Past Perfect

Meeting up again with Brenda & Debbie of The Shabby Rose at their new space at Affordable Chic, was so much fun. These friendly gals certainly know how to display their beautiful finds......and they take time to chat and share decorating tips.

Below is the 'piece de resistance' of their collection at the moment. A stunning, painted mahogany fireplace surround with attached mirrored over-mantel. This piece is huge, expensive, and absolutely gorgeous. As mentioned before, I would need to win the North Carolina Lottery to be able to afford this and transport it home. Plus, a bigger home would also be necessary!

That lovely painting of the children moved with this piece, and the mercury glass adds shine and elegance.

If this mantel looks familiar to you I'm not surprised. If you have the 2008 copy of Cottage Style (a Meredith Special decorating publication), you will have seen this actual piece in a beach house at Emerald Isle, North Carolina. There, decorated with shells, it was used as a headboard in a guest bedroom. Quite spectacular and I wonder why the piece was sold on.

Beach House image from Cottage Style.

Guess I'll buy a lottery ticket this weekend........will let you know if I'm a winner, then go rent the truck, LOL!

Silver Service

Sometimes life's little thrills are presented to one on a silver platter. Remember my recent purchase of this French Bistro sign for the kitchen, which by the way, I love and am glad was still there when I returned after a couple of months of debating, should I, shouldn't I? That booth, named The Shabby Rose, belongs to two lovely, fun dealers, Brenda & Debbie.

These gals know what to hunt for! They stock their space with unusual things, the kind I love, and many are French inspired.

Lots of chippy paint in fabulous colors...............

..........interesting chandeliers and light fixtures..........

......................this wonderful bull's eye mirror (now waiting to be hung in my home) inspired by the old zinc windows on Paris buildings.............and precious art such as this gorgeous oil painting of children.

Iron topiary and basket - German shutters

When I bumped into the gals restocking and rearranging their space last weekend, they told me of their second location at a recently opened shop not far from my house. This shop, Affordable Chic, has not only antiques, vintage and new decorative treasures, also a tiny tearoom, and sells fresh flowers and seasonable vegetables - what more could one wish for.

Next time I'll show you more of The Shabby Rose's beautiful offerings at their new location...............including a surprise piece I'd love to own, but I'll need to win the Lottery first!!