Synne, you’re still anticipating a little bundle of joy, correct?

Great question! I love seeing everyone's personal style encapsulated in a small collection of items!
Below a small selection of my own clothes that make me feel good just looking at them. Typically I'd say it's a combination of being satisfied by their functionality and style - something pretty that has let you down in practicality won't ever be looked at without a little disappointment.
In seeing my own items I am seeing my journey into color and print strongly reflected. Interesting.

What an uplifting thread this is! Current joy-sparkers of mine are:

• my burgundy Blondos because they are so practical, comfy, AND cool-looking (imo)
• my Pandora hoops, because DD did so much research, planning and saving up to buy them for me for Christmas
• my red and burgundy tops because this colour just makes me happy lately (such as my BR burgundy cable knit, shown in navy below, and Gap supersoft burgundy t; similar shown below)
• my H necklace because Alexis & Moira are my imaginary best friends and it reminds me of them
• my "fululs" (fake Lulus) because they are just so darn comfy
• my bird necklace because it reminds me of my Mom

Gorgeous pieces and so fun to wake up to these beauties. Love them!! And I played a little game if I could guess the poster before checking who it was. I did in a couple of instances (Bijou/Brooklyn/Helena).

I can't today reply individually but a few comments that strike me

• JAileen - I agree joy is more nuanced than maybe the typical way the word is used. It encapsulates pleasure, ease of use, beauty, aesthetics, love (especially if purchased in a sentimental way or a gift) - but the proportions vary.
• Jules Yes Yes Yes! Why does one piece feel so right but a very similar item not spark the same feeling. I have had basic tee shirts or leggings or camisoles be a pleasure - and the next be strictly utiltarian.
• accessories seem to spark strong emotions - shoes/bags/glasses and jewelry....they are more represented than jackets or skirts or tops.
• Just as well as I was flexible on the rules as some people had WAY more than five (Angie - looking at you haha!)

One thing this thread has highlighted to me is that these pieces that spark joy were instantaneous purchases. I saw them, I loved them and I bought them quickly without procrastination. The dress was bought without a party in mind, as were the tango sandals. For me, when I know almost immediately a piece is for me, it usually is worthwhile. I do have a couple of items that I really like that I did ponder over for longer, but I am someone that does use my emotion for many shopping successes.

Thanks for playing along!!

Sorry, Sal! I didn't read the "five item" part carefully. Thanks for being gracious ....I edited my collection.

Thank you Sal for starting this thread.
Life is short. We need to find our joy where we can. I loved reading everyone’s posts.
My latest fun purchase was that faux-fur snow leopard coat. Totally spontaneous purchase.
Right now, other items that give me joy are my boiled wool Shearling lined Birkies, my red striped tote from my trip to Guatemala and my hot pink pullover sweater. Sorry no pics!

I was thinking about replying and went in to look at my wardrobe. I like all my stuff or I wouldn’t have bought it, some items obviously make me happier than others do ( I can’t feel my plain black cropped pants sparking actual joy, but they do make me happy that I have them). I feel little of it sparks joy- certainly not 74 items like Angie showed, ha ha. I more can get a feeling of “I love that” before I buy something, but often still consider it carefully before going ahead. So I feel I can only choose a small number.
Pic 1: red party bag bought by husband for my 40th birthday. Red and black were my favourite colours at the time and I was having a red themed party.
Pic 2: 2016 green “Roman” type sandals, had seen them a year earlier, didn’t buy due to price $150, then found on sale for $ 19! Make me feel pretty and have had 57 wears.
Pics 3/4 black bling loafers bought last year make me feel both cool and yet crisp. 59 wears in the year.
Pic 5 2016 floral bomber, sparked joy the moment I saw it. I feel so happy in it. 89 wears and looks as good as new.
Pic 6 2016 dark floral lime top, also sparked joy the moment I saw it outside a store. 54 wears.
So for a generally happy dresser, it’s not that many! Not sure why.

Angie - I was being tongue in cheek:). I loved your joyful collection!!

Madeline and Jenni - I can see why these pieces spark joy.

