Back To My Roots. . .

The Littlest Lively

Today is the day Marcus was born!

Me, Myself and Wine

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

All in the Name of Affordable Cavalli. . .

*An e-mail from a friend of mine*

Hey girlie-

So, this is not an email to you to report how crazy the H&M Cavalli sale was on Thursday. No, I made my henchwoman do all my dirty work for me! :) she was the one that took Thursday off work, she was the one that stood in line an hour before 10am store opening, she was the one that had clothes ripped out of her hand, women (and men) pushing and shoving, etc. Yes, my henchwoman (Ryh-Ming) would give me updates every 10 minutes on what she had in her hands and what she was bartering for in the dressing rooms.

I guess she had her name on a waitlist for the gold beaded party dress that was apparently a runway dress that they only made 200 of and *supposedly* there were 2 specific dressing rooms that you could try the sample size 6 and size 8 and if you decided you wanted it then you had to wait. hahaha what a horrific nightmare.

Anyways, I definitely wanted her to check out the zebra trench (the black is way nicer), the zebra short dress, the leopard maxi dress (too long), the leopard corset and the jewelry. She got to the jewelry too late. The corset she was able to grab was too small for us. However, she scored me a zebra short dress and it was sublime!!! so cute, I love it! It is going for $200-250 on Ebay right now ($99 in store) which is crazy!! The black trench is really really nice and the corset is really nice for the price too. I just can't pull off corsets though, they are such a pain to get in and out of too. anyways that's all the drama for now. :)

miss ya,
SC

Happy Belated Boo! Day

This pumpkin was carved by yours truly at a B.Y.O.P. affair.

I've found. . .

. . .that the trackwheel on my Blackberry is a slippery little sucker and bad things happen when I accidentally "Dismiss" instead of "Snooze" the alarm.

Good Times

Summer's long gone, but it's not too late to send E-Hugs to the following people at the following places for making it a rockin' good time for my friends and I

Richard at Lei Lounge in University Heights
Chassie at Nick's at The Pier in OB (I ♥ Saturdays)
Chad at Phil's BBQ in Point Loma
Chelsea at Firehouse in PB
David at Gulf Coast Grill in University Heights
Julian at The Wine Cabana in Old Town
Luis at Casa de Madera in Hillcrest (Best Flan we've ever eaten)
Derek & Kristen at Mellow in Point Loma
Justin at Tower 23 in PB
Karen at Luna Notte in Point Loma

Thank you!!

Thank You! Thank You! Thank you all. . .

. . .so much for the phone calls, text messages, voice mails and e-mails expressing concern and well-wishes during the Wildfires. I'm healthy, happy, safe and immensely grateful to have such wonderful friends, business associates, and blog fans ♥

Lt. Michael P. Murphy

You are a Hero.

Rest In Peace.

Currently Coveting. . .

1. Voluspa's 3-Wick Candle in French Cade & Lavender
   
2. Chanel Glossimer in Equinoxe
3. Christian Dior's Miss Dior Cherie Fragrance
4. Tickets to tonight's Jimmy Eat World show ;-)

Also. . . I'm STILL loving Dashboard by Modest Mouse!

Lovely Lucille

Last Friday, I had the great fortune of experiencing the art of the legendary B.B. King. It was quite cold out and this particular venue happened to be an open air theater. Wine in hand, my friends and I snuggled up to one another and let B.B. and his Lucille sing us the Blues. Later that night, someone mentioned that this was one of those things that everyone should have on their list of things to do before they die.

Early Saturday morning, I promptly and proudly added B.B. to my list along with a swift, yet firm, red check mark.

Holy Wine

I met a woman

She had a mouth like yours

She knew your life

She knew your devils and your deeds

And she said,

"Go to him, stay with him if you can, but be prepared to bleed"

Tonight

The Black Crowes

I can't wait!!

The Travel Channel Invades PB

Sand Blasters: The Extreme Sand Sculpting Championship
8 Teams race against the clock, the elements, and random detonation.
October 6th and 7th

It's a beautiful day in sunny San Diego! Get out there, cheer them on :-)

**The clock is located a few steps from the patio of The Green Flash restaurant.**

Anxiously Awaiting. . .

