operation simplicity

acquired... {february 16 - march 1} + an update on 2011

2012-03-01T13:32:00.005-08:00

First up the acquisitions for the past couple of weeks... Here goes:

Two "snake" bangles/horn bangle/metallic cowhide/vintage brass kangaroo box/necklace from We Never Sleep/black silk blouse (bequeathed from Lucia)/Iittala Vitriini clear glass box/small Iittala Taika bowl/eight pairs of seamless socks from the girls/Baguu laptop sleeve/two new pairs of shoes for Audrey/Apartmento magazine (gifted)

Now for a quick 2011 update... After my last post, a couple of you asked if I achieved my goals of only buying things I loved/would have for at least five years and ending the year with less stuff than I started with. On the first one, I would say mostly. I loved 90% of what I bought last year with the exception of a few missteps. On the second, I would say an unequivocal yes. I gave away a ton of stuff last year, probably twice as much as I acquired, and friends it felt really, really good. For the record ;-)

acquired... {january 31 - february 16}

2012-02-16T14:33:00.000-08:00

So there was a little note jotted on my calendar on February 1st that I could "stop doing Operation Simplicity". I had achieved my original goal of tracking my purchases for a full year, so I was technically free to throw in the towel.

But, after marinating on it for the past couple of weeks, I've decided to keep going, as being accountable in this space has totally changed the way I approach stuff. It's been a good experiment. A success.

So I'm forging ahead but with a teeny twist. Moving forward, I'm going to (try) and share not just the things I purchase but every. single. thing. I acquire for me, the house and the girlies whether purchased, bartered, gifted, etc... If it enters the house, I'm going to include it (with the exception of Bryan's stuff, I have to draw the line somewhere).

But to make this new approach more manageable, I'm not going to share photos of everything, rather I'll just list most items. It won't be as pretty but it'll help keep me honest.

So, with that, my acquisitions of late:

Medium suede pouch from American Apparel / Cy Twombly book (gift from Bryan for Valentine's Day) / Astrological Maps bracelet from Anthro (going away gift from my old co-workers) / Two Courbet melamine plates / "Disco" dress for Audrey's school auction / Vintage glass display dome / Jonathan Adler bowl (gift) / iPhone and case / Fig tree for living room / Black silk cord to make necklaces

acquired... {january 5th - january 30th}

2012-01-30T08:16:00.000-08:00

Étoile Isabel Marant dress...

Tea (gifted), Fresh Sake candle, Silver "rod" vase, Issues of Kinfolk and Paper Mache Magazines

While top and rust blouse from Club Monaco

Orange and blue crewel pillow from Anthro...

some inspiration

2012-01-16T09:55:00.001-08:00

image via the sartorialist

acquired... {december 15th - january 5th}

2012-01-10T13:22:00.001-08:00

Lulu Frost '4' ring...

F. is for Frank basketweave ring...

Glass "pretzel" object...

Zara skirt

Three gold urchins (from lovely cousin Erin for Christmas)

Blue and red t-shirt dress from Chance

New black boots...

acquired... {birthday edition}

2011-12-15T11:51:00.000-08:00

Leopard heels from from Bryan

Sonia Delaunay book from Bryan...

Necklace from the girlies...

Odette ring from Bryan...

Sweater from co-workers (so sweet!)

Heath mug from my sis...

Cozy slippers from my folks...

Suffice to say, it was a very nice birthday!

some inspiration

2011-12-06T08:49:00.001-08:00

"To have to wait for something is what we all need. Slow yourself down and you'll see so much more."

The Goodwin Project

... hugely inspiring and spotted via Elizabeth

some inspiration (+ acquisitions)

2011-11-28T07:48:00.001-08:00

image via piccsy

After a weekend filled with board games and feasting and general merrymaking, we are refreshed and reinvigorated. Of course it helps that I managed to largely avoid the "Black Friday"/weekend shopping melee, as there's something about that whole scene that, well...sucks the life out of me.

the new white t-shirt from Club Monaco...

the new black "work" skirt...

My one concession was a late Sunday afternoon trip to purchase a white t-shirt (after a 30 minute search revealed that I apparently don't own a single one...not sure how that happened, but I'm guessing it was accidentally "purged" in a fit of cleaning) and replace my 11-year old black work skirt that has officially died.

