My precious...

I have a thing for things.  Pretty things.  I'm a collector of many pretty things.

Case in point, at gymnastics last week, as my daughter tumbled and flipped, my eyes were on an awesome handbag another mom was carrying. 
<start>
Me: "Great bag!"
She: "Thanks!  I was a handbag buyer for Neiman Marcus and have had this bag for years."
Me: "May I ask the brand?"
She: "Yes.  It's __________.  From several seasons ago.  I carry it all the time.  It holds everything.  Love your bag, too!"
<end>


Her compliment should have sufficed.  I mean, she was a former handbag buyer for Neiman Marcus and she liked my bag.  However, that comment sailed past me as quickly as I logged onto the internet searching for her bag.  The end all/be all bag.  The bag that would be my forever bag.  The "I'll never need another bag for the rest of my life, sweetie" bag.  Ever had one of those?  I have many.

Well, I found the bag.  With a little haggling and several clicks, I bought it.  All while still sitting in the same gymnastic class.
I picked it up from the post office yesterday, and it is now sitting in my closet.  Tags still on.  Still in the wrapper.

My collections are varied.  Bags to jewelry, cosmetics to clothing, pillows to dolls.


Fashionably Floral Barbie

Here she is, my next pretty thing: Fashionably Floral Barbie.  Isn't she lovely?  The minute I saw her, I wanted her.  I clicked "add to basket" and was ready to check out, but stopped myself.  This was a defining moment.  What did I love so much?  The pink satin opera gloves?  The wide brimmed hat with those cabbage roses?  Or maybe her heavily lined lids and the pink floral vintage style dress.  She is eye candy.

If I look around my house, my collections, I have so many pretty things.  I need to go through them and use them, display them, love them or gift them.  Not buy more to just sit in the bag or back of the closet. 

Here's to a change in habits.  Using what I have and not buying more, more, more!  I deleted Fashionably Floral from my cart with only a small pang of sadness.  I don't need her.  It's ok to look, to lust, to like but not have her. 

Now, I'm heading to the closet to unearth the new bag I purchased on ebay and carry it all the time because it holds everything.  I may even carry it to gymnastics tomorrow.  Oh, wait.  I can't.  She might be there, and that would be embarrassing.



More pretty things to ponder:

Chase's Place School Gala 2015
Art Piece for Auction

My friend is heading up the Chase's Place Gala this year,  with proceeds going to Chase's Place: a Dallas-area private non-profit school serving students with moderate to severe developmental disabilities.  Original artwork collaborations between students and artists are up for auction, such as this one at right. 

A few more of my favorite things:





Vintage Alma Ide Carpet Bag



Barbie & Ken Pink Kiss Pendant
by Margaux Lange



Vintage Embroidered Shearling Afghan Coat  



Bavna 18k yellow gold Earrings with
Diamonds & Green Tourmaline





1960's ROGER VIVIER
embroidered heels









     







Perfect Gifts for Valentine's Day and More

My Friend at My Nest Creations on Etsy... I have to toot the horn of my good friend and her etsy shop.  She makes cute burlap pillows and bows that are perfect gifts for Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day and any day!

Loving this pillow for Valentine's.  Very shabby chic.  My friend also has a 14x14 version of the same design.  I tend to enjoy the horizontal style myself.  They look great on a guest room bed or love seat. 


Burlap hand painted "Love" pillow, $35 US

My dream trailer!  From TinCanTourists.com.

Glamper pillow, $30

My personal favorite pillow of all time from her shop is this Trailer Trash design.  When I purchase my first "Canned Ham" metal trailer and travel the USA selling vintage wares, this will be the pillow I have on the sofa. 

So, these are just a few samples of her fun stuff.  Made by hand, I might add.  She is super crafty and creative, so stop by her shop today and check it out!




Organization Struggles

I've been working to organize my cosmetics and closet this week.  Unfortunately, things are in more disarray than before I began.  Especially in the bathroom.  



LÈVRES SCINTILLANTESGLOSSIMER
Limited Edition $29.50

First off, I'm a cosmetics hoarder.  It is difficult for me to part with cosmetics because 1.) I buy far too many 2.) shopping for makeup is what I do when I'm bored 3.) discarding them is admitting failure and being wasteful and 4.) I never know when I could use that lipstick (blush, foundation, ...).  Yes, they have an expiration date.  That still doesn't stop me from finding lipstick from four years ago, no exaggeration.  Such as the two tubes of Chanel Glossimer.  I cannot part with it.  It was expensive!  Mascara is one thing I've eradicated from my life.  It's fabulous not to worry about finding that perfect brand anymore.  (Which, by the way, was Dior Show.)  I have lash extensions and LOVE THEM.  Don't tell me they are bad for me, it won't matter.  I will still get them twice a month.


Large Mason jar $12.41 at Target stores

 
Back to organizing.  I've thrown a lot of makeup away.  I've also donated it to Mom, daughter and friends.  The rest (mainly lipstick) I'm keeping until I decide what to do with it.  Other than use it, I've decided to store it in very large Mason jars which I found today at Target.  This way, I can see them and decide which color I want to use.  They are also quite decorative on the countertop or along the bathtub edge. 


Luxe Acrylic Modular System
$11.99 - 29.99 at Container Store

I've also scored some nice clear plastic Container Store shelf organizers, which I'm using in the bathroom cabinets.  They are holding lotions, hair products, brushes, eye liners, lip pencils, and more while keeping them neat and orderly.  Plus, I'm able to see everything because they are clear.  Yay!  So, I'm getting there slowly but surely.

My closet is neatly arranged, but when there is dust on the shoulders of my shirts I know I have problems.  Too many clothes, and no place to wear them.  Most days, I'm in workout wear, sweats or pajamas.  When I do venture into the world beyond my doorstep, those workout clothes will usually suffice.  I also like to be comfortable, so many of my jeans are no longer worn because they aren't stretchy.  Sad, but those Levi's and True Religions are going to waste.  Broken in tees and lycra pants have spoiled me.  Now, I'm trying to get inspired by the exercise clothing trend I see in magazines that allow women to go straight from the gym to the supermarket with very little change in clothing.  Check out a few styles from Athleta:  super cute and effortless!