Lady Bug's Souvenir Fashion and Decor Tips

Motto for spending money on vacation souvenirs: “I may not pass this way again…”

Philosophy for purchasing items while on tour –one of a kind designs unlikely to appear within a 4-state radius.

                 I do wish Mother would have let me buy a “lady bug” dress.  Remember those? Everybody had one. Sometimes, 3 or 4 girls happened to wear them on the same day, perhaps by agreement. No one minded. The madras bodice with Peter-pan collar sporting the little ladybug was a must-have.  That was then. While imitation is a form of flattery, no ladybug wants to be in a duplicate outfit at the same grocery store.
                Big retailers such as Dillard’s and Macy’s carry cute outfits – but the same design in a range of sizes from 2P to 24WXL.  If you choose to splurge on a “way cute” pair of palazzo pants for your newly sculpted size 8, what could be worse than to see the same pair standing in line at the movie theatre, but in size 80XLT?  Thus, when thinking about articles of clothing as souvenirs of your trip, consider one-of-a-kind designs from that locale, something highly unlikely to appear at your neighborhood Starbucks.
                   Home décor souvenir items, such as screaming “Chevy Chase’s Vacation” tablecloths, are not used in today’s modern schemes.  Subtle in scheme, colorful, light-weight throw blankets that are useful. Look for colors and designs that blend with your living area décor or those that would accent  a guest room bed.  It would be impractical to bring home a mounted Moose head for your den, unless you actually shot it….Nah, not a good idea, regardless of circumstance.
                     Magnets, once the rage in my circle, took over my refrigerator front and both sides. My office magnetic bulletin board was covered with the cutest representations of exotic locations such as Lamberts, Home of the Throwed Roll. I may buy an especially iconic representation magnet, but one that’s small and “tasteful” like a Wyoming cowboy on a bucking steed.
                      Another temptation awaits inside the gift shop at Cracker Barrel, oft frequented by folks on the road. You could buy your wardrobe there...but wouldn't. State by State logo-designs in seasonal colors, holiday profusion, state sports team outfits…you name it. Several of our crew bought ponchos while in Nebraska. Once on the bus, they realized they could exchange them in Jonesboro, AR!!!