Styleboards

Today I'm featuring a couple of styleboards that I have hanging on the walls of my bedroom.  These were custom made for me by Dana Henderson.  Dana just opened a store in Warner Robins, Georgia--The Vintage Junktion.  Stop over and visit her on Facebook.

I'm using the styleboard above to display my Hermes Knotting Cards.  I believe there are at least 5 volumes of the cards and mine are from volume 2.  These are not available at Hermes for sale, but you can purchase them on eBay.  You can also download the app Hermes Silk Knots onto your iPhone!

There are 21 cards in each box with the photo of the scarf style on the front of the card and a diagram of how-to-knot the scarf on the back.

This is the front and back of the Bras Casse style...ala Grace Kelly!

This is the petit papillon style

This is the cow-boy style...one of my favorites!

Echarpe style...

Taille De Guepe style

Twilly style...The Twilly scarf is fast becoming my favorite and now twillies are available in a maxi size!

I want to purchase the Hermes scarf ring...it's on my "Wish List."

Miss Dana also made this styleboard which I'm using to display my Chanel notecards and flower pins...

I love the feminine touch that displaying the cards and pins brings to the room.  It is hung on the wall near my vanity table and looks real prissy!

Thank you for visiting with me today!

A Cute Pink Pocketbook...Just in Time for Spring!

Happy Spring y'all! Today I celebrated by having a "Prissy Day!" Lunch and shopping at the posh mall...The Town Center at Boca Raton. Fun Fun!!! Of course, I brought out a Lilly shift to wear...the 'Diamond Head Patch' with a Lilly lime green cardi. Here I am in Bloomingdale's looking ever-so matronly!

I brought out my new pink pocketbook...It's the Michael Kors 'Jet Set' tote in Electric Pink! I'm in love with this style of tote from MK and want one in orange, black, and white! The pink is the perfect match with my orchid pink Revas.
What's inside my new tote? A Louis Vuitton day planner, Cartier pen, car keys with 3 Lilly keychains, Chanel sunglasses, Hermes '24 Faubourg' purse spray, Bonnie Bell face powder, Bath & Body Works 'Twisted Peppermint' hand sanitizer, Burt's Bees 'Pomegranate Oil' lip balm, Chanel 'Laser Pink' lipstick, Gucci card case, Lilly 'Limeade Floater' iPhone cover, and Halls eucalyptus sugar-free cough drops...love 'em!
My Accessories: Chanel sunglasses, Lilly 'Pink Laser' lipstick, Hermes '24 Faubourg' cologne, 'Orchid Pink' Revas by Tory Burch, pink grosgrain ponytail ribbon, Lilly 'Limeade Floater' iPhone cover, pearl necklace, bracelet, and studs, and Cartier 'Eternity' wedding band.
I bought some new loot and spent the majority of the day trying to find my Easter frock! This is no easy task. I have so many things to consider for a church dress...for Easter. No red. No black. No see-through fabric. It must have sleeves. Nothing low-cut. No mini dress. I talked with Mama this morning and we both agreed that it's so hard to find church dresses anymore!

But I'm excited about Spring...bringing out all my pink and green clothes!

BRINGING HOME THE BIRKIN

Michael Tonnello is the author of this fun book "Bringing Home the Birkin: My Life in Hot Pursuit of the World's Most Coveted Handbag." I love that the cover of the hardback book resembles an orange croc Birkin! I'm proud to say that I have this book listed on the right-hand side of my blog under "What's on Miss Janice's nightstand!" The orange cover reminds me each morning and night of my newest obsession.

After working as a hair and makeup artist on a photo shoot for I.B.M. in Spain, Michael packed up all his worldly possessions and moved from Provincetown, Rhode Island to Barcelona. Upon arrival, the work that he thought he would be doing fell through. He needed to find an income soon, so he started selling some of his clothes on eBay. After selling a $99 Polo Ralph Lauren scarf that he hadn't worn in years for $430, he sold another scarf...an Hermes scarf and then started getting emails from eBay buyers with their "Hermes wish lists." He realized that he could make a lot of money by offering the hard-to-find Hermes scarf designs on eBay. Thus began his global search and his career as an "Hermes Reseller."

Traveling the world, he would sweet-talk Hermes clerks...or "Scarf Ambassadors" {that's what they are called I would just love being one!} into going into the backrooms and digging up retired designs and soon his guestroom was stacked high with the trademark orange boxes. The scarves began selling for top dollar on eBay. His scarves were of course wrapped in Hermes custom-made, acid-free tissue and placed in the trademark orange box with the Hermes book "How to Tie a Scarf" included with each purchase. Of course, at this point, I'm drooling over all the posh details!!!

During this time, he developed online connections with zealous buyers who wanted more Hermes merchandise from him. Could he find a Birkin? Well, at that time, he didn't even know what a Birkin was. After much research and developing his "Formula" he finally located a Birkin and his first buyer was Songwriter Carole Bayer Sager.

