Horsin' Around

Hat, Vintage, from Catherine's Closet Vintage Boutique / Jacket, Victoria's Secret / Top, Banana Republic / Pants, Banana Republic / Boots, Nine West / Gloves, Target / Scarf, Thrifted / Lips, Revlon "Orange Flip"

I've found that the best Halloween costumes are often those that take the least planning. I've had this jockey cap for years and years, having acquired it from a local vintage shop on a whim, and have only used it as decoration in my closet up until now. With the addition of a few other wardrobe staples -- a cropped blazer, white button-down, stirrup pants and riding boots -- and a toy horse that really whinnies and neighs, my last-minute costume came together without a hitch, and I have to say may be one of my favorites yet.

 

On Display

A decorative plate holds chain bracelets, vintage earrings & a vintage watch

Given my love of jewelry, one would think I'd have an immaculately organized system for storing my precious baubles and bangles. Not the case. Though I have a jewelry box purchased some years ago, I never use it. It seems a shame to hide away my collection of pretty necklaces, earrings and bracelets that are, in themselves, true works of art. After searching for the mate to a pair of earrings for nearly five minutes the other day (after which time I gave up and sped out the door earring-less), I knew it was time to get things in order. It took some time to sort through my hoard, only keeping my most-used pieces and regulating the unworn/dated items to the donation bin, but it was well worth the effort to see everything in its proper place and on full display in my closet.

This green-eyed vintage tiger pin guards assorted rings

Long necklaces hang from a thrifted 'peace' statue, while earrings, bracelets & shorter necklaces rest on a three-tiered cake stand 

Damaged jewelry to fix over the weekend

Some other things that resurfaced during the clean: My collection of reading glasses, an owl belt buckle, vintage pins and belts & a Gucci key ring

All The Small Things

Snapped up this heart-shaped pillow to add some V-day flare to our couch

When it comes to romance, I tend to rank on the low end of the mushy scale. It doesn't take sweeping gestures or grand displays of affection to get my heart racing. Instead, I prefer the small things, like a silly card or a nail polish in a pretty new hue. Which is why this Valentine's Day (my 11th with the S-man) I was overly thrilled to receive a snazzy new pair of sunglasses in the perfect shade of candy apple red. With an unexpected pop of color and oversized shape, these sunnies will no doubt inject some new life into even my most ho-hum of outfits.

Love notes from my Valentine and our three naughty kitties (notice how the "I" has been strategically crossed out and replaced with "we"; gotta love his attention to detail!)

Essie nail polishes in (from left) "forever yummy," "lovie dovie" & "a cut above"

Hot pink ombre flowers in a skull vase? LOVE!

Can't wait to pair these babies (available in purple here) with a floaty dress or romper