When I was young, Sunday was Candy Day. We weren’t allowed to eat candy any other day of the week, so this day was held with a special reverence. On Candy Day, my sister and I would be given 50 cents a piece and were allowed to traipse two blocks to a local general store. Even though the selection never changed, we spent ages poring over the choices every time. Candy, gum, chocolate – before you officially made your selection, there was always this unbridled anticipation in knowing you could have anything in the aisle.
Having had these kinds of restrictions on sugar as a kid, you would think my adult self would be a bit candy crazy. But, I’m not really one for sugar (even back then I would almost always favor gum as my choice or else something in the sour family). It’s still more about the anticipation for me. The thought that the world is my chocolate-covered oyster, cleverly disguised as the candy aisle in the general store. And so long as I have 50 cents in my pocket, anything is possible.
Shile browsing Etsy one afternoon, I came across the most magical bag from Edison’s Place Vintage. Once (very likely) a sewing box, this bag was a perfect replica of a General Store, right down to the bag of flour resting on the front porch and the signature of a man named Maurice on the inside. Back in the 1960’s and 70’s, these kinds of bags were sold as kits. I like to imagine Maurice making this one for his wife, painting each tiny detail with care. Not one to ever resist a novelty handbag, my fingers hit purchase of their own accord.
Once I had her in my hands, I could appreciate the fine details all the more. The hand painted sign and carved, thatched roof. The tiny flowers dotted along the side. Even a sign for smoked ham on the back. Maurice’s General Store was a sewing box no more! I knew I had to take her for an immediate stroll with this border printed beauty from Sartorial Matters. Perhaps I would head down to the shop on the corner and pick up a pack of gum, despite the fact that it’s not Sunday (clearly Maurice brings out the rebellious side of me…).
So, while I was gathering the essentials for my day out in the world (wallet, mask, lip gloss, shark brain), I smirked and threw in 50 cents. I barely carry cash these days, let alone any coins. But as I went about my tasks, I’d hear that telltale clink of two quarters striking each other at the bottom of the bag every now and then. Just to remind me of a time when the sweet chime of 50 cents jangling in your pocket was tantamount to possibility.
Where will possibility take us today?
xoxo
Outfit Details:
Dress: Sartorial Matters (similar modern or vintage here, here, & here)
Necklace: gift (similar)
Belt: ASOS (similar)
Handbag: Edison’s Place Vintage (similar)
Shoes: Lulu’s
Lip Color: Nars Jungle Red
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Any items marked with a “c/o” (courtesy of) a retailer mean I was provided with an item for free in exchange for a review and/or feature on my blog. I always provide my honest opinion of any item I’m reviewing, regardless of whether it was sent to me as a courtesy item or if I purchased it myself. In addition, this post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click and/or make a purchase through certain links or ads on this site, I may make a commission from that click and/or purchase at no cost to you, which helps with the day-to-day running costs of my blog.