Hey Dolls…
Memories can be triggered by so many things. A commercial, a song, a smell…when you least expect it, can take you back…
I love CVS/Walgreens, any drugstore works. Being a total product whore, I can get lost inside for hours. Even walking around NYC when I travel for work, I always wander into the corner Duane Reed and end up with some random lipgloss and a magazine to take back to my hotel with me. (And maybe some peanut m&ms.)
Yesterday, I spent some time with my Mom. I have one of the coolest mothers ever, she’s really my best friend and probably my favorite shopping buddy. I was on the hunt for yet another pair of leggings, maxi dresses, sunglasses, cheap and cheerful stuff for summer. Somehow, shockingly, we stopped into CVS on the way back…because I NEEDED something. As I wandered down the cosmetics aisle, not looking for anything particular, I found this…and I thought my Mom and I were going to completely loose it in CVS.
Coty Airspun Loose Powder. Ay yi yi…
I’ve mentioned my grandmother-Nana-in many of my previous posts. To say that she is my favorite person that I’ve ever known sounds so trivial. Today I told my Mom, “We share a soul.” And she just nodded…because we do. I am exactly like her in so many ways, it’s creepy. My sister and I spent a lot of time with my Nana and Papa growing up-being the daughters of a jet setter Mom, we spent many summers at their house, in the pool, being spoiled, eating the best home cooking ever and watching lots of MASH and Murder, She Wrote. (Hence…Gabby, She Wrote). Nana and Papa were among the very few constants in our life.
My love for fashion and all things lovely stems from my Nana. Everyday we would beg her to sketch for us…I can only hope that some of her sketches will be found one day. She would sketch the most beautiful women wearing gorgeous gowns, paying attention to every detail. It was mesmerizing, and she would do it over and over for us.
Nana had TWO walk-in closets filled with the most fabulous clothes for a ten year old budding fashionista to play dress up in. Some I couldn’t even reach, it was so big. And the jewelry and the shoes…hours were spent in there, and the coolest thing about Nana…she didn’t care what I wore, she’d let me flounce around in a fur coat, dripping in crazy jewelry all day, all her fabulous clothes thrown everywhere.
Nana also had the bathroom dreams are made of. She had a vanity where her perfumes and creams, and powders were meticulously laid out…I was, again, a kid in a candy store. Nana always had Coty loose powder and I would get that stuff everywhere. EVERYWHERE. (Luckily my make-up skills improved, or else all my future clients would have looked like Casper the friendly ghost). At the time, I believe Coty was high-end and sold at now closed dept stores like Broadway and Buffums. Remember those? Old school…
Anyway…yesterday. My mom and I stopped dead in our tracks when we saw Coty loose powder at CVS. The old school packaging first grabbed our attention and we were both like no way do they have this here!? and then…when we opened it…the smell. It smelled like Nana. It was like every childhood memory came rushing back to me. My Mom said it reminded her of her grandmother. We both got teary, and started smelling it like two crazies 
This is Nana when she was I believe, around my age.
This is Nana when she was I believe, around my age.
My Nana was gone long before she passed away. Seeing someone I love more than life deteriorate over a period of ten years is one of the most horrible experiences I have ever had. I just, we all just wanted her back, but she was lost inside herself. Nana kept trying to sketch for me, her hand shaking, until she just couldn’t do it anymore.
Because I was so young during the good years while she was so healthy and vibrant, it’s hard for me not to look back and automatically remember the hard years. The last time I saw her, everyone left the room and I held her hand and said my goodbyes. I like to believe, have to believe, that she knew I was there, that she could hear me tell her how much I love her.
Yesterday I left CVS with Vanity Fair Magazine, some gum…and Coty Airspun Loose Powder. I will never use it, but in a way seeing it in MY bathroom next to MY perfumes and makeup, makes me feel that much closer to Nana. Like maybe I have a bit of her back, and if I catch a whiff of the stuff (it’s strong)…I’ll be reminded of the happy years. I miss Nana, but our family celebrates her, and she would be very upset if I was writing a bummer post about her, so while writing this does make me cry, this post is in no way depressing. Nana is why I love fashion, why I do what I do, why I am who I am.
So on another note, kinda, while I was looking for this picture of Nana, I found a picture of Gabby, She Wrote and I, circa maybe 1987? Things haven’t changed a bit! I’m still a terror, and she’s still sweet as pie. (Allegedly)
And now I have the same bangs! Talk about full circle…
Have a lovely weekend dolls! XOXO, Liz
Have a lovely weekend dolls! XOXO, Liz
{ 73 comments }
Aw sorry to hear about your grandmother. Your grandmother was beautiful! Have a lovely weekend
Coty Powder! I love it! What a sweet memory of your Nana. I'm sure she'd be very proud of her lovely granddaughter.
