Tied Up Memories

What I really want in my Easter basket. My warmest thanks to Tracy of Tied Up Memories (www.etsy.com/shop/tiedupmemories) for letting me show her pieces here. I am a huge huge fan. Her blog www.tiedupmemories.blogspot.com also contains a link to vote for her item to be on Etsy's front page come Easter Sunday. Please vote.

I love the name of Tracy's shop. It reminds me of one of my favorite poems ...

"April is the cruellest month, breeding

lilacs out of the dead land, mixing

memory and desire ..."

The intrinsic bind between memory and desire - that's why we love jewelry.

What I Bought Today: British Lit.

Picked up this way cool antique Union Jack pendant at the Urban Barn for $10. It's a bubble shape and I had the perfect chain to attach it to. This silver necklace with a crown (charm from an old perfume bottle) perfectly complemented the big, bold colors of one of my favorite symbols, and one of my favorite places in the world. Im picturing it with some leopard print or with my Clash T-shirt . ..

Urban Barn

You can take the girl out of the barn, but you cant take the barn out of the girl. At least thats what I learned this weekend at the grand (and I mean grand) opening of Linda Carpenter's Urban Barn (http://www.lamaisonrustique.typepad.com/).

Linda unveiled her new space, which fills an old mechanics shop and is HUGE, overflowing with treats for the eye and gifts for everyone you know. Rarities and finds bedazzle, along with pink lemonade and biscotti to tempt you. This new place has room for classes and a back area where even more vendors can set up shop. Heavenly. The doors open wide at 10 a.m. and will be open Wednesday through Saturday. It definitely retains the barn feel while incorporating urban chic and Linda's warmth into every corner. Bravo to Linda, who is truly one of the kindest and most deserving people I've met.

A definite trend I am picking up on is the jewelry box. Check out all of the fabulous lovelies on display. Im thinking beautified jewelry boxes should be sent in to Jewelry Affaire by 5/15/10 for our next issue. Perhaps a cool new segment in the works ...

Speaking of Jewelry Affaire, I notice someone brought their copy and displayed it with their "glam" jewels.

And yes, I bought something (to be posted on later) but the purchase I was eyeing was Sandra Finn's (www.sandrafinn.blogspot.com ) new trailer. How freakin' cool is that? The interior is pink, has a chandelier, and a fridge. Im totally jeaous! Good buy, Sandra, talk about an investment piece.

Happy Place

I almost titled this post "Certifiable Proof That I am Crazy" because most people's jaws drop when they see my closet.

When things aren't going well it's always good to visit and re-visit those places that make us happy. For me that's definitely my closet. It's my safe haven. Nothing can harm me there, except for maybe addition (totaling up the money spent to fill said closet). But Im quite proud of my work as the dresser and train case are antiques. They are paired with props acquired from other contemporary retailers and my clothing, shoe, bag, and accessories collection that Im quite proud of. This space is definitely the favorite in my home. It reminds me how lucky I am and sparks my creativity. Audrey watches over me too, to make sure I dont make the wrong fashion choices.

Clothes are ordered as such: color, then season. Shoes are ordered by type (for example, heels, wedges, ballet flats etc.). Bags are grouped by type also ( totes together, clutches together etc.). I actually just completed spring cleaning, which means taking inventory, re color grouping and donating or eBaying those things I no longer wear. Such a healthy practice, as it causes one to re-evaluate their options, money, and tests you to wear your clothes in new ways. Of course, this is also a good order of business when it comes to determining which items get a makeover of the Altered Couture variety (more on that later). My living situation may be changing :( so I wanted to post this now before I begin stowing cardigans in my oven.

Where are you happiest?

When Things Get Rocky ...

Wear some rocks on a ring,

sport some bling.

You will always feel better, I promise.

Ring by Milly, (http://www.shopbop.com/).

at HOME

Just finished the art selection for Somerset Home. I couldnt be happier. I love the art that came in. I definitely could live in the office right now. While home decor is fresh on the brain, here are some dream design concepts for my space. Chandeliers, French signs, organization, big closets, and lots of pink! And I told you I love houndstooth. Check out the houndstooth chair from http://www.gardenhousedecor.net/.