A Jewelry Swap

We all have that friend - the planner - who always finds the perfect reason to have people over or encourage next month's happy hour. You see an evite from her and know it's going to be good. And fun.

This is my friend Cathy. Two kids, a husband, the occasional triathlon, and a slew of volunteer projects can't keep her away from planning and organizing all sorts of wonderful events. God bless her.

So when I received the following email from Cathy, I knew I was in for something special. The subject line read "The Swap: Jewelry."  Instructions were as follows:

• Go in your jewelry box and pick out a piece or set that you never wear (likely because it is just not your style) but that you know someone else might love
• Dont wrap it. All items will be displayed during "cocktail hour"
• After we all have had time to look the items over, I will put our favorites in little gift bags
• Then it is time for a good old fashioned Yankee Swap. I expect some claws to come out!

The best part - all unclaimed items at the end of the night were donated to the Laurel House for victims of domestic violence.

Doing good while having fun?  That's my kind of party.

A New Year's Toast

My grandparents Abe & Pauline with my aunt Trudy, 1957
Below Left: My great aunt Ann and uncle Izzy
Below Right: My great great aunt Bessie and uncle Isidor

80's Slingbacks from EG Vintage

Blue Sequin Dress from Wanderlustvtg

Vintage Top from Victorious Youth

Tuxedo Bow Tie from Raleigh Vintage

Top Hat Cocktail Sticks from Veramode

Confetti Mess by Renee Anne

Vintage Decanter Collection from Ethanollie

First Times Square Ball Drop from Vintage Culture

"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors and let each New Year find you a better man." ~ Benjamin Franklin

Some Christmas Spirit

Here it is - my obligatory Christmas post.  Luckily, I have the perfect photo to include.   Thanks to my great grandparents Lena and John Boyce and one snazzy looking Christmas tree.  (Actually, this post should be titled "Father, May I Borrow..." since these are his grandparents, but let's not harp on details).

A friend of mine told me it reminded her of the greeting cards with old photos on the front and really sarcastic messages.  Totally. 

At any rate, it really put me in the holiday mood.   So put on a fancy party dress or your best pair of argyle socks and spread a little cheer.  I wish you all the best - whatever or however you celebrate.  

Stay warm and well!  

XOXO, 

Lauren

Decorating with Vintage Hangtags from Apartment Therapy

A Little Johnny Cash... Courtesy of Flip Side Records

Vintage Party Dress from Mills Design Co.

Rue Magazine 2010 Holiday Issue

Vintage Hankie Stockings from Copa Bananas

Holiday Card Wreath from Martha Stewart

Photo courtesy of the Paris Apartment

Gold Tinsel Handbag by Color Me Vintage

Original Photo :: Athropologie

Don't forget to raise a glass!