Baubles for the Birds: Beaks and Geeks

 Toucan Samantha Necklace

Chevron top: XOXO, Macy's

Striped tee: Merona, Target

Skirt: Bubblegum, Macy's

Bag: Betsey Johnson, Macy's

Shoes: Worthington, JCPenney

Belt: Belt is Cool, Amazon

 Fiery Feather Barrettes

 Bright Bird Necklaces

Top: a new day, Target
Skirt: LC Lauren Conrad, Kohl's
Shoes: a.n.a., JCPenney
Bag: Betsey Johnson, Macy's
Belt: Marshalls
Sunglasses: JCPenney

Back in the day, a geek was someone who bit the heads off of chickens.  Now it's just someone who is an outcast for less horrendous yet still socially unacceptable reasons, such as speaking Klingon or wearing high-water jeans or being on a reality show spawned by Ashton Kutcher.  In other words, a geek is still someone who hovers beyond the periphery of what's considered normal.

But more often than not, normal is for the birds.  And birds of a feather frock together -- which is why Mr. Owl, Mr. Swallow, Ms. Toucan, and the feathers that let them all fly have come to roost at The Tote Trove.  No doubt about it -- avians are amazing, paradoxically delicate and strong despite their feather-light bones.  It's one of the reasons I love them (well, that and their traffic-stopping plumage).  So here are some birds from my nest -- flamingos, to be exact, which are unlike any of the winged ones pictured here.  But then that's Pinky, the perennial plucky gatecrasher.

I got this wall art from Hobby Lobby, the home of endlessly whimsical home decor and craft supplies.  It's where I found Ms. Toucan, too.  But not, sadly, her two clearanced sisters, who were snapped up faster than a cheeseburger at a tofu buffet.  I guess it's like they say: the early bird gets the worm.  Also, the geeks will get their revenge.  No, wait, that's the nerds -- the non-chicken abusers among the uncool.

You're welcome, ASPCA.