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Home » Handling Temptation

Handling Temptation

February 4, 201
 
Saturday, one of my friends too me to the most AMAZING store… It’s completely unassuming name is Juju’s Vintage Resale Shop, and it’s in a strip mall in Chicago, but very near Niles, Illinois. You could drive past it every day for a decade and never imagine the amazing wonders to be found inside…
 
This is just one of dozens of displays. It’s almost all vintage costume jewelry, it’s gorgeous, and the abundance makes your head spin!
 
 
 
 
Maybe an entire ETAGERE of black and white holds some appeal?
 
 
It was pretty clear that we were going to be in this store for at LEAST an hour, just admiring all of the amazing items, and the creative and appealing ways that the owners, Suzanne and Jules, had displayed the riches. And it was also abundantly clear that I would buy something. (I had set a firm spending limit for myself BEFORE I ever got on the train that morning – that’s a really important first step.)
 
Initially, I was overwhelmed and began to lose my personal style bearings!
 
Deep breath.
 
Close my eyes. Envision my closet, my favorite clothes, my favorite outfits, and the jewelry that I already own that I love and wear the most.
 
Dig deep into my memory for the personal style mantra “La Valise de la Garconne” (The Tomboy’s Suitcase)…
 
Remember the values of Timeless, Elegant, Classic.
 
And start looking in 3 specific categories:
 
1. Bangle bracelets to wear with my sleeveless summer clothes.
 
 
2. A pretty necklace that will flatter my simple dresses. and
 
3. Something with pearls!
 
 
I came in under budget, and I’m delighted with my purchases. And I got to spend time with a new, but very special, friend!
 
Losing your compass for a second or two is okay. Wallowing in all sorts of fantasy is perfectly fine. But before your wallet comes out, make sure that you’re shopping for your real, core, personal style. Dreams are great; reality is permanent.
 
Juju’s Vintage
7214 N. Harlem Avenue
Chicago, IL  60631
(just north of Touhy Avenue)
https://www.jujusvintage.com/
 
love,
Janice
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02.04.15 15 Comments

Tags: economy, jewelry, shopping
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Comments

  1. Cornelia says

    February 4, 2015 at 12:01 pm

    I never set myself a strict budget in these circumstances, but I am pretty good of staying within my perimeters. Always have been that way. But I do follow my heart when it comes to purchasing that special something. I like your purchases.

    Reply
  2. Beckie says

    February 4, 2015 at 12:46 pm

    Oh My! There's a pin in that first photo I would adore to come across somewhere in my own travels.

    You made lovely choices.

    Reply
  3. Anonymous says

    February 4, 2015 at 1:06 pm

    I love 'La Valise de la Garconne' as a mantra – where did it come from?
    Alice

    Reply
    • Janice Riggs says

      February 4, 2015 at 1:29 pm

      From my fluffy little head! I dress in somewhat menswear inspired clothes, and I always try to remind myself that if I have a suitcase full of clothes and accessories, I have enough.
      thanks for asking,
      Janice

      Reply
    • Anonymous says

      February 4, 2015 at 6:39 pm

      Excellent, I'm a tomboy too, so may just borrow it for moments when I'm tempted by thing that would be out of character.
      Alice

      Reply
  4. Pam @ over50feeling40 says

    February 4, 2015 at 1:15 pm

    Looks like an amazing place, Janice. I have a friend that would consider this a perfect outing! She moved away and I miss time like this. Looks like so much fun…and I love that little pearl ring.

    Reply
  5. Anonymous says

    February 4, 2015 at 2:40 pm

    Oh my goodness, I had those dotted bracelets back in the 80s! Fun!

    Christine

    Reply
  6. Julie Bower says

    February 4, 2015 at 3:42 pm

    great advice which I shall desperately try to remember instead of "damn the budget…full steam ahead!"

    Reply
  7. Anonymous says

    February 4, 2015 at 4:19 pm

    Unfortunately, I am sometimes in the same mental domain as Julie above. Thank you for this posting, We can enjoy your shopping trip vicariously and learn at the same time.

    Deb from Vancouver

    Reply
  8. Anonymous says

    February 4, 2015 at 6:18 pm

    It is good to have a plan and a concept in place (thank you Janice) when entering such a tempting place. Mary

    Reply
  9. jmt says

    February 4, 2015 at 7:26 pm

    Although I am not a huge jewelry person, I live not 20 minutes from this shop so I'll be dropping in to seek a little something special. And I have two friends who will love this!

    Reply
  10. Jennifer Connolly says

    February 4, 2015 at 9:20 pm

    What an amazing place! I would have loved it. It's soooo easy to loose track of who we really are and how we dress in a candy store like that. I'm sure I would have bought for several of my multiple personalities:)

    Reply
  11. Deborah Montgomery says

    February 4, 2015 at 9:32 pm

    Very good advice, especially with all those tempting goodies. You did well. I'll have to think of a catchy style mantra — I like that idea!

    Reply
  12. Duchesse says

    February 4, 2015 at 10:06 pm

    I actually have dreams about such places! Fascinating trove and superb choices. I have no plan in such (rare) places; have had to walk away and have a coffee or lunch to get a grip.

    Reply
    • Jazz says

      February 5, 2015 at 9:49 am

      Walking away to have a coffee or lunch and get some emotional distance is a very good strategy/ plan in such circumstances :)

      Reply

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The Vivienne Files is a unique personal style blog with carefully-selected capsule wardrobes based on color palettes drawn from works of art, nature, and more. It helps women buy less clothing, and to love what they buy. Read more...
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