This is what a three-story, $500K closet looks like

[n2doc]

If you were ever wondering how to throw the perfect party in a closet, this Texas woman knows the secret: all it takes is a wonderful caterer, lots of champagne, a DJ ... oh, and a gigantic, three story, 3,000 square foot "she cave."

Theresa Roemer's closet, recently added to her Houston area home at a cost of about $500,000, is nothing short of amazing: a spiral staircase leads up through boutique style shelving showing off handbag upon handbag, jewels, perfume and shoes (OMG, shoes like nothing you have seen!).

The former Miss Texas United America's closet was featured in a new blog post by department store Neiman Marcus ... which theoretically could consider opening the giant closet as a new local retail department.

"It started years ago when I had a closet party and all the girls came over and they said, 'I just wish it was bigger,'" That's when the glamorous fundraiser realized size was key after all, "Since then it's just been getting bigger and bigger and bigger, it's like a 'she cave'." Roemer said.

At 3,000 square feet, her female version of the already famous "man-cave" is twice the size – if not larger – of many family homes.

more

http://www.sfgate.com/homeandgarden/article/This-is-what-a-3-story-500K-closet-looks-like-5631395.php#photo-6614482

[Dreamer Tatum]

1. Pity her name isnt Hillary Clinton

So at least she'd have a few diehard defenders and there'd be some awesome threads here.

[sufrommich]

5. What does H.Clinton have to do with a women's

shoe closet other than the fact that they're both women?

[BKH70041]

12. Good Point

You are a keen observer of how this pol site flows.

[n2doc]

14. Maybe she can throw a fundraiser for HRC there

DU would definitely melt down. I suspect she is a repub, though, just based on lifestyle and location.

[sharp_stick]

15. It's tough to stay on topic

I empathize with your pain.

[pnwmom]

18. Obsessed much?

[WinkyDink]

42. Quite the bizarre non-sequitur.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

69. another truly nonsensical comment from you. nt

[LanternWaste]

109. On the brighter side, Clinton doesn't post petulant hit-and-run bits of irrational bumper-stickers.

On the brighter side, Clinton doesn't post petulant, hit-and-run bits of irrational bumper-stickers pretending to be clever. So there's that...




No, but seriously-- you're really, really awesome too.

[Dreamer Tatum]

110. No, she's too busy earning the dough to pay for that closet in two speeches. nt

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

120. Nice cheap shot n/m

[Kingofalldems]

141. Clever.

[yeoman6987]

2. Very nice and elegant. Good for her

The only real problem I have is if you see the high boots she has, it looks like she has a lot of the same style and definitely the color which is black boots. They literally look the same. I say if you have it why not? lol. As long as she earned the money herself (or her family).

[GeorgeGist]

25. It's people like her who make America suck.

[leftynyc]

33. Riiiiight

because only in America is there a conspicuous display of wealth by individuals.

[Squinch]

47. Are you being facetious? This is disgusting. And that reaction has nothing to do with jealousy.

[yeoman6987]

139. I got rid of it.

I read through the thread again and perhaps it was a dumb thing to say. I really hope I did not upset you that much.

[Kingofalldems]

142. I have to ask. Are you a republican?

[HangOnKids]

55. Jealousy?

You really think people are jealous of her? Oh fuck no. I think she is to be pitied, what a shallow vapid waste of life. Thanks for the RW talking point about job creators, you might want to hike up your slip, your agenda is showing.

[snooper2]

79. I'm sure she is in so much pain inside, she probably never enjoys sunsets, walks on the beach

Sitting on her $40K patio set never listens to the birds chirping...

[yeoman6987]

100. At least I can read

She gives a bunch of money to charity. What do you do for society?????

[Marr]

130. Are you expecting one of your betters to note your dutiful support and pat your little head?

I have no doubt that she "gives a lot to charity". That's how very wealthy people keep huge sums of their money from being taxed. The money stays in their possession, but it's officially in a 'foundation' for awhile (which can push their political agenda, conveniently enough-- or just some hobby or interest). Some will go to actual charity, no doubt-- and that amount will be precisely what their tax professionals suggest.

The only thing sadder than that whole process is the poor, sad, subservient schmucks who sit on the sidelines, clapping like seals for it.

