 23, 2011 at 7:24 AM

    you have completely inspired me, i really need to find myself some vintage suitcases...so many fantastic ideas!!!
    hugs
    janet

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  16. KarenMarch 23, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    Love those suitcases, beautiful vintage suitcases like those are so hard to find. You really scored some great ones.

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  17. DiannMarch 23, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    How fun and exciting for both you and your daughter! Moving into her first apartment. The suitcases you are giving her are wonderful!

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  18. LadyVMarch 23, 2011 at 8:03 AM

    Great post! I will have to share this with my daughter, she loves vintage suitcases. I hope you find a set of bargain priced Louis Vitton suitcases, what a joy that will be!

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  19. CindyMarch 23, 2011 at 8:03 AM

    Hello my sweet friend,
    I'm sure you will find a wonderful set of suitcases somewhere. You have styled yours and M.'s up so nicely.
    I love the old suitcases, too. I have several and I have a large steamer trunk, like one of your images and I think I may use it in my spare bedroom that I am trying to re-do at the moment.
    Hugs, Cindy

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  20. AnonymousMarch 23, 2011 at 8:13 AM

    Hello Tammy!

    My you are lucky to find such wonderful vintage suitcases. I love the set you found for your daughter. Very fun! I bet your son has a few treasures in his :)

    The hallway with stacks and stacks of cases is my favorite! Oh, and love the first photo. Swoon...

    Good luck in your search to recreate the look for your bedroom. Hugs!!!

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  21. AnonymousMarch 23, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    Hi Tammy
    Thanks so much posting these wonderful images. Beautiful vintage luggage.

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  22. RobynMarch 23, 2011 at 8:56 AM

    Gorgeous post! I LOVE love love that set you are giving your lucky daughter! Does it say Lady Baltimore? I think I need glasses! I'm from Maryland so I'd love to come across some like those. When we first married (almost 18 years ago) I bought a set in an antique/junk shoppe because we needed an end table and couldn't afford one. Then my kids used them as book storage for many years until the sad day that they looked to SAD to use anymore! ...I wish I would have kept them regardless!

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  23. Southwest Cottage DesignsMarch 23, 2011 at 9:13 AM

    Oh, goodness, girlie, the suitcases make the handiest things, don't they? I love the kitty cat one. I could certainly use a few suitcase handies in my fixer upper right now, too. Here I go thrifting for suitcases...! Love ya. Have a happy Wednesday.

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  24. Julie HarwardMarch 23, 2011 at 9:17 AM

    I LOVE them! What great ideas too..love the cat beds! Love how you have used them..and you could store things in them too. Thanks for sharing! ;D

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  25. High Street CottageMarch 23, 2011 at 9:17 AM

    Love the LV's and the pet beds are darling! Thanks for sharing such a wonderful post, I did recognize Sarah's charming Beach Cottage Bedroom in there, and her suitcases all painted white;) xoxo tami

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  26. Cindy Lew's StudioMarch 23, 2011 at 9:19 AM

    When you find some LV's just laying around please share, I would die to have the trunk, but suitcases will do:-) Love it.

    Warm Wishes, CindyLew

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  27. JanetMarch 23, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    What a great post! I love vintage suitcases and have a few of them, too! I especially like the set for your daughter. Good luck on finding some Louis Vitton!
    Blessings,
    Janet

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  28. UnknownMarch 23, 2011 at 9:30 AM

    love the old suitcases... why can i never find nice ones....

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  29. Simone @ Doberman's by the SeaMarch 23, 2011 at 10:09 AM

    I can't believe the great finds you made. I have 3 vintage suitcases, but small ones. I would love to get my hands on some LV,too. I had a vintage briefcase like for putting papers in , and sold it at a yard sale to some kid grr that was a long time ago before I was into vintage etc. Cheers

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  30. GailMarch 23, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    What great finds, Beatrice! I love vintage suitcases and I have only one. I'm always on the lookout though.

    Enjoy your day,
    Gail

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  31. Genie -- Paris and BeyondMarch 23, 2011 at 10:24 AM

    I love the "Lady Baltimore" set for your daughter - perfect for a young lady! You have been quite lucky in your un-search as those are fabulous... I really love the old leather straps and the travel labels. They are evidence of a time past... le sigh.