Rockstar Games presents
Table Tennis for the Nintendo Wii
October 16

As far as I'm concerned, the Girl Game God's smiled down the day the Nintendo Wii was born.

Speaking of games, Kyle Orland's got a good thing going.

In his words,

"Games for Lunch spends an hour with a different game every weekday and writes a stream-of-consciousness review about the experience. Each review ends with an answer to the only important question at that point: Do I want to keep playing?"

Check It Out!

OMGLOLWTFBBQ!!

If you've got some free time and are not easily offended, pick up Daniel Tosh's Completely Serious. This guy is a brilliant comic.

7 Days, 10 Bands

It was a very fortunate week in music for me; first Guster and Tally Hall, then Smashing Pumpkins with Hell Ride and last night, Street Scene!

On the advice of friends, I migrated to Wrigley's 5 Stage to see Pepper. I was pleasantly surprised by the spirit of their performance and their interaction with the crowd. . . "Punani Neck Warmer" requests included.

Funnel Cakes, Cheesesteaks, Chicken Plates, Oh My!! Following the crazy deep-fried food binge, we had one foot in G-Love and one foot in Panic! At The Disco. Three more spirits down and we had one foot in Slightly Stoopid and one foot in The Crystal Method. We ended the night with both feet in Muse, which was well worth the one hour parking lot camping session that followed.

Wednesday brings Ladytron; I'm there, are you?

Aspiring Tally Hall Superfan!

Yes, against my better judgement and runny nose, I hit the House of Blues on Sunday night *hangs head* I've resigned myself to the fact that this bug and I will be one for at least another week. What can you do? Anyway. . .

Guster was amazing, Tally Hall was INSANE!!! Their cover of Biz Markie's "Just A Friend" had us going out of our minds.

Naturally, I googled the band like a rabid newbie fan the minute I got home. Among the boards, MySpace pages, and You Tube clips, I discovered two things;

(1) their 2005 EP Pingry is out of print

(2) their San Diego performance has been the greatest thus far!

That's all for now, off to study up, as the latter is just my opinion which means the flames are a'comin' ;-)

Pass the Kleenex

As of this morning, I am officially an incubus of viral plague :-(

*Well wishes for health by Wednesday's show*

Morning, Noon, and Night

Bean, Chan, Cong, Daisy, Dea, Evan, JB, Kruse, McPhee

I love you all dearly. Thanks for everything!!

September 19

I know, Pumpkin love just hasn't been the same since D'arcy and James, but life must go on. I'm amped to see the band next week and I hope you are too.

It's been 15 years since Siamese Dream. Crazy, huh?

Genius

Phil Hansen

Putting The Damage On

This morning I awoke with a hangover that had me likening myself to a newborn calf pushing itself up on its legs for the first time.

Number 1: Put one foot in front of the other
Number 2: Get Dressed
Number 3: Get Coffee

The plan derailed at Number 2, when the only top I could find among the wreckage was one that read:
"More Than Just A Pretty Face". . .

Ummmmm. . . . . .No!

There's just no holding your head high in the Starbucks line when you're looking like roadkill and rocking a message tee like that one. Truth in packaging, my friends

T R U T H - I N - P A C K A G I N G

-Still mourning the loss of my Honda :-(

Time Out

Things are rather bumpy and uncertain for me right now, hence the decrease in posts lately. My car was stolen this week and I am scrambling to solve that problem. I will be back on Monday. Please keep me bookmarked.

xoxo,
Nicole

2 Random Things

1. In answer to your e-mails; I plan to wear the Libertine Fog Dress with my Frye Villagers to toughen it up a bit. Also, I might belt it, but only if I can find one amongst my own that is suitable. Otherwise; lose, with boots, a grandpa-cardi and a funky scarf or beads.

