Almost There

I have been keeping late hours, and actually early hours too, getting things ready for the Grand Opening of the shoppe. I have sewn, embroidered, pressed, beribboned, trimmed, and glittered until the wee hours keeping the list making (and crossing off) for early morning when my mind is clear and my coffee is hot.

This has been an interesting fall season, laden with rain, colder than normal temperatures and flu. But I find myself renewed each day in the excitement of this new venture. What a perfect time of year to present our collection to you. Because the dreary and cold weather will not really matter in a few weeks when we are all busily searching for the perfect holiday gifts for our friends and family. We will brave the weather, traffic and even the economy to create yet another memorable holiday season. I invite you to please stop back and visit us during our Grand Opening Celebration, in early November. We are stocking our armoire, bureau and any other available space to the brim with items selected and designed especially for you. 

I LOVE This!

I find such inspiration on so many blogs and try to visit my favorites often. I have been following Sepia Dreams' blog Dream in Cream for a while. The name itself intrigued me and the blog posts and pictures kept me coming back for more. Now Sepia Dreams has started yet another fabulous blog called The French Mannequin. When I stumbled upon it a few days ago I was blown away by this particular project. 

Breathtakingly fabulous!

I have collected old shoe forms for some time, and now am eager to pull them all out and start transforming them into something this fabulous! Kudos to Sepia Dreams for this wonderful innovative inspiration! Please visit her at either of her blogs, and tell her that I send my best!

Sneak Peek

As promised, here is (the first) sneak peek of some of what will be filling the armoire at my A Vintage White shoppe. Aren't these incredible? Gorgeous bed linens with frothy ruffles of eyelet lace. Imagine settling in after a long hard day, on soft and beautiful bedding. I can feel the stress just melting away already. Can't you?

A Vintage White Shoppe

In a few short weeks I will be opening my  web shoppe A Vintage White.  I have put alot of loving thought into each and every product and design that I will be featuring. I am also planning a Grand Opening Party but still have to tie up some details. Check back here, where I will be leaving wonderful little hints of what is coming in the weeks ahead!

Having Wine and Cheese with Pottery Barn

I am not a big fan of the Fall season, and although I love to decorate, doing so for fall is a challenge each year. Craving change at the end of summer, I search far and wide to find the right accesories that will give my home a more autumnal feel without succumbing to the overuse of the expected oranges and greens. (blah)

While doing research (gotta love a professsion when "shopping" is considered "research") I came across this wonderful selection of entertaining and serving pieces that fit right in with the season (or any season for that matter). Pottery Barn is featuring fabulous baskets and warm woods this season. Above is a pizza cutting board that also serves as a platter or display.

This wine barrel tray makes a great cutting board for a sumptious fruit and cheese display. (Did I mention I love cheese?) My mind is already working on how I would adapt it for use in other seasons or with other themes. This fabulous rustic element will "soften" the overall feel when used with more formal pieces like vintage silvers or other metals.
Of course, if your wine and cheese party will include an assortment of different cheeses, then these porcelain markers and cutters are a necessity that will save you from answering the question over and over again - "what kind of cheese is this?".

Do not, I repeat, do not give in to using disposable napkins. This is the perfect opportunity to use your lovely heirloom cloth napkins - and they add so much charm to the setting - truly "a vintage white".

I thought these little pedestals were adorable and are a wonderful way to add height and interest to your table display. The warm wood tone works right in with the fall season and can replace the typical oranges, browns and greens normally seen in a fall display. 

The colors and textures of woven baskets fit right into a fall theme and are great for keeping things organized.

They are at home in any room of the house, just waiting to be used for storage, serving or display.

Consider using lidded baskets as end tables that double as storage pieces - a great way to keep throws and blankets concealed when not in use. Imagine all the things in your home you would like accessiblity to but are otherwise visually distracting - storing them in baskets may be the perfect solution.

I promise to continue doing "research" to inspire you to incorporate "the casual elegance of time worn style" into your home. Oh, and stay tuned, I have been working on a big project with an announcement coming soon!

