When you look around your closet, I am sure you see a lot of things. Clothing you have accumulated over the years, bags you “had to have” and now don’t carry, or shoes that line the wall and are far more than anyone needs. These are all things. Perhaps things that made us extremely happy when we purchased them or the “item of the moment you just can’t live without” but I am sure over the months or years, each has lost their sparkle and you have moved on to the next. However, I know each of us has that one (or many) piece in our closet that holds a special place. It is more than just “a thing” or spontaneous purchase it holds a place in your heart. Maybe it is something that was handed down to you or something you bought yourself to celebrate that extra special moment in your life. Whatever it is, we all have one. This item is more than just an object or piece of material, it is special, sentimental, and treasured.

I have an object like this and it was given to me a little over a year ago – a vintage Chanel bag. I know most of you are rolling your eyes thinking, a vintage Chanel? Of course that is special, but, it isn’t just any vintage Chanel. It was handed down by my husband’s grand-maman (grandmother in French) and was actually given to me by his sister. The bag itself is beautiful and something that I am honored to carry but the gesture means even more. The fact that my sister-in-law could have kept this bag for her own personal use but decided to place it in my care is something that I cherish to this very day. I am so honored to carry this bag, that the famously chic grand-maman wore, but I am even more honored that it was given to me by such a special woman. Every time I carry it, I not only think of grand-maman but also my incredibly thoughtful sister-in-law. And since I won’t see that side of the family for the holidays it is nice to know that I can carry something that reminds me of them. It is an amazing thing when one piece can carry its weight three generations on. I hope we all have a very happy holiday season but I do hope that each of you reading this takes a little time to reflect on all of the special items in your life – be it an heirloom, your family, a special friend, or something new. The holiday’s can have us running around trying to find the “perfect gift” but it is always nice to reflect on those items that are irreplaceable and be reminded of the people who gave them to us or the memories they possess!

The holidays are not only a time for reflecting on what is special to us but also giving to those whose only special possession might be that warm meal they just received or that jacket you donated. Since a majority of you reading this most likely have a “sentimental item” of your own, along with a warm meal and roof over your head, it can be hard for us to imagine those living their daily life without. I am guilty of it – living day to day, getting caught up in my own world and the “things” I must have or must do. But, thanks to collaborations like TOMS for Target, those who are hungry or cold are not forgotten. And we can help, just by shopping at Target! Let me lay it out, you go shopping at Target, buy a limited edition shirt from the collection, and TOMS for Target will donate a warm meal to those in need. That poncho you have been wanting will provide a blanket for those sleeping without. While this campaign between TOMS for Target got me thinking about how special certain items are to me and how frivolous I can be when it comes to things, it also made me realize how much I have and how much others still need. To find out more about this partnership, check out their website, TOMS for Target.

outfit || Black Overall jumpsuit, Gap Supersoft Turtleneck, Floppy Wide-Brim hat (designer version), Ray Ban Classic aviators in black, vintage Chanel bag

jewelry || Jennifer Zeuner Sasah necklace, Jane Pope Thin Twig ring c/o,Daniel Wellington Classic St. Andrewsc/o, Dana Rebecca Lauren Joy necklace

beauty || “Revolon Love That Red” lipstick

Compensation for this post was provided by Target via AOL Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target or AOL.