The Reign in Spain

(Guernica by Pablo Picasso)

Oh how I love everything Spanish related!  Maybe it was the year and a half that I lived there?  Or maybe my discovery Spanish art when I was 17 years old?   I was in my fourth year of high school Spanish and my teacher introduced me to Velazquez, El Greco, Dali, Goya, and of course Picasso.  I was memorized.
Spain not only flourishes with its amazing art and film (I love international film) but also in fashion and design.
Designers like Manolo Blahnik, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Balenciaga, and Adolfo Dominguez to name a few.
If only we could all own some Manolos' or an amazing Balenciaga bag!
Two of my favorite Spanish companies: TOUS and ZARA.
Us commoners can more easily afford the art of  the designers from these stores. My most unique and favorite pieces of jewelery come from TOUS.

When I was living Houston there were two TOUS boutiques no more than 3 miles apart, during the crazy economic times, one closed down. There is one in Dallas, about 45 minutes from my current home, but their online shop ties you to either their NYC or LA store for awesome and convenient ordering.
Their iconic teddy bear mascot is what sets them apart.
Here are some of my favorite pieces in my collection.  I get a lot of compliments on the beetle ring.  I love it.


I'm really wanting this bracelet::


Helllooo largest ZARA in the USA.  It opened up a couple of years ago on Michigan Ave. in Chicago.  What more could you ask for on the "magnificent mile?"  A truly magnificent store!!  I'll be in Chicago in July and believe that I will be making a stop or two while I'm there.
Here are links to a couple of ZARA's current collections:
Loving this
and
This

Let it reign!

Clippings: Role Models: Princess Olga of Greece

I was looking through some boxes and found this clipping from my late teens days.  It's from Vogue circa '94, an article on a royal Russian-Greek girl whose ancestors migrated from Russia to Greece.  She paints, designs, and sculpts all day in her SoHo loft, from what the article depicted.  How I wanted to be like her...

...That was in the 90s.  Since then, she's worked in Panama collecting moths and butterflies, become a journalist and filmmaker, and has gotten married to the heir apparent of some European entity.  I just like her style and the fact that she got to stay home all day and play with clay.

Shop Spotlight: Fabulize

Pleather Waves Spats

I don't know, I've been on a shoe kick lately, but aren't these cute?  From Xiu's Etsy Shop, Fabulize.

Love this one 3-in-1:

 Spat-Bracelet-Necklace in One

Xiu's inventive, unique pieces make me want to experiment a little more with my sewing machine. 

Pink 2 Red Zipper Case

 Moss Green Clusters Scarf

Lavender Summer...Dash of Orange

Tiny Windows Dress

Time Gone By Dress

Tidal Ruffles Blouse

Wish Upon Curtain

Lollipop Mousepad

Poppy Showers Blouse, from a previous season

Don't you just love these? I do. My mother always repeated this mantra when we were little: "People are more important than things!"  But it doesn't mean that things aren't at all important..?  I do try to remind myself where things have their place in life.  And occupying my hands or imagination with "things" is a nice break from people when I just need to think clearly sometimes. There.

Here are links to just some other Anthropologie lovers' blogs (I'm not that crazy after all):

Anthropologie Addict

Anthropologie Girl

anthrosdottir

Anthroholic

Anthropologie Addict