Luxe Living: Annie Brahler's Dream Closet

I recently found a new television program that I love to watch. Resale Royalty airs on the Style Network. The show centers around a high-end designer resale store owned by a mother-daughter trio in St. Louis.

I grew up in a household with parents who had an eye for quality pieces but predominantly shopped at thrift stores. Because of this fact, I've always admired antiques and objects with a possible unknown history. I have no reservations about purchasing something pre-owned. When you discover something that you never even knew you wanted and truly let that item speak to you, it's all the more special. I delight in unique objects with a past, especially if those goodies are valuable treasures. Clothing and accessories (along with art, cars, houses, music and just about everything else in the world) simply aren't made like they once were. Unless you have the money to purchase from the top tier of luxury brands, thrifting is your best option.

On the pilot episode of Resale Royalty, the ladies from Women's Closet Exchange head to noted interior designer, Annie Brahler's stunning Victorian home in Jacksonville, Illinois, for a buy.

I thought Annie's home was spectacular (and also couldn't help but wonder who her sweater was by). Any visit that revolves around two of my favorite things- champagne and style, can't go wrong. In the end, the ladies from the resale shop offered Annie $15,000 for some wonderful pieces from her wardrobe including a handful of Louis Vuitton bags, an Hermes scarf, Diane von Furstenberg evening dress and Chanel earrings. Some lucky ladies in St. Louis certainly benefited from that closet purge!

If you're a Pinterest fanatic like me, Annie Brahler's closet may look familiar. A photo from a House Beautiful feature of her stunning custom dressing room went viral on the site.

Absolutely perfect!












Now Playing: "Band of Gold" by Freda Payne
*One of my favorite songs!

Luxe Living: Lisa Vanderpump's New Closet!

Step aside, Jay Gatsby. Lisa Vanderpump's new closet gives the literary fashion plate a run for his money- especially in the silk shirt department.

The photographs above are screenshots from the tour Lisa gave to Bravotv.com. Because the blog post I did on Lisa's previous home and closet remains one of my most-viewed, it only made sense to do an update. In fact, the screenshots I captured for the first post ended up all over tumblr and Pinterest. That's part of the reason why I take the time to use my blog. I love knowing that something I put energy into sharing (be it anything at all) has inspired someone else. That's something I admire about my generation. Through the internet, we're constantly sharing knowledge, inspiration, opinions, ideas... Being open and willing to help someone else expand their insight, especially a total stranger that they'll never get acknowledgment from, is extraordinary. It's this type of progressive behavior that makes me hopeful.

I'm the type of person who is happy for others that have found success. It's inspiring to see people doing well. I don't have a jealous bone in my body. While closets like this are often deemed as excessive (especially with so many people struggling with so little), I choose to be optimistic. I'm happy that someone has it easy and enjoys their belongings. Lisa Vanderpump works hard for what she has and seems to be a very charitable person. On top of that, she comes across as unpretentious. She likes nice things but it doesn't define who she is.

My Luxe Living blog posts are about appreciating beauty and inspiring creativity. Its intention does not stem from pure materialism or lust for objects. I hope it comes across in a positive manner. While I love pink, I don't necessarily share Lisa's style. However, it's still motivating to see all of the organization in her closet.

Lisa has such a good sense of humor and an adorable dog in Giggy. If I could be friends with any of the housewives from any of the franchises, Lisa and her pal Brandi would definitely be among my first choices. They share the same naughty sense of humor as me and love for all things feminine and pretty.














Now Playing: "Hold On When You Get Love and Let Go When You Give It" by Stars
*Award for longest song title! Really pretty tune :)

Luxe Living: Office Space + Closet Case

I've been gathering inspiration for a possible office/walk in closet for my spare bedroom. I don't need anything extravagant but I would appreciate something quick and easy that will make me happier, more organized and productive. As of right now, the spare bedroom houses my elliptical machine and some old furniture. I have the tendency to get distracted when I should be writing. If I had a designated work space, I think it would really help me. I'd like to finish my manuscript before my birthday in February and start a screenplay.

For my own mental sanity, the walk in closet also needs to happen. I get attached to certain pieces of clothing, shoes or accessories and completely neglect everything else I own. Having all of my belongings on display from the computer where I work to coats that haven't been worn in years will clear my mind. A clean home environment helps keep everything in balance. I'd like to use the things I have to the best of my ability.

I'd like to simplify everything in my life. I think that might be my new year's resolution that needs to happen before 2013 even arrives. I'm sure that I have the genes that lend itself to hoarding. I have a hard time getting rid of clothes. In my mind, it will come back in style or holds some sort of sentimental value. This emotional attachment to objects needs to stop. Hoarding: Buried Alive is not happening for this girl. I will not be on TLC unless Honey Boo Boo needs to be babysat; I'd totally go for that gig (especially if Glitzy were visiting).















Now Playing: "Road To Nowhere" by Talking Heads

Luxe Living: Kyle Richards' Closet!

Admittedly, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is one of my guiltiest pleasures! I love Kyle Richards' style. She always has on amazing blouses and handbags- two of my wardrobe essentials. I love how she either wears neutral ensembles or has bold, beautiful pieces that work perfectly with her coloring. She also manages to add the right amount of girlie sparkle without looking over the top. Kyle recently did a Bluefly commercial that featured the inside of her closet, which is where I was able to capture these screenshots. I really love the way she displays her bags and jewelry. It's all very organized and feminine. I like how her clothes seem to have "breathing room". It makes it much easier to find things, prevents wrinkles and looks chic. The color scheme is clean and lets the imagination wander. Fabulous!








Now Playing: "With Every Heartbeat" by Kleerup ft. Robyn