Inspiration Friday ~ For The Love Of Old

Does anyone have this book by Mary Randolph Carter? Reviews are mixed so don't want to order it sight unseen. I do love the "ruined villa" look but somewhat difficult to pull off in a cottage style home - and no chance of moving to the villa any time soon. Love a touch of the baroque - chipped faded paint, ballroom sized trumeau mirrors, mossy damasks and velvets, rusting wrought iron, faded roses. Meanwhile I'm finding some vintage items are working for me and I'm beginning to feel that "love of old".

Stopped by SuzAnna's yesterday - those creative girls are doing such a fabulous job with their shop. So much treasure to hunt through and amazing prices - one can really leave there with so many wonderful items and not feel held up and robbed by highwaymen! I didn't buy this beautiful wash basin, pitcher and vase set but was tempted - if I just a had a place for it.

Lots of lovely china.

I did give a home to this small evening purse with the sweetest violet pin (silver or perhaps pewter) attached, trimmed with pearls - black velvet lined with silk, beautiful faded pink brocade. This appears to be handmade and has an embroidered label inside "Berta Justabe" with two dots above the u which makes me think it's Scandinavian.

This stunning old frame with the beautifully dressed woman was lovely despite some damage to the picture. I'm thinking perhaps a return trip to look more closely - I do love the oval shape.

Tucked away in a corner of the new "bedroom" in the shop, vintage undergarments looked almost ethereal among the chandeliers. The child's petticoat I noticed before was waiting on it's twig hanger - brought that home to hang with those pink ballet slippers.

Yes, I know, no more shopping for a while, need to save to buy some English treasures when I get home - problem is the dollar is so weak against the pound right now, shopping may have to be kept to the bare minimum this trip.