my digits are pecking vigorously to say something here, equivalent to the flutter of my heart that i felt as i stepped into this beautiful shop(pe) in downtown Montclair while waiting for my dear-dear lunch date.
i purposely drove down to montclair a good hour before our lunch date at Toast, knowing that this unique stationary store had the potential to steal away my whole afternoon. while I have been wishing to transport myself to my mother's homeland to gather up some 'local' goods, i've been desperate to find a offbeat-once-upon-a-time stationary shop that would not only inspire me, but help me 'supplement' some of the grand ideas i have for what (in my opinion) is the most important detail of all the wedding plans. [forgive me fiance, but you already knew it was my weakness!]
upon the typical google search, i find that the proprietor of Parcel was a former fashion editor for the same Real Simple magazine that peeks out of my bag on a monthly basis. and after finding a vacant spot on the Bloomfield Ave strip while she stopped to have a few children, it reminds me of the wonderful artists that i've met along this wedding journey {i promise to disclose more details later!}
departing note... while growing up in a small NJ town with a decent main strip, my love and appreciation for paper beauty grew out of my observation of the 'official' gift wrapping department at The Florence Shop {unfortunately, there is no equivalent to date of this local department store treasure.}
The Florence Shop - a staple to the strip.
so i'll stop talking, and let you enjoy more of what this magical afternoon hour was like for me.
all this pretty, but not too blinggy...if you know me, you'll know how easily i forget the daily inspirations that mark my every step. a ms. soon to be mrs., i can't wait to make this happy day the prettiest ever.