That skirt is quite possibly my best example of purchasing for the long haul... I bought the best quality I could afford at the time, tailored it multiple times over a decade to give it new life and wore the heck out of it. I'm hoping this new one serves me just as well.

Hope you had a fantastic holiday!

some inspiration

2011-11-16T10:36:00.000-08:00

"Joy is not in things: it is in us."

Richard Wagner

...so simple but so true (this is usually the case, yes?)

acquired...{october 31st - november 14th}

2011-11-14T13:49:00.000-08:00

Kinfolk Magazine...

Which is really more a book than a magazine and is insanely lovely + hugely inspiring.

Clockwise from top: J.Crew wedges, black poet sleeve top from Zara, black pleated chiffon miniskirt from Zara (which I happen to be wearing to work today with a camel sweater and black tights...), snakeskin print dress from Zara...

Suffice to say, it's been a grey and black (and a Zara) couple of weeks...

some inspiration...

2011-11-07T07:52:00.000-08:00

photos by the awesome kelly christine...

Wise words from the lovely Elizabeth of The Littlest:

"when i close my eyes and think of happiness, i see myself riding my bike with my family, i feel sunshine on my face, i smell the ocean air. i have a feeling of my daughter being safe and secure next to us. togetherness. i don't see the latest shoes or clutch or caftan anywhere in this picture. so how does my vision slip away so easily? how do i get so caught up in things that are just not important? days like these are meant as a time of reflection. to pause and think of a greatness of a life and how you too can impact the lives of those around you. even in the littlest way."

Via The Littlest

acquired... {october 17th - october 31st}

2011-10-31T11:15:00.000-07:00

Striped sweater from UO...

Joie silk blouse (on sale from Barneys)...

Suede wedges from UO...

some inspiration...

2011-10-24T09:38:00.000-07:00

More wisdom from Jeana Sohn's closet visits:

"If you aren't completely and utterly obsessed with something, don't buy it. Whenever I spend even a second convincing myself or negotiating the purchase it's most likely a mistake."

Nicole Cari via Closet Visit

acquired... {october 3rd - october 17th}

2011-10-19T08:07:00.000-07:00

Yellow tank for Millie from Peek / Suede booties for Millie from Target (two pairs in fuchsia and one pair in grey because she literally refuses to wear anything else) / Minikin "tutu" skirt for Millie (bartered several months ago...)

Alternative Apparel "slummy t-dress" in brown...

some inspiration...

2011-10-11T09:14:00.000-07:00

images via Jeana Sohn

"Just buy a few things you love every year, no matter how much or how little they cost. Don't buy trendy pieces....stick to classic things that you can wear for a decade, put it away for 5 years, pull it out and wear it for another decade."

Hilary Walsh via Jeana Sohn's Closet Visit

acquired... {september 19th - october 3rd}

2011-10-03T09:04:00.001-07:00

"Poet" dress from Talbots (bought in navy and black...)

Alice Waters book...

Two glass candelabras from CB2

Little vintage fabric monkey for Audrey

Stella and Dot "Sagittarius" charm

Black t-shirt and printed skirt from the Gap...

some inspiration...

2011-09-27T07:56:00.001-07:00

image via Heidi Merrick

I love this post below from LA designer Heidi Merrick... It's bold, honest, and so, so right on. (Thanks Michelle.)

"On my walk to the beach this weekend I ran to some old friends. We were having a delightful time, actually, until I think the term "blood on your hands" came out of my mouth...whoops. She thought my collection was beautiful and was super sweet and complimentary. (omgoodness, I need a muzzle). She said she couldn't afford anything- I said me either. Totally normal. Then I said, sometimes I have hundred dollar sales, she said, that's still to expensive. That's when I lost it in an embarrassing way bc it's super lame to lecture friends but you read my blog or whatever so you asked for it. Anyway, here's my lecture: You don't need 4 tops for $99. I'm embarrassed when every time I see someone, they are wearing something new. (Especially if it's cheap or trendy). No one needs new clothes all the time that you only wear once or everyday for a week. You need amazing clothes that last for years. It's possible to reel in consumption and buy something amazing to wear all the time. If someone buys a top for $19, it's probably not made by an adult with skills or life choices. Maybe the rest of my lecture can be guessed where "blood on your hands" comes in. "

Via Heidi Merrick

acquired {september 5th - september 19th}

2011-09-20T07:47:00.001-07:00

Purchases from the Pretty Mommy pop-up shop -- Rachel Rose silk tee, Object and Totem necklace, Upstate scarf, Clare Vivier blue pebbled flat clutch + white foldover clutch...

