New arrivals from market, from books to beeswax...

This is the time of year we really love: summer is still here (eating al fresco as much as possible), new finds from market are arriving daily... and the garage is filling up with boxes of Christmas merchandise. Hard to imagine, but that's the exotic life of a retailer. Checking in lovely, fluffy, sparkly holiday goodies when it's 90 degrees outside; it's a little bit weird, but we love this bridging of the seasons. We're making the most of summer and looking forward to fall and winter at the same time. Some of our new items have already arrived, and we're having so much fun finding homes for it all.

We were thrilled with the new looks from Baggallini; the jacquard fabrics and new designs are really stylish (yep, take one to Paris with you), but they still manage to incorporate the most practical needs of travel and everyday running around. We found a bunch of new kid's books to love (a near and dear category). I want to read Hermelin the Detective Mouse to the next five year old who walks into our shop. It is so darn cute. Add to that a great new supply of cuddly soft Jellycat animals and a whole new line of vintage games coming soon (all made in the US), and we've got one fun (and growing) kid's section.

There are new scarves, and hand creams, and French tea towels (with more of our fabulous Le Jacquard Français arriving next week). Paper placemats and runners (including a chalk surface paper runner that everyone will enjoy drawing on!), new dinnerware in a simple oval design, and on and on. And on. This is just the beginning of our fall arrivals... here are a few pix:

Vintage Flea Market Fun

Last Saturday (August 23) was our second-to-last Vintage Flea Market of the season, and was it ever a blast. First of all, I think we had some of our best vendors attending, and the finds were amazing. Thanks to all who did such a good job bringing in so many wonderful goodies! To add to it all, the weather was absolutely perfect; not too hot, no strong winds, and just a lovely, luscious sunny day in Bend. Ahhhh.

Our next market – and last of the season – is on Saturday, September 13, and you do not want to miss it. Looks like we'll have a full house of vendors, and everyone will be bringing their best. Prices are always great (when the dealers shop our markets, you know pricing is really good). I took tons of pictures; here they are (edited down to about one-third of what I came away with), starting with a darling "brocante" sign and jewelry made by Kay and Nan from wonderful bits found at Parisian flea markets (of course I bought a necklace – could not resist!)... and ending with a sad clown painting. I ask you: what flea market is complete without a sad (and slightly scary) clown painting?