Coo Coo for Cockatoos

My father once bought me a cockatiel for my 8th birthday. We went to a bird breeder and everything. Stationed on the outskirts of Miami beach, this one story ranch encapsulated a Willy Wonka land of exotic birds. Inside dozens of birds sat perched on rafters, banisters and mantels while others darted frantically across the ceiling. The home was a giant bird cage. Looking back, this vision is terrifying. However, at the time I was enthralled. I picked out the most beautiful, at least in my mind, white cocktail in the joint. With no spark of originality, I named her Polly. My mother, stationed back up North, was not so thrilled. Polly was banned from coming home with me and that was that. Months later, my mother ridden with guilt I'm sure, caved and bought me a second cocktail. I, once again, named him (yes, him) Polly. No one told me it was bad luck to name your new pet after the old. Consequently, Polly was cursed the very beginning. From the start, Polly #2 wasn't the friendliest bird. You had to wrap your hands in bath towels before picking him up...either that or lose a finger. Due to Polly's shaky temperament, he mostly sat in an antique designer cage, alone, in the corner of the apartment. At least he was housed in style. Things went downhill after I received Romeo, a miniature poodle, for Christmas. I mean come on, you can't compete with a puppy. Soon after, the male bird began laying eggs. Not normal. We brought Polly to a pet store specialist. Apparently our bird was a sufferer of depression. This bird needed some therapy or a zoloft stat. (Please don't report me to ASPCA.) Ultimately, in hopes of bettering his (and our) life, we gave Polly away. I assume he lived happily ever after.

After the saga with Polly, you wouldn't think I would be a "bird person." Oddly enough, I've had a strange change of heart. While the domestication of birds is not for me, cockateils and their close relative, the cockatoo (ok- and an occasional toucan), have really been calling to me in the form of fashion.

I love this Marc Jacobs dress from a couple seasons ago. A universally flattering wrap dress adorned with tropical birds? Yes please!

Kate Moss, one of my longstanding fashion go-to's, seems to agree as well. This bird print dress for Top Shop is spot on, simultaneously chic and whimsy.

I think these bright accent pillows would be great in an apartment. There is something cheery and whimsical about the designs that would really brighten up a room. Not all of them together of course - that might be a little too reminiscent of the bird breeder in Miami.