Sunday, March 10, 2013

Sunday

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By the time night falls, Sunday's only flaws will be the time change and the approach of its inevitable successor... Monday.

How do you spend your Sundays?  I usually catch up on my favorite blogs and contemplate laundry. Last Sunday, I did some ironing and finished the last few episodes of House of Cards - Excellent, by the way!  Today, I'm basking in the cool breeze with all of the windows open and pulling outfits for the week ahead.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Sense of Season

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Yes, I'm one of "Those" people.  I get the itch to put the tree up as early as November 1st!  The combination of cooler weather, twinkling lights, comfort foods, boots, scarves and the urge to cozy up indoors, prompt me to cue up the Christmas music and get out the decorations. 

My plan was to get everything set up on Thanksgiving, but I just couldn't wait- so the Saturday before, it was. (No shame here). Thanksgiving Day was all the more pleasant when guests arrived to an adorned tree, stockings and even a couple of wrapped gifts.

In my opinion, the holiday scramble takes away from the magic of the season, so I try to do everything as early as possible. The reward comes at the end of each day leading up to Christmas, when I light the tree, sit down with a glass of wine, cider, or cocoa and listen to Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole or Harry Connick, Jr. belt out the classic carols I remember from childhood.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Already?

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Good Gracious!  I can't believe we're already knocking on December's door.  I hope everyone had a safe and fun-filled Halloween week! It was a busy day of work for me, but I did manage to sneak in some time to print-off recipes for delicious treats and rich, hearty meals to try in November. Also, the temperature dropped for a day or two and I promptly dragged out the kettle and a blanket. It doesn't take much to get me into that cozy place.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Mane Bauble Basket

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Finally found a way to arrange my adorned headbands so that they're visible and out of harm's way.
Win! Win!

Sunday, October 21, 2012

To Dine For

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Unfortunately, I am not in a place where I can photograph my outfits so I have decided to sporadically share other items in lieu of wardrobe posts.

I took a quick photo of my table, set for dinner one night in August, when my parents were in town for a brief visit. I am no Martha Stewart, but I very much appreciate being able to enjoy a meal on a clean, set, table.  The way things are served is just as important as what's being served and sitting around friends and/or family to share, even the simplest of meals, is often times a far more enjoyable experience than dining in a restaurant.

As for the second photo... sometimes while I'm still sleeping, delicious things appear to surprise me when I wake.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Less Walk More Wear

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Once upon a time, I had a walk in closet. It was lovely; large and conveniently divided with a place for everything. I know that city dwellers often lament the ills of their tiny closets and as such, I fully expect my mini rant to be less amusing to those storing their sweaters in the oven, but as a gal who's seen the other side, I'm not ashamed to say, "I miss my walk-in!".

My current closet appears to be an add-on or an alteration to the Master bed and bath, but I appreciate that the Landlord had the good sense to add some shelving. I still need to get the shoes off of the floor and maybe add a track rug, but I feel I've done alright with the space and it's actually been working out rather nicely.

The plus side? I was finally forced to omit the pieces I've neglected.  About six weeks ago, I took to eBay; pulling, measuring and listing items. I kept track in a small notebook and thirty plus transactions later, I walked away with almost $2,000!!  Some extra cash, just in time for the Holiday Season, has certainly helped to soothe my small closet blues.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Red Velvet Corner

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I'm not sure what it is about baking, but there is something insanely soothing buried somewhere between the mixing and the frosting that I find irresistible. I know that there are hundreds of blogs out there dedicated to all things culinary and by comparison, my little red ladies are wildly mediocre, but standing in my kitchen after being on the road for months and actually turning on my oven to produce something sweet... well, it just makes me happy.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Never Never Land

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Loving the Peter Pan collar on this dress by Zara. The strapless bodice makes it appear as though it's been layered over a lace blouse and the A-line skirt balances the structured neckline, nicely.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

For Love of Silk

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I didn't have occasion to wear this lovely until a couple of weeks ago when I decided that it would be perfect for an outdoor wedding. I found it in the Spring at a local thrift store and while it wasn't love at first sight when I pulled it from the rack, I was absolutely smitten once in the fitting room. This is easily one of the most feminine pieces I own. It's no secret that I love dresses, but there's something about the nude silk and black lace detail that makes this one extra special.

Dress: Hannah Jo, Clutch: Jacobs by Marc Jacobs, Heels: GUESS

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Textured

Back in the suns good graces after a week of cold and rain, reminiscent of what the Midwest must experience in early fall; I couldn't wait to get dressed up again. Suede heels obviously don't work well in rainy weather and I'd sooner don a pair of boyfriend jeans and a chunky cardigan than freeze my legs in this metallic mini, but when the streets dried and things warmed up a bit, these two pieces were top of mind.

Jacket: Gap (Thrifted), Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft (by way of Goodwill), Heels: Boutique 9 'Dolled', Bag: Isabella Fiore 'Reina'

Thursday, September 29, 2011

White After Labor Day

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I live in Southern California, it's warm out, the sun is shining, the fabric breathes and it just works well against my complexion. Why not, right?

