Lunch, photography, and antique shopping with Georgia

Yesterday, Georgia and I met up for lunch in St. Charles. We had a lovely Mexican lunch featuring cheesy enchiladas, saucy eggs and salsa, and lively conversation. Afterward, we headed outside to take pix but quickly found it was either too cold or we ended up in weird spots (like abandoned storefronts and a bizarre indoor mall). All the cool antique shops seemed to be closed on Mondays (??) but we finally stumbled upon one further up the street.

That's where I really felt some magic, as I browsed through milk glass bud vases, charming children's books, and dainty tea cups. Georgia found a pretty vintage pin, gorgeous sparkly necklace, and lots of old photographs and sheet music. I was torn on a few purchases (like a beautiful tarnished silver-plated pitcher), but we both reasoned that we don't go out getting our hair done or out on the town all the time, so what harm is there in finding unique treasures at reasonable prices? Most of what we purchased was under $10 each and really cool (I emphasize cool).

And of course we hit the streets afterward and found lots to photograph, now that we were laden with bags and delicate things. The sun forced its way out and things seemed really interesting, now that our senses had been dazzled by the antique shop. I think we would have taken many more pix, but I had lots to carry, and Georgia had to get home early. It was a lot of fun hanging out with Georgia (I've missed her!), and we had a great time finding timeless treasures.

Here's a photographic synopsis of our afternoon:



We met at this Starbucks in downtown St. Charles, next to this beautiful marquis. Then we headed across the street to have lunch at a Mexican restaurant.


Our bellies more than full, we found that a funky yellow door was calling our name across the street, but the lighting and temps weren't cooperating with us. Plus the antique shop that belonged to this door was closed, and we were f-f-f-freezing! Georgia stopped at her car to get another jacket, but we were both still rather chilled.


After heading further down the street in search of more antique shops, we paused to take pix on the bridge over the Fox River. We were both freezing our butts off here, but bravely struggled on.


The rooflines of the shops downtown are both historic and beautiful. We finally found a cool antique shop where we browsed (and bought) for a long time. We had a blast looking at all the little trinkets, housewares, and artwork there. It was so much fun, I could have stayed there another hour or two.


On the way back to our cars, we passed the famous Hotel Baker. Someday Pete and I plan to have the Sunday Champagne Brunch—perhaps for our anniversary?


Behind the hotel is a deck and gazebo overlooking the Fox River. Lots of weddings happen here.


Back at the yellow-doored shop, we paused to take pix of the windows and their spoils. Here's Georgia composing a shot across the street.


There's that beautiful marquis again, next to some cheerful blue storefronts.


Technical difficulties? Georgia tinkers with her awesome camera while I attempt to prevent myself from breaking my antique shop goods, which were carefully packaged in bubble wrap and bagged.


I still managed to squeeze in some window shots of my own. This one is my favorite. I love the blue sky, yellow bus, green wall, pink couch, and white display case.


Georgia and I bid farewell, and on the way to my car I passed this pretty blue birdhouse.


Then I happened to look down as I crossed the street and saw a bright red patch of sidewalk beneath my feet. I managed to squeeze off a shot before I moved on.


Back home, I took pix of my finds. Here's me holding the silver teacup.


Another view of the teacup. That's a container of spaghetti sauce–colored dish water in my kitchen sink, but it makes a nice backdrop, no?


Here's a cute little bird and nest I got for $3. He's so cute, isn't he? I like how he's (she's?) admiring my robin's egg–blue ring, as if it's an actual egg.


And yes, I got the tarnished silver-plated pitcher. I will show more pictures later with flowers in it. See the reflection in the pitcher? Looks vaguely ring-like....


A charming blue bird paperweight was another inexpensive purchase ($4.50). There's that ring again...yes, I'm a nerd.


A spread of vintage magazines, including The American Home, and Better Homes and Gardens. I did take a picture with my ring in it, but it just looked weird. Anyhow, I love the colors on these covers! Totally frame-worthy.


A vintage Life magazine cover. I'm trying to figure out who the baby on the cover is (the caption is "one year old") but I don't see mention of him (her) inside. I just loved the photograph though.


And here it is with my ring, lol. The baby looks creepier here....


The magazines I got: Life (1937), The American Home (two issues from 1938), and Better Home and Gardens (both from 1926).


As I was catching a moth that was getting in my photographs, he posed on a measuring cup I was trying to catch him with. I snapped a picture and let him go to the great green world outside.



Later on, I was flipping through one of the issues of The American Home and saw the right-stack version of our Magic Chef 1000 stove (ours is a left stack, made circa 1935 and affectionately called Millicent, shown below). How cool is that?!



There you have it! A fun afternoon of good eats, photography, antique browsing, and catching up with an old friend. Can't wait for next time!

Excellent shopping karma!

(MIA "Midnight" Stretch 3-way boots in black velvet and mushroom)

I don't know what was in the air this weekend, but I scored some major deals. I saved hundreds of dollars and found one-of-a-kind items in just the right sizes. Since I'm not rolling in cash like everyone else, every penny saved is a bonus to me (and Pete, of course). But I'm still pinching myself over the bargains I got!

It started out at Goodwill, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to shop for skirts. I found about 10 skirts, some in my much-sought-out color of brown, and all dirt cheap (about $3.50-$7 each). And the brands I found were incredible: Banana Republic, The Gap, Old Navy, Ann Taylor Loft, Michael Kors. The sizes were all over the board again, but if it fit, I took it. I also found two jumpers, one from Talbots (not my type of store, but the jumper is cute) and one from Isaac Mizrahi (not sure if it was a Target item). I was pleased as punch, and the lady ringing me up was super nice. I'm so glad I got a frequent-shopper card. I only wish the shoe selection was better, but that's what DSW is for, which is where I went next.



