A few years ago, I was in search of a dress form. It seemed that every dress form I stumbled upon was either way too much, or just not the one I was looking for. Even my wonderful husband was involved in the search. We have a lot of antique dealers that come in to our shop. So, he asked them if they ever stumble upon forms or knew where there were some for sale. One antique dealer said he had one for sale. So, one happy husband came home thinking he'd hit the jackpot. He knows how picky his wife is, so he sent me to check out the dress form. It was much too old and much too shabby. No cage either...which was required! So, we continued the search. Another dealer came and said she had one for sale in her shop. Hubby came home and said "We're going somewhere. Get in the car and don't ask any questions." So, we did. All of us. We took about a forty five minute journey to an antique shop. We walked in and found an mannequin from 1965, rather than a dress form. Poor guy, by this time I was feeling worse for him than myself. What a kind soul he is for understanding his oh, so picky wife. Finally, a few days before Christmas, there was an antique dealer in the pizza shop, they said that they knew of a place.... a good place, a place that was filled with "girly" things. So, he went to check it out, but wasn't quite sure it was the form for me. He called me from the shop, and told me to come down. I called my mom. She came to watch the kids, while I went to see the form. Unfortunately, it was not "the one", but right next to this form, my eye caught sight of a one that looked like it had potential. It was in it's collapsed position and under a big ol' mink coat. I excitedly removed the coat and raised her to a higher position. She was "the one"! Finally! I gave the hubby a big smooch and off we went, right after we paid for her, of course! I had paint her, she was black and I wanted an off white one. So, I cave her a few coats of Gesso and some cream acrylic paint. Now she's perfect. Her name's Rosie, by the way.
While in my office I snapped some other shots of random prettiness. My one and only horse show ribbon, pinned along side some pretty flowers from my dear friend, Andrea. Love the look of these on the wire door of my armoire.
I purchased these file folders and after placing them in my office organizer, I decided the organizer could use a little help. I've had it for years, and was growing quite tired of it. So, I sanded the edges(I have been on this sanding kick for a while now). I then placed the folders that now hold all my important papers in a much more stylish way inside the organizer. Wrapped the beautiful ribbon (that Andrea had sent) around the it. Finally tucked in this beautiful and big velvet rose she sent from her shop. She sure knows how to spoil a girl! Love the mini makeover that these folders inspired!
This old hat box sits atop of the armoire in my office. Love the lady's fancy hand. Such beautiful old graphics! Ok, ladies that's it for the little office post. I shall return soon.
I love Rosie! I have been looking for a vintage dress form (that I can afford!) for years. Still looking. So happy you finally found yours!! Very pretty file folders!
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | July 30, 2009 at 01:27 PM
Love your little office post...would love to see more pics. It looks very pretty! Love your wall color with the touches of pink.
Posted by: Debi | July 30, 2009 at 09:45 PM
Rosie is lovely. Your office looks beautiful. Have a wonderful weekend. Valarie
Posted by: Valarie Kraft | August 01, 2009 at 06:00 PM
Gabrielle... I LOVE Rosie!!! What a SWEEET husband....oh my gosh, mine surely would have given up! hahaha He is a keeper for sure.
Love your office, such beautiful colors. Andrea really is such a sweetheart.
xoxo Heather
Posted by: Heather ~ Pretty Petals | August 02, 2009 at 01:43 PM
Love your office and Rosie, too! And it's all so neat and tidy in there!
Glad you liked the goodies I sent. It was my pleasure.
p.s. Did you know our mannequins are identical? I think they're the exact same brand and everything!
Posted by: andrea s. | August 02, 2009 at 02:09 PM