Buy the Batmobile or the Fashion Accessories?

By Heather

We attended the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction Saturday night ostensibly to look at classic cars and to watch the serious collectors bid for them. If you've ever been to this type of function, you know that there are also rows of vendor booths selling everything from jewelry to jet planes. Because I wanted to enjoy a little shopping, Tom and I split up for an hour so I could meander slowly through the maze. I stumbled upon a booth selling exquisite handmade Italian leather purses, belts, and bracelets by designer and craftsman, Roberto Mantellassi. It had been a slow day for the salesgirls and they were eager to help me find the right item. My attention was first captivated by a black eel skin bracelet with a unique silver clasp. It fit as if it was made specifically for my wrist. But then my gaze fell on a narrow mustard-colored leather and Swarovski crystal bracelet sitting in front of a beautiful belt in the same color.

I had been thinking just the other day that I needed a mustard belt with a silver buckle (I have one with a gold buckle but I don't love mixing metals) and here it was. I couldn't make up my mind between the black bracelet and the mustard items, so the girls made it easy for me -- if I bought both bracelets and the belt, they could offer them at a reduced price. In the next room over, the original Batmobile was selling for $4.2 million while I was negotiating a lower price for my modest purchases. I love it when I find something unexpected and at a good price!  I wonder if the new owner of the Batmobile feels the same way?

The Batmobile

The mustard pieces will be big players in my spring wardrobe (I'm liking navy with pops of yellow for the warmer weather) but I want to wear them now as well. Here is what I put together for today:

The mustard and brown print scarf is from Francesca's Collections; the yellow crystal ring is from the Swarovksi Store in Scottsdale; and the tortoise shell Michael Kors watch is from Nordstom. These pieces along with chocolate brown pants and boots topped with a long medium brown cardigan from Target gives me a comfortable Phoenix winter outfit. The purse is a color-blocked tan, mustard, and navy Coach shoulder bag and the sunglasses are by Kate Spade. Looking at the above picture, I think I'd like the outfit a little better if the seatbelt shoulder strap wrinkles were ironed out of the scarf!

The Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction is over now, but the Arabian Horse Show is coming up and the vendor booths will be even more fun. See you there!

Love,
Heather