rhapsody in boots

eleven eleven eleven

2011-11-11T12:41:00.001-06:00

To celebrate this momentous date, here are 11 inspirational looks:

photo cred: elle

photo cred: the sartorialist

heavy belt + glass of wine

excessive accessorizing


photo cred: planet blue

I don't claim credit for any of the photos seen here and I apologize for not knowing all the sources.

More importantly though, today is Veteran's Day. Let's remember and be thankful to those who fought for our freedom.

someone needs to buy these

2011-10-15T14:39:00.000-05:00

Because I can't cut my feet in half.

Friday things

2011-07-15T18:47:00.001-05:00

1. This is the cutest thing ever. For thousands of reasons.

Found here

2. Nothing like a flouncy skirt to make you want to frolic around and swish your hips and be a girl.

Swish your hips is totally a phrase too.

Found here

3. I still obsess over braids...

4. ...and feathers.

And I have a hunch that Steven Tyler started the feather thing. I dunno.

5. I ate these for dessert twice this week and they are spectacular and super easy and just right for summer. I also ate an ungodly amount of cupcakes for dessert this week and that is not just right for summer.

Have an incredible weekend.

paris photo journal - Part 2

2011-06-15T16:20:00.000-05:00

Paris photo journal - Part 1

2011-06-09T11:43:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning I walked a mile to Starbucks and back, planted flowers, worked in my garden a bit, made a delicious breakfast, cleaned my kitchen, and unpacked four suitcases...all before noon.

Jetlag is a magical thing.

That list may sound unimpressive to a morning person, but for someone who is doing well to be up, caffeinated and bathed by even 11 AM, it’s kind of a miracle.

We just returned from a delightful trip to Paris. We ate, walked, saw all the stuff, ate more, shopped just a tiny bit, and ate.

Walking everywhere really negates the effect of carb/macaron overload. Or so I’m told.

Some French habits I'd happily adopt:

-Walking (or biking) everywhere. I think that's how they stay thin.

-Not snacking much. I think this is also how they stay thin. Instead, they'll often sit down at a café in the afternoon to enjoy a cup of coffee, a cold coke or glass of wine, which brings me to my next point...

-Sitting down to enjoy your cup of coffee rather than drinking it on the run.

-Not being afraid of bread. Embracing bread. (Not literally. Okay, literally if you're me.)

-Eating late dinners. I kind of do this anyway, so I fell right into place eating at approximately 9:30 or 10 every night.

-Eating outside whenever possible. Nine out of ten cafés have outdoor seating. Even if it's raining, people sit outside under the awning to drink their coffee. I witnessed this occurence at multiple cafés one rainy day and was thoroughly impressed.

-Minding your own business. While people watching is indubitably a favorite pastime in Paris, I don't feel like there is as much judgment passed on others. It's either that or people don't care so much what others think of them. How else do you explain the wide acceptance/prominence of PDA? Maybe it's a cultural thing. But I'm someone who is overly self-conscious of publicly displaying my affection, and I kind of loved the fact that nobody would bat an eye if we stopped on the street for a kiss.

four things

2011-04-03T15:33:00.001-05:00

1. I'm completely convinced after seeing this picture that I need a pair of flag shorts. Anyone know where to find?

2. I have the itch. The hair itch. And before you think about that too much and start saying 'that's disgusting Esther, why would you share that', let me just clarify that the itch I'm referring to is the one where you desperately want to change your hairstyle. I really need a fresh look, I start to get antsy if my hair stays the same for too long. I'll take suggestions. I love these looks, for example:

3. I made this bracelet from this DIY and am so in love with it that you can bet I'll be making more, probably in different variations.

4. Cupcake.
(More on that here)

little jazz bird

2011-03-30T11:57:00.000-05:00

Did you know that Free People has a vintage section?

You probably did.

Well, I didn't until JUST NOW.

Free People really knows what's up.

If I had an extra few hundred dollars to spend, I'd be all over this. Or maybe this.

Don't ask about this post title because I won't have an answer for you.

oh land

2011-03-24T12:32:00.001-05:00

Nanna øland Fabricius of Oh Land.
I know.

Photo credit: Elle.com, unknown

2011-03-10T23:12:00.000-06:00

This is super random, but...

Has anyone ever noticed a striking resemblance between Alexa Chung...

...and Lykke Li?

Fun facts Thursday.

2011-03-09T19:48:00.000-06:00

Ehm...the fact that I've been a slacky blogger on RiB lately is in part due to this:

I've been cheating on this blog with my new food blog.

Stay tuned for more delicious posts coming soon.

I can't stop baking stuff.

that pregnancy looks good on you

2011-03-02T11:37:00.002-06:00

Rachel Zoe is looking healthier and better than ever (IMHO) with that bumpity bump. So happy for her.

Okay, I know in the first picture she doesn't look that pregnant. But she is, I give you my UsMagazine's word. Mainly I just really like her outfit.

Pics from UsMagazine.com

two things

2011-02-11T17:16:00.001-06:00

1. Backwards necklace

I saw the King's Speech last night.

It was alright.

But I cannot stop thinking about Eve Best's (Wallis) backwards necklace.

GLAMOURRRR.

Now all I need to do is find a low back dress. And a perfect backlace (I just made up that word, I think).

Also, I'm kidding about the movie being alright. It was great. Geoffrey Rush was my favorite.

2. Essie's Turquoise & Caicos nailpolish

I was just going to mention the Turquoise & Caicos shade (the one in the middle), but how amazing does it look juxtaposed next to two other super similar shades?

GRADIENNNT.

But I don't have the other two shades.

But, Turquoise & Caicos is currently waiting patiently on my table, beckoning to me. I must go to it.