Dress: Calypso St. Barth for Target, Heels: GUESS

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Champagne

Silk blouses are not a staple in my closet, but my love for thrifting has conjured up a desire for rich fabrics and vintage pieces, like never before. My mother spotted this blouse at Goodwill- Lucky Me! I think those might actually be the original faux pearl buttons, a detail I find quite charming. Interestingly enough, I found the skirt a week or two prior, on sale for $10 from $138- though I fell in love with the antique-style, tiered lace, long before I even saw the price tag. And the bag? It's one I was sure had slipped out of my grasp years ago at full retail. Fortunately, a good memory (brand/style name) and eBay served to reunite us at 70% off.

Blouse: Ann Taylor (by way of Goodwill), Skirt: Ann Taylor, Bag: Isabella Fiore 'Reina'

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Bed 'Side' Fellows

Whether in a hotel, a guest room or my own home, I always have something on the nightstand that brings me comfort. More often than not, a book or candle does the trick but as of late, a couple of fun pieces have found a space near the very place I find rest.

A small but intricate Eiffel tower figurine, a symbol of all things chic and elegant. Also, a reminder to always keep my passport current. A small journal with a cute twist on a common adage. I often jot down memorable quotes from whichever book I'm reading, moments I'm grateful for, ideas for gifts etc. A small hand... simply put, I was amused by it and still am ;)

What's on your nightstand?

Monday, September 19, 2011

Red Jeans

Am I the only one who has become obsessed with red jeans and trousers? I was tearing through Goodwill stores this summer trying to find a pair that wouldn't break the bank, just so that I could try this Fall trend at a discount. To my delight, I found these for $4 and given that my hind quarter has gained some volume over the summer, the fit is comfortable and not confining. I had about 20 ideas for styling these but I figured I'd start with the ubiquitous striped top for this post.

Top: H&M (Thrifted), Jeans: Rue 21 (Goodwill), Heels: Jessica Simpson 'Brinna', Bag: Vintage Coach

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Sunday Brunch

I spotted this dress at H&M back in July while I was in New York for the Alexander McQueen Exhibit. It was hanging all alone on a rack in the middle of the store and against my better judgement (it wasn't on sale), I tried it on. It has a sort of ethereal look and feel about it that I absolutely adore and the length is perfect for flats. I can see it paired with a rhinestone headband for a summer night dinner date or with flip-flops and a ponytail for Sunday Brunch with friends. While I'm a bargain shopper by nature, there are certain pieces worth making an exception for. This is one of them.

Dress: H&M Conscious Collection

Friday, September 16, 2011

Business or Pleasure

At times I find it quite refreshing that my tastes don't skew in any specific direction. I can be the woman I couldn't wait to be as a young girl or I can downshift into a more playful version of myself. Options are a beautiful thing.

Sneakers: Converse Jack Purcells, Heels: Boutique 9 'Dolled'

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Surefire


It's a hue-specific denim obsession that's been keeping me up at night. I finally found a pair at Goodwill on Monday. I'm thrilled to be able to try this trend for under $5! Hopefully I can come up with a look as effortlessly chic as Rachel's.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Good Morning

If you ask me, the best part of a three-day weekend is a four-day work week. That having been said, I was perfectly fine with rising and shining this morning. Catching up on the things I set aside in favor of lounging and dining this weekend, goes much smoother with a view and some fresh morning air.

These photos were taken at The Westgate Hotel in downtown San Diego a couple of weeks ago. I worked a bit, I relaxed, I watched a little television, I took a bubble bath (yes, bubble bath is one of the toiletries provided in the rooms). Frankly, I was genuinely sad to check out of this lovely, spacious, unique space.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Done and Done


If you were anywhere near a rounder in the back, far left corner of the Nordstrom Rack in Denver Colorado yesterday- you may very likely have been witness to a crazy girl jumping wildly in place while simultaneously trying to muffle a roar of cheers and laughter!! A huge part of what makes this score so spectacular is that unlike some of my other epic finds, I've never actually made an effort to track these down at a discount.

I've admired the J Brand Houlihan for months, from afar- in every fashion publication and celebrity lifestyle magazine. Having always been a fan of cargos, the skinny low-rise cut, combined with the detailed placement of the stitching and the extra long ankle zipper, made these the Holy Grail of all cargos for me. An audible gasp, followed by a mass text to those who could empathize with my euphoric moment and I was deliriously racing to the register. Unexpected Retail Mission Accomplished!!

Ladies, a trip to your local NR would be worth the gas if you've had your eye on these. Amazing fit and a great find at 60% off Rack tag- $35 total, out the door (Original Retal $230)

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Hit And Run

I'm off the booze
Emergen-C packets are my best friend these days
Gonna see my Gods next weekend
Got some new ink last weekend (Photos to follow, once healed)
Got enough Marriott Reward Points for a week somewhere
Got enough Rapid Reward Points to get me there

I can't stop listening to these tunes:

Cold War Kids: Sermons
Blonde Redhead: Love or Prison
Adele: Rolling in the Deep
Silversun Pickups: Three Seed
The Smiths: Bigmouth Strikes Again
Feist: The Intuition
Bloc Party: Talons
Metric: Empty
Florence and the Machine: Howl
Interpol: Rest My Chemistry
Santogold: Creator

On my way to Boulder, CO for some kayaking this weekend. Best!!