2. A few nights ago, as I was washing my hands in a public restroom, I overheard a woman in one of the stalls asking her friend, who was standing next to me at the sink, if an esthetician could be counted as a sexual partner. Apparently, she had just experienced her first Brazilian wax earlier that day and hadn't anticipated the positions required in order to accomplish that particular caliber of "finished product". Everyone erupted in laughter, myself included, and with good reason - I have long been a fan of the Brazilian wax as it is truly the gift that keeps on giving ;-)

My Truth

Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over. . .
it became a butterfly.

a lui toujours

Desired but Scared. . .Scared but Happy. . .Happy but Sleepy. . .
Blissfully Sleepy ♥

Seriously? Seriously.

For the very F I R S T time in my life, I was stood up for a date. A coffee date. A no-strings attached, $5 maximum, shave-optional, coffee date.

I deign to allow myself to be distracted for a mere moment, the hope of adult conversation top of mind. I say to myself, "Self, give the guy your number, what's the worst that can happen - He arrives wearing Tevas?"

Just to be clear and to prove my lack of delusion, I am painfully aware and in full expectation of these types of dating hazards presenting themselves in my 30's, but in my 20's? L'horreur!

This morning, after awakening to the shame of it all, I did what any red-blooded girl would. . .brushed my teeth, put on my mary janes (still in PJ's no less), and made my own damn coffee.

Leflesh

I caught my first glimpse of this bag last summer while I was busy willing myself not to step off of the marble walkway and onto the 500+ square feet of carpeting that is the handbag department at my local Nordstrom store. A very common battle in my world. At a glance, the styling wasn't signature of any of the bag designers I am familiar with, so I gave in to the curiosity and pulled over.

Immediately, I was taken in by the craftsmanship. The rugged quality of the leather played well with the cut and detail of the trim, it was a decent size and it fit comfortably on the shoulder.

I was trying to decide which color would pair best with my boots, jeans, and coats, when it occurred to me to check the price tag. Enthusiasm curbed, I set it down and walked away like a good girl; afterall, a debit of $700 was not in my plans that day.

I'll admit that resistance is not my strong suit, but every once in a while it pays off and comes full circle. Almost a year later, a few of these bags made their way to Nordstrom Rack at the drastically reduced price of $164.97 - naturally, I reasoned that it was meant to be :-)

If you're having trouble finding inspiration in your current fall wardrobe and don't plan to incorporate many new pieces this year, remember that a well chosen bag can cover a multitude of sins.

Item No. 429337040204

Colors: Black, Cuoio, and Hazelnut

Nordstrom Rack stores will charge-send upon request**

Must Have's for Face & Skin

1. Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega
2. Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

Apropos

Zeng Jinyan

Truth

Today is a new day, fresh. . .with no mistakes.

Random. . .

'Caring is Creepy' is my FAVORITE song by The Shins. After singing it both loudly and shamelessly for more than 5 years, I just discovered only moments ago, that the chorus is NOT
"All these fucking birds won't quit" rather it's
"All these s q u a w k i n g birds won't quit"
*Still Laughing*

Ntrigued. . .

Blame it on transient circumstance, peppered with delirium and insomnia (my plight as of late), but I came across these booties during an aimless Google search and in a matter of seconds I managed to conjure a lemming; the "booties and bubble-hem baby doll dresses - paired with textured, patterned and opaque tights" lemming. I don't think I'm ready to jump on the booties coaster just yet, but love 'em or hate 'em, these lovelies are almost sold out nationwide.

For Celeste. . .

"I advocate glamour. Every day. Every minute. Glamour. Sweatpants (at least spiritually) chafe me."

-Dita Von Teese

Currently Coveting. . .

1. Cobalt Blue; dresses, bags, shoes
2. Paringa Sparkling Shiraz
3. Sir Alistair Rai Scarves

???

So, I get the tongue-in-cheek commentary on the rampant epidemics of the fashion industry, but somehow I'm still not amused.

The Good China

There is a collective sense of apathy, with respect to our personal appearance, that is reverberating across mirrors and throughout closets worldwide.

Save the obligatory sneaker and occasional flip flop, some of us have simply given up and given in to the slippery slope between the yoga pant in private and the pyjama bottom in public.