What was his "Formula"? Well, after many failed attempts at going into Hermes stores and asking to buy a Birkin, only to be told that he needed to be "on the list" and sometimes even told that "the list was cancelled," he finally decided to first make a substantial purchase of accessories then ask for the Birkin. Voila, his "Formula" worked!

In this photo from the book, Michael is wearing his Birkin-buying uniform: Prada suit, Hermes shirt, Hermes vest, Jil Sander tie, Hermes cashmere socks, Giorgio Armani shoes, Hermes chaine d'ancre bracelet, Polo Ralph Lauren sterling watch fob {worn through the lapel buttonhole}, S. T. Dupont "Medici" fountain pen {tucked inside the breast pocket}, and an orange Hermes Ulysee notebook. Details y'all. Details. People do notice!

Inside his orange Ulysee notebook, he kept the address and phone number of every Hermes store in existence {as well as salepeople's names and numbers}. The iconic Hermes chaine d'ancre bracelet he wore whenever he went Birkin-buying was his good luck charm. He bought dozens of these bracelets in the process of using the "Formula," and they sold like hot cakes on eBay.
As his business grew, the "Hermes Reseller" {or a Rogue Warrior selling to the masses, which is what he was known as to Hermes} or "Leather Liaison" as he like to called, began hiring people to help him "Bring Home the Birkin." To assist them in sealing the deal, the created his own "Birkin 101 Course" of a Hermes Store Employee Roster...how to handle the Hermes clerk...from the Ingenue to the Grandmother saleperson. Hermes bags were bought and shipped directly to the South Florida home of his parents, who handled the shipping to the majority of his customers in the United States.

In one year alone, he spent 1.6 million U.S. dollars on Hermes products and was a Platinum Power Seller on eBay. Can y'all imagine all the cute loot he bought? Here's an article about Michael in the Boston Globe...please note that I absolutely ADORE the way he is dressed in the photo.

So, would you buy a fake Birkin? Lord me, my Mama always told me "If you buy one single fake thing, people will think that everything you have is fake!" I don't think that I have ever intentionally bought anything fake and I would not want a fake Birkin.

There are many sites online offering "Birkin Replicas," which is another name for "fake!" The Birkin Mall is one. I must admit that their bags are cute and the prices are good {in the $500 range}. But, I still wouldn't buy one.

You can even RENT a Birkin. At Bag Borrow or Steal you can rent a leather Birkin for $510.00/week. Lord have mercy, y'all know people do this or they wouldn't be in business!

If you decide to buy an authentic Birkin, of course you want to make sure it's not a fake.

In this video, Michael Tonello talks about "How to spot a fake Birkin."

LOVE this illustration...from the book.

Comparing the two bags below; the first bag is a fake 30 cm violet Birkin from Birkin Shop. The second bag is a 30 cm amethyste croc authentic Birkin. I guess maybe up close and in person I might see the difference.

Well...for now, this is my only Hermes possession...an Hermes scarf that I bought many years ago. I think you get a lot of mileage out of high-end accessories and right now I'm looking at some Hermes bracelets, belts, twillies, and other accessories.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about my latest obsession...All About the Birkin and Celebrities and the Birkin and today about the Birkin bag book. I'm in love with Michael Tonello...love that he enjoys fine dining and staying in posh hotels and of course, I love his fashion style! Y'all can buy Michael's book at his site The Birkin. He also has a blog HERE and can also be followed on Twitter.

CELEBRITIES AND THE BIRKIN BAG

Yes, celebrities do love the Birkin bag. Birkins are all over Hollywood and Beverly Hills!

Bless Martha Stewart's heart, she carried her brown Birkin into court everyday during her stock fraud trial!

Beautiful Giuliana Rancic, with her handsome husband Bill on one arm and her noir Birkin on the other! They are a gorgeous couple and she is certainly a fan of the Birkin!
Melissa Rivers is photographed with her Mama, Joan Rivers. Melissa is carrying a stunning graphite Birkin.
Nicole Richie...de rigueur pooch on one arm and a noir Birkin on the other.
Lord have mercy, the Kardashian girls and Mama Kris at a Lakers game...they are all fans of the Birkin. LOVE their iris Birkins and of course the noir Birkin. Kim Kardashian is a huge fan of the Birkin and reportedly has tons of them, but...
Not even Kim Kardashian can stand up to the "Queen of Carrying Birkins" Victoria 'Posh' Beckham. The former Spice Girl owns approximately 100 Birkins...the value of her collection--TWO MILLION U.S. DOLLARS!!! You can read about her collection at The Daily Mail here.

'Posh' truly lives up to her stage name since she carries the extravagant handbag on one arm and has her handsome husband David on the other.

