F. Winkle & Co. Antique Wash Jug

$7.50 at Goodwill Toronto

When I first saw this piece I was struck by its large size and beautifully detailed green and white Art Nouveau rose design (what I've come to learn is the "Irving" pattern).


It was so shiny and new looking that I had no idea it was an antique.  I fully expected to flip it over and find a HomeSense sticker stuck to the bottom of it.  Instead, after closer inspection of the cartouche mark, and a quick trip to Google, I found out that it was made in England sometime between 1890-1925.


For more information you can go to Passion for the Past Antiques & Collectibles.  Not quite sure what I'm going to do with it, so for now it is adorning a kitchen shelf!

Made by F. Winkle & Co. at the Colonial Pottery

Forever,

Amber

Summer Pastels

These images are from a series of photographs called Praia Piquinia by french photographer Christian Chaize.  I wanted to incorporate them into my blog because the pastels and sun-bleached colours illuatrated so beautifully in the images are often a part of the shabby chic colour scheme.  

The idea behind the series was the photographer visited the same stretch of land along the southern coast of Portugal over a five-year period during different times and conditions in order to capture the same scene through new eyes.  

These dreamy pics had me thinking about days spent basking in the sun and splashing in the crystal-clear waters (wearing sunscreen, of course), with long evenings spent dining in romantic open-air bars, drinking wine and nibbling on fresh grilled fish ... but I digress!

If these images inspire you, you can catch the whole collection at Christian Chaize's website www.christianchaize.com.

Forever,
Amber

French Friday's - Vive La France

Marie Antoinette

I have wanted to go to France ever since a) I excelled in Grade 6 french class (cute teacher) and b) since my high school trip that I was so anticipating was cancelled due to low registration numbers.  Well, my friends, it has been several long years and surprisingly no cancelled trips later and I still have not made it across the pond (and then across the pond again).  However, my love for all things french has not dulled, hence French Friday's (and no, they have nothing to do with fast food).


French Friday's will be a chance for me to post pictures of the french shabby chic look I love so much, but also to explore a bit about the history of France and the collective philosophy of the people who live in this beautiful country. I can't count the times I've admired a Louis XVI daybed or bergère armchair (fauteuil, in french) but know little about his life other than what I learned from Kirsten Dunst's Marie Antoinette.


I find that I can appreciate the things I admire that much more when I understand why they were styled that way. For those of you who can live without the history lesson, don't fear, there will be lots of pretty pictures!  Vive la France!!

Forever,
Amber

The Bella Cottage - One Of A Kind Wish List

These fabulous architectural elements have been added to the list of things I long for. 

Cupid in Rococo Style $295

Parisian Mannequin Circa 1900 $495

Shutters from a Villa in Corsica.
Circa 1900. $995/Pair

Gilt Finish Hand Carved Torcheries
$2395/Pair

Antique French Mirrored Arch $795

Bathing Beauties

White, romantic and feminine these bathrooms are definitely swoon-worthy.  Ooh la la...it's love!!

Image from DecorPad

Image from DecorPad

Image from Shabby Chic

Image from Country Living

Image from DecorPad

Image from Emily Wheeler

Image from Emily Wheeler

Seaside Style - Scallop Shells

Now that it's almost summer I've been thinking about how to add a touch of the beach to my decor so when I found these beautiful Japanese scallop shells at a flea market I scooped them up.  I like the idea of using these multipurpose beauties as a soap dish or a place to drop jewelry before climbing into bed.

Forever,

Amber

Summer's Cottage

Ruffles, florals and pastels can add a touch of femininity and comfort to any room or piece of furniture.  Here are a couple of images from Summers at the Cottage.  

Ruffled bath curtain.  Love!!

Can also be used as a throw for the bed.

I always love the acqua bottle and pink flower combo!

Antique Swivel Chair by Gilson

Pretty Peonies

Two-Tier Table

I bought this two-tier dumbwaiter table at my local thrift store.  It's beautifully crafted and in amazing condition.  It was originally manufactured by Deilcraft Fine Furniture in Waterloo, Ontario and sold by Adams Furniture Co. Limited which was self-described as "the handsomest furniture store in all Canada" in their 1910 Catalogue. 

I think it's pretty the way it is but I might paint it teal or white with distressed edges (see below).  I have yet to refinish and paint anything so that will be a learning process, which of course I will post pics of if/when the time arrives.

Chatelet $99

Forever,
Amber

Layla Grace - One Of A Kind Wish List

Hello Shabby Chic-anistas!  Here are some items that will have to go on my wish list (for now).  All items are one of a kind from Layla Grace.

French Armoire Circa 1850-70 $13,000

Scallop Shell Mirror Circa 1880 $9,100

Louis XV style settee in its original bright gilt finish $1,900

Louis Philippe plaster relief mirror $650