Great idea! I had a hard time choosing five because I have a lot of joy sparking items but these will do for a start. The top because it just came after sending back a small size and stalking for my size. The jeans because they are comfy and newish. The two skirts are flouncy and fun to wear. The Docs because they always generate good vibes.

Thanks, Sal, this thread sparks joy!
so many beautiful iteams!

I like the spontaneity observation Sal - my favourite travel purchases were very happenstance and unique - and when I set out to buy a souvenir clothing or jewelry item hoping to recreate the effect it never works out the same!

Actually Sal and Jules I agree. Of the 5 I picked, 2 of them were seen on racks (not travelling in this case, just browsing around) and loved instantly. But I guess for me I do have to be careful because a lot of things make me smile and feel happy when I see them but I can’t buy them all!

Maybe that’s Angie’s “organised emotional shopping” in action though.

I’ve been doing a purge in the kitchen the past few days. I’ve gone through spices, glasses and the small pantry. Today I came across some ice cube trays. Want to know what really sparks actual joy in me? Our refrigerator with an ice maker. Until we got this refrigerator, I had to struggle with ice cube trays. Now, every time time I get a glass of ice and water, I think, “Wow, I really love this!”

OK, here is mine. My nadaam purple cardigan. A pair of Everlane ballet flats in ballet pink. Giant brass flower earrings. A Wray NYC black dress, and my Hope for Flower blouse and trousers.

Ok so I opened my closet and the whole thing pretty much sparked joy. For me many of my pieces are wrapped up in the joy I experienced when I found it. One recent example: I went to my local thrift/charity shop. I am friendly with the cashier and he told me there was nothing there. And as usual I looked anyway. I only found one thing, hiding under a rack of tatty looking bags.
Delvaux vintage bag.
If you know, you know. I didn't know but I saw quality, I saw interesting and when I got home I looked it up. "Delvaux, the oldest fine leather luxury goods company in the world, founded in 1829 in Brussels."
unhumble thrift bag brag over

That is stunning Shevia!! And I know that feeling too from thrifting - so much joy!!

So much eye candy on this thread.

And yes Jenni - I think it is organised emotional shopping. Seeing the piece and knowing it earns a place in your wardrobe.

Oh and I meant to add Sisi - I remember that gorgeous bag so well from that happy afternoon meeting up in Milan!!

Ha, Shevia, I didn't know Delvaux were Belgian but they sure are high-end :). Good score!

Oh, Sal, interesting about the spontaneity factor. When you know you know and it is SO hard to replicate! Now, to figure out how to harness that "knowing" and apply it to every purchase...

What a great thread! Here are five of mine that spark joy!

The pink pumps, now and forever!
New rainbow skirt -- just makes me happy!
Amazing Marco Bicego bracelet that jumped out of a store window on vacation a few years ago and followed me home.
Streets Ahead studded belt -- the hardest working workhorse in my wardrobe.
"The Precious," purchased at the Burberry flagship store in London and still much-beloved even though it doesn't get out much these days.

I love my wardrobe and am happy with my choices and it is a joy to play around in it. These days I look more for emotional comfort from my clothes than instant joy but if I have to currently nominate 5 items that put a smile on my face just looking at them, these finds are the ones

Unfortunately no pic, but I have a thrifted sheer red pussy bow blouse with white polka dots that sparks absolute joy. Thrifted last year and worn once, gosh I felt fabulous in it and everybody felt it. Wore it untucked (with a red cami underneath) with dark denim raw hem cropped flares - hacked myself, and navy and white striped flat espadrilles. And red lipstick.

So wonderful to see all the items sparking joy! Here are five of mine - two navy dresses, one with a fun silhouette and one with a fun fringe, two jewelry pieces with clusters of pearls that I adore, and a handbag that is my favorite shape and color, and which has a lovely texture and shine.

It's making me happy thinking of all these pieces together . . . and although I try to bring out my favorites even when we're at home for the pandemic, this thread is a good reminder to remember to enjoy all the wonderful pieces we love no matter the circumstances.