2011-02-08T13:10:00.006-06:00

In order to make up/account for my mysterious absence (or maybe not so mysterious, maybe you didn't even notice), I present to you:

5 things I've been up to in 2011:

1. Attending friends' concerts. One was in Davenport, Iowa, where I had one of the greatest 24 hours of life ever, which just goes to show you that you truly can't judge a place until you have been there and danced around in an empty loft apartment above the ~~bustling~~ nightlife on the street below and then ordered Dominos at 3am (who knew they were open that late?) to said loft and fallen asleep to a crackling fire and Explosions in the Sky. This was followed by the most awkwardly hilarious IHOP experience the next morning, where we surely discovered that we were not Davenport's style (or was it the other way around), and it's a good thing we found out before we bought that gorgeous loft.

2. Getting the flu. Twice.

3. Celebrating my 25th. It was sensational. I have a loving husband and wonderful friends that I am truly truly grateful for. And I am coming to terms with being a quarter of a century old.

4. Having a lot of football parties. And then being hugely disappointed by the Bear's loss in the final week that pushed them out of the Super Bowl. You should have heard our living room. Or not heard it, I mean. 'Twas depressing.

5. Going to California. Visiting my sisters while avoiding one of the biggest blizzards ever to hit Chicago, going on walks everyday just to soak as much of that Vitamin D into my skin as possible, gaining at least 4 pounds. I think I was meant to have picnics at hilltop wineries. But then isn't everybody?

How has your 2011 been? Exciting events? Relaxing days? Can you believe it's February?

january jones is boss

2011-01-30T21:42:00.000-06:00

via usmagazine.com

fresh fresh fresh.

just thursday morning

2010-12-30T08:57:00.006-06:00

And I'm craving this gorgeous jacket from Blu Moon by Planet Blue.

see it here

How was your Christmas? Full of good things, I hope.

I have enough goodies and sweets here to last me until New Year's...of next year.

And I found out I'm going to Paris in the Spring. Still sort of in shock, but very excited.

THE PERFECT SERIES: the perfect music festival style

2010-12-15T23:27:00.000-06:00

One of my 2011 travel goals is to go to Coachella.

I have too many 2011 travel goals though so it might have to wait until 2012.

But I must go.

Have you been?

P.S. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes were on Conan tonight. Really I just have no words for how happy that made me.

life as iPhone it

2010-12-12T15:08:00.000-06:00

hookah from a watermelon + mojito + miami = doesn't get much better

life as iPhone it

2010-12-10T17:27:00.002-06:00

Some of the best moments in life are documented by our cell phones. Makes sense, because we always have them with us and they're easy to whip out at a moment's notice.

As I was flipping through some old photos on my phone in search of a fave, I realized that there are a lot of great memories captured there, and though they're often in a low quality and sometimes blurry manner, they should be remembered and maybe even shared.

So I've decided to instate a new blog feature. (we shall see how long this one lasts)

It's called "Life as iPhone it."

Admittedly this may be a self-indulgent feature, because only I carry the memories and emotions behind each photo, but I am going to try to pick pictures that may just may be interesting to other people.

I hope you find this at least a little fun.

I will start with the photo that triggered this idea, the one that I was looking for originally.

A lunch break spent reading in the park was one of my favorite things this past summer.

2010-12-07T00:39:00.003-06:00

Just chilling out in my room of gold.
Drinking tea and drawing on walls.

But here's something much more fun and inspirational to look at.

How about that sweater?
How about that hat?
How about that everything?

2010-12-03T13:16:00.000-06:00

Coolest billboard ever.

2010-11-06T17:25:00.008-05:00

Iiiit's time. Time for the ubiquitous Halloween post. And only a week late.

I struggled for 2 weeks to decide what to wear.
I had many good ideas, and multiple trips to various thrift/consignment stores.
I googled Audrey, Edie, Cleopatra, gypsies, Powerpuff girls, Jackie O, Carrie Bradshaw, Rachel Zoe, Annie Hall, Daisy from the Great Gatsby, Marie Antionnette, Juliet, Penny Lane, hippies...all in all, nothing very creative.

I didn't want to be...um, how do I put this delicately...provocative, but I did want to look cute. It's not everyday you get to dress up.
(Side note: sometimes I wish that people dressed up all the time like they used to back in the day. They were so much fancier. They dressed up to go to the movies, church, everywhere. Even lounging at home they looked cute, or so the movies tell me. Now I feel like we only even barely dress up for weddings.)
Also, I didn't want to spend a lot of money. That complicated things.

Finally, come Saturday night, it's party time and I have not decided. I look through my closet.

I end up being a hippie. (and sort of Penny Lane too)
I just had everything for it. Not only did I have everything for it, I had so many hippie-esque options I had a really hard time deciding which to choose. The lesson we learn here is that hippie is basically an extension of who I am and how I dress anyway (most of the time) so it was pretty easy and totally fun.

I told myself right away that I wouldn't use the totally expected and slightly cheesy peace sign in my pictures though.

And then...

What the hecks? Before I knew what was happening, I was looking at a peace sign photo. Twice.

Here we have the oddest little group you ever did see: A bumblebee, Edward Cullen, and a hippie.

This is how ridiculous Taco Bell was in the wee hours of the morning. We waited in line forever to order our food.

And then we waited in line again to GET our food.

This was all the paraphernalia I took off at the end of the night. Holy wow.

So...what were YOU?

more bakings

2010-10-17T21:59:00.003-05:00

Just some baking endeavors from the past couple weeks. I'm still thinking about that lemon loaf and how it would be perfect if I had some right now. darnlemonloaf.

1. The gingersnaps with lemon-cream filling

These cookies were incredible. And they come out perfect, so much so that I couldn't contain a squeal every time I pulled a sheet of the perfectly round, golden brown beauties from the oven. I could hardly believe I made them. And the filling, let me tell you, that filling is dangerous. I made these with a friend, and every time we sampled the filling (what else do you do when you're impatiently waiting for some cookies to bake) we had to roll our eyes and comment on how unbelievably good it was. Here is the recipe.

(I should confess that I've been kind of obsessed with that blog lately. Valerie is innovative, talented, funny, and capable of making me want to try almost every single thing she bakes. I can almost guarantee that you'll see more recipes I try from there in the future, even before you get to the end of this post.)

