Something old; Something new; Something borrowed; Something blue. This traditional mantra of bridal attire has guided brides for a very long time.  Simple, elegant vintage jewelry is so appropriate for the lady who wants just a bit of decoration on her special day. When it comes to bridal jewelry, necklaces and earrings of simple, natural elegance like pearls or diamond solitaires are just right. Jackie Kennedy wore a simple single strand of pearls.  Elegant! For Audrey Hepburn, her incomparable beauty was enough to make any jewelry look spectacular.   Princess Grace Kelly needed no embellishment to carry the day (although she did have that famous Cartier diamond ring) and Sophia Loren can wear big, over-the-top necklaces with ease. If more sparkle is desired, beautiful crystal rhinestone jewelry is an excellent choice, and will not break the bank. Simple necklaces of gold or silver chains with elegant pendants of solitaire gems or Victorian lavalieres look gorgeous....

The Elkhorn Antique Market was excellent.  We spent the entire day there and it was definitely worth the time.  The treasures ran the gamut from stuff to fine jewelry.  Lots of Americana and old general store items, as well as pottery and depression glass!  The general antiquing in Wisconsin farm country and the small lakeside towns was just so-so.  The antique shop in the small town of Waterloo was excellent.  Here's some photos of the treasures we brought back with us, which includes some very nice Victorian jewelry, a stunning Miriam Haskell necklace, lots of vintage treasures for crafting and altered art, several packages of old lace, a smattering of vintage toys and a fabulous geography book from 1877.

In the lakeside town of Port Washington.

We just got back from a few days up in Wisconsin.  Years ago I had the opportunity to visit the little town of Lake Mills -- a bit east of Madison on the highway to Milwaukee -- on business.  We heard about an antique market worth going to in Elkhorn, so off we went.  More on antiquing and such in the next blog, but I wanted to share some photos of the vast Wisconsin farm country. Red barns and silos are everywhere amidst the cornfields and cow pastures.  We spotted these two cranes munching lunch in the cut back cornfield.  Pretty neat! This grain and feed store was too picturesque not pass up.  Right out of yesteryear!