[yeoman6987]

131. Marr....really? Ok I am done. The place is beautiful....sorry to disappoint.

[yeoman6987]

140. You win Marr! I deleted it

The reason I did is I read through the thread and perhaps it was not a good post. Thank you for pointing it out. If I pissed you off, I am sorry!

[LondonReign2]

98. Are you fucking kidding?

We should be "thankful" to her because she keeps the economy churning?

[yeoman6987]

107. Is it a lie? How many employees are at the stores?

[LondonReign2]

164. All praise the "job creators"

What other right wing bullshit would you like to spew?

[yeoman6987]

165. Are you a member of DU? It does not appear so.

[Marr]

104. Oh, barf... take that 'job creator' shit to Free Republic.

[Marr]

124. Of course I'm serious. Don't expect to praise Trickle Down Economics on a liberal board

without being called on your horseshit.

People like this don't make the economy work. Labor and consumers make the economy work. Recognizing that fact is a fundamental piece of liberal politics. Trickle down is not just a right-wing view, but loony right-wing view.

[lunasun]

127. +1

[yeoman6987]

128. Who mentioned trickle down? I didn't

Look you don't like the woman. I do. Who cares. Really in the big scheme of things....who cares.

[Marr]

133. You did. You described the core concept and praised it.

Mistaking your right-wing principles for common sense doesn't change anything.

And now it's "who cares", huh?

Just start a new screen name and save yourself some time.

[yeoman6987]

135. Absolutely not!

You must think I am weak or something. I would not change my screen name considering how long I have been here and my percentages.

[HangOnKids]

150. That is some FUNNY SHIT!

Shouldn't you be out doing something for society?

[Squinch]

126. Wow. You're awfully emboldended with your idiotic right wing talking points today, aren't you?

[yeoman6987]

129. Wow. Cuz I care about the working class. Since when is that Right wing? They don't care about the

working class. I thought we did. Well at least most on here still do.

[redstatebluegirl]

132. I would guess that most of that stuff was not made here in t he US by anyone making a living wage.

I would also bet the people who built it were not paid a living wage either, it was given to the lowest bidder and then they were driven nuts trying to keep her happy.

[Squinch]

134. You care about the working class by spouting failed right-wing trickle-down rhetoric? With friends

like you, who needs Tea baggers?

Truly idiotic.

[yeoman6987]

136. You didn't call me an idiot did you?

I think personal attack are not allowed. Also calling a person a right winger is unacceptable. I have not insulted you one bit. A little courtesy would be nice.

[Kingofalldems]

149. Yeah, Closet Lady will throw us a few dimes.

Isn't that sweet?

[RedCappedBandit]

117. Consumers keep the economy churning. The PEOPLE. She is but one. nt

[NickB79]

123. I'd wager the CO2 emitted by the production of her purchases

Last edited Wed Jul 23, 2014, 06:22 PM - Edit history (1)

And the construction, heating, and cooling of her 3,000-sq. ft "closet" absolutely DWARF those of many VILLAGES in other parts of the globe.

She is one person. One person who's impact on the planet is hugely disproportional to the other 99.999% of us, in a very BAD, not good, way.

[RedCappedBandit]

143. Agreed. And to claim that her hoarding of wealth is good for the economy

is ludicrous and disingenuous.

[NickB79]

121. The same "economy" that is raping the planet until it's a stripped ball of rock

An economy like the one she helps keep alive, dependent on nothing more than consumption for the sake of consumption, will leave this planet a barren wasteland for our children and grandchildren after the water wars, ocean acidification and global warming have their now-inevitable impacts.

People like her have helped kick the largest mass extinction event since the time of the dinosaurs into motion.

[ismnotwasm]

122. You mean trickle down economics?

Seriously?

[yeoman6987]

137. No I didn't.

Have a good one.

[cbayer]

3. This makes me nauseous

Seriously.

[LuvNewcastle]

23. Me too. Vulgar displays of wealth

do that to me.

[840high]

45. ...^ that

[shanti]

30. it is obscene

as the 1%er sits next to her shoes with a smirk. it is beyond disgusting.

[hamsterjill]

68. Add me to the Alka Seltzer line.

Oh, what good all that money could do...

