Saturday, one of my friends too me to the most AMAZING store… It’s completely unassuming name is The Antique and Resale Shoppe Inc., and it’s in a strip mall in Chicago, but very near Niles, Illinois. You could drive past it every day for a decade and never imagine the amazing wonders to be found inside…
This is just one of dozens of displays. It’s almost all vintage costume jewelry, it’s gorgeous, and the abundance makes your head spin!
Maybe an entire ETAGERE of black and white holds some appeal?
It was pretty clear that we were going to be in this store for at LEAST an hour, just admiring all of the amazing items, and the creative and appealing ways that the owners, Suzanne and Jules, had displayed the riches. And it was also abundantly clear that I would buy something. (I had set a firm spending limit for myself BEFORE I ever got on the train that morning – that’s a really important first step.)
Initially, I was overwhelmed and began to lose my personal style bearings!
Deep breath.
Close my eyes. Envision my closet, my favorite clothes, my favorite outfits, and the jewelry that I already own that I love and wear the most.
Dig deep into my memory for the personal style mantra “La Valise de la Garconne” (The Tomboy’s Suitcase)…
Remember the values of Timeless, Elegant, Classic.
And start looking in 2 specific categories:
1. Bangle bracelets to wear with my sleeveless summer clothes.
2. A pretty necklace that will flatter my simple dresses. and
3. Something with pearls!
I came in under budget, and I’m delighted with my purchases. And I got to spend time with a new, but very special, friend!
Losing your compass for a second or two is okay. Wallowing in all sorts of fantasy is perfectly fine. But before your wallet comes out, make sure that you’re shopping for your real, core, personal style. Dreams are great; reality is permanent.
The Antique and Resale Shoppe Inc.
7214 N. Harlem Avenue
Chicago, IL 60631
(just north of Touhy Avenue)
I never set myself a strict budget in these circumstances, but I am pretty good of staying within my perimeters. Always have been that way. But I do follow my heart when it comes to purchasing that special something. I like your purchases.
Oh My! There's a pin in that first photo I would adore to come across somewhere in my own travels.
You made lovely choices.
I love 'La Valise de la Garconne' as a mantra – where did it come from?
Alice
From my fluffy little head! I dress in somewhat menswear inspired clothes, and I always try to remind myself that if I have a suitcase full of clothes and accessories, I have enough.
thanks for asking,
Janice
Excellent, I'm a tomboy too, so may just borrow it for moments when I'm tempted by thing that would be out of character.
Alice
Looks like an amazing place, Janice. I have a friend that would consider this a perfect outing! She moved away and I miss time like this. Looks like so much fun…and I love that little pearl ring.
Oh my goodness, I had those dotted bracelets back in the 80s! Fun!
Christine
great advice which I shall desperately try to remember instead of "damn the budget…full steam ahead!"
Unfortunately, I am sometimes in the same mental domain as Julie above. Thank you for this posting, We can enjoy your shopping trip vicariously and learn at the same time.
Deb from Vancouver
It is good to have a plan and a concept in place (thank you Janice) when entering such a tempting place. Mary
Although I am not a huge jewelry person, I live not 20 minutes from this shop so I'll be dropping in to seek a little something special. And I have two friends who will love this!
What an amazing place! I would have loved it. It's soooo easy to loose track of who we really are and how we dress in a candy store like that. I'm sure I would have bought for several of my multiple personalities:)
Very good advice, especially with all those tempting goodies. You did well. I'll have to think of a catchy style mantra — I like that idea!
I actually have dreams about such places! Fascinating trove and superb choices. I have no plan in such (rare) places; have had to walk away and have a coffee or lunch to get a grip.
Walking away to have a coffee or lunch and get some emotional distance is a very good strategy/ plan in such circumstances 🙂