October 23, 2009

A Perfect Shabby Beach Store

We have been at beautiful Orange Beach all week.  While G-man was tied up with seminar sessions everyday, I was shopping and playing!!  I found some great consignment stores and some good thrift shops, too. 

On Tuesday, I drove to the Wharf.  It is a fabulous destination resort.  I love Main Street.   That is where I discovered and fell in love with “Michelle’s Beach House”, one of the specialty stores  there. 

I was on the phone with my oldest daughter when I entered this wonderland of  shabby beach goodness.  I stopped dead in my tracks, and couldn’t even describe to her how amazing it was.  I think I stopped talking altogether!

When I finally gained my composure, I promised Alex that I would call her back.  I needed both hands free for this!!   It didn’t take long for me and store owner Michelle to start chatting away.  She was as  delightful as her store.  In just a few minutes we were like old friends who hadn’t seen each other in years.  

I asked her if she would allow me to photograph the store and write a post about her and the store.  Thankfully, she agreed.  And I have to apologize for not getting a photograph of Michelle.

Here are some shots of “Michelle’s Beach House”.  You will see why I was so in love!

 

The view when you walk in – this is where I froze in my tracks!

You can see Michelle behind the counter, to the left of the lampshade.

 

 

 

Okay, not a clear photo, but I was able to crop it so you can see how lovely Michelle is. She had on a pair of pale blue reading glasses when I came in.  I told her that even she looked shabby!!!  I do have a way with words.  She laughed, while I was explaining that it was a good shabby…you know, the chic kind.

 

 

 

Look at all of this delicious white! Don’t you love the pop of bright green inside the armoire?  And, I love the white umbrella.

 

 

 

There…that’s better.

 

 

 

She had some adorable baby items.  Check out the sweet lampshade slip with the tiny ruffles.

 

 

 

This yummy, pink wrought iron candle fixture hung from wooden beams overhead.

 

 

 

Delicate crystal stems, candelabras,  nighties, and OH!…those seashell sconces.  Be still my heart!!!

 

 

 

Lovin’ the big crusty urn (bottom left).  And the painted table and chairs!!!  I love seashell mirrors.  This one was gorgeous.

 

 

 

A Birmingham, AL artist created this mural for her counter.  He did all the mural work in the store on canvases.

 

 

 

This bed was just too good for words.  Michelle brought it to the store, but it isn’t for sale.  It sure does make a great place to display the sweet gowns that she sells.  They sell out almost as fast as she gets them in.  You would not believe how soft they are - and oh so romantic!

 

 

How precious are these soft lace pajamas?

 

 

 

These night gowns are to-die-for!!! 

Have you noticed the floors?   Incredible!

 

 

 

This mantle was so pretty.  Cloches, more seashell candleholders, angels, pastel word banners, pink nightgowns – Stop it!

 

 

 

The white branches looked like a winter forest reflected in the large white mirror.

 

 

 

More white goodness and seashells.

 

 

 

The dressing room was adorable.

 

 

 

The lace mannequin was so sweet.  I need it at Blue Creek Home!

 

 

 

I love using shells mixed with antlers.   I was excited that there was something in this class act store that I do!  Of course, mine isn’t on such a grand scale.

 

 

 

Pretty white bags hold your purchases when you leave.   The price tags had tiny seashells on one corner.    Michelle’s attention to detail is amazing!

 

 

 

These sweet treats are real, but hardened of course.  Aren’t they the cutest???

 

 

 

This table held some unique handmade items.  How fun is this silver teapot clock piece?

The cloche is holding a wedding cake topper based in a painted china teacup.

 

 

 

Moss filled enamel urns ( look at the shells running down the side),  handmade soaps, shell encrusted chandeliers, crisp white  window shades,  white wicker and white linen!!!   And oh that white lacey umbrella.  Complete sentences are unnecessary when the subject matter is this good!

 

I hope you enjoyed the tour of “Michelle’s Beach House”.  Make sure that you call on her when you find yourself at beautiful Orange Beach, AL.

Michelle---Thanks for the extra surprise in my bag.  I left all of my packages in the car while we were at the hotel. I was delighted when I finally opened it!  You must think I am crazy that I didn’t notice how unusually heavy my little vintage rhinestone-adorned, glitter shell  was.   Thank you for the fun two hours.

 

 

show and tell fridays

It is “Show and Tell Friday” at “My Romantic Home”.  Make sure to visit.  More inspiration is sure to be waiting!

Rhonda

25 comments:

  1. I love stores like this. Thanks for sharing with us.

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  2. Oh my gosh, that is my type of shop! I want that umbrella! It's all so gorgeous!!! Too bad I'm all the way in California!

