Laura Childs's A Dark and Stormy Tea may be boiling over with murder and mayhem. By my favorite parts are her descriptions of Theodosia's charming tea shop and cottage. And of the many word pictures she paints, the most vivid is that of Theodosia's vanity:
"With its desk and drawers and cushioned stool, the vanity took up one wall and was the perfect spot for Theodosia to sit and apply makeup or brush her hair. Scattered atop the vanity were Theodosia's collectibles -- perfume bottles by Chanel and Dior, leather-covered journal, ceramic box decorated with jaguars that held her good pearl earrings, a large white bowl with scalloped edges that corralled her bracelets, cuffs, and a strand of pearls and a Jo Malone candle." (79)
I love hearing about "collectibles," especially those of a beauty bent. They're full of feminine fun, aren't they? So here are some pics from my own vanity. Or, rather, the nightstands in my closet.
Princess toys and novelty tissues may not be Chanel. But they are my happy place.
