A Chic Entryway

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I mentioned a few weeks ago that I am reading a book called Home Sweet Maison. I am still at the beginning of the book. I was recently reading the section about entryways. I love entryways. I believe that they can tell a story about you and your family.

They can give hints and clues if one is paying attention. The author Danielle Postel-Vinay shared how the french like to use their entryways to tell stories.

She talked about her friend and how she used fragrances in her entryway. That is one of my favorite things that I like to introduce people to when they enter my home. A fragrance……
She also discussed her in-laws entryway.  She said it told a story about them. They had shelves of packed medical books, a human skull, a collection of 18th century beakers, medieval pharmacy jars, phrenological markings, a few old microscopes, and other countless objects. So what did that entryway tell you about her in-laws? That they were interested or were professionals in the medical field. 
I found that to be so fascinating! It was so interesting reading that. How they shared their lives within their entryway.
She shared other tips on how the french decorate their entryways. 1) Your entree should look like no one else’s entrance. Use objects to create a map of your tastes, your interests, and your life. 2) Choose books, artworks, or objects that tell your personal story- objects from your past, present, and even future. Don’t be afraid to dream. Use objects that express hopes for your future endeavors, such as my father-in-law’s typewriter. 3) Create a place for shoes, and coats. I love a big, old-fashioned wooden coat-rack, which is a staple of many of the French homes, but hooks on a wall, an armoire, or a coat closet will also work. 4) Choose a case, bookshelf, or cabinet to display your own memory theater. This will showcase small curiosities and give your guests a glimpse of the microcosm of your life. 
And lastly, place a natural home fragrance, perfume, incense, diffuser, or candle in your entrance that offers a scent to which you have a personal connection. 
These are some great tips and I may “open” up my entryway more and tell a story of my own. 

(Tips from Author Danielle Postell-Vinay, photos via Pinterest)

Trinkets at Charming Charlie

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Whenever we are waiting to eat dinner at a restaurant near the mall I always try to pop in a store and take a quick peek.

This past weekend it was Charming Charlie. These are just a few things that caught my eye.

What a delicate cup! I could not find the links to any of these items online. I am not sure what is going on but the website is not letting you place orders right now. 
This was called the Mom’s Day tote in pink medium. 
I thought this was beautiful. It reminds of a Chanel cross-body. 
This was a very chic black tote. On the front of the bag it says “Hayden”.
Pretty rose gold cluster earrings. 
I love these and probably should have purchased them!
I thought this was a pretty cosmetic bag. It was called “Impulse”.
I know this post would have been more enjoyable if I could provide the links. I am not sure what is going on with the website but hopefully it will be fixed soon. 
Enjoy!

(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Have a Chic Lunch

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Does anyone have lunch alone? I know I do! There is nothing wrong with going to lunch with people but I usual take my lunch hour to relax and enjoy things that I like to do. Sometimes I take a walk to the mall (located across the street from my building) and go to some of my favorite stores. I read a magazine that I just recently picked up, read some other blogs, make some phone calls, etc.

I like to enjoy the full hour of my lunch. I recently brought in some of my vintage linen napkins that I just purchased from the flea market. They look so pretty with my antique dishes and cups.

I also take that time to practice table manners and etiquette. It is the perfect time to brush up and perfect those skills. I remember one of my favorite authors Jennifer L. Scott talking about dining alone. I loved the video that she did on her Youtube channel about it.

So that got me thinking about lunch utensils and bags. I saw these beauties at Von Maur and wanted to share them. 
This is the Kate Spade Rugby Stripe Lunch tote. I thought it was very chic.
Here is what the inside looked like.
I thought this one was nice too. It is called the Kate Spade Strawberries Lunch tote. 
Honestly, this is my favorite. If I had seen this at the store I probably would have purchased it. This is the Kate Spade Out to Lunch tote. I think it is quite lovely. 
Some of the lunch tupperware was chic also (see here if you are interested). I hope that you are inspired to go out and buy some nice lunch items for yourself.  Enjoy life wherever you can!

