Sweet Shop: Starla Michelle Halfmann

If you know me, you know I’ve got a slight obsession with peacocks and peacock feathers. Part of it stems from growing up in Arcadia and the other part is just because they’re insanely beautiful. Mumbles’s grandfather even has a few at his home, which is always fun for me. (Proof: here and here.) Even our wedding had a bunch of peacock feathers and hues, so it’s no mystery that there are still some lingering in our home.  How I’m going to refrain from becoming the crazy peacock lady, I have no idea. I see a future where everything I own may or may not have a peacock on it because surely when my friends and family see such things, they’ll think “Jenn will love this!” and they’ll be right.

Well, here’s a lady I just discovered who is wholeheartedly not helping with this problem. Meet Starla Michelle Halfmann.  I discovered her work via Anthropologie (swoon) and it’s just absolutely gorgeous. I want everything she makes but this print is definitely on my Dear Santa list.

Starla Michelle Halfmann

 

P.S. More awesome art.

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Do You Have a Collection?

As a kid, I had a rock collection. Whenever our family would go on vacations, I’d always check out the gift shop, picking out a piece of quartz or soapstone or obsidian, or maybe an arrowhead. I kept them in a wooden box with my name on it (hand painted with wooden letters) and I’d proudly pull it out of my desk drawer, open it up and marvel at my precious picks when friends came over. They probably couldn’t care less.

curio collector's box anthropologie

So, what is it with collecting stuff? I found this interesting article about why creatives tend to collect stuff and it turns out there’s actually some psychology behind it. Did you know that Tom Hanks collects vintage typewriters? How cool!

Mumbles and I buy Christmas ornaments whenever we go on trips, but I am usually less than enthused with my options and oftentimes must resort to a key chain that I later disassemble to turn into a suitable ornament. So now I’m thinking I definitely need to start a new rock collection…

What about you? Do you collect anything?
P.S. Isn’t it fascinating that the article also points out how some people use Pinterest to “digitally collect” things? Oh, and speaking of geology, here’s how Mumbles and I met.

 

[image via Anthropologie — isn’t it gorgeous?!!]

Poshmark

Have you heard of Poshmark? Maybe you’ve seen the sponsored ads on Facebook? A connection on Instagram suggested I look on Ebay or Poshmark to find a sold-out top she took a photo of, and since I was on a buying spree, I figured I’d check it out.

I now realize this was a mistake as I’m completely obsessed.  Not only is Poshmark a website, but it’s an app, too, so I have the pleasure of constantly checking my phone to find goodies.  Oh dear…

Essentially, Poshmark is a place where users can sell their clothes, shoes and accessories for [mostly] deeply discounted prices. And some sellers are wiling to negotiate prices, especially if you “bundle” multiple items from their closet together to buy in one transaction, and some are even willing to trade if they like anything you’re selling. You don’t have to be a seller to be a buyer, though, which is great.  Makes me feel like a closet stalker without having to open the doors of mine to anyone…(not that you actually take photos of your closet….gosh, can you imagine? ugh.)

I’ve found some great items during my hunt for all things vintage and J.Crew, and if they were in my size, let me tell you — I’d snatch these up in a heartbeat!

Poshmark Flats Roundup StickGirlJAM

1 | Glitzy vintage gold flats. If only they were bigger…sigh.
2| Sweet white oxfords with dainty cutouts.
3| Persimmon patent bow flats, perfect for summer!
4| Everyday brown loafers (they look so comfy!).

Other fun finds:

This amazing paisley J.Crew shift dress. So lovely!

Kudos to the lucky lady who scored these fierce leopard print Stuart Weitzman stilletos for $40. That man, Stuart, really knows how to make a shoe!

And, try not to be completely devastated when you stumble across something that’s impossibly awesome but already sold. As I was when I saw this dress.  Waaah!

If you’re a bride-to-be and happen to be a size 6, how about this delicate dress for a rehearsal dinner or shower?  So chic!

And, I’ve also made some purchases I’m thrilled about…

  • An Anthropologie dress for an upcoming wedding ($20!)
  • A pair of woven flats that I’d been swooning over (you know me, grandma chic style and all…$7!)
  • And, my favorite, a darling J.Crew blazer…I mean seriously, check out these elbow patches! I die! ($30 and I’ll need to pay to have it taken in a bit)

Usually I’m not a great negotiator or haggler but since it’s pretty much the norm on here, I’ve been giving it a go.  Especially if the item has been listed for a few months. I find the trick is asking for a little less than what you’re actually willing to pay and usually you’ll end up about where you planned. Don’t be a jerk and offer ridiculously low prices for awesome stuff, though, okay?  That’s just rude.

Alright then, friends, happy shopping!

Here’s to more…

I was so proud of myself in November and December because I had all of my posts scheduled and drafted — I even had enough ready to go that I didn’t have to lift a finger while on vacation (bet you didn’t even realize I’d gone!).  But now, just when we’re all supposed to be kicking it into high gear, getting pumped up, resolving to do better in the New Year, I find myself slacking in the writing department.  While it’s nice to take a break every now and then, I made the choice to use this blog as an expressive outlet and writing tool for myself. As a way to fuel creativity, inspire, share and connect.  And I love it. So I need to keep writing.

And that’s where this comes in…

642 Things to Write About

I received this awesome book “642 Things to Write About” as a birthday gift and it’s full of fantastic prompts and blank spaces to write in your answers.  What a fun way to spark up ideas!

I know that 2013 has great things in store for me and you.  May you work toward what you want a little more each day in this New Year — toward happiness, love, laughter, and fun.  Here’s to more!