    Bises,
    Genie

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  32. UnknownMarch 23, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    VERY COOL! Love all the pictures of different uses. Your daughter is VERY lucky to have you as a personal shopper. The Vignette is Gorgeous! Happy Spring Y'all from Houston, TX

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  33. Nita StacyMarch 23, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    I love that set of suitcases that you are giving your daughter. The perfect color. I have a few out in the garage that I used to have in my house but just have not brought in this one...this post makes me think I need to get busy and get them in.

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  34. Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble ChristmasMarch 23, 2011 at 12:27 PM

    I LOVE vintage suitcases and I am lucky to have a few myself. One of them is my Mom's that is full of many family photographs dating back to when you was a baby. She would have been 91 this year.

    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  35. SusanMarch 23, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    Your vintage suitcases are awesome. I thinks its rare that you see a set!!

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  36. Amy ChalmersMarch 23, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    What an awesome gift! And a complete set of the fabulous Lady Baltimore to boot! She will love it.

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  37. DonnaMarch 23, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    What great uses for old suitcases. Love the Kitty Bed :) Who'd have thought to do that.
    My fav or your suitcases is the tan and green one.
    D

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  38. xinexMarch 23, 2011 at 3:09 PM

    I would love to have some of those LV's too! Pretty neat vintage suitcases!...Christine

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  39. Ann from On Sutton PlaceMarch 23, 2011 at 3:16 PM

    Oh my gosh look at all these comments! Way to go girl...I loved it too! I have a set of luggage that was my mother-in-law's. It's red and her initials are stamped in gold. The set is one of my favorite things in my house. Not sure about finding a LV though...but wouldn't it be so cool if you did? Talk to you soon...~Ann

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  40. AnonymousMarch 23, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    I am in love with the use of a suitcase for a medicine cabinet. When I see something really cool like that, I think "Now why didn't I think of something like that?!"

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  41. PCovi March 23, 2011 at 6:18 PM

    Yes....I LOVE it when that happens. I think you have read my mind...I've had those LV ones on my mind. Got to borrow one once...

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  42. PamelaMarch 23, 2011 at 7:31 PM

    I love these old suitcases! I have only one. I used to have a set as a young girl complete with the make up case...wish I had it now..so cool to decorate with!!

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  43. podsoMarch 23, 2011 at 7:35 PM

    I think it's so interesting how using these old suitcases has become such a decorator item. I love them too and we had an old trunk we used for a coffee table for a long time. I was thinking as I viewed the post that the newer soft luggage would not have much decorating use til I saw the cat in the blue suitcase, of which I had one 30 years ago. And the ones in the top pic, I had the small one in beige as a teenager. You had some good finds. I'm sure you'll find your dream pieces sometime--it's nice to have something to be looking for when you go to flea markets. etc!

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  44. Lakeshore Cottage LivingMarch 23, 2011 at 7:52 PM

    They are so wonderful to use...and great for storage too!

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  45. The Old ParsonageMarch 23, 2011 at 8:37 PM

    Oh how fun that you daughter loves vintage too! the suitcases are wonderful and in such great condition.

    Good luck finding more!
    Leann

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  46. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastalMarch 23, 2011 at 9:33 PM

    You found some great ones! I have yet to find any. I really like the last 3 the best. With all those stickers, just makes you wonder about their travels.

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  47. Dayle ~ A Collection of DaysMarch 23, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    My dad has a couple I've been promised. I like that you can store things in them, as well.

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  48. Rachel Rose MercantileMarch 23, 2011 at 10:02 PM

    OK,I am on a mission now.......thanks for the great pics!

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  49. Sharing with SherriMarch 23, 2011 at 10:59 PM

    Terrific post! I love vintage suitcases... You've shown SO many inspiring ideas here! I especially love them stacked to make a bedside table...very cool!

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  50. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleMarch 24, 2011 at 5:18 AM

    You found some nice ones. Love the inspiration images.

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  51. The Paper Mulberry - Glenda SteelMarch 24, 2011 at 6:11 AM

    Hello Tammy! Thank you so much for such lovely comments about my blog, I'm so glad you enjoyed and joined - welcome to The Paper Mulberry! Thank you also for the invitation to follow your lovely blog, I'd be happy too! This post is lovely I adore vintage suitcases and have some lovely old battered leather versions at home! Warmest wishes - Glenda

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  52. SamiMarch 24, 2011 at 12:27 PM

    What wonderful finds. I have been watching for some forever and none have found me yet. :)

    Sami

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  53. UnknownMarch 24, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    Wow, I never knew you could do so much with suitcases! Interesting post!

