Favorite Purse: Other Side

I turned my purse around and there is a pheasant on the other side rather than another dog as I reported in the previous post. This is the "main" side showing the name of the designer.

PIERRE FREY

PARIS

I found a similar purse on "poshmark" with horses that sold originally for $450.00 and it was sold after being marked down to $50. I paid $40 for mine in a resale shop ages ago. That is a huge amount for me to pay for a handbag but it has held up beautifully and I still love it♡

 Happy Presidents' Day.

Presidents Day, the third Monday of February, is popularly recognized as honoring the birth month of two of the country's most prominent presidents — George Washington (February 22) and Abraham Lincoln (February 12). I liked it better when it was two separate holidays instead of a day for shopping.

Favorite Purse with Dog Portrait

There is another dog on the back but this one is my favorite. I never put this purse away but hang it on various places. It was on the bedpost but now it's on the doorknob. I was amazed to hear this morning that daylight savings time is coming back soon (March 13th). We often have some of our worst winter weather in March so there will be more sun to melt the snow. Enjoy the long Presidents Day weekend. xo

Yesterday's Dahlia After My Evening Walk

I worked outside almost all day yesterday and was amazed at how much I accomplished. I got a good photo at day's end of a dahlia for those of you who aren't tired of seeing them. I am glad to have something personal to offer since time is limited this morning because I have to look like a real person today instead of a farm hand for an office meeting. The latter is my preferred mode of dressing. I donate lots of my things on a regular basis but never old clothes because I wear them until they are threadbare and then they go in the rag bag after I remove the buttons. You can't get any real work done in good clothes and I was trained as a child to change into play clothes so I wouldn't ruin my good things and I still do it. On the days I stay "dressed up" I accomplish nothing constructive once I get home. So now I do the opposite; I wear work clothes at home and change into better things to go out. xo

Gorgeous Cat Wearing a Sweater

She wears it well and that color is purrfect. via

Elizabethan Black Rabbit

Who doesn't love a beautiful rabbit wearing a ruff? via

Winter Textiles are the Best

Getting dressed in fall winter is so pleasurable with all of the wonderful textiles to choose from in the form of sweaters, scarves, and woolen jackets. I somehow made it through the summer with a limited wardrobe and I was happy to put those clothes away in favor of socks, mittens, and tweed blazers. I'm all caught up with my yard work and will take advantage of the nice weather we are still having by washing some sweaters and putting them outside to dry. I got my flu shot today, did you get yours yet? xo

Sunday Morning Views at My Cottage and a Mask

A rarely shared corner of my living room this morning. That glow in my bookcase door is a Himalayan Salt Lamp. I leave it burning 24/7 with a 25W bulb inside. I have one in the basement too. I didn't even know what they were when I purchased them at the Annual Firehouse Sale last September. My friend knew immediately and she has one in almost every room in her house. She told me they helped purify the air and a lot of other things too. The one thing I have noticed is increased concentration. It could be all folklore but maybe not. I like the nice glow, so why not?
The one I have with a dimmer is available from Bed Bath and Beyond for $24.99. I leave mine on all the time and it makes a great night light. (Good luck, Penny.) 

I found this image on Instagram. It is probably photoshopped but maybe not. Masks were common in the Elizabethan era to help keep out the noxious odors everywhere. This one is quite beautiful.

I made a new garden I can see out my kitchen window. There is another new one to the left near the bluebird house to be photographed later. I had the antique sundial already and the base is something I have had for a long time but wasn't using. It is perfect among the snowdrops and daffodils transplanted from different locations on my property. This was a fun project that started very early in February during the mild winter days. It sort of evolved with no plan. I just started out wanting to see my mother's daffodil clump near the house that I couldn't see without physically going outdoors. I planted them near the birdhouse and also planted a year-old packet of red poppy seeds, Papaver rhoeas. That was certainly a challenge, like planting ground black pepper, only finer. It took me forever to space them out a pinch at a time and I'm happy to report they have sprouted and I am beyond thrilled. Nothing is blooming there currently since the snowdrops have stopped but will post when something springs forth. Stay inside and be safe. xo

