8.26.2009

Vanity Fair

I was one of those little girls who couldn’t pass the colorful plastic Playskool vanities in the store without sitting down at one and imagining myself a movie star complete with bright pink feathered boa slung about my neck, rhinestone-encrusted sunglasses sitting upon the slope of my nose, and my mother’s treasured red lipstick in its golden tube wrapped in my pudgy fingers. I never did receive one – no matter how many Christmases it topped my wish list. But perhaps it was for the best. After all, I would have outgrown it. As far as I know, there will be no more growing on my part; thus, now seems as good a time as any to invest in one. Ooh kittens, I’m well-aware of the fact that it’s the twenty-first century, and the au naturel look is one to embrace. But sometimes we must work to achieve such a style; and there’s no place better to strive for natural, cosmetic perfection than at a vanity fit for a queen!

Powell Furniture “Hills of Provence 32” Antique White” I’ve always quite admired Marie Antoinette for her cunning prowess, palatial wardrobe, and sinister wit. Of all the royals of past, she is one who has always stood out vibrantly in my mind – as did her ostentatious palace and furniture. What better way then, to show respect to France’s dearly departed Queen than by embracing her style via the Hills of Provence 32” Antique White, an enchanting vanity that quite clearly drips the elegance only found within the confines of the Mediterranean French Countryside. The rustic antique white finish with minor hints of mocha and coffee hues is only made more captivating via the perfectly sized mirror flanked by carvings of acanthus leaves and gathered wheat; while the bench, upholstered in a shimmery patterned material is, simply put, fit for a Queen.

Home Decorators Collection “Queen Anne Vanity Set” While the other little girls were off drawing pictures of cats and houses with curlicue wisps of smoke pouring out of their chimneys with colored sidewalk chalk, I was armed with a notebook, binoculars, and an assortment of other spy paraphernalia. When my classmates were off playing soccer in the unkempt grassy schoolyard, I was sitting in a corner gazing adoringly at the collection of baubles hanging haphazardly from my pre-teen form. It’s true, from a very young age I have loved two things: mysteries and jewelry; which explains why I love the Queen Anne Vanity Set, for a secret side compartment mysteriously opens to reveal a special place to hide your most treasured pretties. But that is not all I love about it, to be sure. There’s the color – a rich mahogany; there’s the size – small enough to fit here, there, or anywhere without being too miniscule for use; there’s the floral upholstered bench – a whimsical print that keeps you surrounded by the loveliness of spring year-round. Oui, I simply adore it!

Windward Furniture “Burns Vanity Set in Glossy Silver” Sleek style is hard to come by; so when you find it, by all means, scoop it up! Or at least swoon over it, the way I’m swooning over the Burns Vanity Set in Glossy Silver. Minimalist and compact, the Burns Vanity Set in Glossy Silver has a very futuristic, out of this world ambiance to it, partly attributed to the metal construction and silver finish as opposed to the typical wood formations most often found in the world of vanities. A doubled countertop provides a drawer-like storage space perfect for keeping your treasures safe, while making it a breeze to sneak peeks at them through the see-through glass surface. The saying is true…good things do come in small packages!

Ballard Designs “Darby Vanity” Why on earth should a girl settle for a single mirror, when she can feast her eyes on a triple shot of her very own beauty with the tri-fold hinged-wing mirror found on the Darby Vanity. Delicate and graceful, the Darby Vanity is a specimen of the finest Victorian sassiness with a modern touch courtesy of the dark as night hue dancing atop the handsomely carved alder and birch. I suppose I should divulge one of the reasons why I’ve fallen into such a hypnotic trance for the Darby Vanity. It has quite a bit to do with the midnight shade. I find it impossible not to keep thoughts of setting this precocious piece up upon a black and white checkered floor, and stringing silver chains all over the side mirrors to enhance its glamour. For you see, the Darby Vanity is not merely a vanity, it’s a piece of modern art – and I’m ready to make it my canvas.

Lea Industries “Emma’s Treasures II Bedroom Vanity with Mirror” A vanity is only as good as the amount of storage space it possesses. Emma’s Treasures II Bedroom Vanity with Mirror…well, to be honest, it sports more storage space than my dresser! Old-fashioned and dainty, the vintage white-color finish truly comes alive when seen in correspondence to the provincial pewter-colored hardware serving as handles for each of the nine drawers, a sophisticated addition making it a one-of-a-kind luxury of lavish proportions. The true piece de resistance, of course, stems in the form of an antique-inspired oval mirror offset with carvings of a very Blair Waldorf-esque bow resting on a bed of demure flowers; in addition to my personal favorite…a skeleton key matching the previously mentioned hardware – a final touch that invokes thoughts of scandalous love letters locked away from the prying eyes of nosy parents.

Are you ready to join the vanity fair?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Bedroom Furniture, Home Decorators, Student Market, Ballard Designs, and Simply Vanities for the pictures.


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31 comments

Keith said...

