During our trip to NYC, while Bill took Brook to the top of the Empire State Building, I took some time to shop at Tinsel Trading Company. I used to work in the Empire State Building so skipping this tour seemed like an okay thing to do, especially with Tinsel Trading right around the corner.
I picked up these billowy vintage blooms for an unbelievable $3 each.
And this bouquet of pretty petals was also just around $3 – great bargain don’t you think? One of the store clerks told me that if I leave these paper flowers near a window, after several days of sun exposure, they’ll naturally fade to a soft, pale shade.
Along with these lovely flowers I picked up many bundles of neutral-colored trim. These staples will undoubtedly come in handy.
For a splash of vintage color I found these at 3/$5. With these tempting prices it took a lot of self-restraint to keep from over buying. Knowing when to stop is good.
I selected these sparkly elements, which should be perfect for my holiday projects.
I also did some quick shopping while we were in Maine a few days later. At Halcyon Yarn there are tons and tons of yarns and fibers to pick from. I love how everything is organized neatly and according to color.
It just came to me that the above set-up looks a lot like the inside of my closet. I am a HUGE fan of cashmere sweaters, especially black ones. Next to my basic black sweaters I also have a bunch of colorful ones. I like to wear a pop of color every now and then – this usually makes me feel more youthful and vivacious. And it’s fantastic that this instant mood lifter only takes two seconds to accomplish.
Basic black sweaters in different weights, shapes and textures – something for all seasons. This helps to take the guess work out of getting dressed so that I can spend more of my time on other things.
I think that the balance of colors found in my closet directly relates to how I like to use color in my art work. Most of the time I’m partial to using a neutral palette, but sometimes I like to mix it up. Going back and forth making/doing this n’ that, using this n’ that, even wearing this n’ that…switching gears is good. How about you, how do you mix things up?
9 Comments, Comment or Ping
Wonderful finds, Becky! Tinsel Trading – how I would LOVE to go shop there. But for now their cyber-shop will have to do. My closet is almost completely neutrals with only a few pops of color. I love wearing lots of black in the winter and whites in the summer. And I agree with you – I do it mainly so I don’t have to think about coordinating things – it’s easier that way. Seeing your neat closet is inspiring me to go clean mine out today!
Blessings,
Lisa
April 26th, 2010
I guess you can tell by my closet that I’m a neat-freak. This doesn’t really say “quirky artist” but I don’t mind. Staying organized helps me be more productive at home and with work… and I’m addicted to being productive!
April 26th, 2010
Tinsel Trading Company…. even the name sounds FABULOUS! Wonderful treasures you’ve added to your collection there!
For me, mixing things up is simply changing mediums. I go from paper to fabric to yard, and back again!
April 26th, 2010
Beautiful post…. loved Tinsel Trading Company finds (perhaps another giveaway from your TTC loot ) and the yarn store’s gorgeous colors….
April 26th, 2010
I would love to go there; I have only seen photos in Candy Land, I mean
Blog Land ;-D Beautiful eye candy!!!
I tend to wear black and earth colors; Once in a blue moon, I will
shock with color. I have an olive complexion, so I look better in primary colors, but I favor black, brown and sage green in fall and winter. When
spring hits, I tend to go with more khaki, light gray and faded denim blue then add colored accessories. I love the pics of your sweaters; really lovely. I go through neat moments and messy ones. I will organize my closet and go mess up something else. The yin and yang in me, I guess.
I guess mixing it up for me, is accessories-punching it up with red, bright green or turquoise, usually lifts my spirits! Fun post…
I want to hear more about working in the Empire State Building?!
April 26th, 2010
Yes, I love to use accessories for punches of color too. My days working at the ESP were actually quite boring and mostly involved keeping track of men’s shirts (not the glam fashion stuff I was hoping for.) Anyway, shortly after this I went into a more exciting job on 5th Ave., where I worked as an accessories designer and product developer. During this time I learned a lot about the wholesale business for both the US market and abroad. And then I got involved with licensing/patents (includes patenting my own invention which I also licensed.) Anyway, the situation turned out to be more business heavy than I had expected. I’m much more of a maker at heart, so the business end wasn’t the right fit for me. However, I think that having experience in different areas is always a plus.
April 26th, 2010
I agree, no matter what the situation, experiences make us who we are!
An invention…okay, do tell?! You are full of mysteries…but aren’t we all~
April 26th, 2010
oh my goodness! i can’t decide which i’m more crazy for…..your goodies from new york, that fabulous yarn shop in maine…..or all of those fabulous sweaters in your closet!!!! total eye candy!! xox
April 26th, 2010
i need this store where i live. i love finding places like these on our travels.
April 26th, 2010
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