Vintage Roadtrip

Road trips are even more fun for thrifters. If we are speeding by an unnamed town and spy a mannequin poised on the sidewalk, brakes are applied. 

Packing. Can you believe I narrowed it down to just 2 hats?

This week, my Gypsy Sister and I traveled from Charleston, through Georgia, down to St. Augustine, Florida. 

Ready for a day of touring St. Augustine in the Florida sun. All three pieces thrifted. I adore these sunnies, purchased from the New York Goodwill, just off 5th Avenue, on a cold and rainy night.

Joelle and I visited The Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche, and feel that she may have brought us thrifting blessings.

On the same road as the shrine, this sign called to us like a Siren.

We opened the door, and walked into a photo shoot. In addition to selling exquisite vintage fashion, The Way We Were will rent clothing. This lovely lady is attending a themed wedding in this dress.

The darling owner faffs about in caftans

Just up the street is Antiques and Things. I had no intention of entering the store. I did however admire the rows and rows of teapots and decided to walk inside just to see if I could get a picture of them.

Gasp! This place is huge and jammed in no discernible order with dead animal claws, pictures of Elvis, a chamber pot, hats, scarves, jewelry, vintage dresses, canes, lamps, stuffed animals, and possibly Amelia Earhart's plane. 

I walked out with an amazing silk cocktail dress and these antique French crystal chandelier prisms. As soon as I got home, I rewired them for earrings. Surprisingly comfortable, just as long as I remember not to swing my head around too quickly. I could rip an earlobe that way.

WWJCW? What would Joan Collins wear?

Next stop: Vilano beach. This bathing suit is classic 80s with a sequined snake ring. I had visions of walking onto the set of Dynasty as soon as I saw it. The whole outfit is thrifted and I felt incredibly glamorous as I schlepped down to the beach with my neon chair. 

The next day was devoted to Savannah, Georgia. Oh, Savannah, I love your tenacity, your wabi sabi glamour, your acceptance of character, and dedication to preservation.

It was raining rivers when we arrived, so I've blatantly stolen this exterior image from their fb page.

Joelle and I have been following Gypsy World Savannah on social and planned on stopping in …  right after a picnic lunch at Bonaventure Cemetery, where we visited the grave of Johnny Mercer. 

Quite literally packed floor to ceiling 

Dripping in jewels

We were greeted by the proprietress Lisa and became fast friends as we swapped stories of traveling cross country in vans. 

I will be back Gypsy World. You have so many fun events, and I live just up the road.

Charleston Promenade '19

The Hat Ladies of Charleston look forward to this event all year. It is an opportunity to put on our finest duds, and for me, my most over-the-top hat. The Promenade in Charleston, South Carolina is a traditional Easter parade and proceeds from Washington Square, down Broad Street. Locals and tourists line the sidewalks and we are joined by family, dignitaries, and media favorites.

This year was extra special for me because my bestie Joelle was in town from Dallas and joined us for the fun. She deserves an award for being the most mellow, easiest-to-get-along-with, enthusiastic, supportive friend. She is up for going anywhere, trying anything, and tirelessly takes photos of me for blogs and grams, while I ham it up like a drunken B movie actress.

We are a contrast in stripey-ness. 

The Top Hat of The Hat Ladies of Charleston, Archie Burkel

Rosie shows us how to do The Charleston, as the Dixieland jazz band plays.

This fabulous feather chapeau was custom made by local milliner, and Hat Lady, Suzanne Hardie.

This exquisite headpiece was found at the Salvation Army.

• The fabulous creation on my head is far too artistic to be merely described as a hat. It is a couture sculpture by Romer Millinery, purchased at The Hat Shop in Soho.
• The jumper is going to be my summer go-to, J for Justify, Ross. $13.99
• Blue suede purse, Salvation Army, Maryland, $1.99
• Fawn suede shoes, Gentle Souls, South Carolina Goodwill, $5.99
• Earrings are upcycled antique crystal prisms from a French chandelier,  Antiques & Things, St. Augustine, Florida. $6 each