Those are beautiful. I remember my grandmother always had this amazing vanity in her bedroom. I hope you're having a great week so far. Take care. Cheers!

Couture Carrie said...

I am SO ready to join the vanity fair, darling! Fabulous choices ~ I especially love the metal minimalist one...

xoxox,
CC

P.S. I am a late night shopper too ~ I figure as long as I don't regret any of my purchys, I'm okay (hello, rationalization!)...

Dina's Days said...

Great post!! My dad used to buy us these all the time (because he was an avid thrift store shopper)and then he would paint to make them look decent. They is something so princess-ish about them!

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

I most certainly do want to join! My dream is to have a vanity in my home when I grow up (haha, I am an adult now, but you know what I mean!). These are lovely. I esp love the last one...

Polished Sense said...

Vanity Fair! Love this Erika :P I think my favorite is the first one! And I am so ready to join!

♡,
Jessica

sherin said...

I love these. I've always wanted a big one that I could put all my make up and jewellery in. And of course, I'd love one with lights around it.
I love the Emma’s Treasures one. Its so beautiful.

The Blonde Duck said...

I'm all about that leopard print chair and a pink vanity to go with it. Loud and proud!

ana said...

Hi!I have a very very similar one to the Ballard Designs “Darby Vanity!! It's incredible... And actually I don't have a chair so the animal print is a good idea!

All Women Stalker said...

I like the last one. It has that shabby chic feel. :)

-meream

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

I've always wanted a vanity. I really like these. I'm loving the two white ones. Gorgeous!

dot said...

Oh, goodness, I so have a childhood vanity story I want to tell you! But my husband's calling me to watch someething on TV and just wanted to send you what I replied to on my own blog, to your comment:

'That's so funny because embroidered on the back of her jacket, in big black letters, it said E R I K A !'

Thanks for commenting, more on this tomorrow.

xoxo

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I really love the last one. So elegant. Just wish I had space for one!

Nikolett said...

I really want to jump on the vanity bandwagon, for sure. I do all my make-up at my desk in my bedroom, which only has a tiny mirror -- the ones you chose are gorgeous. I hope to join the vanity fair soon :D

Leila said...

I love my vanity! I found it on Ebay for about $80. Its more simple than the ones you've shown. It has a black frame with a mirror and two glass shelves on the table with a matching stool.

Unknown said...

I jut bought one bcause I'm redesigning my room, I am so excited or it to arrive!
XOXOX
Libby
http://fashionconfectionairy.weebly.com

Sam said...

That last one is divine!! Such a wonderful item to own!

Anonymous said...

I really love the black one from Darby's. It's too bad that all I have right now is a small corner of my desk with my makeup drawer and a mirror. My room is simply not big enough!

Lexy @ QUIRKY EXPLOSION said...

Oh my gosh, I am definitely with you. My best friend, as a kid, had this - what I would have then described as - "beautiful" plastic vanity and jealousy swooped me everytime I saw it. I definitely suffered from the same "wannabe-a-movie-star-syndrome" as you! And I love all the ones posted, they're so elegant and pretty!

Thanks so much for stopping by - your comment was so beautifully written. Seriously, I was reading it and I was like, "how does she write so well?!?!" Thanks!
girlwiththebowtie.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Oh yes! I have been searching high and low for a darn vanity for my room. But they are all like $400! The furniture business must have forgotten about the recession!

Sang said...

o jeez. i'll go with Darby Vanity.
looks quite elegant.
i always enjoy reading your posts bc they have so many choices and pictures. i love picking favorites! haha
:]
thanx for your flaaattering:)comment, btw!

DAKOTA RICO said...

Thanks so much for that beautiful comment, you made my day!!!

p.s LOVing the chairs

Amelia said...

Ooh, I always wanted a vanity as a little girl, too. All the furniture in my room is way to practical. I must fix this.

www.janetteria.com said...

I am ready to join the vanity fair, but my bedroom is not. :-( so little...

XoXo

Arushi Khosla said...

Fab post, darling!
I am coveting-
Powell Furniture “Hills of Provence 32” Antique White”,
Ballard Designs “Darby Vanity”
annnd
Lea Industries “Emma’s Treasures II Bedroom Vanity with Mirror”.

I've always wanted one of these too! Look so quaint, elegant and Marie Antoinette-eqsue, non?

XO

Mom Fashion World said...

this is what i need.
i absolutely love the powell !

miriam said...

beautiful, erica!

i've alredy joined the vanity fair. i have a set in teak from the early 50s. love!

Make Do Style said...

I would go for one! They are lovely but I've no room. I'll get a new house first!

Neira said...

i am utterly and completely obsessed with vanities!! i want so many! they are so classy and feminine

Little Bow Prep said...

Pretty!

monica said...

these vanities are GORGEOUS!

vanities are always so glamourous

Patio Furniture Covers said...

I really love the white vanity. Its so victorian and elegant! love!

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