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Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Monday, February 15, 2016

Retail Therapy, Coastal Style!

Hi everyone,
We're enjoying the last bit of warm temps here in Florida, before we head home.
The town of Venice quickly became a favorite of mine.  It was about an hour drive from us.  I would have loved just staying there the entire trip!
It's right on the Gulf, and the beaches are amazing.  In town you will find many beautiful upscale shops (read: expensive!!).
The home decor stores all had a wonderful beachy/coastal vibe that I loved so much.
Wouldn't you just love to take a bubble bath in this incredible shell encrusted clawfoot tub? 

 I was drooling over these aqua tinted starfish!
At $10 a piece, I had to pass them up, though!!
 Plenty of mermaids!

 Venice of course has many Italian themed restaurants and shops, as well as Italian named streets.
The shop below was filled to the brim with beautiful ceramics, straight from Italy.  It made hubby and I think of our trip to the Amalfi Coast 1 1/2 years ago.

 More coastal treasures.
 And another one of my favorite stores.
Notice the pink wood shutters on either side of their window?
 And this adorable pink bike with the basket and flowers made me smile!
 Gorgeous glass hearts.
 I was totally drooling over the shell covered creations. Everything from lamps, picture frames, urns, mirrors and furniture was embellished with them!  Love!

 Sorry for the blurry photo, below.  I just had to show you this gorgeous mirror.  Notice the crystal chandelier in its reflection?  Wow!
 Sweet stone cherubs and oh so soft drool worthy linens.
 Shabby Coastal Chic!!

 The ruffles make me happy!
 And looking out on the main street of down town, Venice Ave.  Cloudless blue skies and the tallest palm trees made for a wonderful day!
Thanks so much for joining me on my little outing!

11 comments:

Debby said...

Thanks for sharing. Beautiful shops.

Musings from Kim K. said...

Oh my. I'm dreaming of shells. Lots of shells. It's all so pretty. what a fun get-away! I'm so happy for you.

Debbie said...

Oh Donna what wonderful photos!!! The table with the shell motif on the front is beautiful! I like the ruffles on the chairs(I have those from Janet Coon!!) and the tablecloth with the ruffles, too!!! All of the dishes, and linens....oh my, so many nice things! The weather down there would be the best...blue skies and sunshine. Enjoy the rest of your stay.
Love to you.
Debbie
xo

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Oh Donna, what beautiful city and the shops WOW. They do look expensive and they sure have some lovely items.

So glad that you are enjoying your trip. Enjoy the warm weather.
Have a great week.
Hugs,
Mary

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Donna, what amazing shops with wonderful beachy treasures. Love this style for summer here. The Ruffles are beautiful. I would love my dining room chairs all in these slipcovers.
The bike is a great idea for the open sign.
Love that blue sky. What a gorgeous day in that lovely town. Thanks for sharing and taking us along. Hugs!

Rose L said...

I have never seen so many plates on walls before!!

EL RINCON DE CHELO said...

Preciosas botos!!!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

What a fun trip and I love the shops! Shells galore!
hugs,
Linda

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

Such pretty photos. xoox Su

handmade by amalia said...

Gorgeous shops! How I would love a pink bike with a basket full of flowers! Big sigh.
Amalia
xo

Burlap Luxe said...

I am glad I stopped by Donna,
This was an inspiring share... Your holiday shopping photos was as fun as being there in person. Love the linens and the chandelier hanging over the rustic table. I bet you were gasping for air at each discovery? I know I sure would have. How did you rsist a buy here and there.
All the shell art was inspiring because I have been working with oyster shells from France, creating art pieces for my etsy shop that would fit in to the decor of this shop perfectly. The tub would be a fun bath time would it not, years ago there was a tub covered in crusty shells featured in one of my favorite magazine reads and it was then that inspired doing some art work with shells and the sea.

Thank you dear for taking the time to share so much of your shopping trip it was really a treat to see other states and what they value in there shops.

See you soon.

Xx
Bisous
Doré