In Which We Celebrate Caroline's Birthday, And Maybe Teacups

Caroline's Birthday was earlier this month, and since we haven't seen much of each other since my birthday we tried to organize a meet-up.  It was difficult, and even though it happened a week and a half after, we did it!  This is the reason why I'm doing this post today and not Friday.

We met yesterday morning, downtown in our hometown.  It's been a little dead in that area in the past few years, but there are still some good little treasures down there.  We went in a consignment shop and a "high-end antique store." (This is what I'm calling it, because it just looked expensive.)  My favorite place we visited, though, was Rowand's.  It's an antique mall that's been around for many years, and I've always enjoyed visiting it.

We dressed Mori Girl for the day.  The theme was Woodland Creatures, but we only followed it loosely because neither of us really have anything animal-like.  We both ended up in dark Mori, coincidentally.  Caroline wore a fox pin for the theme and I dressed in black and grey and called myself a wolf.

 

My Camera was making everything blue before I fixed it.  Skirt from Old Navy.  Black sweater from JC Penney.  Belt from Kohl's.  Necklace made by me.  Everything else is thrifted.

I love her velvet skirt! VELVET!

The ladies at Rowand's were preparing for the upcoming Olustee Festival, which is the biggest event of the year for Lake City.  It's a festival commemorating the Battle of Olustee, the biggest Civil War battle in Florida.  There will be tons of vendors selling things, battle reenactments, people wearing Civil War costumes, a beauty pageant, and a fun run.  People come from all over the country to be in the reenactment.  At Rowand's they were decorating the big front display windows with props and clothing.  There was a beautiful crinoline period dress in the display, and Caroline and I both agreed that we would totally wear it.  I just wish the glare on the glass hadn't made the pictures so awful.

Isn't it lovely?

We spent a while perusing the place.  There were teacups galore, and I wanted every single one of them.  I nearly bought one, but I restrained myself.  Instead I just took pictures of every one I saw.  There were so many that I think I'll just show you some of my favorites.

I love the design on this one. 

I almost bought this one because it was only $9. 

This was one of the most beautiful teacups I saw. 

I really loved the one on the bottom left. 

 

This was probably the most unique one in the store. 

I almost missed this one hiding in a case. 

Loving the dogwood print. 

These were so cute and tiny! 

See, look how tiny it is compared to my hand!

There were plenty of other things to see there too.  There was a collection of Civil war clothing upstairs that I totally forgot to photograph.  Special me.

There were a lot of little figurines of children doing strange things.

I think this child is feeding a squirrel. And her friend is practicing his karate chop.

I don't know what they're picking. 

Or what's going on here. 

That girl on the right looks like she's about to fall asleep. But her outfit is cute.

The girl on the right has such big eyes it's creepy.  And the other girl has tied grapes to the gift she's carrying.

Downstairs there was a section that had glass cases filled and topped with jewelry and other smallish things.

 

There was a whole section of pipes. 

And this cool horn. 

 

I loved this bowl of old photos.  We found some Mori Girls in there. 

I also loved this collection of cameos.  I need more brooches. 

The one in the center with the three girls was my favorite. 

 

 

I also want a pocket watch. 

 

 

I really liked this scarf clip, which I first thought was a brooch.  I ended up buying it later on.

Caroline loved this doll, but I thought she was creepy.

Along with this wall of masks. 

And this clown.

 The creepy clown was guarding this beautiful lace bonnet.

And these curtains. 

And this awesome antique sewing machine.

There were a couple of old baby carriages.  Caroline really wanted to buy the dolls in this one. 

This one ad a funny little umbrella on it. 

I wanted these teapots that I almost missed.

 

 

Apparently this place is for all your Rococo needs. (For your inner Lolita)

This mirror was so ornate. 

I really want a silver tea set. 

I think this was supposed to be a fox. 

I'm pretty sure this was a bell.  I just wanted it because it's pretty and there's German on it.

A picture of a Shirley Temple doll printed on a plate.  I don't know who would buy this. 

 

I would put these prints in my Mori Girl house. 

A view as we were going upstairs. 

I wanted to buy this collar but it didn't have a closure and I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get it over my head.

We both wanted this pretty chair. 

I loved this bag.  It was in such good condition.  I did need a brown purse.  I bought it.

While I ended up buying the purse and the scarf clip Caroline bought a beautiful dickey that had a pretty collar.  Later we went to lunch at Applebee's and had frozen yogurt at Mochi.  Some people there stared at us, but the Rowand's ladies had been so nice to us that we didn't care.  After that we perused the many thrift stores that Lake City has.  Caroline didn't buy anything but I found a couple of patterns that I can't wait to sew on.  They were vintage and only a quarter each.  It was a really great day and I can't wait to do it again.  Caroline is going to try to come back for the Olustee Festival and we might try to be Lolitas!  In the mean time I'll dream about all those teacups at Rowand's.