I found her resting on a hat tree, nestled in the corner of a charming Shabby Chic booth at the Harpeth Antique Mall. She was surrounded with vintage baptismal gowns, linens, and Victorian shoes but make no mistake, she was the "Belle" and stood out among all the others. I carefully picked her up and placed her on my head, turned to a vintage mirror hanging behind me and knew that she had to come home with me. Yet, I wavered and pondered if I should really make the purchase with it being my first day in Franklin and so many shops yet to browse through. So, foolishly, I placed her back on the resting stand and left. Needless to say, I spent the remainder of the evening wringing my hands and worrying that I did not take my own advice and act on instinct. All night I thought of her and the many teas she could attend with me and I regretted passing her up. I had to have her and decided that I would indeed take that plunge and bring her home with me. Mercifully, she was still there the next day. Happily, she's now home where she belongs.
17 comments:
That is a gorgeous vintage hat...and looks so lovely on you, too! Perfect color and style! I have a terrible weakness for old hats and they draw me like a magnet. Don't you hate finding something in the first shop and being hesitant to purchase, knowing that so many more shops are waiting? But ususally, and I don't know why, the best find is always the first.
Thank you, Willow. My husband commented when I got home that he put all my hats in their boxes while I was gone and then I told him, "Great! Now, we have another to join them." The look on his face was priceless. I really fell in love with the color but I have so little purple/lavender in my wardrobe. That's really odd when I think about it because purple was my favorite color when I was a little girl. I ended up getting a deep purple blouse on this trip as well..Not vintage, though.
You are so right about the first find always being the best. Perhaps it's because our minds are at their sharpest when we're first looking.
How very sweet Rebecca..and you look quite lovely indeed. Ahh yes..the ladies at the tea will be envious for sure of Miss Lavender...
When you see it...you just know it! Not long ago I spoke at a ladies tea at our church...as you know ..the hat is everything on one of those occasions..Well..when Queen Elizabeth visited our country...she had my hat on..different color..same style..I was pleased...:) The lady has style..
Thank you, Dee...I'll bet you looked smashing in your millinery!
We are indeed kindred spirits. When Queen Elizabeth came for the Derby we were all so excited. She stayed at Lands End Farm ( The owner was a former Ambassador to Britain) and the small towns of Versailles and Midway were adorned with Union Jacks along side Old Glory. The pageantry was lovely and she looked beautiful at her first Kentucky Derby. You could see the twinkle in her eye like a young school girl.
Congratulations on the purchase of this lovely hat. Your photo is absolutely beautiful; the hat suits you very well indeed.
I own a few hats but rarely wear them; they look nice hanging on the wall though. One occasion I did wear a hat though, was when Prince Michael of Kent came to town, some years ago, and attended the same church service I was at. We knew he was going to be there in advance. After the service, he strolled about the cafeteria chatting amiably with all and sundry. We shook hands and said a few words, I felt so grateful for wearing my beautiful new hat.
Thank you, Lavinia...I love to see more women wearing hats. I think when you find a great hat, it just makes you feel good all over.
That is so interesting about Prince Michael of Kent. Wasn't he 8th in line to the crown until his marriage to Princess Michael, a Catholic? She has a book called The Serpent and the Moon. It sounds like a very interesting read.
Rebecca,
Well, I feel as though I'm entering a ladies tea party here. A fox in a hen house. However, I must say, with this being my first visit to your blog, you have classy tastes. Thank you for sharing Franklin, Tennessee with me. There are so many things and places to discover. I remember, for instance, Bardstown, KY where Stephen Foster's My Old Kentucky Home is. Have you seen the musical performed there? You have good music selections too....you're listed on Willow's blog.. :-)
Welcome Bachelor! Have a cuppa tea with us over here anytime!
Thank you for such kind words about the blog. I appreciate them very much and am glad you like the music. I keep it pulled up and listen to it all the time.
You know,I'm embarrassed to say that I've never seen the Stephen Foster Story but have always wanted to. I'll be posting more about The Battle of Franklin this weekend that you might find interesting.....
Wait a minute! What's going on here. Many of your musical selections you have playing are from my great cd mixes! Fantastic Rebecca. wow its so nice to find people of kindred spirits.. well, those of similar musical tastes at least.
Have a great week-end. I'll probably head down to Indy on Sunday and see Ryan and Kate.
Smiles!
I'll be back soon for a history lesson and a cup of tea! Cheers! :-)
Wonderful! Have a safe trip visiting those adorable children. I just visited your blog and they are so precious. I have a Kate( Katherine Elizabeth), as well so I'm quite partial to that name:-D.
Blessings to you!
Your new hat is such a soft mellow purple and lavender, I think you could wear it with almost any color!
Rebecca, I'm not too clear on the succession of the throne at this moment, however, I do know that Prince Michael has a beautiful daughter named Gabriella who is becoming one of London's beauties.
Oh, oh, oh, please wear it to tea soon, Rebecca!
Hugs,
Natalie
I can't wait to, Natalie!
:-D
The hat is stunning, but more importantly you wear it beautifully... it is not wearing you. :)
Thank you Blog Princess! I have a few that definitely wear me and I've learned to leave them in their hat boxes..At least for now. LOL!!
Glad you stopped by for tea...
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