Window Shopping...

I managed to take a little time to visit my favorite antique mall recently, and thanks to the modern miracle of the "camera phone" (my trusty iPhone), I'm able to share some of my favorites with you.

These are the sorts of things that never fail to catch my eye. Colorful, hand-crocheted potholders and table runners. Then there are the knitted slippers on the second shelf of this rack. Imagine the hours of blissful creating spent on all of these items.

 

I thought this satin wedding dress was pretty as I imagined the young woman who must have worn it on her special day. I wondered why she hadn't kept it to pass down to another young woman in her family...perhaps her daughter? It was lovely.

I know many bloggers who would have snatched up these suitcases to stack with others to create a side table in a bedroom or living room. These were in great condition!

I might take some measurements and go back and check out the prices. Remember, Sofie still needs a case since the tooled leather one I used last summer fell apart. The one front and center above might just work!

Yo yos always make me smile. 

These were joined to create a sweet pillow cover.

Stunning silk ribbon embroidery on a velvet background makes for not one, but two gorgeous pillows.

If the velvet had been a shade of steel blue rather than peach, this pair would have gone home with me. Just look at the detail!

This party dress was part of a booth that was artfully arranged with items of clothing, jewelry and handbags. All were meant to be used for festive occasions, and more than a few items were begging to jump into my basket.

I had the needlepointed footstool in my hands for quite a while before I set it back down and walked away. I loved it, but thought it too pricey for my taste.

I couldn't walk past this array of 18" fashion dolls (including more than a few Barbie™ dolls) without taking a picture to share with Twyla's daughter, Lindsey. She is a hard-core collector of all things Barbie™, and trust me. Her collection is truly impressive. She has every single piece of Mattel's most beloved set of dolls and attendant paraphernalia ever made. She has all the pieces I had as a child...now long gone.

This display of hats made me smile. It took me back to my childhood when my sister, Mum and I would shop for that special outfit for Easter. It usually included a new dress and coat, gloves and little handbag and a hat. I stood and examined these hats for quite a while. I love hats, but don't often wear them in Florida. Can't you just imagine this whole display in a corner of your bedroom? Swoony!

I behaved. I only purchased what I had in mind when I went into the mall. A whole, four dollar purchase. Aren't you proud of me? I may yet go back for that suitcase...if the size is right and the price isn't crazy expensive.

So. When you go to your favorite antique store or mall, what catches your eye? What to you always seem to gravitate to and what always begs to go home with you? I'd love to know.

Can you believe it's nearly time for another stroll through my favorite remembrances? Monday, May 29th is my next installment. Memorial Day Monday.

If you're interested in joining with a story of your own, you might want to write it before the holiday weekend takes hold of your time. I'll put my post up on Sunday and add the linky so you can add your blog to the list. I'll also leave that link open for a week, so you can join after the weekend if you'd like.

If you're on your way out to do something special for the holiday weekend that heralds the start of summer, have a great time. We'll catch up when you get back!