thrifted style, little black dress, sequined kimono, glitter boots, fashion over 40 Shelbee on the Edge

Moontide Arts & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #163

thrifted style, little black dress, sequined kimono, glitter boots, fashion over 40 Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, little black dress, sequined kimono, glitter boots, fashion over 40 Shelbee on the Edge
*This is not a sponsored post.
thrifted style, little black dress, sequined kimono, glitter boots, fashion over 40 Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, little black dress, sequined kimono, glitter boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

There’s an inviting little shop that has been a spiritual fixture in my small town for the past 20 plus years and I only just went inside this past Friday. Now I am kind of kicking myself for not visiting this mystical emporium sooner. In my defense, it had originally been tucked away in the back corner of the Franklin Building which I don’t frequent. So while I knew it was there and had heard wonderful murmurings about the shop owner as well as the goods she carried, I still never really had (or perhaps never really made) the opportunity to go in and see what it was all about.

Until this past Friday, when I finally decided that I have been hiding away for long enough and needed to re-immerse myself in my community. So I headed downtown to Public Square just after lunch to grab a cup of magical brew from The Tarot Cafe, but alas, my plans were dashed by the closed sign on the cafe door.

thrifted style, little black dress, sequined kimono, glitter boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, little black dress, sequined kimono, glitter boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, little black dress, sequined kimono, glitter boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, little black dress, sequined kimono, glitter boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Initially taking this as a sign that maybe I was not as ready as I thought to reemerge from my hibernation, I went to my car and sat for a moment in quiet contemplation. Should I go back home and try again another day or should I make an attempt to be social? Since I do like to remain open to signs from the universe, I tried to figure out what message she was giving me in this moment. I decided that the universe did not really want to me slink back into my safe hiding space, but rather she wanted me to reconnect with society, no matter how much I dislike society these days.

As I sat in thoughtful wonder in my car, I looked up and saw the sign for Moontide Arts staring right at me. It seems that this shop recently moved from the back corner of the building to a more prominent store front facing the street exactly where I had parked my car. I guess this was my sign. But I didn’t go straight inside Moontide Arts…because my the childlike introvert that has been controlling my personality these days was a little intimidated to walk into a new store and be upbeat and outgoing. So first I popped into another shop, Downtown Julie Brown Marketplace, which I am familiar with so I could kind of get the stiffness out of my socialization skills.

thrifted style, little black dress, sequined kimono, glitter boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, little black dress, sequined kimono, glitter boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, little black dress, sequined kimono, glitter boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

I find it odd how nervous I can get sometimes when I attempt to be social. I am introverted by nature and have fought throughout my life to practice extroversion more regularly. And while practice is supposed to make things perfect, I can still feel the anxiety rise up within me just as I am about to slather on a nice thick layer of fake self-confidence. Just to walk into a new store. It’s a bit ridiculous, isn’t it?

And I had really nothing to worry about for I was greeted by the loveliest, friendliest, most genuine and authentic human being I have met in a really long time. Victoria has been the sole proprietor and owner of Moontide Arts since 1999. Not only is she a successful business owner, but Victoria is also a mystic, a jewelry designer, a cat lover, and a connoisseur of all sorts of spiritual things from crystals, pendulums, incense, herbs, and oils. Her boutique houses an extensive collection of spiritual and metaphysical curios from various ancient esoteric cultures including Tarot cards to musical instruments to beautifully bound leather journals and all sorts of stones, crystals, and jewelry.

Moontide Arts, spiritual healing, mystical gifts
Victoria, Owner and Sole Proprietor of Moontide Arts, Public Square, Watertown, New York
Moontide Arts, spiritual healing, mystical gifts
Moontide Arts, spiritual healing, mystical gifts
Moontide Arts, spiritual healing, mystical gifts
Moontide Arts, spiritual healing, mystical gifts
Moontide Arts, spiritual healing, mystical gifts
Moontide Arts, spiritual healing, mystical gifts
Moontide Arts, spiritual healing, mystical gifts
Handmade by Victoria herself

If you are a person who lives a fully mystical lifestyle or you are someone who simply appreciates unique and fun gift ideas, you are certain to find something that you will love inside Moontide Arts. And if you find nothing to purchase, you will still leave the confines of the shop feeling a little more grounded, a bit more centered, and a lot more appreciated for your basic human character.