[Beaverhausen]

99. you may want to read a bit more about her

for instance, here is info on her philanthropy

http://theresaroemer.com/philanthropy/

I too was disgusted at first, but she is a successful woman and well, if she wants to build a crazy big closet, I'm not one to judge.

[cbayer]

112. I appreciate that and don't wish to condemn her.

She is who she is and should be thanked for her good works.

But this kind of ostentatious display of wealth is still rather sickening to me.

[Beaverhausen]

115. If I had that much money, I would collect guitars. and Cats

maybe pianos/keyboards. And books. and wine. I'm really not into clothes.

and I would give away as much as I could.

[cbayer]

116. I don't know what I would do, but I would probably not collect anything.

I am a minimalist and I would hope that having wealth would not change that about me.

If I had to say something definitive, I guess I would say that I would explore and give exploration to everyone that I care about.

But I know this for sure - I would not buy shoes and handbags.

And like you, I would probably give most of it away, quietly.

[smirkymonkey]

154. I agree. Even if I had the money, I still wouldn't spend it on such a shallow

conspicuous display of consumerism.

[NickB79]

125. When the planet is baking because of rampant consumerism

And my daughter will grow up to inherit a planet in the midst of the greatest mass extinction since the time of the dinosaurs, I will most certainly judge people like her.

[Beaverhausen]

145. the planet is baking because she owns a lot of shoes?

I didn't know that

[Bonx]

148. shoes AND handbags

can't forget the handbags.

[Owl]

158. That was interesting. Thanks!

[Auggie]

151. Me too

[malaise]

4. Just a neater version of

hoarding buried alive.
Anyone who hoards on this level has as much baggage as a Fed Ex warehouse.

[riderinthestorm]

19. Agreed. That kind of accumulation strikes me as entirely abnormal

[Initech]

29. Yup. It's a much more organized version of hoarding.

Seriously disgusting. If the average non-wealthy person has this much shit, their house / apartment would be condemned.

[SummerSnow]

87. We can call it Lifestyles of the rich hoarders. lol

You can do a reality show just in her closet. Lol

[Bettie]

6. I cannot imagine why anyone would need that much stuff

Why?

Seems like she's a hoarder with a nicer house and more help (servants) than most of them.

[Arugula Latte]

111. Whenever I see stuff like this I just think: Why would you want to waste all those resources?

It would give me zero pleasure. I can think of a brazillion better ways to spend that money.

[tridim]

7. My closet is about 25 sq.ft and it also doubles as the laundry room.

Last week my dog peed on the carpet.

That is the real world, Miss Texas.

[longship]

8. I need a TV in MY closet.

Just saying.

That woman... Whatta maroon!

[intaglio]

9. Where is Savonarola when you need him

Where are the Sumptuary laws

[mucifer]

10. I feel guilty being a single woman living in a 1000 square foot

2 bedroom apartment. I have 2 very tiny closets. This makes me feel less greedy.

[JustAnotherGen]

11. Emailing to my husband

All of a sudden my quote from California Closets doesn't look so bad. . . .

[Sanity Claws]

13. That's not a home. That's a department store.

Apparently that woman spends so much time in stores that she has forgotten what a home looks and feels like.

[HangOnKids]

62. BAM!

Yet she is so proud of herself in that gaudy top and tramp heels. Ridiculous.

[Ilsa]

103. Some day she'll be sorry for wearing those shoes.

Feet can't handle heels like that every day.

[hedgehog]

16. "Tickets to parties in the closet are auctioned off for charity"

I was thinking that it looked more like a boutique than a closet, and now I'm wondering if that's exactly what it is. If she uses the closet parties to sell items for charity, there may be more to this than appears at first glance. Apparently, she is actually very active in raising funds for various charities.

"Roemer has only been in her new home a few weeks, but she’s already hosted a fundraiser in her closet that’s netted tens of thousands of dollars.

And recently a party in Roemer’s closet was a featured auction item at a fundraiser for the American Heart Association.

For years, Roemer has raised millions for places like Texas Children’s Hospital and Child Legacy International"

http://www.khou.com/community/Woodlands-woman-calls-her-3-story-closet-a-female-man-cave-267444791.html

http://theresaroemer.com/about/

[WinkyDink]

41. Tax deductions. The entire "closet" (house) is a tax deduction. She's not Mother Teresa.

[hedgehog]

44. No Mother Teresa, that's for sure. There is enough going on there

to make me curious.

