halloween inspiration

My favorite holiday of the year is fast approaching! Love, love, love Halloween! Let me introduce you to yet another legendary boutique in Kansas City...The Curious Sofa. Its owner, Debbie Dusenberry, is known throughout the retail world for her unique and unorthodox retail displays. I am in awe of her creativity and love what she does for Halloween especially!

i have fallen in retail love

I thought I had died and gone to retail heaven! I finally got to visit the legendary Nell Hill's store in Kansas City last month during my trip home. I have run across this store and its owner, Mary Carol Garrity, countless times online and in magazines but had never gotten the opportunity to stop in. Wow! The Briarcliff location (second location in Atchison, Kansas) is two stories of retail goodness and if it weren't for our kiddos tagging along, I'm pretty sure I could have wandered around for hours.

Mary Carol not only owns Nell Hill's--as well as Garrity's (an antique store in Atchison)--she has also published a few books on interior design and created a wholesale line called Mary Carol Home Collection. AND she does seasonal open houses at her historic home in Atchison as well. My Mom (who by the way passed down her love of shopping gene to me) is attending her fall open house as I type and I can NOT wait to hear all about it!

photos via the Nell Hill's website

a barn store?

There is a fascinating thing going on in the West (Texas & Oregon mainly) and that is the "barn sale". This idea has intrigued me like no other. If I ever (God forbid!) close my little store, I'm moving to the country and finding myself a cute little barn to set up shop in!

From what I have gathered, these barn sales are held a few times throughout the year. They may house goods from one vendor or many. The highly unique inventory consists of various merchandise: architectural salvage, antiques, vintage frames, chandeliers, upholstered pieces, linens, collectibles, and a ton more.

Two of the biggies I have discovered are Tarte and Barn House, both located in Oregon. These barns can hold a candle to any store as far as I'm concerned...they are beautifully merchandised and far exceed the creativity of the average store.

photos via Queen of Tarte & Barn House

the photo says it all

dainty little gems

We have discovered something during these trying times in retail. And that is, while women may hold off on buying a new wardrobe, they are continually discovering ways to create new looks with accessories and jewelry. We could not pass this jewelry line up and we are sure you won't be able to either! Did we mention that all the pieces we ordered are under $50.00? Coming soon!

pink + daisies + grass mats = adorableness

Grass mats that come with the daisies attached! My baby girl was born in October, so she will be cursed with Halloween-esque birthday parties (because I love Halloween!!!), but for all those Spring babies this would be a gorgeous idea. Or baby or bridal showers too. People are getting so stinking creative these days!

photo via Hostess with the mostess

a few store favorites

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