Brimfield, MA III

It would not have surprised me if I had spotted Noah's Ark (or the architectural remnants of it) at Brimfield this year. One practically did need a boat, and thigh-high galoshes to navigate the rice paddy-like conditions. Not only had Brimfield endured a devastating tornado in June, but it (and the dealers) also had to contend with a severe dumping of rain during the show. What added to the mix of good times, though, were my two intrepid companions who never quit as long as there were extraordinary things to marvel at. We terrified our unassuming 'porter-for-hire', by vowing we would abuse him (gently) for the hour we had him to ferry our flotilla of purchases. He asked me if I was afraid of tigers when I went home to Africa for holidays!!! I said I was more afraid of tigers in America. Then back at our motel room in the evening, the abundance of dinky bottles of Gin and Southern Comfort were most effective sleep aids. After all, re-energizing our flippers was absolutely essential for the following day's hunting...

Mia trying on hats for size

Liz

Wanted the giant ball of braided yarn

We weren't too sure if he was real for a second

All photos by Philippa Berrington-Blew

While I am sorting...

Just returned from water-logged Brimfield and New York, and need a few hours to mobilize my senses and get my pictures in a reasonable semblance of order. Tomorrow, I promise...

Image via Tumblr

Brimfield, MA II

So... my co-conspirator and encourager of all-things-shopping is Mia Widlake of No.19 fame. She and I are re-creating our Brimfield experience of last year and leave at sparrows tomorrow morning (in the torrential torrent that is Tropical Nuisance Lee). Trenchcoats, gum boots, bargaining prowess and cash in hand...

Images courtesy of the Brooklyn Circus

Through the Looking Glass (Number XIV)

The fourteenth in the Through the Looking Glass series of photographs...

(One can almost smell the freshly made bread! The bakery on 259 Bleecker Street (New York City) was photographed in the mid 1930's by Berenice Abbott. The bread was obviously piping hot as one can see from the condensation on the window. Certainly worth laying your hands on the amazing book Changing New York. See more here. Via A Continuous Lean).

Château de Vauvenargues

Picasso's studio in the Château de Vauvenargues near Aix-en-Provence. Note the ornamental plaster work...

Image via The New York Times

High Society - Grace Kelly

Apparently, Alfred Hitchcock (upon hearing about Grace's imminent wedding to Prince Rainier of Monaco) said: "I'm very happy that Grace has found herself such a good part..." 

Grace Kelly was nothing short of the epitome of perfection. These rare unpublished photos of a princess-to-be (courtesy of LIFE), depict some wonderfully candid moments. From an assistant keeping her petticoats from getting muddied as she was leaving the Hollywood studio lot for the last time, to photos of Grace carefully selecting and packing her extensive trousseau before moving to Europe, with her poodle Oliver looking on in bemusement...

The newly-engaged Grace Kelly

The couple, 1956

The studio gave Grace the twelve costumes she wore in the film High Society... to keep! From tapered trousers to beautiful evening gowns.

Leaving the Hollywood lot for the last time (before marriage)

Packing with Oliver

Unidentified seamstress with the veil

Finishing touches on the lace and pearl-studded prayer book

Goodbye Tinseltown

Gift shopping inside Cartier, New York

Bidding farewell to her fans in NYC

Grace Kelly stands with her mother, Margaret Majer Kelly

Bound for Monaco aboard the S.S. Constitution

Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier the day before the wedding

Greeting guests

At the alter

Just married

All images from LIFE

Equestrian Quarters

I could easily trade with that horse...

Image via Shorpy