Only a couple of these treasures above actually belong to me! My little lovelies found in New Hampshire at my favorite shop ever, Red Chair in Peterborough. How could I walk away from French linens already embroidered with my initials, and some more French paperbacks in that perfect patina green shade?
Fabulous European offerings such as these antique coffee bowls, French platters, hotel silver and linens...... treasures I would love to be selling.
If you shop the flea markets and brocantes of Paris, or the weekend vide greniers in the villages of France, the antiques shops of Belgium, Holland and Sweden, the outdoor markets such as Portobello Road and Camden Town in London, these are the gorgeous treasures you want to grab and bring home..........kicking yourself for not taking that empty suitcase which means wearing the same clothes each day - with clean underwear of course!! I've heard of gals who do just that, true 'junk gypsies' on a mission, who stuff tons of treasure in their suitcase while still looking stylish in one pair of black pants and a dozen scarves tied every which way.
So, as I take a blog break to start setting up my little shop with friend Vanessa at SuzAnna's Antiques, I'll be dreaming of European treasures as I display my offerings..............
..............I may not have beauties like these from Red Chair - blue English china, chippy white Swedish paint, Dutch tiles and French linens.........well not yet!! However in my daydreams I'll be checking out airfares, looking for the latest in lightweight luggage.......and, if anyone has tried the throw-away travel panties, let me know if they work, ha, ha!! One has to be prepared to go without clothes and shoe changes, need lots of space to bring European treasures back for you.
See you here next week. Should then have stories of designing vignettes and shopkeeping under the still very hot Carolina blues skies. Thanks for all the good wishes on the little shop venture.....hoping you will have a chance to stop by SuzAnna's Antiques at Vintage Village in Raleigh, NC some day soon.
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I see some Blue Willow in the picture above...my favorite thing. I don't know what it is about the things that stir us but I love looking at your photo's. Can picture all the scarf changes...smile... have a great day.
ReplyDeleteI am just tickled pink for you! What an adventure. I know your shop will be beautiful
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Penny
I was so excited to visit Portobello Road and so disappointed that it was so crowded I couldn't maneuver my way about. All I got was a woolen scarf/tablerunner that was new and some plums...the plums were delicious though!
ReplyDeleteHave fun! I can't wait to see what you do with your space.
ReplyDeletexo
Claudia
Mary, I know your own shop will rival the Red Chair for certain. You have a style all your own and have mastered it's lovliness. I'm eager to see photos of your space, but know you are going to have such fun arranging and creating the beautiful vignettes that is your trademark. ~ Sarah
ReplyDeletePS.
I had a friend who traveled England and France to stock her antique linen business here in the states. She at times packed old clothes for her trip, then on the last day the old ones went into the trash and the linens went back in her suitcase. Sometimes she mailed her dirty laundry home so she could hand carry the linens. I've been known to pack my suitcase, then put it inside a tad larger one. I've also bought an extra bag while in Paris just for one to check and one to carry. ;-)
WOOHOO! Can't wait to come in on Saturday and see what you guys are up too!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for you. Can't wait to hear about how it goes. Carla
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous weekend and enjoy making memories.
ReplyDeleteI just can't wait to get started! The "chair" is almost done... I'm so in love with it that I'm thinking of keeping it... now, just kidding. Dear, let me knwo if you need any help loading the car, ok? I could stop by and give a hand. Love, Vanessa
ReplyDeleteWill be back to see the next exciting post.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend.
Yvonne
I'm looking forward to all the news and photos, Mary. All the best in your adventure.
ReplyDeleteI have moved the Back Porch to TypePad..long story. Hope to see you there.
I'm going to write his down as a place I want to visit! Looks like all the things I love! Enjoy your weekend! ♥
ReplyDeleteGood luck with setting up shop! And now I am drooling over the wonderful pictures of glorious antiques.
ReplyDeleteDear Mary, I have been meaning, and meaning, and meaning to get over here and say a big hello! I finally updated my blog list to reflect your site -- after all this time. Life is just SO busy here. Hopefully we've made some changes to allow me a bit more personal time, though. I'm so excited about your shop. I must come over and see all of the beautiful things there! As usual, your pictures are lovely. ~Lynn
ReplyDeleteGood luck for your new adventure! I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun.....
ReplyDeleteI think that is what we plan on doing the next time we go.....carry an empty suitcase or two for all the beautiful things! Although I must say you do always seem to find them here!!
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