On edit: as far as tax deductions go, her's may be a little more visible, but it's hardly the only one out there. At least it's not a foundation.....

[Ellbee]

82. Mother Teresa was black to her core...

... so I would hope not.

[smirkymonkey]

155. Yes, it always makes me bristle when people refer to her

as the embodiment of saintliness.

[herding cats]

73. She didn't sell her items, just the ticket to the party.

The money from the tickets then went to charity.

The space is a showcase for her millions of dollars in things, which she lets these elite ladies mill about in. She also served them champagne, provided a DJ and high end catering for the price of their admission. It was an elite honor to win a ticket to this auction and the prices we're said to be insane amounts. After the costs of the gala it was reported she still gave tens of thousands of dollars in proceeds to charity.

She was supposed to have had a deal in the works last summer for a reality TV show, I don't know if that's still on or not. Her husband is a mega rich Texas Oilman who may not have wanted the added fuss of a TV crew following his wife around.

I don't think the space qualifies as tax deduction, for what that's worth.

[hedgehog]

83. I have the impression that typically, galas end up costing so much to produce

that little is left over to actually donate. Kudos to her if she actually rounds up some cash.

I can't help but feel that this is someone who got lucky but doesn't forget where she came from, and that she is playing the peole in her social set.

[herding cats]

92. I think she's a successful entrepreneur.

Has done amazingly well for herself in life and does give of her time and monies to charities. She is more active with charities than some in her circle of peers, as a matter of fact. There's an almost competition in her circle as to who is the most active in charities. I have no problem with that in the least. It ends up helping others who need the help, so who am I to complain?

[BanzaiBonnie]

94. If there was more income equality

we would not have a need for "Charity" as such.

Just thinking about how money makes some people feel better about themselves or better than others... just judging her by her surroundings (and I admit that) yes, I pity her.

[lunasun]

17. For a moment I thought it was the queen of Versailles

The Queen of Versailles Official Trailer #1 2012 - YouTube

[Phentex]

34. I thought that too!

There's a whole 'nother world out there of people whose lives I can't quite wrap my brain around.

[snooper2]

20. and let the judges come out!

[fredamae]

21. My reaction?

You can't fill an empty soul with Manolo Blaniks and Chanel.
Sure all those "things" are beautiful...but I know people without a damn dime that are "richer" in life than people like this ever will be.
Just my own very humble opinion.

[bigwillq]

102. Why do you think she is an empty soul?

From everything I have read about this woman, she seems like she lives a very fulfilling and satisfying life by giving back to the community.

[fredamae]

106. "In My Opinion"

and as far as "everything you've read"...it is, after-all...publicity. Oft times people compensate with "material things" to find "emotional satisfaction"--and as I said, that was imo and my first reaction.

[Ellbee]

161. It's what people say to make themselves feel better...

... About their jealousy or anger or whatever.

It rarely seems to be based on evidence.

[TlalocW]

22. I'm sorry, but stairs?

Not a circular escalator or open elevator of some kind? How gauche.

TlalocW

[RussBLib]

60. she will soon regret having all those stairs just to get a pair of shoes or whatever

she doesn't look like a spring chicken. If she doesn't have elevators somewhere close by, that is a really stupid idea.

[SummerSnow]

91. Does she give closet tours? And this is the shoe closet, notice how it faces the ocean.lol

[Skidmore]

24. That is disgusting.

On many levels. From the ostentatiousness of its existence to the fact she parades it and her consumption habits as somehow supporting the unwashed masses.

[n2doc]

27. She's saving that for the remodel n/t

[Botany]

26. Well "it" hires people in the retail, construction, cleaning, and what have you businesses .....

... still it is If you have that kind of money you could really help out some people
and projects.

BTW the average new home in America is 2,500 sq. feet.

[bigwillq]

101. Theresa Roemer has donated money and time

to many charitable organizations from what I have read.

[Johonny]

28. I guess I don't see that as any different than someones transformer collection

or the guy with tons of old video games. The fact she did it to socialize and party with friends doesn't seem crazy. She has a lot of money and spends it on handbags and shoes to impress friends. It is pointless and a little vain but from guns to baseball cards and comics there's a lot of people out there with pointless collections and we all know it

[WinkyDink]

40. "tons of old video games" don't usually cost $500K!!!!!!!!