You look adorable in the bang pic BTW.
Ok, this just shows, exactly, how incredible you are. You took a beautiful story which could have been so sad (yes it brought tears to my eyes), but you made it inspirational. Your Nana was a beautiful lady, who clearly taught you perfection. I, too, hope her sketches are found one day, and I do believe she heard you on that very last goodbye. But, I do not believe you will ever be apart from her. She is always with you. You carry on her beauty, her knowledge, and her giving ways. You let us play in your fashion closet, while meticulously laying out blog posts for us to read. Someday, your grand children will write about their Nana, exactly what you did about yours- with the exact same grace.
<3
IMEM
So sorry! I am back..again. I got lost in your words about your Nana. YOU are soooo beautiful! Yes, your bangs are amazing, but you make them amazing. You're totally flawless.
What a beautiful post. It's nice you found something to remind you of your grandmother though,.. I can't believe Coty is still sold in the original packaging… I haven't seen that brand around for years! My grandmother died slightly less than a year ago (this month) and sometimes I still can't believe she's gone. I'm only thankful she didn't suffer and didn't have to die slowly. I'm really sorry for your loss, but as long as she lives in your memories, that's all that matters
It sounds like you had an amazing Nana, I'm so sorry she's gone.
Has anyone ever told you that you look like Liv Tyler? Your new bangs make you look even more like her. Beautiful!
Aww my Momma always had Coty Loose Powder in with her makeup and seeing that box brought me back to being a little girl! Lovely post your Nana sounded like one awesome woman!!
what a sweet post…it sounds like you come from a line of beautiful, talented woman. that's something to be PROUD of!
Great post, I'm close with my mom as well. Wonderful mothers rock!! I believe my mommy had that power.
Cute picture, I think every little girl had bangs! My family was so happy when I got them, they said I looked like a little girl again. Your hair looks wonderful, Love!
Yah!! Lakers baby, on to game 2!
Aww this post made me teary. I share a crazy bond with my grandma too and it makes me want to go and appreciate her more right now! Thanks for sharing
And so you're a lakers fan?! Yesssss me too!
And I hope you can join my giveaway+spread the word for an Elizabeth & James tee =)
xoxo
Erika
such a lovely tribute to your Nana…I'm sure that she would be very proud of you…what a stunner she was!!
and the bangs….I love!!!! you look hot! the online dudes are going to be flocking I tell ya! xoxoxoxoxox
You are amazing. What a post! I had goosebumps the entire time I read it! And I remember that powder too!!! Now I'm going to go try to find some just to smell it!
Also, that pic of you and Gabs is totally AWESOME! You girls rule!
Happy Friday!!
XOXO
This is such a beautiful post!! Your grandma would be so proud of what a fantastic grand daughter she has! Is it ok if I ask what your grandmother had? I am about to know what it feels like to have a grandparent "gone" long before they pass away. My grandpa (who is the strongest, youngest "old" man I have every seen) now has Alzheimer's. I hear all the insane and sad stories from mum but have yet to actually witness it in person (my grandma said I will get a shock when I come home. When I left aus he was so strong and healthy and he has so quickly deteriorated!! So sad.) It is so important to remember the happy and wonderful times that you share with loved ones. And I love that now you have a daily reminder of your wonderful grandma and can literally smell her presence.
"We share a soul" – i love this!!
Also darling, you look so divine in your bangs!! Welcome back to the bang club :p xxxxx
Oh sweets. I'm so sorry but what a lovely tribute. My Nana was also one of my favorite people. She wore pearls and gloves practically every day and was the epitome of glamour. Thank you for the sweet memory! Oh and your bangs are bangin'!
ohhhh! you write so well, and you make me wish that i knew your nana. and i totally remember that coty powder and their ad campaign!
and i love your bangs you sexy thang!
hope you have a great weekend!!!!
LOVE your bangs ..that powder was ALWAYS in my mom's drawer but I don't think she ever used it …I think my NANA gave it to her …so funny. Love your bangs!!!
you and gabby are ADORABLE …and oh, I'm not sure if I said this yet but I LOVE YOUR BANGS …ahahha.
GREAT bangs! love!
Such a beautiful post
It's wonderful to see that you are so close to your family, it is definitely something that rings true with me. I know what you mean about buying it just to keep. I have an empty Malboro box in my black box, not because I would ever smoke, but because when I see the logo, it automatically makes me think of my grandfather.
Your Nana sounds like she was an amazing woman, and that photograph of her is so beautiful
How lovely that you and your mother are so close too.
Hi! I found your blog off of Iva's. That story was amazing!! The bond between a gradmother and graddaughter is so uniqe and special. I am like that with my gram and she is at the point right now where she is slowly dying. So needless to say your amazing words really hit home. I am so glad that I found your blog…you are an inspiration and encouragement to everyone! I will be back often!
