When I was little, in the heyday of catalogs and magazines, I played a game with my sisters, intuitively named, I Call It.
The rules for I Call It were simple. One person would choose a magazine or catalog and turn the pages. Once a page was opened, every item on the page was fair game for the taking. In order to win the item, you had to slap your hand on the page, covering your desired item while yelling, “I call it!”
Fairy costume. I call it!
Silk nightgown. I call it!
Hot pink mini skirt. I call it!
Once an item was called, it belonged to the victor forever, and no one else could ever have it. Ruthless bragging rights were part of the appeal of I Call It, and we would gloat in our “winnings” for days. Playing I Call It was an easy pastime, and we gathered often around a glossy catalog, eager and eagle-eyed, ready to win it all.
Favorites are fun. I still enjoy perusing a catalog or browsing a webpage or scanning a store and mentally engaging in a solo round of I Call It.
Blush cashmere sweater. I call it!
Ratan lampshade. I call it.
Black gingham pumps. I call it!
These days I am less likely to slap my hand on the first cute thing I see and instead make more purposeful choices. I want items not only to wow my eye, but to also meet or exceed a set of values that has matured as I have aged. The fun of choosing what I like is still there, but the process is less ruthless.
Does it fit well? I call it.
Is it worth the investment? I call it.
Does it make me smile? I call it.
I Call It now exhibits a bit of maturity as well as wisdom. It is also the inspiration behind a new corner of my website that I am very excited to share with you.
For a long time I have wanted to create a place where you could find all of my favorite things in one place. This week that dream became a reality! The Shop Page currently has three categories (Closet, Kitchen, Home), with more on the way, and it will continue to grow weekly.
My vision for the Shop Page is for you to be able to quickly find items I have recommended or reviewed. No more scrolling through instagram or trying to remember a brand name. If I like or mention an item anywhere, the Shop Page is where you can find it.
In some ways, the Shop Page is a grown-up version of I Call It, no slapping required. Let me know what you think!
