Hello everyone! I want to start off by extending a warm merci to all of you that responded and emailed regarding my previous post. Julie really has put together an amazing week in Provence and as all of the money raised by Passports with Purpose is going to Water.org, whether you win it or not, well, you are already a winner in my eyes just for having donated. And if you are waffling or just plain forgot to bid, please hurry as the fundraiser is finished on December 11th, just four more days away! So far, they have reached $35,000 of their $100,000 goal. Can you imagine what a phenomenal Holiday surprise it would be to offer your loved one any of the amazing prizes on offer?
Speaking of wonderful gifts, I have been looking forward to sharing a happiness-inducing store that I came across during my visit to the States. One of the many things that was so phenomenal about my trip was the timing. Not only did I get to have a perfect Thanksgiving (more about that soon) and delight in my Sister’s rocking birthday party (literally) but I got just the perfect dose of holiday buzz, minus the mania.
And no one did it better than Found in Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown District. Having grown up in a family who worked in retail (you can partially blame my Dad for Abercrombie & Fitch’s transformation from stolid safari to adolescent dreamland), I will admit to being ever so slightly a snob when it comes to a stores presentation. The lights are always too bright, everything can be taken in with a blink and there is little in the way of experience–no matter how earnestly the employees at Banana Republic try to make it otherwise.
Not so at Found, which is clearly curated with love by owner Mary Cambruzzi. I could have spent hours in there and would have if I were alone. As it was, I was a wild snapper with my camera, trying to capture as much of the ambiance as I could to share with you, so much so that one of the fellow shoppers asked exactly what was I doing with a suspiciously raised eyebrow! Does it sound odd that I would put a collective aesthetic on your tastes? But something tells me that if you are here, you love patina and the tiny details as much as I do. If so, then Found is very Lost in Arles!
The evening I was there was part of a special event and there was nary a space to stand. The line for the register stretched to the rear of the store and so with promises that I would return, I regretfully took my leave. Alas, my visits to the States are often a rambunctious run and I did not get the opportunity this time…
…and how would I have fit this 1930’s doll-house in my carry-on?
All of these candles are Made In Michigan…
…and the vintage finds are Made with Time!
Here in Arles, the Christmas lights have just popped on below my window, reminding me that it is the moment to extend the holiday spirit to my life in France! I have pulled down the boxes of decorations from the attic and will now wonder what to do with them this year…Are you in the same mood or not quite yet…? Found certainly has sparked plenty of ideas…
Found
407 N. Fifth Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
foundgallery.com
Tel.: (1) 734-302-3060
While the gallery is a big believer in “Shopping Local” they ship internationally and there is currently free shipping for all orders in the US that are over $100. They don’t have much of these holiday items on their website but everyone was so nice that if there is something that you love here, I bet they will be able to help you out. And no, this isn’t a “Sponsored Post” (I wish I was at that point! ;), I just like what they do.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend…it’s time to break out the vin chaud!…brrr…
What warmth and memories these glorious images bring back! The candy canes, the globe bank!
I realize how long it has been since I prowled through a vintage shop or better still, a true dusty musty wreck of a New England antique store, the sort of place I explored as a child with my mother – always a treasure to be found, and cherished.
Just looking at these pictures is like breathing more deeply. Perhaps that's what I need to make some time for, by way of meditation. Getting lost for a little bit… in a country store or a rambling antiques market.
I couldn't agree with you more, Debra. And unfortunately, I think the need for clean water will reach emergency levels in our lifetime…
Have you posted recently? I am missing you and DD. 🙂
xo,
h
Looks like you had fun on your trip home Heather. This looks like my kind of shop since I don't do malls or big retail outlets. I'm so glad someone is helping Water.org we've been donating for years and people need fresh water! Sometimes the most basic of gifts is the most needed.
Happy Holidays!
XXX
Debra
P.S. since I know you'll be wondering, Heather….the friend I mentioned adopted two of those five children; although she and her husband love raising children, she's not at all the sort who'd have willingly stayed pregnant for the greater part of eight years.
Wondrously enough, she and her husband are both working-doctors, also. I have NO idea how they balance their schedules and have raised five perfectly fine children.
—-david
Ah, that would have been the perfect spot after your soak with the Dead Sea Salts, wouldn't it? 🙂
Sadly, we were noting last night that even in France things are looking very "chain"-oriented, strip mallish! I try to go to smaller stores whenever I can and was happy to see that there was such a strong "buy local" feeling in the US.
He was my favorite, Leslie! Looking forward to seeing what you have going on in your beautiful household for the holidays…
I think you and I have already discusses the urgent need for smell-o-vision before, Amelia. Why oh why can't someone invent it?
Liza, you know how much I love A2! I had an absolutely fantastic time…Honestly, the town just gets better and better…
No surprise that you know "Found"!
I love your friends response, David but something tells me you don't quite need THAT kind of drama in your lives!!!
And I do remember the days when I wouldn't even think of stepping out the door before midnight…