2. The banana cupcakes with nutella-cream-cheese frosting.

These are really good. A little more dense than banana bread, and definitely sweeter and, well, just better. I don't exactly know why I'm comparing these to banana bread. I adapted the recipe from here (well, hardly adapted it at all actually. I just added my own frosting). I think it's safe to say that I'll be trying some other cupcake recipes from that site as well. You'll see why if you check it out.

Banana Cupcakes with Nutella Cream Cheese Frosting

1 1/2 C. A/P flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 C. mashed ripe bananas
1 T. fresh squeezed lemon juice
3/4 stick unsalted butter (6 T.), softened to room temperature
1 C. sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
3/4 C. buttermilk

Preheat oven to 275.
Prepare a muffin pan with muffin cups.
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.
Mash bananas and combine with lemon juice in a small bowl.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk while mixing, until combined.
Add bananas and mix until well blended.
Bake at 275 for 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
After removing from the oven, place cupcakes in freezer for 1/2 hour.

Frosting:
1/2 C. unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
8 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup nutella
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/4 C. powdered sugar

Cream together butter, cream cheese, nutella, vanilla, and cinnamon. Add powdered sugar. Add more sugar if desired texture is not achieved.

Frost cooled cupcakes. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar if desired.

3. The lemon loaf

Ah, the lemon loaf. No one really knows what exactly it is, but it is delicious. Every time I mentioned lemon loaf, I got something like, "So what is that? Is it like meatloaf, or pound cake?" (seriously, I got two questions referring to meatloaf) or, "Why not just call it lemon bread?" I don't know exactly. The word "bread" doesn't do it justice, and it can't really be called cake either. One thing is for sure though: it does NOT, in any way, have anything to do with meatloaf. And it is so perfect with a steaming soy chai latte from Starbucks.
Here is the recipe.

cm

2010-10-12T21:40:00.004-05:00

I have a giant, giant girl crush on Carey Mulligan, of which I was reminded today at Borders when I saw her on the cover of Vogue October.

Isn't she fabulous?

I have been looking for the perfect TMNT t-shirt for the longest.
It only makes sense that she would have one.

saturday morning cartoons

2010-10-02T12:32:00.003-05:00

It's that time, kids! Grab your bowl of lucky charms and cozy up on the couch for some good light-hearted fun on a beautiful Saturday morning.* I have five 'toons for you today:

This one is coming to you from The Sharing Machine. If you like it, it comes on a t-shirt. They have other awesome t-shirts too. (No, they did not pay me to advertise. I just like their work a lot)

And I thought I was the only one.

I actually heard a rumor that Subway has indeed started tessellating their cheese slices for maximum coverage. Is this true? I don't want to just believe anything I hear.

This is by Marc Johns. His stuff is really awesome and I would highly recommend a little visit to his website to make your day just a bit better.

Love this student.
And then the response....

Love this teacher.

*I know it's not technically Saturday morning. I missed out on the morning part but I had the idea for this last night when I was going to bed at 3am (which is why I didn't make it out of bed before noon) and I really wanted to do it anyway.
Happy Saturday!

hello sweet thing

2010-09-25T19:52:00.001-05:00

Guys I made cookies.
But this isn't really news. I make cookies at least bi-weekly. And I usually bake something about once a week. (Lately it's been more like 2-3 times a week. Out of control.) It's one of my favorite things to do. The news is that I actually documented them this time, something I'm going to try to start doing regularly so that when I tell people, "hey I bake stuff, and I can bake something for you too", I can have something to show for myself.
Ta-da!

These cookies are insane. They are gargantuan. They are rich. I can barely muscle through one of them. That's why the recipe only makes 12 cookies, yep, you read that right, 12 cookies. You don't need more than that. They're delicious and extremely filling. Soft, chewy, dense, and even better the second day as stated in the recipe.

(I used this lovely recipe)

Note: I know my food photography skills are less than stellar. Also my camera is less than stellar, which could be part of the reason. Someday maybe I will have a nice camera and nice food-documenting skills. For now, please enjoy these moderate quality pictures as best you can.

using etsy to define fall

2010-09-18T18:06:00.007-05:00

Check out the full treasury here.

Peace, love, and a hot cup of cider.

2010-09-11T16:06:00.005-05:00

I stumbled across these images on my computer that were saved quite some time ago, but suddenly I find myself in alarming lack of a quilted dress and chunky arm-warmers.

Photo cred: Karl Rothenberger

girls in movies who inspire me: part 2

2010-09-10T17:10:00.003-05:00

2. Kate Hudson as Penny in Almost Famous

If you're a regular visitor to this here blog, this should come as no surprise: I love Kate Hudson. She's such a hippie. I saw her on The Rachel Zoe Project last week and fell just a little more in love. In real life, she's just how I would imagine her to be: chill, stylish, fun, and apt to break out into song. Which is part of the reason why she plays the part of Penny so well in this movie: it's sort of an extension of herself, or at least that's what I like to think.

Penny Lane is legendary. She truly loves rock and roll. She lives for adventure. Where did she even come from? She travels freely, she lives and loves freely. She's darling, strangely innocent, stylish but not too girly, and appreciates good beer. Sure, she has her problems, she wouldn't be human without them, but all in all, she's pure inspiration.

Lines to remember:

Penny Lane: Maybe it is love, as much as it can be, for somebody...
William Miller: Somebody who sold you to Humble Pie for fifty bucks and a case of beer! I was there! I was there!... Look- I'm sorry.
Penny Lane: [sniffs] What kind of beer?

William Miller: "That groupie"? She was a Band-Aid! All she did was love your band. And you used her, all of you! You used her and threw her away! She almost died last night while you were with Bob Dylan. You guys, you're always talking about the fans, the fans, the fans; she was your biggest fan, and you threw her away! And if you can't see that, that's your biggest problem. And I love her! I love her!

Penny Lane: I always tell the girls, never take it seriously, if ya never take it seriosuly, ya never get hurt, ya never get hurt, ya always have fun, and if you ever get lonely, just go to the record store and visit your friends.