Ace and Jig top... (Another purchase from the pop-up shop)

Vintage art (scored from my friend Achlee)...

Linda McCartney book... (A gift from the v. kind Michelle)

Two Ode dresses for Millie...

Tunic + paisley top from Peek for Audrey...

Missoni for Target hoodie for Audrey and dress for Millie...(lovely cousin Erin braved the crowds so I didn't have to!)

some inspiration...

2011-09-14T08:24:00.001-07:00

"Simple living is about living deliberately. Simple living is not about austerity, or frugality, or income level. It's about being fully aware of why you are living your particular life, and knowing that life is one you have chosen thoughtfully. Simple living is about designing our lives to coincide with our ideals."

Janet Luhrs from The Simple Living Guide

acquired... {august 22nd - september 5th + some things from Marfa}

2011-09-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

Vintage Indian dress...

More beads and supplies for necklace making

Pillow cover from Knife in the Water...

Turkish towels bought in Marfa...

Chinati t-shirts for the girlies bought in Marfa

Vintage Indian dress (yes another one)...

Worn to Audrey's birthday party

Scarf for Millie...

Another Marfa purchase

Fabric, embroidery thread, tissue paper and succulents...

For Audrey's birthday party

Horse print bought from Jordan + silver frame...

some inspiration

2011-08-30T14:32:00.000-07:00

image via here

Oliver Gustav's home from Elle Decoration UK January 2010 via Joanna

acquired... {july25th - august 22nd + NYC Part II}

2011-08-24T07:46:00.000-07:00

Dress from No. 6 Shop in NYC...

MCMC Maui Perfume Oil

Skirt for Millie (bartered) + tank from Peek...

Top from Urban Outfitters and black knit skirt from Ann Taylor Loft...

A little trio of Jonathan's pots (gifted)...

Two marbling kits for the girlies (image via frugal family fun

Skirt and tank for Audrey from Peek...

Striped dress from Land's End Canvas...

Purchased after seeing on Kelly's pinterest, so I firmly blame her ;-)

acquired...{while in NYC -- part 1}

2011-08-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

Candies for giriles from Eataly/Mushroom clips for Millie from Thomas Sires/ Glass carafe and olivewood plate for me from Canvas

Books for the girlies from Eataly (This is New York and The Silver Spoon Cookbook for Children)

some inspiration...

2011-08-05T05:34:00.000-07:00

Anita Calero's home from June/July 2007 issue of Domino...image found via here

“Mamah stepped down into the make-do studio to cool off. Frank had furnished it sparsely with objects that pleased him – a wool scarf laid over a table, topped by a fat glazed pot full of tree branches, architectural drawings pinned to the floral wallpaper, a small shelf lined with simple Italian vases.”

From Loving Frank

acquired... {july 11th - july 25th}

2011-08-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

J. Crew tunic...

New quilt from UO for girlie's new shared bed...

"Think-ets"...

The best. toy. ever

Canvases and paint for the girlies...

Wooden beads and leather cord to make necklaces

Finished product above...

"Boerne I" painting...

Part of Sam's "Summer Project" series

Anthro sandals

Madewell Dress

Wood utensil holder, basket for beach towels and cloth napkins...

(All from West Elm but couldn't find online)

J.Crew sandals

Two Madewell necklaces...

orange and yellow

letting go... the great closet clean-out has been tackled

2011-07-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

You can read all about it here...

some inspiration...

2011-07-25T10:34:00.000-07:00

When you think about your things or want to purchase something new, consider these parameters:

It brings beauty into your life and stirs your soul.
It supports a passion or hobby.
It helps bring family and friends together in a creative and meaningful way.
It educates and enlightens.
It makes life profoundly simpler so that you can pursue more meaningful things.
It helps someone who is sick or incapacitated.
It is useful and necessary for day-to-day life.
It’s part of a meaningful tradition or a reminder of a special event.

You will know you are buying mindlessly if you:

Buy on a whim.
Buy to impress others.
Buy because you feel you deserve it.
Buy when you can’t afford it.
Buy just to update something that still works or looks fine.
Buy because someone else has it and you want it too.
Buy because the advertisement seduced you.
Buy because you are bored.
It’s purchased because buying soothes you.

