
It is definitely too hot to work in the garden. Time to go inside where it’s cool, sip a lemonade and read a romance novel. Well, probably not a romance novel for me, but I did pick up a great decorating book at one of our thrift shops called Romantic Style. Every year about this time I get the wild urge to go all pink and white and ruffly. Not my clothes, my décor. I want fine antique lace curtains, an easy chair upholstered in chintz with big dusty pink roses on it. White, white, white…everywhere. Kinda what we’ve called “shabby chic” but is now “cottage” or romantic style. It’s sort of American “country” gone Italian or French. Light and airy and fresh. So, I went for a walk down the Main Street of Florence to see what I could find.

The first was Rustique Treasures in the 100 East Block. Fun painted furniture and, believe it or not, Watkins spices, extracts, and soaps. Remember those? I had trouble leaving the shop without the cute little gate-leg, lime green table…so light and summery. You can usually find the owner in her studio at the back of the shop painting up a new treasure. A great high table and stools perfect for the patio caught my eye as I was leaving. The second new shop, 103 Vintage Market, in the 100 West Block of Main had a great 4th of July “shabby chic” red, white, and blue window display. A handsome new “primitive“ take on your grandmother’s early American. Perfect for the cabin or the cottage. This shop definitely has a French Provincial feel with a little Tuscany thrown in for good measure with some fabulous “chalk” painted furniture and even vintage clothing, a certain nod toward the romantic style.

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