(Banana Republic chocolate brown suede skirt, similar to the one I got at Goodwill—but mine's prettier {I think} without that pocket detailing)

At DSW, I immediately strolled through the clearance aisles as I always do, and I was instantly lucky. I found two pairs (yes, TWO!) of MIA scrunch boots, one in black velvet and one in mushroom velvet. I had seen these online at Endless.com, and had wondered how they'd fit and look on a girl like me. They are a bit pricey though, and I couldn't justify ordering them. Well, let me tell you I was ecstatic to find them at DSW at almost half off, and they fit wonderfully! They are adjustable and make my legs look long and lean, which is no small feat on my rather thick gams. I also found a pair of half-off Nine West boots (called "Exotic") that have liquid black material that hug my legs. And yes, they all go to my knee (or beyond in the MIA boots' case) and fit me just fine. I admit the MIA boots have elastic that grip my legs a bit too much, but since I'm still running and working out, I hope to ease that tension in the months to come. I was able to use a $5 off coupon AND a 15% off coupon, so I got all three for almost nothing!



(Nine West "Exotic" boot—but mine is a shiny material, not fabric and shiny like shown here)

My next stop was Marshall's. I often go there for good deals on blouses, sweaters, and the like, but rarely shoes. I find that the shoe department is all crazy messy every time I go there, and I can never find my size in anything I like, which isn't much. But the shopping gods were still smiling down upon me, and I found some fabulous Chilis knee-high flat boots in a gorgeous "rum" leather at a heavily discounted price. I could not believe my luck, and snatched the pair of size 8s as if they'd disappear as soon as I tried to buy them. I didn't see too much else, although all the clearance shoes were an additional 25% off, so I kept that department in the back of my mind.



(My Chilis boots in rum leather look similar to these boots, but are a warmer brown and have laces up the front—I can't find a pic of them anywhere online.)

Then I wandered over to the coat section, since I've been searching for a nice, warm winter coat since last winter. In particular, I wanted to find a black wool-blend coat that had a bit of a funky or retro vibe to it. I have also always wanted a houndstooth coat, but never found quite the right cut, or style, or weight of coat to please me (I'm picky about stuff like that). I hadn't had much luck at all the stores I had been to before, and wasn't expecting things to be any different this time. But lo and behold I wandered down an aisle and found a Calvin Klein houndstooth coat peeking out from among the grays, reds, and blacks of the other coats. I pulled it out and was instantly smitten by the slightly vintage look, complete with a large collar, slightly A-line shape, and big buttons. And as I pulled it on over my sweater, I knew it was instant love. It fit me perfectly (despite being a size 4, whatever that means) and was nice and toasty to boot. I browsed the other aisles but didn't find anything that came even close to this coat's vibe. And so off I went with my boots and coat, heading to Target to do some grocery shopping. While there I did find a pair of gold dangly earrings for $1.48, which was my steal there.



(A similar coat to my Calvin Klein houndstooth coat—mine has a bigger collar and a larger pattern)

Later on, after I was back home modeling my Chilis boots in the Shoe Library and contemplating running around the house in them, I decided to go back for a black pair because I loved the rum pair so much. When I was back at Marshall's and selecting my black pair, I noticed some gorgeous gray suede Steve Madden boots. I was skeptical because of my difficulty finding tall boots that fit. But as I pulled on a pair of size 8s, I was quite pleased to see that they easily fit over my rather healthy calves. And the most amazing thing was they were an additional 25% off the already super-low clearance price. My head was spinning with all the savings and deals I was getting, and I decided to call it a day after that. Even though I found so much at such dirt cheap prices, I figured I'd give my wallet a rest until the next pay period.



(Black boot similar to the Chilis boot from Marshall's; Steven by Steve Madden "Insayne" boot, which I have in gray suede, not black leather—much prettier in gray suede!)

Anyhow, the shopping gods rarely smile on me for more than a mere moment, so to have such a good run of luck was most awesome, and I'm very pleased with my purchases (and savings!). Hope you had such good luck if you were out and about doing some (dirt cheap) fashion shopping for yourself!

Goodwill hunting

I got a coupon from Goodwill a few days ago for 10% off my entire purchase. I know there's a huge Goodwill store in Naperville, and there's others in the area (check it out here). I'm thinking of heading over there this weekend to check things out. I love shopping at resale shops, but there aren't too many in my area. There's a variety of little treasures waiting to be found, judging from the stuff I saw listed at the online store.

Saturday shopping

Georgia and I met up in downtown Barrington and went shopping at the sidewalk sale going on there. At the first store, Vintage Faire, I found this sparkly amber beaded lamp, which I plan to hang over my bed. Georgia found a lovely necklace that was handcrafted by a local artisan. Then, at the Estate Jewelry Store, I scored some unique vintage jewelry like this pretty spiral bracelet, and Georgia found some beautiful rings and necklaces. 

We had to depart rather quickly because Georgia had to be downtown to meet her sister Angela, and I had to go to my second wedding gown fitting. Let me just say that my dress is stunningly beautiful, and I can't wait 'til next Saturday. Anyhow, then I headed to Whole Foods to grab some lunch, and I saw these cheeky pink Gerbera daisies just begging me to purchase them. Since these are the flowers I'm using in my wedding, I couldn't resist. They're sitting on my doorstep right now with my other happy flowers.