{From this excellent article on Zen Habits}

letting go... {april-july}

2011-07-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

The initial impetus for creating this space was to track the progress of two of my 2011 goals:

End the year with less stuff than I started it with.

Only purchase things I know I will have for at least five years.

But in looking back, I realize I've focused primarily on the second goal... I've mostly shared the things I've brought into our home (either purchased or bartered or gifted) and provided little insight into what I've gotten rid of. And given how much I've been acquiring of late, actually getting rid of things is pretty key to ending the year with less stuff than I started with...

I struggled a bit with how to present the "purged" stuff, as while this blog is the documentation of a project, I still want it to be aesthetically pleasing, and photos of paper bags filled with stuff bound for the Goodwill just isn't, well...pretty. So in lieu of photographs, I thought I'd just share a list of what I kicked to the curb. (Yes I've been keeping track of it...I'm nutty like that.)

This particular post is going to be a bit of a catch-up, covering the past four months, but moving forward, I'll try and share a list of what I've gotten rid of once a month. I'm also planning a big closet clean-out project this weekend (while my mom is still in town to help me weed through things), so I'm hoping to have a few items from that endeavor to sell in this space soon...stay tuned.

So without further ado, herewith the list of the things I no longer own...

Given to Friends, Family and Neighbors:
large green chair from master bedroom / drum shade light fixture from dining room / small toddler desk / Millie's daybed / 7 pairs of Millie's old shoes / small "pear" oil painting in gold frame / 3 necklaces + 2 paper grocery bags of my clothes (to my sister)

Donated to Goodwill:
television from girls room / 2 small area rugs / 12 books / extra large LL Bean boat and tote / 7 paper grocery bags filled with toys and clothes (mine + the girlies) / IKEA coffee table / 2 blankets

Sold:
West Elm curtain panels from breakfast room / 5 IKEA chairs from breakfast room

acquired... {july 4th - july 11th}

2011-07-18T10:51:00.000-07:00

Ermie "Huipil" dress...

Clare Vivier "flower pom"...

to tie on the handle of my LL Bean Hunter Tote

Scout and Catalog "Constellation" clutch...

Little "horn" creamer (above) and tray (below) + Jonathan Cross pot (on left)

Maxi-dress (purchased on our trip to Boerne) + Snakeskin bag (purchased from a neighbor)

Little brown and white pottery vase...

some inspiration...

2011-07-13T07:13:00.000-07:00

beautiful photographs via the immensely talented Brian Ferry

"Living simply is not about being frugal, living on a tight budget, a minimalist aesthetic or denying pleasure. Rather, living simply is about being fully aware of the choices you make and the life you live. And seeing the relationship between the two. So there is less. Less clutter. Less debt. Less stress. But also more. More joy. More freedom. More of the things that really matter."

-- via One Love Organics*

(*per their recommendation, also planning on getting The Simple Living Guide by Janet Luhrs...)

acquired... {june 27th - july 4th}

2011-07-07T12:08:00.000-07:00

Crewcuts necklace...

Intended for Audrey, but currently being worn by me

DwellStudio Pillows

For the living room, as the I've been wanting to put some metallic in there...

Prairie Underground tunic from Beklina

Which I've been coveting for a while and finally pulled the trigger on...

Proud Mary tote and pillow...

Both bartered

some inspiration...

2011-07-01T04:57:00.001-07:00

"...'to live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not, rich…"

-- an excerpt from William Henry Channing's symphony via the littliest

acquired... {june 13th - june 27th}

2011-06-27T12:06:00.000-07:00

New Marcel Breuer chairs for breakfast room...

Bought for a steal from my amazing friend Achlee. I also gave her the five IKEA chairs that had previously been in that room, so I came out even on the acquisition front.

New curtains...

Also for the breakfast room, because new chairs (clearly) call for new curtains.*

*If anyone is interested in purchasing my old West Elm curtains (six 84' inch linen cotton pole pocket panels in flax for $75, shipping included, drop me a line!)

Summer skirt from UO...

Metal Hurricane...

New bed for the girlies...

So they can continue sleeping together. (We bequeathed Millie's old daybed to Lucia, so again a net zero on acquisitions.)

some inspiration...

