Shop Chic...or...the influence of a cute little purse

A few weeks ago I saw a cute purse at a vintage shop. I didn't buy it, but it's been haunting me. I have a confession to make, I am a purse addict in recovery. I've always wanted to do a wall of purses, but I've resisted, knowing my penchant to tire of things quickly.

Anyhoo...the lovely shop owner told me the purse was designed by Mary Quant. After Googling her, I must admit, I am obsessed. She is one of the most prominent designers of 60s London-based pop. A very playful, happy and exuberant trend. Here's a picture of Mary.

 

How freaking adorable is she?  I think this pic could be the influence for a beautiful color scheme. I also think this picture would be really cute as a poster.

Here's a pic of one of Mary's designs. I am in love with the pop flowers! Last week I decided to do a little retail therapy. I wanted some new happy pieces. Mary had me craving some retro mod influences.

Here's my loot influenced by Mary! All this loot was $38 at a local consignment store. Loving the orange. Look at those shoes, aren't they fab? I could see Mary wearing them.

Love this color scheme: orange, pink and turquoise.

Here's something I love, but didn't buy. How fab is this flamingo bag from Pat Catans? Would look great on my hypothetical purse wall.  I've said it many times -- I need a virtual reality machine.

I've always wanted to have my own a little boutique. That would satisfy my love of creating vignettes. It occurred to me, why should beautiful objects like purses be hid in the closet? Why not display them proudly? Afterall,  they are pieces of art. So I have my new shoes proudly displayed with a gorgeous beaded purse I found at the Goodwill. I called this new look Shop Chic. I'm sure Mary would approve.

I wasn't supposed to be shopping...

Restraint. It can be difficult. Balancing the love of beautiful objects with the desire for an uncluttered home. This time of year is difficult for me when it comes to restraint. The cold weather creates a desire to create a cosy nest. Coupled with the after holiday sales and the ease of internet shopping... Well, you know how it is.

So...I had been watching this beautiful vase on Etsy. When it went on sale, it was time to take the plunge, and welcome this divine vase into my home.

This vintage glass vase was designed by Diane Love for Mikassa. It fits perfectly with the retro mod vibe I'm going for in my apartment. It's made of frosted glass, and it's remarkable how it glows in the light. It's also fascinating to watch how it changes color with the changing light of the day.

I purchased the vase from Modern Specific. I can't stop moving it and photographing it! Humans sure make beautiful things don't they?

Celebrating Color: Orange!!

I LOVE ORANGE!

Dig that painting.  Dig that chair.  Love periwinkle with orange.  Dig that table.  Love Hollywood Regency thrown in.  Need a disco ball for my new apartment.  But....don't call it eclectic...call it collected.  We are all complex beings.

Orange and blue.  Dig it.  Love that vase.

Togo sofa!  My favorite! Dig that Buddha. Dig that UFO lamp. Dig that sculpture - what is it?  A street light?  Dig the coffee table, brown walls and white vases.  See, minimalism can be sexy.

For my friends with green thumbs.

Drool.  Dig that white, textured paining on the orange wall.  Dig the purple chairs, the chandy and those metallic bowls.  Apartment Therapy Color Contest, can't remember the year.  Shoulda won.

ya'll know how to do a Google image search, right?  I have all links to artists, if needed.  I love to give artists credit.  if you are the artist, and want proper crediting please contact me.