[Bonx]

49. Two vintage Les Paul's can.

Or a few vintage cars, motorcycles, stuff, etc..................

[EX500rider]

72. I agree....anybody complaining about Jay Leno's car collection?

(these are just the Ferrari's)

[Iggo]

31. As I scrolled down, I prayed to gawd that her chair was not an actual black woman.

Phew!

What a relief!

[Tuesday Afternoon]

36. Don't give her any ideas!

[hughee99]

32. Shit, only 500K? Chump change!

Sec. Kerry saved that much just on his yacht by docking it in a neighboring state (R.I) instead of the state he lives in.

[conservaphobe]

37. What does our Democratic Sec. of State have to do with this woman's closet?

[hughee99]

46. Some people seemed pretty pissed about the price tag.

If this were a $1000 closet, there wouldn't be a story about it, and people wouldn't be drawing conclusions about how this woman is bad, or greedy, or how it demonstrates some larger societal issue.

As it happens, the price tag of the closet exactly matches another expenditure of excess, the Sec. of State's yacht, which I recall almost no one having an issue with. Actually, Kerry's yacht wasn't 500k, 500k was just the amount in state taxes he was getting out of in the first year by docking it in a neighboring state.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

35. oh, you REALLY meant closet...

i thought this was going to be about an apartment or condo that was way to expensive for the size...

WOW...

sP

[smirkymonkey]

157. That's what I thought.

It's kind of disgusting that someone has a CLOSET that cost more than most people's homes/apartments.

[WinkyDink]

38. Mental illness.

[conservaphobe]

43. Yeah.

If she were poor, her family would be staging an intervention on an episode of Hoarders.

[spinbaby]

48. True that

The only difference between her and the person who can't into their doorway for drifts of clothes is money.

[devils chaplain]

66. A high-class "Hoarder"?

I do wonder if the overwhelming number of things is to somehow fill a void inside somewhere.

[Nye Bevan]

95. Is Jerry Seinfeld mentally ill based on his sports car collection?

Which I guarantee cost a lot more than this woman's closet and contents.

Definitely a whiff of sexism in lots of the responses in this thread.

[smirkymonkey]

159. I find that collecting material items, particularly very expensive ones, to be

extremely distasteful at best. It really rubs me the wrong way no matter who does it.

[Scout]

50. disgusting display of conspicuous consumption

[Bonx]

51. Looking closer, this feels like female bashing of a sort.

Men routinely amass all kinds of ridiculous collections of expensive stuff.

[Scout]

52. post a pic and a story, and we'll bash them too. n/t

[Bonx]

54. Will you ?

Dog bites man. It would probably just be ignored.

[Scout]

56. try it and see n/t

[HangOnKids]

59. Post a pic and story

You made the claim back it up.

[Bonx]

76. World's biggest video game collection goes for $750,000

http://www.cnet.com/news/worlds-biggest-video-game-collection-goes-for-750000/

[HangOnKids]

61. A bit of fishing going on

[EX500rider]

74. OK, here' Jay Leno's garage:

[Scout]

77. disgusting display of conspicuous consumption

[Bonx]

80. There are parts on a single car in there

that cost more than that woman's closet.

[Arugula Latte]

113. That is ridiculous.

Wealth is wasted on the rich, I swear.

[xchrom]

53. if i have to take stairs to get from my dress to the pair of heels i want..

i'm doing something wrong.

[Buns_of_Fire]

146. Just install a Clothes Elevator.

I bet Ann Romney is planning one already. See what you started, Mitt?

[Golden Raisin]

57. Sort of summons up Marie Antoinette

and the French Revolution.

[LittleBlue]

58. Reminds me of Imelda Marcos. nt

[Octafish]

63. It's like a store.

Shop till you drop!

[Nye Bevan]

64. People in many parts of the world would react to our homes and closets the same way

that we are reacting to this woman's closet.

Everything is relative.

[EX500rider]

75. +1

[bhikkhu]

168. Very true. And 300 years ago, most our material lifestyles were unobtainable

unless you were royalty. Its human nature to collect and to enjoy things, we just get to do a lot more of it than most people. Its a common mistake to think that material surroundings determine who we are or make people much different.

