Four Inane Questions with Vintage Market Days Kansas City’s Rosemary Salerno
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Are you on the prowl for the ultimate tchotchke or trinket? Hunting for an old-school knick-knacks or bric-a-brac? Look no further than Vintage Market Days® Kansas City, which hits the metro this weekend in all its blast-from-the-past glory and splendor.
Owner/Operator Rosemary Salerno says she can’t wait to see all the upscale, vintage-inspired whatnot her vendors will have on display.
“Our 2023 Fall/Holiday market will be held in a new indoor space, conveniently located off Interstate 435 and Bannister Road,” says Salerno. “Plus, the event features live music, giveaways, delicious food, and a family-friendly atmosphere.”
When she’s not busy promoting and managing her two VMD pop-up vendor events, you’ll find Salerno and about in the community. (You may recognize her as the former general manager of both Zona Rosa and City Market.) During the pandemic, the retail maven shifted gears a bit and now works as a commercial and residential broker with local real estate firm, Aristocrat Realty.
We caught up with Salerno—who calls herself “a lifelong Northlander”—right before she kicked off the VMD event to zing her with our zany questionnaire. We also may have spent our entire paycheck on some oh-so-nostalgic, kitschy-quirky Christmas ornaments. Welp, ‘tis the season.
The Pitch: Beanbag or lava lamp? If you had to choose, which is a better home accessory?
Rosemary Salerno: Oh, this is easy. Lava lamp, for sure. I actually had one for a long time. I think I read somewhere that they’re actually good mood boosters. I could just sit and watch one of those mind-numbingly for hours and hours. (Also, lesson learned—don’t try to shake it excessively. It could potentially release a toxic substance when it breaks.)
They’re soothing and calming and such ’60s kitsch. It’s a perfect Mid-Century Modern addition to your home/bedroom. And, since MCM has been having a major revival, many of our vendors at Vintage Market Days offer MCM décor and furniture. Who knew?
What’s the absolute most priceless/sentimental tchotchke you own?
I have a silly, little Christmas music box that’s a large snowman with a little snowman that spins around him. I found it many years ago when cleaning my mom’s attic after she passed away. I remembered having it when I was a kid, but it had been packed away and long forgotten for some 35+ years.
Finding it was an instant connection to my childhood, my folks, and the many Christmas Eve parties they hosted. I proudly displayed it that first year of its rediscovery, and I haven’t had the heart to pack it away again. It’s in my house 365 days a year, and I smile every time I pass by it.
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If you were a popcorn topping, what kind of popcorn topping would you be?
Again, easy. Plain. Perhaps a smattering of salt, but why junk it up with a bunch of crap? Butter is not necessary. Flavored artificial cheese-y stuff? Blah.
I’m a purist. And, while we are on the topic—can you even see a movie without popcorn? It’s the best part of going.
You’re a purveyor of stylish eyewear. What celeb wears the best/most fashionable glasses?
I love cute glasses. I trade them out once a year or so, but they are always big and bold. (I tried contacts once—hated them and threw them away after a week, and I’ve never looked back.)
As far as celebrities go, fashionista and Real Housewife star Jenna Lyons has an eyeglass collection to die for. To. Die. For. Julianne Moore has an on-screen collection of Tom Ford eyewear I envy. Gotta love a guy in cute glasses, too. (I see you, Jeff Goldblum and Colin Firth.) For me, Tom Ford, Celine, and my current Gucci’s are always my faves and make the best frames.
Bonus 5th Question: You can banish one sandwich ingredient off the planet. What is it?
Mayonnaise. The taste, the texture, the consistency—nothing about it is good. I truly feel my gag reflexes start when I even see the stuff. Who likes it? Why do they like it? And really—I know lots of people who hate it.
Let’s do it—let’s get rid of it! It’s not necessary. Actually, condiments, in general, should be abolished. I prefer to taste my food without any distractions. (See above popcorn question.)