Bella Notte Linens -Transforming Your Bedroom into a Sanctuary.

I have a weakness for beautiful bed linens. I adore the "calm" they represent and the "gentle rest" they (help) provide. Our bedrooms are our refuge, our sanctuary or at least they should be.  I am hopelessly in love with these wonderful bed linens from Bella Notte.

How effortless it would be to transform an ordinary bedroom into a relaxing oasis with these fabulously style linen sheets and pillowslips. Look at these sumptuous colors - all so muted that they would work perfectly into the "a vintage white" style.

The casual elegance of the softened linen beckons you to a peaceful retreat. A lace trimmed pillowcase exudes vintage charm. Top your luxurious bed linens with a matelesse spread for the ultimate final layer to your elegant yet comfortable bed.

This incredibly beautiful collection is calling out my name (can you hear it too?) I especially love this lace adorned bedskirt! (Love those photos on the wall too!) 

 I encourage you to create a sanctuary in your home. Treat yourself to beautiful, (and comfortable) bed linens that offer a peaceful rest at the end of your day. 

All photos courtesy of Bella Notte Linens.

The WInner Is......

This months winner was comment #3

random.org

Congratulations to:

Katie Picciottoli

 Please contact me with your address so that I can get your gift to you!

Thank you all so much for joining in the fun! 

My Romantic Home Giveaway

Yes, it's that time again, the second Monday of the month - time to join our dear friend Cindy at My Romantic Home for a monthly giveaway.  We have selected a vintage inspired laundry bag with the sweetest embroidered birdy and wreath. I have one of these in my pantry to keep those pesky plastic supermarket bags neat and one in my laundry to hold fine washables awaiting a soak. What a nice way to bring some charm to a forgotten area. 

Just post a comment on the creative way you would use this cotton bag. The winner will be chosen by a random number generator.  To visit other friends who are having their own giveaways, just visit here!

Summer Vacation

Vacations take us away from the frantic pace of everyday life. They relax and calm us, rejuvinating our minds and refueling our spirits. (now who couldn't use some of that?) I have found the most fabulous place to take my summer vacation this year (all without the help of a travel agent) and am excited to share it with you. 

I longed for someplace tranquil, but I really didn't want to travel too far. I couldn't be away too long and in light of today's uncertain economy, cost would have to be a factor. So I asked myself, "where would I most like to be ?".... and as always, (being a Pisces) "by the water" was my first choice. So, in July, I will be taking some time, to just relax. 

I will be visiting (inside) the wonderful pages of the newly published book by Barbara Jacksier entitled "Waterside Cottages" (now, doesn't the title alone suggest the most serene of settings?) It is here where I will kick off my shoes, curl up in my comfy chair and experience sheer waterside bliss (and with no mosquitos). I look forward to enjoying the beauty of nature, while visiting the lovely homes of those fortunate people (whom I call "lucky ducks" ) who live by the water. I will gather decorating ideas as plentiful as the shells I have picked up on previous beach vacations and without a single grain of sand in my shoe. The cost is minimal (around $25) and I can return there again and again, at my whim, to revisit the calming atmosphere and quiet solitude.

Also while on vacation, I plan to be stopping at Barbara's charming new shop Waterside Cottage Styles.

- a website that is sure to inspire with photographs, articles, recipes and even craft ideas. (where does she get the time?) If you hurry, you may still be able to purchase an autographed copy of her book there. 

Barbara Jacksier has best been known for her work as editor of many well-known decorating magazines (Country Style, Romantic Country, Country Victorian, to name a few). Wanting to fulfill a dream of writing her own books, she has teamed with talented photographer Dan Mayers to bring us this wonderful gift of ultimate tranquility. I encourage you to treat yourself to a well deserved vacation this summer, and visit Waterside Cottages. You can stay as long as you like, and even take some inspiration home.

Photos courtesy of Dan Mayers.

I'll Be Back Soon

Hi Friends,
Just a quick note to let you know I have been called away from home unexpectedly this week on a family health matter. I will be back home by the July 4th holiday.

Thanks,
Trisha