It's unfortunate and ironic that although we are taught not to care what others think of us, in every moment, we are unwittingly authorizing perceptions of ourselves that are inevitably affecting the regard to which our peers hold us, and the extent to which we are willing to go to perpetuate our best selves.

Giving care and consideration to the images we are projecting in our outward appearance is imperative because the compound effect of negligence and apathy, over time, could hinder our professional growth and the personal goals we've set for our lives.

Please consider this message a friendly reminder to put your best foot forward; wear your beautiful things with pride, and remember that your freedom, your health, your life today IS the special occasion.

*Illustration Courtesy of Renie*

Confession. . .

I've been hoarding nuts and I'm too far gone to be saved, so I've decided to start enabling others in the hopes that my addiction will appear less so alongside theirs.

It's called The Planters Energy Mix and it's pure evil genius in a can; salty, sweet, crunchy, compact, and relatively nutritious. . .though probably not in bucket-sized servings. Do yourself a favor and forgo the vending machine this week in exchange for these. You'll either love me or hate me for it.

Cheers!

At home, preparing a Skinny Bitch, about to toast myself to a haul well done.

To everyone who braved opening day of the NAS: Hope you scored everything you were after!

Public Service Announcement for those ordering by phone:
Nordstrom will waive the shipping charges when you provide the ID/Source Code located on the back cover of your catalog.
*$25 Minimum Purchase Required*

The Doors Open at 7:00AM

Complimentary Valet Parking, courtesy of Nordstrom, is one of the many perks you can expect to receive if you plan to be present on the dawn of the biggest shopping event of the year.

The Anniversary Sale is a two-week period during which Nordstrom unveils their new fall/winter merchandise, and offers the public an opportunity to preview and purchase it at a discount. When the event is over, the remaining stock is returned to its original retail price.

Tomorrow is day 1 of the 14-day extravaganza. . .

With less than 12 hours to go, veteran Anniversary Sale participants are likely organizing their carpools, memorizing their credit card numbers, flagging their catalogs, stretching, hydrating, and setting their alarms. If you're unfamiliar with the above, but are feeling the tingle of intrigue, please be advised. . .this event is NOT for the faint of heart!

If. . .you can't make a run for it or dive under a rounder at a moments notice, Do Not Attempt This!

If. . .you suffer from high blood pressure, dizziness, shortness of breath or nausea, Do Not Attempt This!

If. . .you're sporting fingernails longer than 1/4 inch, you're a hazard to other shoppers, Do Not Attempt This!

If. . .you're claustrophobic, narcoleptic, agoraphobic or nihilistic, Do Not Attempt This!

Still want to go?

• This is a "two hands required" event, leave kids at home!
• Make haste! Grab now, decide later. If you delay, it's gone.
• Wear underwear! (For the health and safety of all shoppers, there should always be something between yourself and the garment)
• If you're nearsighted, bring your glasses.
• If you're farsighted, bring your glasses.
• If you're carrying a handbag, backpack, or briefcase that's larger than a clutch, leave it at home.
• If the fitting rooms are locked, crawl under the door.
• If the shoe counter is unattended, raid the stockroom.
• If you see a girl with an armload of cashmere, dragging a rack of dresses, smile and wave. . . it's me! Good Luck!

Why Kate is Great. . .

Poor customer service is an epidemic that's making it increasingly less and less desirable to shop in traditional brick and mortar stores.

Personally, I can't begin to count the number of times that I've opted out of a purchase, mid-transaction, because I was so disgusted by the snarky behavior of the Sales Associates.

The level of service you are extended as a consumer, should in no way be commensurate with your appearance nor the amount of money you do or do not plan to spend. That having been said. . .

I want to send a GIANT e-hug to Kate, a Sales Associate at Saks Fifth Avenue, for her exemplary customer service and stellar disposition. She extended herself, out of gratitude for my business, and I feel compelled to ensure that the favor is satisfied in kind.

So if you're ever passing through the Saks in San Antonio, be sure to head over to the shoe department and say hello to Kate. I can assure that you'll be so enamored of her demeanor, you won't be able to restrain your wallet. She is truly one of a kind!

Hidden Item

Good Morning Everyone!