2011-06-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

She hasn’t even added much furniture; years of moving taught her to go light on possessions. “This was really for peace of mind. I wanted to feel weightless,” she says. “I brought clothes and shoes. That’s it.” There is nothing in her bedroom except for a mattress and box spring on the floor and a TV propped up on milk crates. “…

Part of Vassell’s intention for the space was to fill it only with the bare necessities.

“The challenge was to see what I really, truly needed, not buy for the sake of having.”

via NY Magazine (originally posted here)

acquired... {june 6th - june 13th}

2011-06-15T11:48:00.000-07:00

Two new chairs for the deck by our pool...

IKEA gallery frame to house one of Audrey's paintings from art camp...

A pair of shorts from the J. Crew outlet (that I will likely never wear...)

Play cupcake set for Millie...

Her reward for earning 20 "pluses"... the "plus system" being our (highly successful) approach at positive reinforcement (i.e. our summer discipline strategy)

acquired... {may 23rd - june 6th}

2011-06-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

J. Crew Wedges...

Another Chance striped dress...

I wear my other one so often it's starting to feel a little down on it's luck. I "needed" a back-up.

Todd Oldham's Kid Made Modern

The girlies and I have already gotten hours of fun out of this book, and we've only owned it for 48 hours. It's fantastic. I would highly recommend.

Black t-shirt dress and black + navy tank dresses from C&C California...

They make the best/longest lasting knits, so I try and stock up when they have their crazy 50% off sales.

some inspiration...

2011-06-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

image via Andersson Wise

"voluntary simplicity means going fewer places in one day rather than more. seeing less so i can see more. doing less so i can do more. acquiring less so i can have more."

John Kabat Zinn

acquired... {may 16th - may 23rd}

2011-05-25T15:04:00.000-07:00

Clare Vivier orange flat clutch

J. Crew chambray shirt...

Yes, I have embraced the denim shirt.

Laura Lombardi "Pueblo" bangle

some inspiration...

2011-05-18T10:46:00.001-07:00

"Old-school Luxury": Only buying the highest quality products one cannot live without…"

Rigetta Klint via Design Sponge

acquired... {may 9th - may 16th}

2011-05-15T17:44:00.000-07:00

Lizzie Fortunato "High Times" necklace...

J. Crew "Beatrice" blouse (cheaper in the store than online) + Clare Vivier "La Trop" bag

That bag has been on my wish list for over a year...I finally pulled the trigger. For as long as I coveted it online, I love it even more in real life.)

Gel watercolor "sticks" and watercolor paper for the girls...

Quite possibly the best art supplies ever

some inspiration...

2011-05-11T12:39:00.001-07:00

"Every time I open a magazine or turn on the tv I am told of all the things I don’t have and can’t live without. I have spent so much time dreaming of a new house and moving to a new place that I realize I have missed out on enjoying what is right in front of me.

I want to take the time to reconnect with all the things in my life are important to me. I’m going to focus my energies on enjoying what I do have and less time on all the things I don’t have or think I need."

via Scaling Back (a fantastic blog found via the lovely Mrs. French)

acquired... {may 2nd - may 9th}

2011-05-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

Laura Lombardi "Mida" necklace

My new favorite necklace -- wearing it non-stop...

image via Heather...

My Father's Daughter: Delicious, Easy Recipes Celebrating Family & Togetherness

Gift from Bryan and the girlies for Mother's Day...

acquired... {april 25th - may 2nd}

2011-05-02T10:23:00.000-07:00

all for last week-end's "tamale/tequila tasting" party...

acquired... {april 11th - april 25th}

2011-04-28T06:52:00.001-07:00

Dress and vintage necklace...

"Peacock" bracelet from f. is for frank (bartered)

A slew of new books...

Allegra Hicks: An Eye for Design / The Elements of Personal Style / I Love Your Style / Parisian Chic (are you sensing a trend) / Paper + Craft / Shop Class as Soulcraft (for Bryan).

There is an insanely good bookstore in Seaside. Suffice to say, we went there a lot.

And a bunch of books and art supplies for the girlies...

Again from the killer bookstore in Seaside. Here's the lowdown:

hand drawing and doodle face books for millie

sketch book and crayons for millie

paints and mini canvases for audrey

craft kit and friendship bracelet making kit

books for both girls: Silverlicious / Wimpy Kid 2 / Ivy and Bean 7 / Clarice Bean / Girls Book of Friendship

some inspiration...