I stayed for a while inside Moontide Arts, probably an hour or more, because it felt good in there. The energy that filled the small space just sort of washed over me in a way that I had been craving. As I puttered around the store, investigating all of the interesting trinkets, I observed as Victoria greeted each and every customer with an enthusiasm and appreciation that is sometimes lacking in today’s retail culture. Quite a few customers passed through in that hour that I was there. I witnessed a very eclectic clientele and Victoria treated every single person with the highest regard and the friendliest welcome that it made me feel relief that such proprietors still exist in this world.

Of course, as any small business owner knows, sales and income are your bottom line. But Victoria seems to approach this basic business formula from a completely different angle. Her main concern appears to be in the nourishment of the human body and soul. She will push nothing on you, but if you ask a question about anything in her shop, she will most definitely offer a highly educated and well researched answer.

thrifted style, little black dress, sequined kimono, glitter boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
glitter boots, Shelbee on the Edge, fashion over 40
thrifted style, little black dress, sequined kimono, glitter boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

In fact, after discussing all sorts of life and spiritual issues with Victoria, I decided that I wanted a necklace to take home with me. But I didn’t want just any necklace. I was in need of some sort of stone or crystal that would assist in the realignment of my chakras or perhaps just a re-centering of my creative energies. She quickly suggested sodalite which is known in the healing world to elicit order and calmness of the mind as well as encourage rational thought and emotional balance.

Sodalite also has the ability to realign the throat chakra which controls our voices and our communication. The throat chakra is known as the gateway to our higher consciousness and when it is free from turbulence or blockage, it provides us with the ability to release our thoughts and feelings. Boy, I could use some of that!

This particular stone also impacts our third eye chakra which aids our intuition, our inner vision or higher consciousness, and stabilizes our emotional and spiritual love center. Another area that seemingly needs a little help over here. I am fascinated by Victoria’s choice of sodalite for me especially since every time I go for a chakra alignment, it is always my throat and third eye chakras that are astronomically misaligned.

The sodalite pendant that Victoria chose for me is actually a healing pendulum, but knowing that I wanted to wear it as a necklace, she quickly removed the pendulum chain and added a necklace chain instead. Then she proceeded to show me how I could still use my sodalite as a pendulum while it is attached to the necklace chain. Not only did a get a practical and beautiful piece of jewelry, but I was also the recipient of a lesson in spiritual healing.

thrifted style, little black dress, sequined kimono, glitter boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
sodalite pendulum
stone hair stick
My new hair stick that I picked up at The Open Door Boutique in Asheville, North Carolina
stone hair stick
Michal Golan rings
Michal Golan rings

If you are a resident of Watertown, New York, or its surrounding areas, do stop in to visit Victoria in Moontide Arts on Public Square. If you happen to visit my town, take a stroll through Public Square to see all of the wonderful small businesses that sprinkle happiness throughout our quaint downtown area. You can find Victoria and Moontide Arts on Facebook and Instagram.

Have you discovered any new shops lately? Or perhaps just met some wonderful new people? As disheartened as I have been lately by the human species, there is still so much goodness in the world that we mustn’t allow all the negativity to cloud our vision.

thrifted style, little black dress, sequined kimono, glitter boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
thrifted style, little black dress, sequined kimono, glitter boots, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

And now your featured favorites from last week.

Reader Favorite (Most Clicked)

Dee of Grammy’s Grid shared a super fun and thought provoking post, Friday the 13th-Superstition or Phobia? Be sure to read the comments as well when you visit this post. There is lots of great discussion about superstitions and phobias and numbers! I love how Dee is always sharing posts that trigger some introspection and ignite interesting conversations.

Dee of Granny’s Grid

My Favorite Fashion Post

Darlene of Aquamarina Style shared two really fabulous looks in her post, Wear a Utility Jumpsuit for Casual Style. She is seriously rocking these jumpsuits in the best way. I just adore how bold Darlene is in her sartorial choices, never afraid to try something new.

Darlene of Aquamarina Style

My Favorite Non-Fashion Post

Melody of Melody Jacob shared a very important post especially for International Women’s Month, Gender Equality and Girls’ Empowerment. This post is filled with astonishing and quite disturbing statistics about worldwide women’s issues. While we have come a long way in the past 100 years or so, we still have a long way to go. This post is definitely worth reading to get a better grasp on the issues that women face on an international level.

Melody of Melody Jacob

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.

