If the Shoe Fits: A Unique Way to Display Just the Right Shoe Collectibles

Row after row of marvelous shoes await me as they beckon from a shimmery golden rack. The only problem is that my feet are not the size of your average America Girl doll. So unless I find a way to magically zap my tootsies into min-toesies I'm out of luck.

The striking shoes beautifully displayed on an old plant stand are the long forgotten, wildly popular collectibles, Just the Right Shoe, sculpted by Raine in the late 1990's and early 2000's.

Through a quick Google search, I found that these little lovelies are still being manufactured and can be bought on the Just the Right Shoe website.

Read on to find out how my mother created this shiny display.

To Create the Shoe-In Display Stand 

You will need:

• An old multi-tiered plant stand
• Sticky-backed foam in a variety of colors 
• Scissors
• Spray Paint (optional) 

1. Scourer your local antique mall, estate or garage sale for a plant stand. 
2. Spray paint to alter color. (optional) 
3. Cut foam to fit shelves. For extra stability, remove paper from sticky-backed foam and press onto the shelf. 
4. Artistically arrange your Just the Right Shoe collectibles on the plant stand. 

Voila, your Just the Right Shoe Display Stand is a shoe-in!

Junk to Gems: Turning Vintage Jewerly into Hot Fashion

Give me an A!: Dream up some custom jewelry letters. (Source: iLoveToCreateblog.blogspot.com)

Does that garage sale gem scream granny more than glamorous? Does that necklace send you back to the era when disco and polyester were king? Do not despair, a quick fix here and a quick fix there will turn that bauble into a fashion statement that will cause many to stare.

Peruse these quick vintage accessory rxs that turn your vintage flair into a total fashion affair!

Creative and Cute Ways to Use Vintage Pins, Necklace, Earrings and Buttons 

Source: http://petitehermine.blogspot.com/

• In the shadows. Create a stunning work of art using a shadow box.

Source: http://www.fashiondivadesign.com/diy-accessories-with-old-buttons/

• Cute as a button! Vamp it up with a vintage button necklace. 

Source: therealgalveston.com

• Turn your table setting into a bling revolution! Glue vintage jewelry onto a napkin holder to make an embellished napkin ring. 

• It's a shoe-in! Design shoe clips with vintage earrings. 

Source: rustic-crafts.com

• What's your initial? Construct custom jewelry letters. (See Above) 

• You're twisted. Use a large scarf as a belt. Pin a beautiful broach on it to make your very own polished and pretty belt buckle. 

Source: http://www.angelesalmuna.com

• The write stuff! Invent the most beautiful jeweled notebook by removing earring backs. Glue earrings in a desired pattern using a hot glue gun.  

Green With Envy: L'OREAL Colour Riche Army Brat Eye Shadow

The decadent and luxurious colors offered by the beauty titan, L'OREAL Paris, have always been innovative, fashion-forward and ultra luxe right? But just wait until you have tried the massively magnificent Army Brat quad that defies the green eyeshadow: what were you thinking? rule.

With a flick of a eyeshadow applicator and fool-proof instructions printed on the back, you will make fashionistas everywhere "green with envy" at you instant eye appeal. 

The perfectly complementary shades blend flawlessly from an iridescent jadite green to a totally fatigues-inspired military green that will leave you feeling picture perfect on even the most battle-worthy of days.

L'OREAL Colour Riche Eyeshadow in Army Brat 

Time Out for Teacher: Best Salon in Illinois: Wesley James Salon

Spring break is in full swing this week at my daycare, so vacation time beckoned on my work schedule. What better way to put a "spring" in my step by removing the winter doldrums of dry, staticy and brassy hair then getting a new hair cut and style!

I skedaddled my way to a local salon with an elegant moniker, Wesley James Salon, and have to say I am overjoyed with their hair-roic results. Goodbye flat, lackluster color, Hello gorgeous!

Below you will find a review I posted on Yelp.com describing the glorious events which followed upon entering this upscale, low-brow salon with more charm than a dimpled smile.


This salon gives you knockout style without the pompous attitude of their downtown cousins! The staff gave me some of the most shear-ly phenomenal service I have ever had in my many, many, many hair -rowing encounters. 

My stylist, Kelly, is a hair genius who expertly applied subtle shades of natural blonde highlights and erased some very coppery tones from my hair, to create a shimmering mane full of vanilla and carmel decadence! I also received a precision haircut that even the most persnickety client would be drooling over.

