The Prettiest Antique Mall I Ever Did See

Yesterday was suppose to be a day of whale watching, taking in some sunshine, and kayaking along the southern California coast... but because of a sudden wind swell the day before, the expedition was rescheduled for this weekend... so, what to do?

We decided to do a little exploring in San Diego instead. Grabbed quick beers at a brewery, Cuban pastries to munch on later, and set out to peruse some antique malls which is kind of our Sunday ritual anyway. We chanced upon this one antique mall called Vignettes and my eyeballs nearly popped out of their sockets, this place was oozing with Frenchy, girlie goodness. It was like Anthropologie on vintage crack.



This is one of the first things you see when you walk in. The dresses are vintage reproductions and mostly just for decoration.


I am such a sucker for fresh flowers in booth displays. They're even pretty when they're wilting.


This was my favorite little vignette. Industrial meets French shabby chic, which is what I really love.

















Sorry these photos aren't the greatest quality, I stupidly left my camera in the car, so phone photos it is! But...isn't this place amazing?!? And the most incredible part were the prices were so reasonable! Here are a few items I'm considering to populate my vintage atelier.




These last two pieces are from the antique shop down the street, still reasonable prices. Trying to decide which piece I want the most in the atelier. I really love the French looking china hutch cabinet, but it's a rather large piece, but for $235!? That's a steal! I am probably going to get the white wardrobe piece since I really need storage that can hide a "mess". Because let's face it, sometimes running a vintage shop just ain't always pretty.

Have to make a decision by Sunday, so we'll see which piece comes home with me! *wink*

Vintage Interior Inspiration: How to Decorate With A Touch of Shabby Chic

I adore touches of vintage shabby chic goodness in my home, not over the top frou frou, but definitely just touches of it. If you want to inject some shabby chic into your home here are a couple little tips for you...



1.] Use a vintage crochet or lace bedspread for a shabby chic vintage look in your bedroom. If you can't find a bedspread, a large table cloth will double as a fantastic pretty little lacey thing on top of your duvet.



2.] Dried plants, herbs, and little butterflies would be cute in a weathered jar or pot in the kitchen or bathroom. You can also tie a lace or silk ribbon around dried plants and hang them on a door knob.



3.] Even though shabby decorating means weathered treasures, a shabby chic home isn't quite complete without a little crystal sparkle! Look for a small vintage chandelier at the flea market made from brass, gold, or iron that has great patina.



4.] You don't have to wallpaper your entire room if you just want a touch of shabby chic. Try wallpaper on just one wall panel or maybe in an unexpected place like a closet or inside of your dish cupboard.



5.] Shabby chic decorating can mean you can use your pretty vintage little lace dresses as decor. Hang one on a pretty rose print hanger or on an old coat rack. If you don't have a coat rack, a pretty vintage hook will also work.



6.] Shabby chic colors tend to stay in the neutrals zone with touches of pastel and accents of robin's egg blue, lavender, and peony pink. Flowers to stock up and decorate with include lavender, wisteria, roses, peonies, and hydrangea (or anything that looks like you grew it in your own garden!)