Such Pretty Things

Pretty Collecting: Vintage Handbags

I have always had a special love of vintage handbags. It began as a young girl when my grandmother gave me some of her beautiful old beaded evening bags.  Hers were the kind that were so delicate and so intricately woven with teeny, tiny beads that they resembled a tapestry fabric. I will have to get them out and show them to you sometime, but today I am sharing these lovelies with you.

They actually belong to "Mini-Me" and she, too, has been collecting them since she was a very little girl.

She has amassed quite a collection over the years and I just love how they all go together so beautifully.  Quite a sophisticated color palette, don't you think?

Many of them are from the 1950's and 1960's. The Italian beaded ones are my favorites.  This one came from our recent trip to the Paris flea markets.

I've found that having a child start a collection of their own is a wonderful way to get them involved in antiquing trips. It gives them a way to participate in the activity and they also get to learn from an early age how exciting and thrilling "the hunt" can be!

I especially love the handle on this gold and white one and, if I'm lucky, "Mini-Me" may let me borrow it.  :-)

XOXO

Jessica

Pretty Organized: Candy Box Storage

It's no secret that I've been known to buy something just for it's pretty packaging. These candy boxes are an excellent example...

While the truffles inside were truly delicious, it was the pastel boxes that really persuaded me to purchase them. I've collected many of them over the years - in lots of beautiful, soft colors.

But they don't just sit around collecting dust. Oh no, the candies may be long gone, but these lovely boxes now hold all sorts of little trinkets and craft supplies.

Providing pretty (and practical) storage for lots of pretty little things.

Happy Monday!

:-)

Jessica

Summer Bling

For the first time this summer, the girls are actually both in camp at the same time. So, I am enjoying having a few hours each day for a little grown-up time all to myself - working out at the gym, meeting friends for coffee, and SHOPPING! If truth be told, sometimes I like nothing better than to spend an hour or two strolling around the mall all by myself. I can actually take the time to try things on, I don't have to stop every 20 minutes to get someone a soft pretzel or Dippin' Dots, and I can leisurely look around at all my favorite shops. Forever 21 is one of my guilty pleasures.  It's fun, cheap, and, yes, maybe a little too young for me.  :-)  But I love it nonetheless. Especially the jewelry and accessories.  I like to challenge myself to find the most expensive looking bargains - all in my favorite colors, of course. So, today, I thought I'd share some of my recent finds with you. Like this gorgeous faux-gem encrusted bracelet...

This ring is so completely fabulous - opaque aqua faceted stones and crystal rhinestones!

These pastel earrings are stunning.  And under $5!

I had to get this pair of blingy earrings for Mini-mini-me - she doesn't have pierced ears yet and these are clip-ons!  Perfect for her next dress-up party!

Happy Shopping!

XOXO

Jessica

Target Tuesday: Fabulous Flatware

I am loving this fabulous new flatware that I found at Target this week...

The handles may be plastic, but the pattern is a modern spin on grandma's old antique silver.

These are headed straight for my picnic basket! I discovered them in the housewares department (with all the new products intended for setting up life in the dorm). At 99 cents a piece, you can afford to re-stock your kitchen drawer! Dishwasher-safe and they come in red, yellow, and my all-time fav, aqua blue!

Happy Tuesday!

:-)

Jessica

Fourth of July Favors

It's been majorly chaotic around our area these past few days.  As you probably already know, the horrendous storm that hit the mid-atlantic states last Friday night left many without power, dealing with record-breaking heat, downed trees, and serious property damage.  We were lucky to escape with just one downed Cherry tree and a crushed fence, but we were without power for what seemed like an interminably long time (just ask our very unhappy and very furry dog!).

We normally have big plans with our friends for the Fourth of July, but many area festivities and fireworks displays have been canceled.  Nevertheless, we are determined to celebrate our nation's Independence!  To keep things fun for the kids, I decided to make some easy (and heat-proof) favors.

I picked up these red and white striped peppermint puffs at A.C. Moore...

...and managed to find these pretty sprinkled pretzels at a local gourmet shop.

I just wrapped them up in cello bags and tied them with some red, white, and blue striped ribbon.

Nothing fancy, but I hope they will help salvage what should be a very fun and festive day.

:-)

Jessica