I look like a Muppet.
That's really the only comment I can leave without crying like a lil Muppet.
love the bangs!
isnt it just amazing how a smell and immediately transport you back 10 years. Your nana sounded like a wonderful lady and I do hope you can find some of her sketches! oh and that closet sounds heavenly!
little memories like that are the best!
have a great weekend!
Thanks for stopping by my blog
I absolutely loved this about your Nana… My grandmother used that same powder too. I still have one of her old ones in my bathroom in a cabinet. She doesn't use powder anymore but for some reason this got left at my house.
okay so um…now that i am totally bawling at my desk…thank you for that!! what a beautiful post about your nana and i think you described her just as she probably was…a gorgeous, kind hearted, PATIENT nana…i couldn't help but wonder though if you were able to hold on to any of those fabulous sounding belongings from her closets…i sure hope so…what a treasure that would be…
What a sweet/great/amazing story! That brand reminds me of my grandma, too. She still has some sitting in her bathroom. You can get it at the Walgreens here!
hey beautiful! that was a lovely post to read. your grandmother sounds gorgeous. and i'm sure she's so proud of you now. of what you've become.
it's amazing how small things can make such a difference.
have a great weekend mwa
xxx
joelyne
sydneygirl
Oh hon, you just broke my heart.
In the best, best way.
xoxo
Bangs are the shiz!!
Ur grandma is soooo pretty!! and I love the loose powder! I have an emotional attraction to that very same powder cuz my grandma used it and so does my mom! The smell brings me back!
I love to go to 24 hour walmarts really late at night–once I was there at like 2am before Thanksgiving and the stocking guys were bowling down an aisle with frozen turkeys! It was hilarious!
Your bangs look really pretty! I love that you are close to your mom, I am close to mine as well. She is definitely my best friend and my fondest memories are going out shopping with her and finding new and fun items to buy and explore. Aww, so sorry about your Nana. She must have been a special lady and I am glad that you can reflect on her with such love in your heart. Have a wonderful weekend darlin!
the same with my grandmother and clinique body powder. it was in this shell shaped container. my mom gets the same powder in the same shell shaped containter.
love the post, love!
Oh Lizzy, you are so so wonderful. I adore you, little cupcake!!
Beautiful post.
Awww that is such a cute story! That must be some nice powder =) I so know what you mean about scent being soo familiar though!
Woah… I TOO had a BELOVED Nana (and Papa, imagine that) who passed too soon. I lost her to pulmonary hypertension during the first month of my freshman year of college… and the hardest day of my life was when I received a letter in the mail from her the DAY AFTER she passed away. Still kills me!
lovely!
look at you! how cute is this blog
my grandma had the exact same powder and i know exactly what you mean about smells. so many times different scents trigger memories and sometimes i cant even remember where they are from. but thank you for your sweet comment and i'm totally jealous of your bangs 
i only wish i could pull them off too!
Hello cupcake! I just said hi to your sis and now the note comes your direction. Just wanted to introduce myself and let you know I'll be making your acquaintance at Dionne's little luncheon!
OMG…my grandmother STILL uses that Coty powder! I love when a scent brings back a good memory.
hey thanks for your comment! I got it at Wet Seal believe it or not haha, impulse trip inside led to a fab impulse buy
but omgosh I love your blog and this post was beautiful! I even got a bit teary eyed but it's so good to know you had someone so special & influential in your life
This is a great post. I love Duane Read…I get lost in it too. Nana sounds like an amazing woman and I wish we could see her beautiful walk in closets!
I love this post. i love the story behind this and you look fab in your bangs. it's amazing how the simple things remind us of family
hey there! thanks dropping by and commenting on my blog (: btw I love your hair! for some reason by bangs aren't as full as yours..i wish they were though! have a great weekend x
This is such a sweet and lovely post and I feel so related to somethings you say… since I've my mother with Alzheimer's.
You're grandmother IS a beautiful lady, and I'm sure that deep inside she knows who you are!!!!
And I love bangs, if you see my pictures I'm always with them
Have a gorgeous weekend gorgeous you.
xoxo
You're wonderful, doll! And, this post take breath away…
FM~FP~AF
lovely story…i'm looking for the perfect piece of jewellery at the moment that will remind me of my granny…x
The new 'do looks amazing, darling! You are a hottie!
And I love the photo and recollections of your Nana! Such a sweet tribute
xoxox,
CC
I know EXACTLY what you mean… I feel like smell is the most nostalgic of senses. I've held on to remnants of my grandmothers perfumes and lipsticks because the smell can instantly transport me to such a lovely place.