Shop my look…

Outfit Details: Dress and Earrings-Thrifted / Kimono, Belt, Tights, and Boots-Torrid / Necklace-Moontide Arts / Rings-Michal Golan / Hair Stick-The Open Door Boutique

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

68 Comments

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Thanks so much, Kathrine! Just the sodalite necklace is from there, but all the other pieces are from other small businesses. Some I have featured before, others I am planning to feature! I hope your week is going well!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Kellyann Rohr

    You really live in such a cool, little town. I just adore the shops and cafes you share that aren’t franchises. I’d say the universe most definitely wanted you and Victoria to cross paths! Sodalite sounds intriguing and your new necklace looks great on you!
    xo,
    Kellyann

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Thanks so much, Kellyann! I definitely agree that the universe wanted me to meet Victoria! I am loving my sodalite. I need to do some more research on how to use it as a healing pendulum! Have a fantastic day, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Nancy

    I am like you. Entering a new store can get me very anxious. And therefore out of breathe. I love these kind a shops. Always visit them when we are in the UK. I bought many healing stones and a small broomestick!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Nancy, that makes me feel so much better about my weird anxiety! Thank you. And shops like these really are the best. I could spend so much money though! I bought another necklace in Moontide that I will share soon. It is so cute! I also want to learn more about healing stones. And I love that you bought a broomstick!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Catherine, Not Dressed As Lamb

    Oh I get entirely where you’re coming from with the feeling awkward thing, Shelbee… maybe not in shops but I’ve had it over the years in all sorts of situations, from jobs I’ve worked in to going to a new hair salon. (I’ve done strange things like wiling away my 20 min tea break in the women’s toilets because I was too afraid to go to the staff canteen by myself – did that for three months at one job.) And then in other situations I’m fine, like standing up in front of a group of people to make a speech! Makes no sense.

    How lovely that you found the courage to go in and then had a fabulous experience. What a shop!! The last time I spent that long in a shop was The Chocolate Emporium in the north of the county where I live… I was there at least 45 minutes choosing what I wanted (I was “stocking up” and getting presents) – and the shop is tiny!! lol

    Thanks so much for the linkup, hope you’re well x

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Catherine, thanks so much for sharing your experience with this weird kind of anxiety. It really doesn’t make sense? Like I don’t get what had me so worried. We humans are a very strange species, aren’t we?! And I could totally spend hours in a place called The Chocolate Emporium! I went into a chocolate store during my vacation last month and I was so overwhelmed by all the choices and could have easily spent hundreds of dollars, so instead I walked out! The temptation was too great! I hope you are having a wonderful week!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • ROBIN LAMONTE

    Shelbee,

    What a wonderful shop!
    Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

    Geo stones are very popular in the interior design world for their healing purposes and used by many who follow Feng Shui principles.

    Hugs,
    Robin

  • Ellibelle

    What a wonderful store to visit and the stone you got sounds like it will be so helpful! I love these types of stores, but it’s been a while since I visited one, there are none locally. I too get a little anxious when it’s about visiting a new shop. Don’t know why that is, probably because of my introverted nature as well. My husband on the other hand is the complete opposite and he steps into any store without much thought, there is a reason why we found each other LOL.
    Thanks for hosting the linkup!
    Ellibelle’s Corner

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Ellibelle, thanks so much for sharing your experience with a similar “shop anxiety”. I am actually really fascinated now by this phenomenon since a few people have expressed that they experience the same thing. And yet there are people who never give this a second thought, like your husband (my husband, too). For me, it was this whole process of talking myself out of anxiety to go into a store. I wasn’t going to even share that part but it seems to be resonating most with people. I am glad I did share it.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • jess jannenga

    Hi Shelbee
    I will be like that if there is no one in the store and the sales people just used to stand there waiting for a customer.
    At first, when I looked at your pictures, I thought you were in Asheville. Looks like the kind of shop that would go well there too! Customer service is lacking these days, so it is nice to hear when owners or workers are warm and friendly. Love the black flowy dress on you and the belt makes it as well. The necklace is quite pretty! and if it calms the mind, I would need one that weighed about 20 pounds! lol!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Jess, thanks so much! This store would absolutely fit in perfectly in Asheville! It is so strange that so many of us have expressed feeling anxious about walking into a small shop setting. I am fascinated by this right now. And I chuckled out loud at your needing a 20 pound sodalite to calm your mind! Maybe you could fill a bathtub with smaller stones and immerse yourself in it! Actually, I wonder if that would work…hmmmmm.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Patrick Weseman

    Looking so very chic and nice. J

    Just to tell you, I suck at social situations. I really hate shopping in small boutique because I pretty much like to browse and think about things myself. Part of it is self-confidence issues, is that I feel I am not sophisticated enough to be in shops like that. Also, I am pretty much of introvert and get a little frightened when someone who works there is happy and cheerful wants to talk and ask me questions. It is just me. I feel better if I am the first to say something or ask a question. Then the ice is broken and I am good.

    Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Patrick, thank you so much for sharing your experience with “shop anxiety”. I was super hesitant to even share that part in my post, but now I am realizing that is the part that most people are relating to. So now I am glad that I did share it. I also am completely fascinated by this phenomenon as well. Your explanation helped me to understand some customers I have had in the past when I worked in the consignment shop. There are certain people, whom when greeted, come off as very standoffish or rude and it makes me nervous and uncomfortable. Until now, I hadn’t even considered that their response was due to social anxiety more than “being rude.” I am laughing at myself for not picking up on that especially since I suffer from the same type of anxiety. So thank you so much for this new perspective.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Dee | Grammy's Grid

    The shop looks interesting, I like the sodalite pendant! Thanks so much for hosting and featuring my FRIDAY THE 13th – SUPERSTITION OR PHOBIA! I’m linking up today with my Unlimited Monthly party, open March 1 to 26.

  • Ashley

    I love that you discovered this place! It makes my witchy heart so happy! Sodalite is such a pretty stone; I actually keep a few sodalite orbs in a little decorative dish in my bathroom. 🙂

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

  • Maureen

    I couldn’t agree with you more Shelbee on society and also my dislike but it is also a nice surprise when we meet someone who is warm and kind. It really does make a difference, doesn’t it? I like the sodalite pendant that you got. I actually have not heard about it so I am happy to report that I learned something new today! 🙂 I hope your day is going well so far and happy Tuesday!

    Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Maureen, thank you so much! It is shame how society as a whole can irritate me to the point that I isolate completely and miss out on the good people in the world. There are lots of them! So I am super grateful when I do cross paths with these gems. (See what I did there…pun intended!) I am glad that you were able to learn a little something new…I am only just learning these things about healing stones myself. Have a fantastic day, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom

    Just adore this dress on you and that belt. You hair is cute done up, too! I have some shops I’ve driven past and never gone in… It is amazing when you do take the time to go in them and find some cool things. Hope you are feeling better! Now, what town do you live in? I’m always trying to keep track where bloggers live.. you’re on the East coast, right?

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Thanks so much, Carrie! I love wearing my hair up in hair sticks! It makes me feel all whimsical and mystical like an old hippie. Haha. I am feeling much better now that I have gotten on some antibiotics. I am on the east coast…in Watertown, New York, way up north on the Canadian border. Have a wonderful day, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • jodie filogomo

    Good for you for getting out Shelbee. I love how you say, get the stiffness out of my socialization skills. Some days, I wonder if people think I’m weird because I always say the wrong thing or am just too loud. We laugh that they days I’m at home all day, I’m just saving up my words for when we go out. LOL
    And that necklace is gorgeous!!
    XOOX
    Jodie

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Thanks, Jodie! It’s true though, isn’t it, that our socialization skills get all stiff when we don’t use them? I can totally hear you chatting away when you get out of the house, too! I bet you overflow with all sorts of good energy!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Jill

    I’m glad you are feeling better and out and about! As an introvert, I know exactly how you feel. I don’t know why something simple like going to a new store causes anxiety sometimes. You have the coolest shops in your town and this one sounds so fun!

    Jill – Doused in Pink

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Thanks so much, Jill! It seems from the comments there that lots of people experience this type of shop anxiety. I am kind of blown away by it, but very comforted to know that I am not alone! But Victoria in Moontide made the anxiety disappear quickly!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Gail

    Wow, looks like a real Aladdin’s Cave of delights! I like your tip about going in another shop first to warm up your conversational skills. I sometimes dodge going into a shop if it looks like I’m the only customer. Your dress reminds me of one I used to have. It looks stunning with the belt.