Handmade Buttonholes

These are the most beautiful buttonholes I have ever seen and are definitely a lost art. They are too lovely to even cover up with a button. The twine is gorgeous! via

Leather Buttons

This is probably a tailor's sample but I love this idea. If you have buttons that are similar but the colors are different, why not use them on a garment you are sewing? Make the buttonholes in different colors too, to match the buttons. via
I have temps above freezing and the sun is shining brightly this morning but the sky will cloud over this afternoon. I must deal with my car's frozen front windshield and my front walk. Be careful if you have ice. xo

Michael Bastian's Eclectic Livingroom

According to Michael, his rent-controlled apartment home is “a little of everything that’s been smashed together in slow motion over the past 20 years.” The plain cream canvas of the walls allows him to add as many layers of decor and furnishings as he pleases, without it appearing too cluttered.

Michael Bastian is an American fashion designer with his own label after working for Sotheby's, Tiffany's, Bergdorf's and Ralph Lauren. When asked how he arranged the salon-style wall art he said, “it should never just be paintings or just photography, but a mix -- that’s where the real magic is. There should be modern stuff, textiles, framed book covers all hanging together.” Read the entire article here.

There is a lot to see but it all works and I like it. I can aways manage to squeeze in something I love even though I have no more room. I like being surrounded by things that make me happy. The only real price I have to pay is the difficulty in cleaning under, over, and around my collections, something I'm dealing with, big time, right now. I'm not complaining as it is turning out to be very satisfying.

Enjoy your Sunday and be sure to watch the second episode of the new season of The Durrells in Corfu tonight on PBS. In case you missed the first episode last week, you can watch it on the link I provided. I so love this series. xo

Burberry Burns Unsold Merchandise

The Burberry store in Mayfair on April 26, 2018 in London, England. Photo: Jack Taylor (Getty Images)

I have been watching/listening almost exclusively to BBC World News America lately and today I learned something shocking about Burberry, a brand I have long admired. "The British luxury retailer Burberry has taken protecting their brand to new extremes, reportedly burning over $33 million in unsold merchandise rather than sell it at discount or donate it." Read more here.
I hate to shop and I am not a fashionista but if I were, this brand would be off my list forever as it takes planned obsolesce to new heights. I am completely stunned, how about you?

Interior Design in A Walk-in Closet

This curated closet is gorgeous and must be a happy place to get dressed for the owner. He has such good taste! via

Sheep wearing Neck Scarf

It is very wet, cold, and raw outside my cottage and everything is covered with ice. I am sure the local sheep would welcome scarves if they were outside but hopefully they are all in their barns. via

Enjoy the Grammys tonight and don't forget to watch VICTORIA too. xo

The Home of Yves Saint Laurent

"In the corridor leading to the library, a bright column of Ernest Boiceau terracotta and chair of English origin surmounted by a delicate drawing of Dante Gabriel Rossetti."

See more "over the top" images in the article that appeared in Architectural Digest France.

The article has been translated from French to English.

A Friend's Walk-In Closet

She says it's like going shopping every day when she's getting ready for work. 

Her home is for sale. 

Chester Township NJ - MLS # 3253972

Gentleman's Closet Extraordinaire

I hope this beautifully fitted walk-in closet doesn't have a door, for it's far too lovely to be out of view for even a minute. via

Prince George, Style Icon

Look out world, here I come!

His outfit by Rachel Riley sold out in sizes 12 and 18 months in fewer than 24 hours. Luckily the wearers will be too young to notice their peers wearing the same smocked outfit. I think Prince George looks adorable and I always love seeing him in action. His baby sister's christening was beautiful and it was so nice seeing the whole family together in their Sunday best. via

Prelude to Summer - Memorial Day

What a great outfit. Circa 1951 but timeless.

via

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY

Lilly Greed

via

When you have time, please read this.

Cross Body Bag Bunny

I love a good cross-body bag and this bunny does too. via