2011-04-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

image via Debbie Carlos

"Buying handmade also means that you choose what you want more carefully. You live with less but you have more of the things you really love and will have for years."

"But most of all, I’d love to just live simply and quietly, and have a nice space to work in."

from Debbie Carlos' (one of my fave photographers) "featured seller" interview on etsy.

acquired... {april 4th - april 11th}

2011-04-13T04:00:00.001-07:00

Cache pot and plants...

Knit dress from J. Crew...

Two new chairs for the living room

The FINAL purchase of the "great living room revamp"...

J.Crew cardigan

Vintage frame and watercolor

"Clogs" from Target

Now these most certainly don't pass my "five-year" rule, but (and I am totally justifying here) I wanted something to bum around in this summer so I didn't completely ruin my beloved J. Crew wedges straight out of the gate... I have to say, I actually really like these. They're comfy. (See more justifying.)

some inspiration...

2011-04-07T08:00:00.001-07:00

image via Kim Ficaro from the March 2008 Domino

"The most sensitive approach toward a sustainable life is to eliminate waste by acquiring stuff that lasts."

Architect Andrea Lenardin Madden

acquired... {march 28th - april 4th}

2011-04-06T07:21:00.000-07:00

L.L. Bean Hunter Tote...

New "Saltwater" sandals for the girlies...

Frame + print from West Elm for guest room...

Two new hand towels for guest bath from West Elm...

acquired... {march 21st - march 28th}

2011-03-31T14:13:00.000-07:00

New lantern for the dining room...

A.L.C. t-shirt...

Maybe the best t-shirt I've ever purchased.

J Brand Cropped Gigi Jeans...

Antique mirror and kilim rug at Round Top...

Other Roundtop goodies, including:

a hotel "silver" sugar bowl

a fabric remnant destined to become pillows for Audrey's room

some little mounted antlers from Germany

a driftwood stool that I'm planning to spray paint white

two vintage bracelets

some wooden beads

an old turquoise vase

two prints (color wheel and astronomy)

an etching

acquired... {march 14th - march 21st}

2011-03-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

Alternative Apparel cotton dress for me...

Old copy of the gentlewoman magazine...

It is the best magazine, truly.

American Apparel organic cotton tank dress for Millie...

some inspiration...

2011-03-22T08:26:00.001-07:00

via mnmlist spotted on stephmodo...

acquired... {march 7th - march 14th}

2011-03-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

J.Crew wedges...

A (totally fantastic) copy of Undecorate... (gifted)

Birch candleholders from MoMA...

A gift for Bryan (at least that's what I'm telling myself...)

Mexican banner for Audrey's room...

Stickers and DIY necklace kit from Moomah...

March by March Jacobs pouch...

For my business cards.

some inspiration...

2011-03-07T13:37:00.000-08:00

Image via Lonny...

“Buy only what you love... Really, truly, madly, deeply love. Don’t settle for “like.”Acquire what feels so very right deep down inside – be it fashion or home design. Stick to this credo and you won’t have any regretful purchases.”

Lauran Claridge in April/May 2010 Lonny

acquired... {march 1st - march 7th}

2011-03-07T12:45:00.000-08:00

Two Wolfum pillows...

For the living room revamp.

A couple of things from the J.Crew final sale...

A top for Audrey + a "goddess" dress for me...thinking I'll have it cut off a bit (maybe mid-calf?)

A coat for Audrey from Mini Boden...

For our trip to NYC this week.

Joie cropped cargo pants for me...

some inspiration...

2011-03-01T10:28:00.000-08:00

via the lovely Kate:

the way to shop…

If she can’t afford it, she won’t buy it. If it doesn’t fit (or make her feel good, or flaunt what she’s got), she won’t wear it. If she can’t find it, she won’t compromise. If she loves it, she won’t toss it. She reuses it, rethinks it, lets it age.

When a French girl shops, it isn’t a solitary act of buying something new. It’s part of a lifelong process of editing her environment, making small but meaningful additions to her home, her closet, her life.

When you shop like a French girl, you buy only one of anything – and make sure it’s the best quality you can afford.