Your new hair is so gorgeous!
you're so lucky to have gotten to know your grandmother, she sounds like an absolutely amazing woman
I absolutely loved reading this post. Your memories of your nana are written beautifully – she sounds like an absolutely incredible woman. It's crazy how a smell can trigger so many memories. I grew up watching Murder She Wrote too
Whenever I see reruns on tv, it brings back so many memories of MY nana and poppy!
And, you were too adorable, and your bangs are FIERCE, my dear.
Enjoy your weekend! Can't wait to hear what you're up to.
You write so honestly and with such a positive voice, I love it.
Love the bangs, I recently got some also. Your Nana was so gorgeous. She reminds me of Lana Turner or Joan Crawford. I love that picture of her.
Nice little post you got here.
I love this post. Sounds like your nana had some serious styliciousness (TWO closets!!!!) going on with her
My Grandmother also used Coty loose powder . . . amazing how something so simple can bring back amazing memories! 
P.S LOVE, LOVE the bangs
Bonjour !
first time i come across your blog, so im gonan visit it now
well if you wanna be inspired by my collage or just dream, come and visit my blog
a bientot!
Boubouteatime xx
this post made me tear up a bit. sounds like your grandma was an amazing, fashionable and talented woman. my grandma is gone too, has been for awhile. since I was 10. she was an artist and used to sketch for me too. my favorite memories of her involve a lot of food though, too: Cup of Noodles, pitchers of lemonade, spaghetti dinners, Andes mints hid up high in the pantry… She also would let me borrow her old lady smelling lotion, which I loved, and her Jean Nate. after she died I remember have a bottle of Jean Nate in my armoire and slathering myself in it when I wanted to remember her. grandmas are the best and I definitely miss my grandmama. I tell anyone who still has their grandparents around to cherish them because mine were taken from me before I was old enough to realize what a treasure they are…
p.s. I can also get lost in CVS, and I have seen that Coty powder packaging before and thought it was beautiful!
Awe, what a beautiful story. Your Nana sounds like she was such a cool person! It's always nice to have memories as great as yours.
Love the bangs!
I'm the same way: I always need some coffee in the morning to think
I miss my nana! Such a lovely & endearing post xoxo
Reminds me of my wonderful memories with my grandma..so sweet ;->
Nana looks beautiful!! I just think online dating is a little sketchy…
Awwwww girl – you made me teary eyed again! Your Nana is so pretty! I actually see you in that picture! I now have the urge to talk to my lola who is thousands of miles away =(
More pictures of you please with the new fab haircut! I hope you are enjoying your weekend gorgeous!
hey hun, it's so true it's crazy how things like like a song or a certain smell can take you back to memory lane ..
& i am just like you i always end up wondering off into cvs & coming out with peanut M&M's aren't they addicting?!
it's awsome that you work in the city; i will be down there alot in the next few weeks, since my cousin is coming up i want to take her to nice places i plan to take her to central park & times squares.. can you recommend a place :]
great post xoxoxox
hey dear, wow 58 comments! if you get this i tagged you on my blog for an award! enjoy your weekend!
this is a very nice post and your grandmother was so beautiful. that pic of you and gabby is adorable!! Happy weekend
)
<3
IMEM
a very cool look indeed. hope you are finding lots of bargains out there. I love wal-greens.
GAH!!!!!!!!!!!!! 205 FOLLOWERS?!?!? dude. you are soaring to the top….FAST!
What a Great story Beauty Girl !! pic is worthy 1000 words and smell stays indefinitely !!
Isn't it wonderful how certain smells and items can bring back such memories? Your grandmother is beautiful. Great story!
wow, i haven´t checked out your blog for days and you have become a very popular blogger! How´d you do it? Anyway…nice blogspot. (Very long. Haha) And a great hot photo of both your nana and you!
JD-are you calling my Nana HOT? LOL
What a sweet story. And I love your bangs!
haha…same thing with me..I used to have the exact same haristyle when I was little, I rocked the bang and I rock it now…Bangs are da big bang BOMB. lol…they truly are and you rock
'em.
I'm back to say HI! well hello there my friend! <3
Wow…I loved this story. I knew the container immediately—and Im a guy–gay, admittedly—but I remember it from MY nana's dresser, too. I kind of cried a little….
good work, woman. I love things that "take you back."
I just discovered your blog (love it!) and found this old-ish post. Your Nana sounds SO much like my Nanny. It was almost hard to read. My grandma's "Coty Powder" was Giorgio perfume, but all the other details and memories are pretty much exactly the same-the closets, the clothes, the special bond, and unfortunately, the health. Thanks for the memories
The same thing happened to me…I went to CVS and saw the Coty Powder and all I can think of is my grandma..That was the only cosmetic I saw in her dresser….and I missed my grandma so much so I got it,,it's like a keepsake for me…
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