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  54. Laurel@ChippingwithCharmMarch 24, 2011 at 5:30 PM

    So many fun things you can do with suitcases! I've been on the hunt for more myself :) Visiting from FCC...blessings, Laurel

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  55. AnonymousMarch 24, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    Fabulous post! You have inspired me with a wonderful idea. Thank you and have a fabulous weekend. xo

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  56. Something Nice and PrettyMarch 24, 2011 at 6:14 PM

    I love those white ones...I have one that I found at the fleamarket for $5.00 and love it! Love the ones you are giving to your daughter!

    Rondell

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  57. grammy and papiMarch 24, 2011 at 7:26 PM

    Thank you for sharing your great luggage finds. I love luggage too. The pet beds are adorable.

    I'm a new follower.

    Have a God Filled Day
    Shirley

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  58. Grace @ Sense and SimplicityMarch 24, 2011 at 7:52 PM

    I love these. You certainly have found a lot of them - and lovely ones too. I recently found my first one at a thrift store. You can see it here: http://gracie-senseandsimplicity.blogspot.com/2011/03/march-break-up-date.html. I'm still not sure what I'm going to use if for, but I think what I need it a couple of more so I can stack them up. ARe you going to store things in yours?

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  59. Decor To AdoreMarch 25, 2011 at 7:27 AM

    Oh I adore your suitcase set~ swoon!

    I am currently hosting an auction of vintage and antique linen treasures. Stop by and take a peek.

    Have a wonderful weekend.

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  60. Debra@CommonGroundMarch 25, 2011 at 8:26 AM

    Hi Tammy, old suitcases hold so much mystery...where have they been, who carried them...love them all! Thanks for linking up with VIF, great images!
    hugs,
    Debra

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  61. Calypso In The CountryMarch 25, 2011 at 4:37 PM

    What gorgeous photos! I love vintage suitcases! I would love have some of those to decorate with. They add such character to a room.

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  62. Courtney ~ French Country CottageMarch 25, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    LOVE these inspiration photos!! Absolutely beautiful! Your vintage finds are wonderful too-I am always looking for these as well- thanks so much for sharing at FNF! :)

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  63. UnknownMarch 26, 2011 at 6:25 AM

    This is a great post! I love vintage suitcases and have collected them for many years but my husband (unlike many he's very into decorating) is reluctant to let me use them anywhere but my studio. I'm going to go show him your pictures right now.

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  64. At The Picket FenceMarch 26, 2011 at 2:18 PM

    Those vintage suitcases you are giving your daughter are just fabulous! The color could not be more perfect for starting out in your first apartment and the ones in your son's room are wonderful too. I love all of the inspiration photos and you gave me some motivation to do something more creative with the 2 that I own.:-)
    Thanks so much for linking up to Inspiration Friday this week Tammy!
    Vanessa

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  65. elizabethMarch 26, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    I love your vintage suitcases. I have my mama's old suitcase on display. Wow, those Louis Vuitton's would be a treasure wouldn't they?

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  66. Leo March 27, 2011 at 7:25 PM

    Great post. I picked up a few ideas from this post. i would love to make my Hall table with vintage suitcases underneath. Looks beautiful.

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  67. Amanda@RelovedRubbishMarch 27, 2011 at 8:01 PM

    You are so lucky that all those vintage suitcases found you! I love all the inspiration photos too.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving me a sweet comment :)

    Amanda

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  68. .April 2, 2011 at 12:14 PM

    I LOVE the look at old luggage! The set you are giving your daughter is fantastic! :)

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  69. SarahApril 9, 2011 at 5:14 PM

    Makes me wish I'd kept the set of luggage I received for high school graduation, not to mention the ones from my grandmother that sat in the attic of our family home all the years I was a child. Wonder where they are now? I suppose someone may be using them for tables. LOL
    Great post! ~ Sarah

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  70. Zane WooderNovember 23, 2012 at 5:09 PM

    Just make sure you don't close the suitcase when your cats are in them. Your daughter getting her own place. Tammy she's moving out. They grow up so fast.

    -Zane of ontario honey

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Thank you so much for taking time to comment! I love hearing from you!