Outfit Details:vintage white dress – thriftedvintage beaded belt – from my mom’s store, Hourglass ConsignmentHawk wedges – courtesy of SeychellesCoach Occasion Sequin Framed Clutch – borrowed from Coach

It’s fitting to end this year with photographs from one of my favorite spots in Florida, The Fellsmere Inn. Fellsmere is the quaint little home of our horses and goats, and just down the street/dirt road is an old inn that was built before the town was even founded. Once an actual inn, as its name depicts, the building eventually served as a private home of a lady named Margaret, who also ran an antique and vintage shop out of part of the building. Before I moved to New York, Florida was hit with a slew of hurricanes that left many homes in ruins – including The Fellsmere Inn. Margaret sold me the entire contents of her vintage collection, including several bolts of fabric, for $50. We filled my mom’s truck bed with all of the damaged goods and I was able to salvage quite a good deal of them that are now in my personal closet, including but certainly not limited to this dress, this little outfit and a feedsack dress (a favorite of mine).

With its original wiring, wood floors and, well…nothing updated, The Fellsmere Inn – post hurricanes – was a major fixer upper but never fell short of charm. Since the hurricanes, it was purchased and renovated and currently sits unoccupied. The grand ballroom has been divided into smaller rooms and the oak floors have been replaced with bright and shiny pine; the magic and glamour is gone. I hate it. I understand that it needed updating but at almost 100 years old, I do wish they would have restored it as closely to its original state as possible. I still love it so, but I long for the old ghostly qualities that stole my heart. Maybe one day I will be able to afford it and bring it back to life. I’ve always wanted an old house with a wrap around porch. 2011, can you help me out?