Penny Lane: We are not Groupies. Groupies sleep with rockstars because they want to be near someone famous. We are here because of the music, we inspire the music. We are Band Aids.

Penny Lane: I've made a decision, I'm gonna live in Morocco for one year. I need a new crowd. Do you wanna come?

Penny Lane: When we go to Morocco, I think we should have completely different names and be completely different people.

cobalt blue is awesome especially on walls

2010-09-01T19:21:00.002-05:00

But it also works on people:

And the occasional mixer:

(I want this)

And this isn't quite cobalt but it is quite funny:

And that is your very blue post.

girls in movies who inspire me: part 1

2010-08-24T17:50:00.002-05:00

I'd be lying if I said that I never watched a movie and immediately tried to emulate a character or a feeling from the movie. Some people, you just want to be them. These are those girls, each inspiring to me in their own way:

1. Natalie Portman as Sam in Garden State
Sam is quirky and loving, serious but carefree, honest but a chronic liar, all at the same time. She has a real zest for life. She has burial services for her animals (identify). No, not just burials, an actual graveyard. She tap dances. She doesn't ride in sidecars. She's your new friend Sam.

Lines to remember:
Sam: Wow! I cannot believe you're not retarded!

Sam: OK, so... so... sometimes I lie. I mean, I'm weird, man. About random stuff too, I don't even know why I do it. It's like... it's like a tick, I mean sometimes I hear myself say something and think, Wow, that wasn't even remotely true.

Sam: I have three Dobermans, and if I didn't kick them in the balls on a regular basis, I'd never get anything done.

Sam: If you can't laugh at yourself, life's gonna seem a whole lot longer than you like.

Sam: This is your one opportunity to do something that no one has ever done before and that no one will copy throughout human existence. And if nothing else, you will be remembered as the one guy who ever did this. This one thing.

Sam: I haven't even lied in like, the past two days.
Andrew Largeman: Is that true?
Sam: No.

Note: Even though Natalie Portman is pretty much my favorite actress, I'm 92% sure that I would still like Sam if she had been played by someone else. I'm just really glad she wasn't.

Stay tuned for another inspiring girl, next time on "girls in movies who inspire me."

oh hey!

2010-08-21T18:28:00.004-05:00

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

A few random things I've been up to:
-living in hippie headbands (Figure 1 and 4)
-listening to The Xx radio constantly because it's always that good
-laying in the grass
-drinking iced cinnamon dolce lattes on repeat (abusing treat receipts)
-daydreaming about portland (Figure 3)
-painting my nails all different colors cause i can't decide on one (Figure 1)
-not capitalizing my letters in these bullet points
-doing art projects (Figure 2)

-being in the sun AMAP (as much as possible)

Can't soak up summer fast enough. It's already the end of August! (concerned face)

Life goes by so fast. I think we're meant to appreciate each moment.

details

2010-07-11T22:18:00.005-05:00

new loves.

don't you wish you could just do this sometimes?

just some shots from around my house...

It's the little things in life that make it beautiful.

2010-07-08T23:51:00.003-05:00

Life has been a whirlwind. My family has all been in town for the past week for somewhat of a 4th-of-July reunion.
Let me explain.
No, there is too much. Let me sum up.

Wine and caramel(yeah, that caramel) • Cheese market • Picnic and Trivial Pursuit in the park

Starbucks
Outdoor breakfast • Sushi • Game night • Obsessing over Miike Snow's music
Starbucks
Country • Beanbags, frisbee, slip'n'slide • BBQ pork • ~~Brutal~~ 3-mile run on country roads
Cute babies
Late-night Burger King • Baby cries all the way home
Church • Pancake brunch
NAP
More beanbags • More BBQ • A parade in a 3-foot pool • 6 darling babies on a blanket in the backyard

Game night
SLEEP
Breakfast with the whole family • Home • 2nd breakfast with the other side of the family
Dealing with vandalism from the 4th of July drunken festivities near our house (whole other story)
Pizza, wine and gelato with sisters
SLEEP
Starbucks
House full of friends, sisters, kids, thai food, and pillows
Tears • Goodbyes

And approximately 7 days and 5 pounds later...
Back at work • HOT • Broken A/C • Ludovico Einaudi for therapy

But you just can't beat time with family. It's worth every minute.

This picture makes my heart hurt a little.

oh hey warehouse bag

2010-06-21T12:40:00.001-05:00

Warehouse bag here
Alexa bag here...but it's sold out.

cloud nine

2010-06-18T00:07:00.003-05:00

I ordered these. They came today.
Two words: appropriately named.

Cloud nine caramels by Have it Sweet

These along with my other order (the bourbon pecan one) from the shop resulted in me resolving to be a repeat customer. They even gave me a free sample of the Fleur de Sel caramel, and wow, and yes, and it is amazing.

You know what else makes me happy besides packages of delectable goodies arriving for me in the mail? This picture.

Let me count the ways:
-Piles of rings upon piles of bracelets
-Rad ankle boots x 2
-Kate hudson
-Hand-holding
-Everyone is staring
-Um, Coachella
-Rad sunglasses x 2
-Flowing locks

lately

2010-06-08T17:45:00.007-05:00

It's been a minute and a half since I've posted, so I thought I'd just share a few small obsessions of late.

***

Peppermint tea has become a regular in my mug recently, due to it's amazing flavor, refreshing sensation, and the fact that it's supposed to be good for digestion which is great cause I've not been the nicest to my stomach lately.

Since I'm on the topic, I should mention my latest drink discovery that I made by accident at Caribou one day when I was driving and in desperate need of a restroom (tmi, perhaps). I swerved into the first place I saw, which was Caribou, and since I'm the pushover type of person who feels guilty just running into a coffee shop and bee-lining for the restroom, I thought it best to hurriedly order a drink first. And what a stroke of luck, I ordered this new iced drink called the Lavender white chocolate mocha. Oh it is so good. On the high from it, I got one daily for the next few days and then thought it best to try to cut back a bit. There's healthier options out there, you know, like McDonald's new caramel Frappés. (ohsoweirdlygood)

Enough about drinks. LimeRaspberryRickey. Really. You'd think I was obsessed.

