Fomato Cards

I visited a unique local gem downtown today and loved combing through all the special items in the store. The store is similar to Anthropologie where every piece had a story.  And, it was right next to a bowl filled with paper envelop styled wallets that I discovered a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind cards.

These cards from Fomato are so adorable, I had to share them here.

(the little guy is holding a boba drink)

Many of the cards have an equally colorful inside:

Front

Inside

Check them all out here at Fomato Cards.

J.Crew Desert Army

The J.Crew late summer/fall catalog arrived in the mail today and the theme for the spread was a desert army look.

My interest was piqued: the creative vision of J.Crew really astounded me.  How did a preppy-casual, semi-upscale brand translate their look into a desert adventure? I'd love to have been in that concepting meeting. Bold, bold move, Crew.

The overall cuts and shapes for the apparel were consistent with their current line (a-line skirts, lived-in shirts.. and of course, tons of layering). But, their new collection of handbags really stood out. The one above (Brompton Sachel) reminded me of a Speedy with shoulder straps. And this summer, I'm all about the shoulder straps.

I personally loved the Brompton purse because it offers a perfect blend of prepster geek with Cali casual.

Brompton Purse $278

(I'd wear it slightly higher than shown on the mannequin. ;)

Dallas High Bootie

Hm.  I can't make up my mind about these.  When I first saw them, I thought they were the worst idea: a bootie inspired by... a clog?

I love the studded trim, the casual pull-on and the inner cuff. And, the lifestyle shot for these boots, worn with casual girlie stockings, seem nostalgically simple and approachably feminine. The dreamer in me is almost sold... but then there's the clog.

What do you think? 

Dallas High Bootie by Tory Burch $395

Are these boots a go or no go?

Relative Value

Whoo.  Sorry for the long pause.  I've been working on an entry about the ingenious way the Nordstrom preview sale works, but I haven't gotten around to finishing it off.  It's full of business mumble jumble, so I'm not sure if it's something that is of interest to the readers of this blog.  But, let me know if it is and I'll try to finish it.  At this point, I'm thinking about abandoning all together since it's gotten much too long.


Anyway, I wanted to present the topic of "relativity" in this post. For example, if you've seen Inception, you may think that reality is... well, "relative". But, since this is more of a retail blog (or a long rolling wish-list), I thought it'd be appropriate to talk about relative value. 


A good example of something that's of relative value (for most people) is a handbag. Some women pay thousands for designer handbags while others enjoy distributing their income more equally. I guess my only vice would be handbags and potentially vacations -- but only when I'm ON vacation. I'm always "practical" right before I go and then I get so swept away while there that the locals can talk me into anything. What do you guys think?  What has relatively high value to you, but not others? 


Here's an interesting story form 2006 about a Canadian who traded his red paper clip for a house (took a few trades of course).  A great story on relative value.

Or, more recently, an American traded an old cell phone for a porche.  YES.  HE DID IT.

Nordstrom's Preview Annual Sale

Nordstroms Semi Annual Sale is coming around again again.  This year, Nordstrom sent out a preview of their sale through snail mail copies of their anniversary catalog.  This catalog is online -along with more than eighty additional pages- here.  Doors will open early this Friday to kick off the Anniversary sale and prices go back up on August 2nd.

Our favorite new styles are making their debut—and for a short time they're on sale!
Prices go up Monday, August 2.

View 86 extra pages in our expanded online catalog.
PREVIEW ANNIVERSARY SALE CATALOG
Shop special store hours July 16–18.
STORE LOCATIONS & HOURS

Nordstrom card holders also earn double points during this sale. There are some great pieces going on sale along with special edition beauty sets.  It's a great chance to pick up some coats and boots for fall -- of course you East coasters probably can't even begin to fathom Fall right now. :)

L'Occitane Candles

I've become slightly obsessed with aromatherapy and calming scents of spas.  Perhaps the stress is really getting to me, but I stopped by L'Occitane this weekend and picked up three scented candles.  Each candle was $23, admittedly very pricey compared to the usual Glade assortment at the grocer.

But, I had been so disappointed with the inability of "everyday" candles to fill the home that I had to give these a try.  So, I took the plunge. There was a special for "get a candle for $14 with $50 purchase"; so, I bought three: two in verbena (they're most popular scent - also comes in two seasonal twists) and one in rose.  The total was $60 pre-tax - yikes!


After unwrapping the new candles, they have already filled the room with the scent of sweet roses and verbena... without being lit.  I'm so delighted with these candles that I thought I'd share them here.  Ah, at-home spa~ yawn, now I'm in the mood for a nap.

(For some reason, my Mac took a reverse photo of my loot)

Below are the scents I picked up today
(If you already know which scent you love, I'd recommend picking them up at Amazon to skip the tax).

L'occitane Verbena Candle, $23

(My favorite "spa" scent.)

 

L'Occitane Rose Scented Candle
(It's almost too rosey and a little goes a long way.)

L'Occitane Honey and Lemon Sweet Candle, 3.5-Ounce Jar

Nice, but unavailable at the store today.


I'll make sure to update you on how they burn...