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  3. Simply Gorgeous! Love the lace mannequin! Thanks for sharing such fabulous inspiring photos!

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  4. Amazing...the lace mannequin would be so great to have sitting in my house I think. What a fantastic trip around the place....and she looks shabby alright....KIDDING!!

    Mine today is just a sketch I drew. [along with a little worksheet share for a simple craft project....AND links to my photos of the trip to the zoo!!! LOL ---a busy post.]

    Click HERE

    Have a glorious Friday, and super weekend.!!

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  5. That look like a shop I could go broke in.

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  6. Very pretty shop! I love the pillows when you first come in and those lace pajamas look gorgeous.

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  7. Wow, what a pretty shop! I LOVE that white painted Victorian headboard. Your photos are gorgeous too! :)

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  8. What a fabulous shop! You probably got enough ideas to last all year!

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  9. Beautiful shabby chic beachy store. I would love to visit it. It had me breathless at the front door also.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Blessings,
    Rebekah

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  10. Very lovely. I would love to browse through Michelle's store. Thank you for the tour. I enjoyed my visit.

    Have a great weekend.
    Blessings,
    Mary

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  11. What a fabulous shop, I so enjoyed my visit and you have a lovely blog. Thank you

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  12. That certainly looks like shabby heaven! hehe Blessings Heather ;D

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  13. Hi Rhonda...

    Ohhh...Michelle's Beach House is Fabulous with a capital "F"!!! Girl, I can tell that I could just spend hours and hours in this glorious place! Hehe...I spent quite a long time just going through your photos...which by the way are sooo beautiful!!! Love, love, LOVE!!!all that sweet shabby chicness...all the chippy whites...the shells, and ohhh, all those romantic nighties!!! I really enjoyed seeing all the furniture...Michelle has some exquisite pieces! Love that pretty white armoire with the green peeking out from the inside! Ohhhh...and that bed is fabulous...it's almost as pretty as yours (your mantle bed in the guest room)...but not quite!!! Girl, I'm still swooning over your magnificent mantle bed and newly decorated guest room!!!

    Well Darlin'...I sure enjoyed my window shopping at Michelle's place...thank you so much for sharing your trip with us...it was simply delightful!!!

    Warmest wishes,
    Chari @Happy To Design

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  14. Ohh Rhonda...I just had to come back and share a little secret with you! You just wouldn't believe where your fabulous mantle headboard led me...hehe! After seeing your post about it...I started looking for mantles! Yep...I searched and searched the world-wide web and you'll never believe what I found! I found the most beautiful mantle and I bought it! I plan on doing a faux fireplace in my living room! The mantle was originally $800...and I got it for half price with free truck freight shipping to boot! I'm sooo excited...I can't wait for it to get here! I just couldn't help but share that with you since it was your fabulous mantle that led to it! You are the first that I've shared my good fortune with!!! Thanks my friend...you have been such an inspiration to me!!!

    Love ya,
    Chari

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  15. Rhonda, the shop is so charming and beautiful! So many lovely things!

    Thanks for the fabulous tour!

    Tina

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  16. I'll say you had to concentrate!!! what a great store, everything down to the last last detail is some serious eye candy!

    Thanks for the tip!
    Leann

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  17. What a wonderful little shop. The pink wrought iron chandelier was fabulous! Really enjoyed this great post!

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  18. What a fantabulous store!!! Thanks for sharing the pics!

    Big TX Hugs,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

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  19. Oh! My! Word! What a fabulous store. This is the exact kind of place my husband lives in fear that I will find!

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  20. I can certainly see why you fell in love with this shop. Everything is gorgeous! How ever did you force yourself to leave...

    ~Jermaine~

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  21. Rhonda,
    I love the tour...I so much love crisp, white linens, and a white nightgown, that's been washed until it is like butter...miss those things...
    We had a "Shabby Chic" shop here in Austin (at the Domain", but sadly, it has closed. I love the look, and miss having it around.

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  22. Hi Rhonda -
    Fabulous Store - I love everything in there!

    Great Post - Thanks for the inspiration - the battenburg umbrella top is probably just what we need for my daughters wedding - so beautiful on the beach

    Marsha

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  23. My, my, my! It is a delectable, irresistible place to spend some time in! I love all the white and the umbrella was amazing! The bed was gorgeous!

    ...happy to get a chance to catch up on some blog reading.

    Blessings & Aloha!
    I have an award (aka bloghug) for you at my place. I do appreciate so much having you follow and for your comments!

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  24. You did a great job of sharing her shop with us in blogland. SO many great photos! I want to visit her shop.

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So happy you are here - I love your comments!