***

I had a great time making this mix CD for a swap I participated in. (Swaps are fun!)

And here's the one I got from her:
Isn't it cute? I'm really digging it. Thank you!

***

It's the season for peonies which just happen to be my favorite flower, so this calls for at least two peony pictures for our viewing pleasure.

Note: It was the season for peonies when I started this post a week or two ago, but now that season is over.

***

I'm smitten with this Catharine Malandrino necklace, I think it would be the perfect addition to my any summer wardrobe.

And speaking of summer wardrobes, this picture is really stuck in my mind. It's my favorite thing right now. What fantastic layering.

Madewell

It's gonna be a full summer (already is), but I'm really excited!

an outfit post?!

2010-05-16T23:46:00.003-05:00

That's right. Gettin crazy.

my week in food

2010-05-04T12:15:00.001-05:00

Because food is always fun to ~~drool~~ look at.

Sunday:
Went gallavanting about town with a friend and ended up finding the sweetest little cafe. Very clean, simple, and beautiful. And very purist, as in it's all about the coffee (no flavors to be added) and homemade delights like croissants and yogurt. We weren't hungry enough for that but of course I had to try a macaron and had to document it because they just put the one little macaron on a plate all by it's lonesome.
We're going back to this place.

Thennnn...cupcake tasting.
There are two places in Chicago that are really known for their cupcakes (okay, probably more than that but these are the two that we were familiar with). Some people swear by one, some think the other can't be beat. So we decided to find out once and for all. Went to both places, got a couple samples, and went home to do our own professional tasting.
The result: Full.

Monday:
After work, my sweet work buddy and me decided we should try to make something gourmet. She had just heard about this Caprese Benedict that someone had had at a hotel. We opened my fridge and I just happened to have all the ingredients to make it:
-English muffins
-Tomatoes
-Avocadoes (we added these for fun)
-Fresh mozzarella
-Eggs
-Pesto
You can totally try this at home! The only hard part is poaching the eggs (my first was a fail, but then I sort of got the hang of it...sort of). We chopped the avocados and tomatoes and tossed them with a bit of lemon juice, olive oil and salt and pepper, but you can do that part however you want. Put that mixture on the toasted english muffins (we buttered ours), put the fresh mozzarella on top of that, then the poached egg (once again, salted and peppered), then a nice little dollop of pesto and you have yourself a delicious and (maybe) healthy dinner!

Tuesday:
Really delicious waffle at breakfast with the girls (I know, you already saw this picture but I kinda wanted to look at it again, but that probably wasn't a good idea, cause now I want it again. Shame on you waffle, tempting me like that.)

And now, we skip to Friday, cause nothing I had in between was exciting enough to document...or I forgot to.
Got off work early to a gorgeous afternoon and decided it was only proper to have a picnic in the park. Picked up some cheeses and a baguette from the market. Not pictured: the spreadable triple cream cheese that was on the baguette with some of that fig jam: ...amazing.

Hope you have a great week in food and otherwise.

don't worry, we can walk to the curb from here

2010-05-01T17:52:00.007-05:00

I just watched Annie Hall for the first time ever. (cue gasps of horror)

I can't believe I hadn't seen it yet. It's really funny.
Annie is so cute and inspirational: free-spirited, quirky, adorably awkward, and with a style all her own.
I loved it.

"Maybe we should just call the police. Dial 911. It's the lobster squad. It'll turn up in our bed at night. Talk to him. You speak shellfish...Annie, there's a big lobster behind the refrigerator. I can't get it out...Maybe if I put a little dish of butter sauce here with a nutcracker, it will run out the other side?...We should have gotten steaks, 'cause they don't have legs. They don't run around."

on being irresponsible

2010-04-27T14:08:00.012-05:00

Some days I'm really productive.

...This is not one of those days.

Let's see, 2 o'clock. So far today, I've had brunch with the girls (which I like to think of as our "Sex and the City" group, cause there's 4 of us, and we always meet for brunch, and I even have each of us roughly identified in my head as each character, but I don't think they know that. Hey guys, I'm a nerd!), and painted all 20 of my nails.

This was my breakfast.
All the food groups are here: coffee, fruit, carbs, and dairy.

Some days it's a little hard for me to be responsible. It's a gorgeous spring day (bluest sky EVER) I'm sitting in bed with the light streaming in the window, wearing my cozy oversized Star Wars shirt, with the espresso machine prepped and ready for my 2nd latte of the day, donuts waiting in the wings, nails drying (ok they've totally been dry for 20 minutes, but I'm just using that as an excuse now), and it's kind of great.

Cause hey, I get one day off in the week, and this is it, so instead of using it to run around like a crazy chicken (like I so often do on this day), why not just enjoy the day off? That's what I'm telling myself at least.

...Okay, but now I have to go clean. I really do.
But after my latte.

Some days it's also hard to eat right.

Aaaand, I'm out.
Hope you have a really wonderful day.

images in this post (besides my food pictures) were found here

my 10 essentials

2010-04-24T14:28:00.003-05:00

(you know, as far as material possessions/getting dressed in the morning goes)

1. An airy, light, easy dress - One of those ones that hits you right about mid-thigh and floats around you just right without really hugging anything at all. Admittedly, my husband doesn’t like things that “don’t hug anything at all”, but I can’t lie and say I don’t love the feeling of just throwing the thing on for the day with a pair of flats and I’m out the door. The best thing about such dresses is that they are easily belted and worn with leggings or tights for a completely different look. So versatile, so effortless.

2. A men’s button-down - Sexy and perfect. Great with jeans. Unbuttoned just the right amount. Preferably with minimal accessories.

photo by vanessa jackman

3. Black patent flats.

4. Music - I crave it, need it for therapy, need it to dance to, need it to be happy, need it to relax, need it to daydream, need it to run.
I'm pretty dern excited about this mix CD swap I'm gonna participate in. I may just do one of my own on here someday.

