~ Libraries + Retail Therapy ~

I love my decorating books, but confess that I buy them for the pictures. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a beautiful library?!  Pretty libraries come in all rooms and sizes. 

New in my shop at DuPre's Antique Market are these pretty little bookmarks.  I'm working on making more today.  (It's either that or pulling weeds, and it will be in the 90's today.  Need I say more?)

Have a wonderful weekend.

Lulu

~ A Little Pink Dress ~

Do you remember seeing pictures of Jennifer Lopez's restaurant Madras?  Remembering the beautiful, feminine space she created with Rachel Ashwell, I wasn't surprised when I saw Jennifer's wonderfully feminine home on Veranda's website.

Jennifer Lopez via Veranda

Jennifer Lopez via Veranda

Madras Restaurant

Getting back to the beautiful pink dress. . . . At art shows over the past few years, I have been drawn to paintings of dresses.  Who knows, maybe I'll come home with one some day.  After all, the space over my white sofa is still waiting for the perfect piece.  This life sized commissioned painting by Kristin Wolfson of a Vera Wang wedding dress is amazing! 

Kristin Wolfson

Ballards has this print by Samantha Carlisle, a fun, affordable alternative to an original.

Samantha Carlisle via Ballards

So much prettiness!

Have a beautiful Sunday, everyone!

Lulu

~ One Thing Leads to Another ~

When I saw this photo in the March ~ April Victoria Magazine, first I gasped.  This is my favorite collection of antique botanicals that I have seen.  I love, love, love them in the gilt frames over the French settee.

Thank goodness I saw this photo, because it motivated me to go to my source and get a new collection of antique herbarium.  I was told that import restrictions will make it harder to get shipments from Europe in the future so I got 21 this time.  They are in my little space on the art side of DuPre's. 

My transition to DuPre's was completed Memorial Day weekend.  The move took place in stages over the course of two months.  And, I'm getting back to normal after my foot surgery.  I was so surprised by how difficult it was to get motivated again after being forced to slow down for a while.  Those are just two of the reasons I have been a little MIA lately.  The other two reasons are:  (1)  Words With Friends (lame, I know), and (2)  my cat Boo.  Boo was a wild feral kitty who adopted my house after I trapped, neutered and released him a couple years ago.  After an injury that required a visit to the vet and a drain in his face, my garage/studio was converted to Boo's studio apartment with heating and air conditioning, cat trees in the windows, and lots of toys; and he now lives inside full time.  Because he has feline leukemia, he can't come inside with the other kitties.  So, little Boo requires lots of visits and company and really doesn't like it when I am typing instead of paying attention to him.  He is the third feral cat that I have tamed and is such a sweetheart.

Things are getting back to normal and I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone!

Happy Sunday.

Lulu

~ My Design Fantasy a/k/a Things I'm Loving At DuPre's ~

After working on my booth at DuPre's today, I treated myself to some retail therapy.  Here are some of the things I fell in love with.  I wish I had a cottage or and a guest house to decorate with all of these wonderful finds.

I have been a huge fan of Cathy for years. 

I love everything in all of Cathy's booths.

How pretty is this?

And this is so gorgeous I want to pack up the whole space and move it to my {imaginary} cottage.

French antiques.  I can't say more.  My heart is having palpitations.  [Except that this piece would look great paired with my antique plate rack.]

There is a set of six of these absolutely gorgeous chairs.

Again, with my heart!  This sterling silver is so beautiful.

These vintage pieces have so much character.  Everything in this booth would look great in the library {of my imaginary guest house}.

There is such pretty vintage jewelry.

And I am obsessed with old pocket watches lately.

Not to mention aqua and blue glass.  Not sure why, just obsessed.

My first love when I started antiquing 30 years ago was blue and white plates.  They say you never get over your first love!

These little beauties from the mid-century modern section would have to go in the library of my {imaginary} guest house.

And all the art from the gallery is amazing.  I would definitely need a gallery wall or two.

One of my favorite artists showing here is Gwen Waters.  I love the pair of horses in this picture.

All the artists are so unique and talented.

And there are so many other amazing unique objects at DuPre's.

Here a just a few of my new things.

Wonderful bronze cherub candlesticks.

A new line of candles.

And the cutest dog!

DuPre's really has the perfect collection of beautiful and unique treasures to help anyone live out their design fantasy. 

Have a good week.

Lulu