Falling in love while on vacation...

I did.

I freely admit it. I fell in love while on vacation. More than once...and many of them I dragged home with me. To live. Forever!

The few who wouldn't fit in the car will be hitching a ride in mid-August and heading this way.

Here's the first boy. He is quite youthful in appearance, much younger than the rest I've taken in before...and despite his flaws, I instantly fell in love...

If you share my love of old European antiques and dress forms in particular, I know you would have wanted him too. He's unlike any dress form I've ever laid eyes on before...and fresh off the boat.

One of my favorite antique stores in the Destin area of Florida, Antiques on Holiday, were just unpacking their newest arrivals from their latest shopping trip in Europe. Nothing was even priced yet...but the beyond sweetest shop owners said to just ask and they'd check their inventory list and price anything I was interested in...

Do you see this little name plaque of sorts written on this little boy's chest? Misty, one of the sweethearts I met at the store explained the purpose behind this tag. It was her best guess that this form was custom made for some little boy probably back in the mid-1800's. More than likely he was from a very wealthy family, perhaps even nobility since his name was on the form. Rather than having to be present and go through fitting after fitting while his new clothes were being made, a custom dress form was used for the fittings. As this child grew, a new form would be made.

While standardized dressforms were commonly employed during this era, the presence of the name plaque is the dead giveaway that this form was custom made for a particular person.

As you can see, he's hit a few rough patches in life...but those battered places have found a way to add more character to his being...same as real life, huh?

Don't miss the word PARIS in the diamond-shaped stamp...

Not sure exactly where or how I'll display him yet. Any creative ideas?

He stands quite nicely when propped against something...And by the way, that pedestal and planter were clearanced-priced items I snagged at Hobby Lobby years ago for very little jingles. By running around to several Hobby Lobby's in my area I was able to find two of each. The money I saved I now put towards this newest little "manny"...at least that was my story to Mr. Wonderful who didn't even roll his eyes when he saw this tattered treasure.  

Still have lots more FUN STUFF to share when I get a chance. And the three items that didn't fit in the car but will be arriving in mid August are hitching a ride to the Scott Antique Market held monthly in the Atlanta area. If you're local to the area and love European antiques at very fair prices, Antiques on Holiday are located in the North Building, C2.

I'm so glad this little guy, or any of my other wonderful finds weren't made of wax or they would have melted on the ride home. Our dashboard thermometer read anywhere from 100 to {{{see photo below}}} for the whole six hour ride home...

How about you? What are the temps in your area like? 

Comments

[Shelley in SC]

Wow . . . how fascinating to get the whole "behind the scenes" story. This really is a treasure!! Can't wait to see more : )

[Queen of Dreamsz]

Gasp! Let me get my vapors. :0) I'm another dress form collector..he is so sweet..yes, indeed, he would have come home with me too. ♥ What a fabulous find.

Have a wonderful day,
Stephanie ♥

[Zuzu]

Your 'manny' has a charming history & has found a wonderful new home! I'm looking forward to seeing what else you found! :)

[Terri@PringleHill]

Love your new little guy! What a wonderful find, and I know he's in the BEST of homes!!! Hugs, TErri xoxo

[Connie]

You did good girl! You did very, very good! And he is perfect standing right where he is! You were so lucky being in the right place at the right time!

[~*~Patty]

well it's a tad cooler here after a big storm blew thru, but I broke a sweat seeing your precious new "manny" ... he's fabulous!
Oh SUE! you have THE best eye for treasure, his arm is especially endearing to me and such history too ... he is an absolute treasure ... but you already know that ;)
oxo

[Autumn Clark]

Wow, he is way cool! I can see his arm bent to hold a wire basket filled with treasures and think he would be amazing propped against a tall ladder back chair filled with other amazing treasures. All I can say is WOW!

[Jill]

He is wonderful!! Really just wonderful. I would so love to photograph that form, it brings out such curious emotions. I'm glad you have it and he has found such a wonderful new home!

[Mrs. Magpie]

Okay, I am now wondering... how on earth did I miss these posts? I know I follow your blog. I can't figure this out. Boy, I would have been furious if I hadn't been able to see that super neat manequin. He is the absolute bee's knees! I can see why you are thrilled beyond words. And your fern stands are cool, too.

Now speaking of cool, it is hot. I live in Florida. 'Nuff said. ;-)

XO,

Sheila :-)

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[Danny Riddell]

Actually, it's a bit weird. But then again, that's your passion. If you got it for a bargain, I salute you!