But, the budget I've been working on non-stop has been submitted to Paris.
So, to celebrate, I went to...
New Jersey!
That's right.
(Believe me, I was just as surprised.)
My original destination was New Hope, PA, in Buck's County, about 90 minutes from New York City.
According to the New Hope Chamber of Commerce, "this sophisticated yet country-casual town provides a much needed break from today′s hectic lifestyle and offers something for everyone".
And, a break from today's hectic lifestyle was definitely must needed.
In addition to the antique shops, art galleries, and winery, it was near New Hope that George Washington famously crossed the Delaware on Christmas night, 1776...
and I was looking forward to seeing the Washington Crossing Historic Park.
However...
I got a late start.
Then I got stuck in traffic.
So, instead, I stopped when I got to Lambertville, NJ (which is, I know, right across the river from New Hope).
But, in Lambertville, I went to the Golden Nugget Antique Market. It was late (about 2pm) so most vendors were packing up. I wandered through the usual old lamps, magazines, and a lot of knives (I mean A LOT. It was weird).
Then I saw a woman, surrounded by racks and tables of clothes - fur coats, cashmere sweaters...
I picked up and put down a few things, then saw something in a grey and white checked fabric that I just had to look at.
"That's expensive" she said, as I reached for it. "Look at the label."
I did, and saw...
BALMAIN?!? At a flea market in New Jersey?
Balmain is known for being feminine, high fashion and very expensive.
"Gorgeous", I said, and started to hang it right back on the rack.
"That would be $40" she said.
I pulled it right back off the rack.
It was a long, fitted jacket and a slim skirt.
It appeared to be my size.
I tried on the jacket, and...
the jacket fit.
I was wearing a long, full skirt - perfect for trying on other skirts underneath without becoming an exhibitionist.
The skirt fit too.
The jacket
A close-up of the fabric
Honestly, I was skeptical - I mean, how can someone sell Balmain for $40?!?
But, when I got home I Googled "Pierre Balmain Paris checked skirt", and a few pages down, I saw this...
It appears to be Marion Cotillard wearing a similar skirt.
I'm still skeptical. But for $40, I can live with not knowing.
