Sunday, October 2, 2011

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.
 

22 comments:

  1. Wow...looks like a wonderful place to visit AND you made some great buys!!! Love that purse!!!

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  2. Lauren how fun and what great finds! Wow! I love shops like these.

    I hope you will visit my site and let me know what you think of my Autumn decor, so far.....

    xoxo
    Karena

    Art by Karena

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  3. It sure does sound like paradise!! And you and your husband deserve it!
    I would love to see you in that beautiful dress! And that purse is to die for!! Lucky you!!
    xxDaniella

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  4. Amazing how things work out. I'm glad you and hubby could take this trip.

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  5. It really does sound like you are in Paradise, Lauren. And a well-deserved trip it is.

    The dress is lovely and what a find on the purse! The little change purse reminds me of one my grandmother always used. Ahh, sweet memories.

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  6. Hi Lauren,
    It does look like you had a great time.
    I love the suitcase! And your vintage dress and purse! Gorgeous! And you're right, they don't make them like that anymore.
    Thanks for sharing with us.
    Hugs,
    Sonya

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  7. Wow ~ lucky you, what great finds. I hope that your husband is feeling fine now. Sounds like you both had a well deserved rest.

    Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  8. I'm so glad that you and your hubby are getting some rest and relaxation. The shopping there looks great. Those were some great finds.

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  9. What a wonderful place! I live in Georgia and have never heard of Saint Mary's - imagine! You found some great buys. You are right about things being made to last in the past! Linda

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  10. Looks like you were in paradise. Thanks for sharing your trip. Lauren, in an answer to your question, yes you can add color. I'm having trouble with my email right now.

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  11. It looks like you had such a wonderful time away. I'd go crazy over all those shops. Your dress is lovely and I'm sure it was meant to be yours if it fit so well. I'm sure you'll have no problem finding the perfect belt. Don't you just love vintage purses?

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  12. Very cool travel case Lauren! Looks like a fabulous time.

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  13. You had such a wonderful time! I love the places you went and the cool things you found! The black bag is the most beautiful! I love to check out neat shops when we travel but it's hard to pull me away from the beach! We love to stay on Jekyll Island...so many beautiful spots on the GA coast! ♥

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  14. Wow, looks like some great shopping in a great town. I found you at Treasure Hunt Thursday, and going to follow.

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  15. How lovely! Looks like yall had a grand time and so glad to hear your hubby is doing better!! Thanx for coming to the party!

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  16. So glad that you had a refreshing time away! :)

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  17. Looks like a beautiful place to visit...Great photos..I love it..I would love for you to pls link and share this via my linky party today ~ Pin Inspitational Thursdays via http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.com/2011/10/pinspirations-pinterest-inspirational.html TY. ps: officially following ya :))

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  18. Looks like a lovely getaway and what great finds. Love the vintage purse and dress. Thanks so much for stopping by! I am your newest follower!

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  19. What a lovely place! And you really scored big time with those finds! Thanks for sharing at Show & Share! I am glad you linked up!

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  20. Looks like a love place and aptly named!

    Thanks for sharing this lovely post at Potpourri Friday. I appreciate your participation!

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  21. Looks like that was a fun place to visit! Thanks for stopping by my blog! :) I'm following. Clydia @ threemangoseeds.blogspot.com

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  22. So glad you and your husband had a relaxing trip! I live in Georgia but, I've never heard of Saint Marys! Thanks for sharing!!

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