Victoria carrying a gorgeous wine croc Birkin.
Here's Miss Priss with her white Birkin. Lord, I wouldn't want the white one. For one thing, if I got one spot of anything on it, I would just die. Another thing, I could only carry this pocketbook from Easter to Labor Day. Not cost effective at all! But, it's cute!
Victoria and her pink ostrich Birkin...please check out the prissy way she's holding the bag! Lord, Victoria can pose.
Now, here's Victoria with my favorite--the orange Birkin. I love her dress and her whole look here!
Showing off her toned arms and her taupe Birkin. Wow!
This is a somewhat demure look for Victoria...carrying her golden tan Birkin.
My, my! I do love her baby blue Birkin!
Miss Janice could definitely rock this outfit. Love the skirt, the white twin sweater set and the lavender Birkin. I would add a pearl necklace, pearl stud earrings, and a pair of white Revas! Oh, and my Chanel sunglasses. Yes ma'am!
For a lady who collects the world's most coveted handbag and "has the most Birkins", this is her "Crown Birkin" with a price of $104,000. It's the Himalayan croc Birkin, with a three-carat diamond on the lock. What can I say y'all?

There are many blogs devoted to the Birkin Bag obsession, but I really like BIRKIN WATCHER. You can view photos of all the celebs stepping out with their Birkins and anything Hermes.

Tomorrow, I'll be back to talk about the fun book "Bringing Home the Birkin: My Life in Hot Pursuit of the World's Most Coveted Handbag" by Michael Tonello.

ALL ABOUT THE BIRKIN BAG

Hermes signifies luxury, style, and elegance. The Birkin bag...very pricey--from $9,000 up to $150,000!
The Birkin...Shame on Pinterest...all those cute photos of Birkins now have me wanting one real bad.

The bag is of course by Hermes and is a symbol of wealth, due to its high price and elusiveness to the public.

The bag is named for the British haute-hippie singer and actress Jane Birkin. In 1984, on a flight from Paris to London, she had a chance meeting with Hermes Chief Executive Jean-Louis Dumas. When the contents of her purse fell to the floor from the overhead bin, she explained it had been difficult for her to find a leather weekend bag that she liked...He created the Birkin just for her.

Last year she listed her Birkin on ebay and it sold to a lucky shopaholic for approximately $158,000!!! Wow...and that money went to the Red Cross efforts in Japan.

Jane Birkin...last year with her famous bag and back in her younger days.
Here's a close-up photo of Jane's black Birkin...with stickers, Lord have mercy! Of course, Hermes offers a "spa treatment"--a reconditioner for over used bags!
Hermes has a long history, dating back to when the company was founded in 1837. The Birkin is the most recognized bag in the fashion industry. The only bags that come close are the 'Kelly' bag, also made by Hermes and the '2.55', by Chanel. The Birkin is a casual, sport handbag, but of course, can be worn WITH ANYTHING...well, not a ball gown outfit y'all!

Birkins are sold in a range of sizes {25, 30, 35, 40, 50, & 55 centimeters}, hides {calf leather, ostrich, croc, & lizard}, colors {pink, red, brown, baby blue, navy blue, olive green, orange, white, black, & golden tan. The metallic hardware are plated with gold or palladium.

The bags are handmade in France by expert artisians who spend 48 hours on the average bag.

There are over 240 Hermes boutiques internationally. Hermes does not offer their bags online and of course, there has always been that rumored 'waiting list'. Rumor has it now, that with the nasty economy issues, there is no longer a 'waiting list'. Well, does that make the famous handbag any less covetable? What do y'all think? I called an Hermes boutique and inquired about the availability of the bag. The 'Snooty Sales Clerk' said that she was not allowed to discuss the Birkin bag over the telephone. Lord have mercy! I think y'all know how I feel about 'Snooty Sales Clerks'!

It was at that point that I decided to go into my investigative mode! I'm all obsessed with the Birkin now. Who knows, my husband just might hit the lottery one day and I will have that sweet orange Birkin inside my closet.

Tomorrow, I'll be back to talk more about my new obsession...The swanky Birkin bag:

~Would you Buy a Fake Birkin? "How to Spot a Fake Birkin"
~Celebrities and the Birkin bag
~"Bringing Home the Birkin" a book written by Michael Tonello about his whirlwind Birkin-buying tour.

What I'm Loving Today!

Have you seen the new mittens and scarves at Lilly Pulitzer? I just ordered these today...they aren't available to ship yet, but you should place your order now so that you won't miss out! These will be perfect for my trips to Georgia or early jogs on the soon-to-be very chilly Florida mornings!

This is the Lilly angora scarf to match the mittens...so cute!

Well, I certainly don't need this watch, but love it! It's the Hermes Kelly watch.

Love these monogrammed felt Gigi bags from The Pink Monogram. These match their monogrammed clogs...so cute!

These monogrammed felt clutch bags are also from The Pink Monogram...look at all the colors and they are monogrammed as well! These are so chic.
I really really need an Hermes belt!!! Classic. Timeless. On the hunt.
Love this look...ribbon bows on ballet flats. I will be sporting this look real soon y'all!
Oh Lord, now I have to monogram my placemats. What a fabulous look!
Have a fabulous day y'all!