It appears there are a couple of pieces in the Libertine collection that are hidden on the Target site. Since the French Cream and Violet Striped Shirtdress seems to be the most sought after, though not yet available in stores, I'll offer help with it first and try to figure out the other pieces later.

If you ordered the dress on Sunday and need another size, you should be able to locate it again by going to "My Account". Select "Track Your Package", then "View Order". Once there, click on the item description and then click on the dress to the left of the screen. Both the dress and the drop down menu for size selection should appear.

Failing that, this should work for everyone *fingers crossed*

Libertine French Cream/Violet Striped Shirtdress

Happy Shopping!!

Currently Coveting. . .

1. Diorshow Black Out Mascara
2. The Scent of Bergamot in any form; candle, soap, or shampoo
3. Heidi Klum's Clover Hoop Earrings; Think. . .Van Cleef & Arpels sans the $3,000 price tag

Love for Libertine

In a phrase: Preppy-Nautical with a splash of Punk

GO-line groupies, like myself, remember the utter pandemonium surrounding past collaborations with designers; Luella Bartley, Tara Jarmon, Behnaz Sarafpour, and Proenza Schouler to name a few, and we expect Libertine will be no different.

If you have no clue what I'm describing, then you must have missed the slew of embroidered whales and skulls that invaded the women's clothing department, front and center, at your local Target store on the morning of July 15th.

Libertine, the seventh designer to be featured in the GO-International line, will be on display for 90 days and as always, each piece in the collection is a limited-edition.

Maybe a silk scarf to add to the infamous palm-print kimono dress, owl tote, and medallion-print shift dress?

If you plan to check it out, make sure you wander into the accessories department while you're there. Devi Kroell has recently joined the ranks of Rafe and Perlina, designing a line of bags exclusively for Target. I'm 99.9% sure you can fit a toddler in the tote, but the clutches are lovely.

Note: Please do not hoard the lines! It is in extremely poor taste, not to mention very uncool to do so. No one needs 8 whale embroidered bucket hats! Besides, it's really unfair to those that are true fans and just want a piece to add to their collection. They shouldn't have to buy it on eBay for 300% above retail just because some random shopper has decided to use the GO-lines to put their kid through college. End Rant

The Vernice Chic Bandwagon

A little help for those still chasing the Miu Miu Mary Janes:

Barney's New York

(212) 833-2141

Item No. 156265275 (Black)

Item No. 156265276 (Light Blue)

Currently $215

Neiman Marcus

(888) 888-4757

Item No. NMOS7_X02RG (All Colors)

Currently $215

Net-A-Porter.com

Currently $430

Nordstrom

(201) 843-1122

Style No. 429373601292

Currently $250

Saks Fifth Avenue

(877) 551-7257

Style No. 5P5135 (All Colors)

Currently $415

Of the above, Net-A-Porter and Saks Fifth Avenue have the shoe in-stock, priced at Original Retail. The other retailers have reduced the price by 50% or more and have likely sold out as a result, BUT there could still be a few pairs out there. It will take some time to track them down since sporadic customer returns and unclaimed store transfers (rare) are the only possibilities of a return-to-stock, but if you're losing sleep, it's worth the trouble. Failing that, it appears another brand has recently been "inspired" by the genius that is Miu Miu, Boutique 9 "Gossip" Good Luck!

*Photo: Miu Miu Ad featuring Lindsay Lohan wearing Vernice Chic Mary Janes in Light Blue*

Easily Amused?

I am! $0.89 is a small price to pay for a chuckle and a nosh. Happy Friday!!

Just Cheeky

I had long thought that the plight of the fitting room was limited to the process of declaring garments.

You know, your "first round" selections of the trove paralyzing the crook of your arm. Some allow 5, others 7. The side-effects of parting with the balance, even in the knowledge that you'll be rotating for them shortly, are enough to make you break a sweat or throw a tantrum depending on who you are.

But I digress. . .turns out there's a hazard that trumps garment declaration.

I wear a thong and I had six garments.