- from Entre Nous: A Woman’s Guide to Finding Her Inner French Girl

acquired... {feburary 21st - february 28th}

2011-02-23T08:49:00.000-08:00

First up a few bartered goodies...

A kelly green Clare Vivier iPad case...

Two dresses and some aromatherapy "play clay" from Little Bean

Bartered for some writing...

Glass and chrome side-table for the living room...

The one that used to be in that spot was moved next to the sofa, and the little square ottoman that used to be next to the sofa was bequeathed to my friend Sharon.

Four new pillows for the living room revamp

Blue velvet ones from Canvas and furry numbers from West Elm...

3191 Winter Quarterly

Ballet slippers for me

(+ a new pair for Millie...also replaced her tights and Audrey's leotard, but they were replacements so not sure they count?)

Two shirts + a little bracelet for Millie

from H&M...I got caught-up in the fact that we now actually have and H&M in Dallas...I will need to tread (very) lightly in that place if I plan to adhere to my "five year" rule.

up for grabs...

2011-02-17T08:37:00.000-08:00

A.P.C. Madras black dot sundress size medium -- $30.00

Drop me a note with subject line "madras" if you're interested {BARTERED}

Superga dot tennis shoes US size 8 (brand new) -- $17.00

Drop me a note with "superga" in the subject line if you're interested... {SOLD}

" Kimchi Blue" cream cotton and "lace" t-shirt -- $15.00

Drop me a note with "kb shirt" in the subject line if you're interested... {SOLD}

Pear painting in distressed gold frame -- $30.00

Drop me a note with "pear" in the subject line if you're interested...{SOLD}

the giveaway (+ a winner)

2011-02-17T08:34:00.001-08:00

Frankie Magazine "Sweet Treats" cookbook

Just leave a comment on this post and I'll announce a winner with the next giveaway...

And the winner of the Madewell necklace giveaway is Kelly! Congrats!

acquired... {feburary 14th - february 21st}

2011-02-16T07:11:00.000-08:00

Michelle's "Amelia" painting

For the living room...and with that name, how could I not??

J. Crew sweater

A (very good) gift from hubby for Valentine's Day...

A frame for my new Don James exhibit poster

The poster was a gift from the lovely and kind Alexis, but alas, still an acquistion...

Vintage teak lamp for the living room...

Things are really happening in that living room I tell ya!

up for grabs

2011-02-09T07:56:00.000-08:00

Fiona Paxton "gold" necklace -- $40.00

Drop me a note with "fp necklace" in the subject line if you're interested... {SOLD}

Joie lace and cotton top size XS (but fits like a S) -- $35

Drop me a note with "joie top" in the subject line if you're interested... {SOLD}

acquired... {feburary 7th - february 14th}

2011-02-08T08:56:00.001-08:00

Striped tunic from Boden...

I blame Liz for this one ;-)

Some house "goods" from IKEA...

(8 clear glass votive holders, sheepskin for Audrey's teepee, 2 RIBBA frames for girlie's artwork)

up for grabs

2011-02-04T12:33:00.001-08:00

Cashmere C&C California striped cardigan, size small -- $35.00

Drop me a note with "cardigan" in the subject line if you're interested... {SOLD}

Marc by Marc Jacobs tan leather hobo -- $125.00

Drop me a note with "mj bag" in the subject line if you're interested...{SOLD}

the giveaway

2011-02-04T12:26:00.000-08:00

Madewell necklace...

Just leave a comment on this post, and I'll announce a winner with the next giveaway!

acquired... {feburary 1st - february 7th}

2011-02-04T11:59:00.000-08:00

Vintage Coach satchel (from Dear Golden)

It's vaguely reminiscent of the Céline number above (via vanessa jackman), yes?

Stylist Lili Diallo's new book, Details

Inspiration for my living room refresh...hoping it will prompt me to step out of my comfort zone a bit.

Marta glasses from CB2

15 of them, because we're currently down to four. I love these bad boys, but they sure break easily... A shoddy adherence to my "five year rule", I realize.

Atsuyo et Akiko "love" bags (2)

I plan to give them to the girlies filled with some new art supplies and chocolates for Valentine's Day...

A few "staples from the Gap for me...

(cream t-shirt / black sweater / skinny jeans to tuck into boots...)

+ A couple things from the Gap for Audrey...

(printed tunic top, leather boots)