If Hollywood knew of her beauty talents, the stars would be breaking down the doors of this quaint and secluded salon located in the adorable town of Clarendon Hills. 

Another point I would like to make about the staff is their dedication to client satisfaction. Since Kelly had another client waiting, another stylist, Jaclyn, asked if she could blow-dry my hair so Kelly could attend to her next client. Talk about a teamwork! 

Jaclyn is a blow-dry goddess. I have thick, curly hair that sends most stylists into full blown panic attack mode, but Jaclyn wielded her mighty round brush and proclaimed victory over my unruly locks in no time flat! 

I left the salon glowing and feeling like I had just won the hair lottery! Thank you Wesley James Salon! 

Bubble Trouble: Bath and Body Works Shower Gel Review

Get ready for an incredible bath experience when you use the heady and irresistibly scented shower gels created by bath product giant Bath and Body Works.

My favorites include Twilight Woods that sweeps the user senses into the crisp and clean wilds of a New England wood, Japanese Cherry Blossom whose gentle hint of cherry blossoms add an intriguing and pure beauty to this exotic and serendipitous fragrance, and Country Chic that brings a little bit of country simplicity into your shower on even the most hectic of days.

Suddsing up to wash away the day, will surely become something of a luxury that will make you say: "let me shower my cares away!"

Isn't it time you "bubbled over with joy" during your bath time experience? Try Bath and Body Works shower gels in order to escape the memories of dry scaly "alligator" skin forever.

Source: Bathandbodyworks.com

What's the Deal?: Digging for Deals at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls

Okay, let's face it. I am a sucker for a deal. Who doesn't love walking into a store and seeing a slashed price on a fabulous pair of earrings, shoes, etc.? Unless you enjoy handing over your hard-earned paycheck to the friendly cashier; you're with me on this one.

Two stores where I could literally max out my credit card are T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. They are the epitome of savvy, fashion-conscious style on a budget. Each week, I walk into these large, well-lit meccas in awe of their selection of clothing, home accessories, shoes and other stylelicious fashion accessories.

 Many may frown upon the rather haphazard set-up of the store (needing to dig through many racks in order to find that perfect piece... which can set you back on time.) If time is no option, throw care to the wind and shop til you drop!

So get ready, set, and go retail at these discount fashion chains!

In Purse-suit of Vintage: My Obsession with Vintage

I spy with my little eye a perfectly brilliant vintage purse, a beautiful brooch, or a ravishing frock of high vintage quality. What's a girl to do? Buy or not to buy? that is the question.

My love affair with vintage clothing and accessories began several years ago while perusing a cluttered antique mall with my mother. There I spotted on a jumbled rack of jewelry an emerald-hued square cut Coro plastic-insert necklace which I knew would look divine.

 I hemmed and hawed being a thrifty, yet style conscious pursuer of all things sparkly, glittery or shiny in general. In the end the that little bauble won out and many years later has become my greatest addiction: accessory obsession.

Accessory Obsession is a well known epidemic for vintage clothing aficionados. We all know the symptoms well: our heart rate quickens at the sight of a startlingly stunning vintage accessory, we begin to perspirate when we drive by an impromptu or unexpected estate sale in a state of great expectation of a fabulous accessory hunt, and we begin to hyperventilate when we reach into a haphazardly askew jewelry box and clutch within our sweaty palms the most lovely (for the time being) accessory we have ever seen.

Ladies and gentleman, I know the feeling will and have suffered from this affliction a great many times. Here are a few tips to lessen the trauma and underlying symptoms of Accessory Obsession.

• Make sure you have a specific dollar amount you are willing to spend at an estate sale, vintage clothing store, auction etc. Otherwise, you might be dripping in jewels, purses, or clothing, but your wallet will be lighter than a feather once your vintage euphoria has passed. 
• Be sure to only select items that you will actually wear and that are of high quality. Ask yourself the following questions: Do I truly love this item or are you in it's a great price and I need to buy it trance? Are there at least two outfits that I can accessorize this item with? Is the item of high quality or shoddily made (ex. ripped seams, poor sewing, stains etc.)?
• Do you have room in your home for another (insert here)? I myself have had to nearly surgically remove myself from many a dazzling item (until my common sense) finally kicked in. I mean how many gorgeous silver clutch purses can a girl really have?  Never enough (in my personal opinion), but I allowed my common sense to win out in this knock-down drag out vintage scuffle. 

With that said: Viva la Vintage and Happy Vintage Shopping!