  • Darlene

    Shelbee, you sweet thing! Here I am a day late–once again–only to find you shared my photo! Thanks, dear friend. As I read your posts, I am always reflecting on my own experiences–a sign of good writing on your part! While people consider me a confident extrovert, I, too, have moments where I really don’t want to go out of the house, or talk to someone new, or enter a room where I don’t know anybody. In other words, I can totally relate. It appears your trip turned out both cleansing to the soul and a successful shopping experience!! Yay! I, too, like to frequent local shops. I’m sure your attention is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Shelbee

    xx Darlene

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Darlene, thank you so very much for your kind words of validation about my writing! That really means the world to me. I suppose most of us have qualities of both introversion and extroversion depending on our moods and situations. I just become more and more fascinated with the human psyche! And it was my pleasure to feature you, my friend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Anna Shirley

    Miss Victoria has a charming little shop there. I would love to wander around it myself. People who can radiate such good energy are precious. Regarding the look, I love your cream wrap. I could use something like this too. And the necklace is soooo pretty. I’m glad that you were able to go out for a little bit and enjoy life. I’m sure that the next time it will be more comfortable.

    Anna
    http://www.glamadventure.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Anna, thanks so much! I do love when I meet interesting, kind, and genuine people who have really good energy. This kimono is one of my favorites. I got it from Torrid a few years ago and I wear it often. I hope you can find something similar that works for you! Have a wonderful day!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Michelle

    So many competing thought here! First off, I adore that outfit! A definite 10. And the sodalite necklace? Gorgeous! When you were showing the stones in the shop, I was thinking, ooh, so many pretty pieces for wire-wrapping. Then you showed Victoria’s wire-wrapped pieces! Lovely!

    I relate to all the introverted feelings you discuss here. I’m right there with you. I spent a year as a financial advisor, which is essentially sales (silly me, I thought it was about helping people with their retirement goals). I decided extroversion was a skill that could be learned like any other. And I was right. But now…., I have very little need for those skills in any major way, and I am rusty.

    As for disliking people, I get it. The thing I have to remind myself of is that most people are kind, even if their reality construct is different from mine. I turned off the TV news long ago, but I’m about to cull my Facebook “friends.” Between politics and the Corona virus – and all of the bullshit cures idiots are hawking – I’ve had it up to here. I know, my friend, that you contend with bipolar disorder, but you are one of the sanest people I know. Whereas so many people who have no mental illness are batshit crazy.

    Well that turned into a rant. Ugh. Apologies.

    Michelle
    http://mybijoulifeonline.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      That was the most brilliant rant I have read all day and I appreciate it, Michelle! You know, sometimes I do question my own sanity based on my bipolar disorder, but then I realize that I am probably more sane than most. So thank you for that validation! I am so glad that you saw this post because I was showing Victoria some of your wire wrapped pieces when I was in her shop. You are both very talented jewelry designers, for sure! I also have turned off the news and try to avoid the social media rabbit holes. I feel like the whole world has gone crazy right now and I just want to go hide somewhere far away. But I will prevail and try not to isolate so much! I adore you, my friend. Thanks for everything. You always say the perfect thing right when I need it.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Barbara Chapman

    Hi Shelbee! I hope you are feeling better. It stinks to feel like you want to go do something but then don’t feel like it at the same time. I have times when I want to curl up and hide. I think we all do but it is nice to get back out and see new things! 🙂 I am glad you found a new friend and the pendant found for you is pretty!! Maybe it’s the weather… I know we need at a minimum of 20 minutes of sunlight/day. I recommend at least an hour, if you can get it. Spring IS COMING and just the change in the season and more sun and less clouds is SUCH a big mood elevator for me. 🙂

    On another note, I have one cool post linked up this week and it IS to a shop here in Texas owned by two sisters ~ very vintage! Enjoy!! #98 ~ Places to Shop – A Visit to Emporium 1905.

    Love your dress and the belt is way cool! And we’ve discussed boots… Very cool!! Dorothy if she could come back and live in 2020 would wear these instead of those red slippers!!! (Because she’d love them!)
    Hugs,
    Barb 🙂

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      Aw, Barb, thanks so much! I think the winter definitely does take it toll on me. And I am a hibernator, never leaving my house unless I absolutely have to. Yesterday, I put my bench back onto my front porch where I like to sit and work when the weather permits, so that is a step in the right direction! I do agree that some sunshine and fresh air will help me tremendously. I read your post on Emporium 1905. What a cool little shop! I would love it, I’m sure. I also might love trading places with Dorothy for a while to get the heck of the crazy that has been going on in our world recently. Ha.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • lorena

    I adore the flowy kimono with that beautiful embroidery.
    For me its like that too, I have several places that I always say I will go to in town but never get to it.

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