5. Red lipstick - Such a powerful accessory. I know you’ve heard it a thousand times before, but it’s true that it instantly glams your outfit and makes you feel at least 85% sexier. And that’s a fact.

photos by Vanessa Jackman
(So many of my ideals going on in her look)

6. Big earrings - I am so often lazy and revert to giant, obtrusive earrings as my accessory for the day, just so I don’t have to think about coordinating anything else. They’re so easy.

7. Perfume - I hope I don’t sound dumb if I say I feel naked without it. Cause I feel naked without it.

8. Coffee - Every day, or headache ensues.

9. Leggings - They’re not going away yet, at least not in my wardrobe.

10. Beach Spray - Anything that smells like coconut and is purposed to give ‘sexy waves’ or texture, is a go-to for me. I use it pretty much every day, no matter how I do my hair, because even if my hair is up, I think it makes everything better later. And it smells like the beach, so how can you go wrong? I’ve tried multiple brands in search of the perfect one (ever since John Frieda stopped making that luscious beach waves spray or whatever it was called), and so far my favorite is Sedu Beach Spray. But I’ll gladly take recommendations.

photo via The Sartorialist
If this jacket were in my closet it would be on this list. Such an essential.

Runners up: Carmex, Orbit Sweet Mint Gum, and my Richard Chai super-comfy long black cardigan.

So tell me, what are your essentials?

THE PERFECT SERIES: the perfect pantsuit

2010-04-21T22:52:00.005-05:00

Astrid Munoz, photographed by Vanessa Jackman

-Really tired and reaallly full from the over-zealous four-course dinner I made tonight, which was tasty, but I'm regretting that last course: dessert. It was the least-best course, believe it or not. Usually my strong point/favorite part. And now I think I need to run around the block at least twice.

-Watching that hoarders show on TV is both shocking and mesmerizing, but only for less than or equal to one episode, cause then it gets to be just too much and I can't take it anymore.

-Today should be Thursday.

music and lyrics

2010-04-18T18:53:00.002-05:00

One day I saw this game on this sweet blog and decided to give it a try, just for fun, to amuse myself. But everything turned out so funny and some oddly appropriate, that I just had to post it. I promise this is just how the shuffle went, no skipping of songs or anything.

Rules:
Put your Zune or iPhone or whatever you use on shuffle.

At each question, write the name of the song as the answer, even if it doesn't match.

1. How do you feel today? It's a Beautiful Life (Ace of Base)

2. Will you get far in life? Bittersweet (Sara Bareilles)

3. How do your friends see you? Better Man (Pearl Jam)

4. Will you get married ? Party Up in Here (DMX)

5. What song defines your best friend ? Are We Different? (Priscilla Ahn)

6. What is the story of your life ? Sweet Disposition (Temper Trap)

7. How was life in highschool? Let me Blow Ya Mind (Eve)

8. Can you go forward in life ? Tik Tok (Kesha)

9. What is the best thing about your friends? I Used to Love You (John Legend)

10. What are you going to do this weekend ? Carousel (Laura Izibor)

-Yeah, I know, I have that Kesha song on my iPod.

-I still love my friends.
-This weekend was kind of like a carousel. Oh, metaphors.
-And I am not a man.
Try it if you like, it's kinda fun!

And be sure to enjoy your week.

photography by jody rogac

trip.episode2.china.

2010-04-15T18:46:00.003-05:00

Some more pictures, as promised, from our trip! It's only been what, 2 1/2 weeks since I got back?

Such a gorgeous, peaceful day this was. One of my favorite days of the trip, probably.

The view from our hotel room. The streets get really crowded as everyone gets off work.

Random from the hotel lobby.

At this California cuisine restaurant (yeah, we were in China, but you have to know that when it's just two English-only speaking people going out for dinner, the most sensible and safe thing to do is go to a Western type restaurant), we got the whole upstairs to ourselves to shoot some pool.
I totally won.

No, I'm kidding. I didn't. Joseph is kind of an all-star when it comes to pool. And my skills are less than admirable.

But I'm good at wine, so I resorted to that.

Now at a Mexican restaurant for breakfast! We found all the different cuisines.

The best latte I'd had in awhile.

A rooftop cafe on a hazy day.

Background: more rooftop cafe, an unsuspecting Joseph and a mediocre coffee smoothie.
Middleground: Chinese Vogue and the remains of a "happy muffin" which was actually a waffle which was actually super delicious.
Foreground: the best mango smoothie EVER ever.

And yep, Texas BBQ. On the boardwalk by the sea. In China.

Complete with live music (think "House of the Rising Sun") and a mechanical bull that, while we were there, was only ridden by two men (not at the same time). Different.

Okay, that's enough for now.

today i fell in love with salt & pepper shakers

2010-04-13T22:12:00.004-05:00

I was at Bloomingdale home and was so smitten by these figs from Michael Aram's collection that I had to get out quick before I drooled all over the shiny pretty things.
The pears were cute too:
Actually, his whole collection is kind of great. And kind of expensive.
oh sigh.

2010-04-12T23:49:00.006-05:00

I was tagged by Allie to list 10 good things.

In case you didn't know it, I just love Allie.
Here's 10 other good things:

1. Lemons.

I recently cut a lemon in half and took a good look at it before squeezing the life out of it. It was actually really beautiful, and I'd never taken the time to notice/appreciate it before. Lemons are bright, fresh, cheery, delicious. And the smell of lemons, I mean come on. It doesn't get better. This is starting to sound weird.

2. Naps in the middle of the afternoon with the sun streaming through your window.

3. Drinking coke (or diet coke) from a glass bottle. I don't know why it's so much better that way, but it is.

4. Lilac nail polish, which I talked about wanting a whole year ago and seriously didn't buy until a few weeks ago, and then didn't even use until now, and I'm really loving it. Everytime I look at my nails I get happy, the color is so innocent and cheerful.

