Paradise in So Many Ways

Almost nine months ago we planned a trip to rest and regroup after my hubby started a new job and we married off our son.  Little did we know just HOW much we'd need this rest after my husband's heart attack just days before the wedding.  Saint Marys, Georgia is a lovely, little coastal town. Here we are on our first night there relaxing by the inlet in a beautiful, quiet park - Paradise (especially when the low temp here far exceeds the HIGH temp back home!).

There seems to be an antique and/or resale shop on every corner here - Paradise. This one was jam-packed with treasures including lots of vintage purses and clothing.

LOVED this travel case from the 40's.  It was only 30.00 -- I should have bought it!  Pristine condition -- even had the original keys still attached!

I did finally decide on this gorgeous vintage dress from the 1940's . . . it fits like it was custom-tailored for me.  It's missing the belt which was probably from the same fabric but I'm going to look for a thin, black patent belt to replace it.

Just look at the fine details -- the button placket is lined in burgundy satin

This is the true color of the dress - a deep burgundy wool crepe.  There are 14 tiny buttons down the front and lovely pleats in the bodice as well as 3/4 length sleeves -- my favorite!  I also could not pass up this adorable black, WOOL purse.  It was a steal at 20.00 -- just look at the quality and detail!

The purse is made by "Dorian".  When I googled it, I found this exact purse (selling for 85.00) and it was created by this designer exclusively for Bergdorf Goodman in the early 1950's.

Lovely, original spring-loaded clasp in perfect working order.

I should have photographed something with this to show you just how TINY this little zipper and pull are! Each row of teeth can't be more than 1/16" wide.

There are several different gold-lined, satin pockets for credit cards, etc.

And best of all -- the little black, satin coin purse inside still attached with the original, extremely FINE chain! While looking at all of their purses, I overheard a young college girl telling her mom she just couldn't believe these purses were over 50 or 60 years old because they were in such great condition.  Mom remarked (SO true) that back then, things were made to last, unlike today where products are made to be 'disposable'.   

Paradise.