Antiques, Cakes, and Pleats

Antiques - need  I say more? This past Sunday, after church, the hubs and I had a little adventure in what I'm now referring to as the Hogwarts of antique stores. Seriously, this place looks like a little old mill house from the outside, but when you get inside, the tiny rooms jam-packed with antiquated delights just keep going... and going... and going... and going. And going. After what seemed like the fifth floor of exploring, I turned to head downstairs, only to find that the staircase lead up to yet another floor of treasures. If you're anywhere near me over here in England, Bourne Mill Antiques in Farnham is totally worth a trip. I cannot emphasize that enough. And it's not hoity-toity antiques, either. Once we're moved into our new place, I'm going to be using finds from there to decorate our new abode at every opportunity.

On a completely unrelated note, I've been in the mood to bake things lately. It kind of sucks, because I can't eat what I'm cooking (the woes of the gluten-free life), but I suppose my waistline will thank me. That being said, it didn't stop me from concocting this vanilla cake with tangerine buttercream. If you like dense, moist cake and bright, sweet citrus, you'll probably fall head over heels. I know, I know, where's the recipe... I'll be popping it up on Street Cred as soon as I get a chance.

So yesterday I had to do a little sewing - put a button on Steve's coat, fix the hemline on my mother-in-law's skirt. But once I get into the sewing mood, there's no stopping me. Out came the vintage collection and the alterations began. This pleated teal early-1970's Leslie Fay dress is a favorite, but it needed a few nips and tucks before it was wardrobe ready. I love snatching up old Leslie Fay dresses in thrift stores whenever I can; my grandmother worked in their dressmaking factory, and it makes me wonder if maybe she had a hand in the making some of the dresses in my own collection (as if I needed a reason to have more emotional attachment to my vintage stash).

I'm really itching to go thrifting lately. I still can't get over the lack of true thrift stores in the UK - these charity shops just will not do. I want my massive warehouse of old stuff that I can browse through for hours, seeking out those gems that make it all worthwhile. It's a bit of a downer that I can't enjoy it as much as I used to, but I'm sure to get my fill (and bring an extra suitcase full back) next time I'm in the States.

*Apology for the blurry photos. I only had my phone on me in the antiques shop, and the dim lighting did not help!*

Market Day

If you've been a reader here for any significant amount of time, you'll know that I have a slight obsession with farmers' markets. A foodie love affair, if you will. There's something so charming and natural about buying our food straight from the source that takes the chore out of grocery shopping.

This weekend we headed to the local monthly farmers' market in Camberley town centre for a little look around. I wasn't really planning to buy anything, but who can resist the siren song of crab pâté?!
Figs are also in season, round and ripe and dripping with goodness. It's one of the most bountiful times of the year, and a visit to a farmers' market really makes that evident. I just got a calendar with a list of other local markets in the coming month, so I'm really excited to check them out in the weekends ahead!

Dress: Similar here, Sweater: Olive & Oak, Shoes: JustFab, Crossbody bag: London Fog, Vintage necklace: my own

Green & Blue

I hadn't noticed how much blue I was wearing yesterday until I had already walked out the door. Head to toe blue, and from someone who a few months ago hardly owned anything blue at all! I find myself lately gravitating more and more toward these oceanic hues of royal and navy blue; maybe it indicates that I'm a bit more laid back these days. In any case, I did manage to offset the blues yesterday by taking a shortcut through a wildly green wooded path on my way to the supermarket.

Denim Dress - Vintage, similar here and here

Top - Similar here

Handbag - Zara

Light White Bright

It's a bit of an overcast day here in Atlantic City, but it's still so hot and humid. Right now I'm just lounging in bed, catching up on emails and planning the day ahead. 

Mini getaways just make me feel so free! 

<3

Emerald City

This emerald green vintage knit dress has to be my favorite new find.
I love how it's so easy to wear, super flattering, and the antique-y buttons are gorgeous.
I tried to keep the antique look with my accessories, too. The tarnished silver bracelet has Parisian landmarks engraved in it- my mother bought it in Paris when he was only 14. And the amethyst ring is one of my favorites - I got it several years ago at a flea market in Paris. The necklace is from Lucky and I love the way amethyst looks next to the deep green of the dress.
This entire outfit is revving me up with excitement for my trip to Ireland in April!