Essie's St. Lucia Lilac

It was important that I cover up my Sunday-lounging-on-the-couch face, but unfortunately I couldn't hide the Sunday hair.

5. Reading in a park on a beautiful day.

Maybe it's a Kindle.
No, no it's not.
image source

6. Eating just plain angel food cake by the ~~handful~~ ...um, pool.

7. Having a great, natural, vacation-by-the-beach tan/glow. Nothing beats that.
Sigh. Wish I still had mine.

8. Live music. Especially blues or jazz.

9. Aquascutum's spring 2010 collection. Just re-looked, just re-loved.
Samples:

10. Annnd....(get ready for some mad combination skills) this happy little award I was thrilled to receive from Enchanted Gardens:
It's a great blog she's got going on over there, you should check it out, and I'm not just saying that.
Thank you so much!

THE PERFECT SERIES: the perfect sweater dress

2010-04-11T14:41:00.004-05:00

A continuation from awhile back when I started this feature.
(If you were wondering what was going on)

Photo credit: Vanessa Jackman

chloe watson

2010-04-10T15:12:00.003-05:00

My newest girl crush.

photos: grant thomas, unknown

2010-04-08T20:15:00.003-05:00

Just Yasmin today...
Esther isn't up to the job.

And not to worry, I don't often refer to myself in the 3rd person. Only on special occasions.

Image sources, top to bottom: the sartorialist, vanessa jackman, unknown

trip.episode1.hongkong.

2010-04-03T13:07:00.008-05:00

Our first night was spent in Hong Kong, where we explored a couple of the nightlife areas. This sort of shows the activity, and this was taken probably around 3AM in a section of town where they actually block of some streets and it's one big party. All night long.

We also went to this bar where we saw maybe the most amazing cover band ever. Rock songs from Queen, ACDC, etc....all played flawlessly. They covered Bohemian Rhapsody and it actually sounded really really great and we all know that is no easy feat. Also the drummer was hilarious and kept changing outfits and had the exact same voice as the lead singer of ACDC. Add that to people from literally all over the world dancing around like maniacs in the middle of the floor and you have yourself a pretty amazing experience.

(me and my friend jet-lag)

Breakfast the next morning. I had to post this picture because it gives a glimpse at Joseph's crazy breakfast plate (foreground). It was their "special", and ended up being a plate full with toast, french fries, baked beans, eggs, mushrooms, bacon, and a whole grilled tomato. It was actually pretty good, and in the end we figured the only thing that didn’t belong were the baked beans, which remained untouched in the middle of the plate. We also discovered that french fries are good anytime of the day. You can always use a french fry.

Along Hong Kong's "Avenue of Stars", which is basically the equivalent of Hollywood's "Walk of Fame", only with famous Chinese people instead. The weather was gorgeous and windy.

Starbucks on the Avenue of Stars. Never seen an ugly coffee dome before.

Bliss.

I like Hong Kong. It kind of seems like a cross between Vegas and San Francisco (I would know, cause I've totally been there once for 3 hours).

back.

2010-03-29T07:00:00.012-05:00

sunrise in Thailand

I got back from Chailand* last night, jet-lagged but happy to be home, and amused at finding only glamorous things like champagne and lemons when I opened the fridge in a fit of hunger.

Now, here I am, wide awake at 7:00 AM (unusual for me, to say the least), as I have been since 3:00 this morning. I've already been grocery shopping and to Starbucks (how I've missed thee, darling vanilla latte).

It was a good vacation. I couldn't blog while there, due to the fact that blogger is blocked in China, as is Facebook, but that's another story. I will share more about everything soon, but I really can't right now as my mind is in a state of muddled confusion (I don't know what time it is, I'm on a sugar high from all the candy I bought in Hong Kong that I've been eating nonstop {STOP!}, I may or may not be really hungry, and my head hurts for no explicable reason).

I've missed the blog world and all the wonderful people in it and look forward to catching up slowly. For now, I leave you with another Thailand sunrise picture, this one with us in it, in which we are suffering from morning face and morning hair but are happy.

Good night! Or good morning, or whatever.

*China + Thailand = Chailand

in which i procrastinate

2010-03-11T13:57:00.003-06:00

I'll be leaving for China tomorrow (very excited) with my hub. We'll be there for a week and a half and then it's off to Thailand for 4 days to celebrate our 3rd (!) anniversary.
Wheeeee!
There is much to be done today, don't ask me why I'm sitting here drinking my latte and writing this post.
So I'm just going to leave you with a few random things and thoughts:

-This house is one of the my favorites (if not my very favorite) I've seen. It has pretty much everything I love as far as design elements go. Open layout, lots of white, lots of wood, so much creativity. If you read about everything they've done in the house, it is RIDICULOUS. (in a good way. But almost in a way that makes you jealous of their ambition because unfortunately you lack the ambition to do the same in your own home). Check it. (I just said "check it". Haha.)

-I'm excited about reading a lot on vacation. I never allow myself time to read. I have four books I'm taking with me (at least).

-This picture from the Sartorialist disproves the "less is more" statement and the rules they make about wearing only one statement piece. Okay, sometimes less really is more, but in this case, I'm really glad she wore giant earrings and giant necklaces and giant rings. It just plain works.

-Also excited to catch up on sleep.

-This could be the coolest thing I've ever seen. I exaggerate, but still. Look closely. Aha!

by Margaret Shepherd

-Maybe I'll even write some letters while I'm gone. You can't beat the feeling of getting a good old fashioned hand-written letter in the mail. Especially if it's pretty.

-I should really get packing. I only have to find a way to only pack 30 pounds of luggage. Like toiletries and shoes and everything. 30 pounds. For two weeks. Hum. This should be interesting. I'll let you know if I just give up and stay home.

-Any good music suggestions for my lovely 16-hour flight?

