According to Merriam Webster’s Learners Dictionary, the definition of “SIMPLE” is:
- the quality of being easy to understand or use
- the state or quality of being plain or not fancy or complicated
- something that is simple or ordinary but enjoyable
But in the vernacular of vintage…
“SIMPLE” means CLASSIC. VintageRenude’s leather handbag which dates to the 1950s is a nice example of a classic piece. Throw in the fact that it’s kelly green and you know this is a keeper.
1950s Box Style Handbag, $42.95
“SIMPLE” means SOPHISTICATED. Dansk. Stainless steel. Danish Modern. All descriptors when related to vintage that scream simple but sophisticated. This stunning triangular-shaped sugar and cream set offered by Eight Mile Vintage proves the point that simple can also be special.
Danish Modern Sugar and Creamer Set, $74.99
And UNCOMPLICATED. A vintage tool found by Selective Salvage in the upper Midwest is an example of something homemade for a specific purpose. Not fancy or complicated…it did what it was designed to do.
Primitive Auto Body Tool, $60.
“SIMPLE” can mean UNDERSTATED. When used to describe a pair of Art Deco style marbled napkin rings found by the folks at Aunt Hatties Attic, you must throw the word “charm” into the mix. Understated charm describes these sweet little birds perfectly.
Bakelite or Catalin Napkin Rings, $68.99
It can also can be defined as TIMELESS. This double-breasted herringbone tweed Chesterfield coat offered by NextStage Vintage is the picture of elegance. From the 1980s, this classic coat will never go out of style for the true lover of vintage clothing.
Vintage “Montello by Mackintosh” Tweed Chesterfield Coat, $98
“Simple pleasures are the last healthy refuge in a complex world”
Oscar Wilde
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