(photos via Mrs. Shockley and Von Maur.com)

Enjoying the Peony Season

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It is finally here!!! Peony Season!!! I couldn’t wait to get a bouquet this year. I have shared my bouquets on the blog in the past, see here and here.

I have it calendared each year to call the florist and see if the peonies have arrived. And they have….

I stopped by bright and early to see if I could get a few stems for my office. 
And I did! I just gazed at them the whole time I was walking to my office. 
They gave such a wonderful scent and added such beauty! Ahhh, I just adore them!
They had to come home with me to enjoy over the Memorial Day weekend! Well this is my first bouquet for the year. I hope that I am able to get more and soon!
Enjoy beauty wherever you can.
(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

I Love Spanxs!

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I remember when I first heard this word, “spanxs”. I thought what in the world are those? So I googled them and looked at a few and by the looks of them I did not like them.

I purchased an imitation pair and that was the worst experience I ever had! They rolled up my stomach and up my chest. They were dreadful!

But then a few weeks ago I decided to go and look at an actual pair of spanxs and honestly I am glad I did.

My spanx at home
I LOVE my spanxs! They work! They pull in what needs to be pulled in and the tuck in what needs to be tucked in. I went ahead and invested in an nude pair and a black pair and honestly I have no regrets!
I have the OnCore High-Waisted Shaper Short and for someone who wears dresses all the time having on a pair of shorts has been a life saver. I wish I would have purchased these before. 
These are the pairs that I purchased. I wash them on the delicate cycle then I let them air dry. It has been great having them. 
If you had a bad experience like I did maybe you should give them another chance or go up a size. I did and they fit! I really do enjoy them and I do feel more put together with a pair on. 
Enjoy!
(photo via Mrs. Shockley)

A little Shopping at DSW

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After watching the Royal Wedding I ran some errands and stopped by DSW. I just wanted to take a quick run through to see if they had any new beauties to pick up. Here were a few that I looked at.

I saw these instantly and was going to purchase them until I realized that I have a pair that is almost identical. These are called the Violet and Red Lively Sandal.

I then looked up and saw these. They are called the Jessica Simpson Malaylee Sandal. I tried them on and they are quite comfortable. 

Next was the Impo Elina Pump. I would have tried these on but they did not have my size. I may order them online. 

I loved these too until again I realized that I had a pair almost identical at home in gray! I am such a creature of habit. These are called the Franco Sarto Dayanara Pump if you are interested. 

Lastly, I saw these. I have been looking for a shoe like this for quite some time now. These are the Franco Sarto Imogen Pump . It is so similar to the Chanel pump. I had to buy it! 
My pair
I ended up getting them for only $45! They had a small ink stain on them and I had a $10 off coupon! Yeah me!  I know that these will look great with my wardrobe. 
It is uncanny how much they look like the Chanel’s right? Such a great deal and I am so pleased. I hope that you enjoy this post and may have found a great pair for yourself!


(photos via Mrs. Shockley)

Current Purchases from Poshmark

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I mentioned a few weeks ago about how I have been selling items on Poshmark. It has been going great and I still love doing it. Because of my recent sales I have been able to purchase some great finds! I just wanted to share a few of the items that I was able to buy for great prices!!!

These are some great nude Jessica Simpson wedges that I purchased for $18!!!

These were so cute! These Massini nude bow pumps I got for a steal! Only $10!

Okay I have been wanting a pair of these J Crew layered pearls for years and I was able to get them for $15!!

An authentic Chanel sunglass case…. I paid $25! Do I have a pair of Chanel sunglasses… no, but my Coach sunglasses fit and look great in this case!!

This was a wonderful C Wonder Leopard tote that I purchased for $30! I was stalking this for awhile. 
My “likes” list is pretty long but I have been trying to buy each item bit by bit and my sales are helping me to accomplish that. If you are not familiar with Poshmark take an opportunity to. You can negotiate with the sellers and you just might walk away with a great item for less!
(photos via Mrs. Shockley)