Same book, lots of different covers.

[mnhtnbb]

65. What? No elevator?

I hope she has good health insurance for when she breaks a leg, or arm, or...
falling down those stairs in her stiletto heels!

[LanternWaste]

67. I imagine I perceive that particular indulgence the same way...

I imagine I perceive that particular indulgence the same way a Rwandan subsistence farmer, living with his eight member family in a tarpaulin shack perceives the air conditioning and carpeting I daily indulge in.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

70. i think its pretty fucking amazing and i am def jealous, but am also sure these people

could afford to pay some taxes

[JustAnotherGen]

90. I agree with you

But I'm a clothes horse. I'm gonna tip toe away now.

And yep - someone is cheating on their taxes in this scenario.

[Dreamer Tatum]

138. Cite evidence that she doesn't, please. nt

[LittleBlue]

144. I think she's saying the tax rate is too low on the rich

Not a specific allegation that this individual doesn't pay what she owes under current tax law.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

147. didn't say she doesn't, but texas is state with no individual income tax

and i was alluding to that idiocy, nothing personal about her.

people can have nice things + contribute to society was my point

[Dreamer Tatum]

153. Sounds like everyone there can pay some tax, then. nt

[La Lioness Priyanka]

160. yes, and most of us do. nt

[bluedigger]

71. She earned her money for herself and she can spend it as she wants.

I'll bet I spent a similar proportion of my own fortune on beer and cigarettes.

[PasadenaTrudy]

78. Houston TX nouveau riche n/t

[dilby]

81. I am completely fine with it, it's $500k that was spent

which created jobs and the money went back into the pockets of working people instead of sitting in a bank collecting interest to only make her more wealthy. Does it make any difference in how she spends the money, would it have been better if she would have taken that money and bought a summer home in France or 10 Luxury cars?

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

84. KaaaaBLING!!!

[SammyWinstonJack]

85. Nothing short of amazing, eh? Nothing short of a disgusting display of obscene wealth, imo.

[MisterP]

86. what--it's not automated?

[uppityperson]

88. People collect all sorts of things. Almost a museum there.

It is interesting, looking at all the slight differences between the shoes.

[Bobbie Jo]

89. Totally obnoxious. nt

[Throd]

93. Meh. Not feeling the righteous outrage.

[CrispyQ]

96. I can't imagine ever purchasing an orange handbag, much less four.

[bigwillq]

97. Good for her.

Her life, she can have as many closets as she wants.

[JI7]

105. if i had money i might make something similar but it would be filled with Books

and have more of an old time look to it.

[Duer 157099]

114. Here's somebody who is green with envy:

(but guess which one?)

[onethatcares]

118. this is sick

I don't know how to actually pin it down but having more shoes than Imelda Marcos and handbags to match is a sickness, just like seen on the Hoarder teevee show. Only difference, this woman has money.


It's time to eat the rich.

[bhikkhu]

169. Rich or poor, about the same amount of meat

there's just a bunch more leftover handbags and stuff with the rich. I don't think most of us need those any more than they do, really.

[B Calm]

119. Damn. . what she do for a living?

[randys1]

152. Sigh, focus people, focus on the real issue here.

Yes some Democratic politicians are rich, many of them in fact.

the point is not to worry about the individual who spends their riches, but that there are far too few Americans with riches to spend...

[3catwoman3]

156. I would certainly enjoy having more closet space...

...but DAMN, that is bigger than our whole house.

[Skittles]

162. I find women who are obsessed with shoes and purses pathetic

they always act like it's some kind of cute virtue

[Inkfreak]

166. Fuck closets. My clothes are either in the washer or dryer. (nt)

[bhikkhu]

167. If I had $500k to spend on something like that it would be a library

I think its a brilliant idea. I'd go on about conspicuous consumption and so forth, but, in a different life, I can imagine doing something similar myself. I don't thinks its too substantial a difference whether its shoes and purses, or books, or baseballs cards, or fossils or whatever.

I think man-caves are kind of cool (though I don't partake), and its nice that we live in a society that some people can enjoy life that way. I don't think women should be excluded or derided for having the same kinds of tendencies.

[silverweb]

170. Gross.

[font color="navy" face="Verdana"]n/t