I declared, I broke a sweat, I took my number, I hung it, I pulled the curtain, I disrobed, someone asked if I needed anything, I answered, I heard someone being directed to ROOM six, I felt a draft

There is really only one thing worse than having a curtain pulled on your bare butt and that is having a curtain pulled on your bare butt in front of purse-sitting boyfriends and husbands all perched on a cluster of ottomans.

Woe to the curtained fitting room and to the fellow shopper who mistakingly pulls your curtain, apologizes profusely, and then lingers.

The Fairest of Them All

When I die, I want to go to double strap mary jane heaven. A place where the innocence of the girl and the glamour of the woman coexist in the form of patent leather, four-inch heels, and two delicate straps that compliment the vamp.

I strolled into Nordstrom Rack today, hunting for the ever elusive Miu Miu's, ruler of all mary janes. I wandered through the shoe aisles, straining my neck to make absolute certain that my eyes wouldn't miss a single one; high, low, or hidden. I was easing into a sort of hypnotic trance until I found myself inches away from almost taking an elbow to the forehead. Yikes! Thirty minutes and three "excuse me's" later, I finally came face to foot with my beloveds. $39 a pair, 70% off retail. . . 'nuff said - I snapped them up in red too!!!

I tell ya, this is the stuff wardrobe dreams are made of.

**Steven by Steve Madden "Playfuls"**

Apropos

This doesn't necessarily qualify as biting my tongue with respect to my politics. Suffice it to say, I agree.

Lady Luxe

After three weeks, a couple of live-chats, and no sign of a restock, I had all but given up on finding this bag. One more week, one last try. . .and there it was. A return? Possibly.

This one goes right up there with checking the fitting rooms when you don't find your size on the rack. Don't give up. People change their minds about purchases often. I would even venture a guess and say that returns are more common to E-tailers than to B&M stores. In any case, it can sometimes take awhile for a return to reappear in inventory so be patient.

*Anxiously awaits the mail carrier*

Saw Transformers, ate bad Mexican, and drank good wine today, in that order.
Transformers was fun!! If I was a robot, I'd have a crush on Optimus Prime. I'd go with Shia LaBeouf, but I hear Alexis Bledel's already got dibs.

Mexican food is hard to mess up, but someone managed. There's NOTHING worse than a disappointing meal that you have to pay for.

The wine bar that I've been waiting for all summer has finally opened! It's off the beaten path, comfortable, and reasonably priced. I don't normally yield to recs at wine bars, but I couldn't resist the owners enthusiastic push of a wine that seems to be all the rage in Australia now; Sparkling Reds. Yes. Now... I like my wine red and bold but I never thought I'd care for it red, bold, and cold. Turns out, it was a winner to the tune of two glasses in-house and a bottle to go. It's obvious that the owners have done their homework and in some round about way, they also managed to take the sting off the miserable lunch I'd had.

Sick. The End.

Passport?

Off to Cabo in the morning!! Monster packing list by my side, but I just know I'm forgetting something. . .

Apropos

A Mighty Heart opened today and I had to see it. I don't feel it's the type of film that should be "reviewed", so I will only say that it's a story that needed to be told.

There is a lovely track that plays in the closing scene and credits. It's by french artist, Nouvelle Vague, and it's called "Manner of Speaking". Look it up if you get a chance.

Bloc Party

Saw Bloc Party last night. It was the last stop on the US leg of the tour. AMAZING!! If you've got $20, go out and buy this record. This band is energetic, diverse, and relevant. Go NOW!!

P.S. Ran into Kele in the walk on my way dinner.

Karatz

Found them

Kiss my grits SM

No $100 for you

Viva Target!

-Nan Kempner

I really do love clothes. Isn't it awful? It's a disease, like being an alcoholic. I'm addicted. I suppose there are things that are worse for you, though, And it's awfully nice to be wrapped in beautiful things. It makes us feel infinitely more beautiful than we are.

Bitten

10:00 AM: Excited!! On my way to check out Sarah Jessica Paker's clothing line debut at Steve & Barry's

11:00 AM: Underwhelmed :-( The garments were ill-fitting and the quality was lacking.

11:30 AM: Ice cream headache from hand-spun strawberry shake :-(