Hope you have a delightful day!

a peek inside

2010-03-09T21:26:00.009-06:00

Just decided to pick out some of my favorites from the latest Elle magazine and share them (and my little overly-excited thoughts about them) with youuuu!

They totally remind me of those awesome Marc by Marc Jacobs boots.

(Nine West)

But it could never be as good as the original:

christine centenera

2010-03-02T21:47:00.003-06:00

(fashion editor for Harper's Bazaar Australia)

Girl gets it right every time.

just for now

2010-02-22T19:12:00.011-06:00

Lots of activity going on lately. My family is in town, and there's been restaurants to try out, shopping to do, babies to hold, mini reunions/late birthday parties to attend. My manager at work has been out of the office for the past week (get better soon!) and there's been extra work to cover. I'm a happy little bee (and a very behind bee too) and it's all been good, but I'm thankful for a little time to sit here and just not do much of anything. I'm ignoring everything else, just for now.

So just for now, the carpet will lay un-vacuumed, the bedroom will lay cluttered, the errands will remain un-run, and I will sit here in my fuzzy bathrobe, drink my apple tea, post some random self-indulgent pictures (and hope you like them too), browse some bloggies, and listen to Slightly Stoopid.
Music is so therapeutic for me.

photo: Heather Espana

photo: Corey Arnold

photo: Tom Palumbo

Photo: Willpower

French toast kebabs!? Tasty tasty.

Photo: Vanessa Jackman

Photo: Us magazine online

shameless self promotion

2010-02-18T22:10:00.007-06:00

What's up?
I've opened up a brand new Etsy shop, selling vintage clothing. (finally) (been meaning to since...a really long time ago)
Isn't much yet, but new and fabulous additions will be coming soon, I promise.
So that's it.
I'm selling that coat up there, for one.
(As you can see, my bangs have decided to rebel against the rest of my hair. They're their own entity now, it's very frustrating. GROW already. No, faster)

the green nectarine

take your time

2010-02-10T13:52:00.008-06:00

"It is a great art to saunter."
-Henry David Thoreau

"Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet, and the winds long to play with your hair."
-Khalil Gibran

"Wander a whole summer if you can. Thousands of God's blessings will search you and soak you as if you were a sponge, and the big days will go by uncounted."
-John Muir

I feel that we as Americans (myself included) are so rushed. It's busy this, busy that, honking cars, screeching brakes. "I'm busy" has become a common and wildly popular response to "How are you?" (once again, myself included)

But what are we rushing to do all the time? Is it just because we're used to our lives being that way? Sometimes that makes us become inconsiderate of each other. I'm often surprised at how impatience can make one human so rude to another. I know that sometimes life gets busy, and that's okay. But I don't want to be busy just for the sake of being busy, if that makes any sense. Some things really can wait.

We're meant to enjoy life, and how can we enjoy "the little things" that are so vital to happiness if we don't stop, take a breath, and look around once in awhile?

***
Brighten someone's day, if you can. Sometimes all it takes is a smile.
Sit down and eat breakfast. (I've long been trying for this one)
Try doing nothing sometimes. It's hard.
Listen to music.
Breathe.

Images, top to bottom:
unknown, jldesigns/stephanie williams, jldesigns/stephanie williams, iliveinoctober, dan martensen

2010-02-05T17:29:00.005-06:00

Lately I've been loving:
'Words with Friends' on my iPhone, watching really old (hilarious) movies, eating Quakers Instant oatmeal (Maple and brown sugar of course) with fresh blueberries, and playing Dominion with my hub (cause we're geeks like that).
Oh and I fiiiinally got my haircut today after like 9 months and I'm loving that too. Don't know why I put it off so long. It feels delightful.
What's on your 'love' list right now?

photos from here.

Weekend y'aaaall.

And big thanks to MissT for including me as one of her favorite bloggers. You're a sweetheart!

fashion plaits

2010-02-02T21:53:00.003-06:00

(I'm all about the wordplay) (perhaps unfortunately)

photo by Sloan Photographers

photo by Vanessa Jackman

THE PERFECT SERIES: the perfect silhouette

2010-01-26T14:03:00.001-06:00

I'm going to try a new blog feature and I'm calling it "The Perfect Series."
Basically, when I see a shot that (to me) defines something perfectly, ima post it.
A picture is worth a thousand words, after all.

So to start, the perfect silhouette:

via Jak and Jil

(This is of course all subjective. Always feel free to share your favorite. You know I'd love it.)

2010-01-24T23:35:00.006-06:00

The Weekend.

I...

-got the Sartorialist's book for my birthday and proceeded to pore over it for quite a long time and I still haven't even finished it which makes me happy. (Really, it's an amazing book and I know you know that already, but I'm just still constantly fascinated at the way that all these different people put themselves together. Whether they're wearing 3 garments or layering on 13, the creativity is stunning and completely inspiring and I could look at it forever because there's always something new to see. Ok done with that rant. Thank you for the gift, P. Obviously I love it.)
-wore the same men's flannel shirt for like 3 days in a row. It's not gross, I promise. I changed for the evening festivities. It's the best most comfortable shirt and has just that right fit where it hangs loosely but not unflattering-ly.
-shopped with my mom at Anthropologie (favorite) where we each bought the same jacket (in different colors) which proves that that store really must be some kind of alternate universe.
-watched Conan's last show which was really bittersweet but mostly just bitter because I love watching him, but still sweet because he won't be working for ~~stupid~~ NBC and I'm excited to see what he'll do next.
-did lots of shopping. (excellennnt) Found a new boutique that just opened 2 months ago by someone almost my age. (inspiring)
-ate a lot of cupcakes. And sushi. (two of my favorite things)
-had an all-around delightful birthday weekend in which I enjoyed the company of my darling friends and family and husband (thank you so much everyone, I love you).

-found Vanessa Jackman's streetstyle blog that all the amazing pictures in this post are from.

How about you? Any highlights?
...Is anyone else having Gossip Girl withdrawal?

louis vuitton pre-fall 2010 is pure brilliance

2010-01-13T14:53:00.006-06:00

photos via style.com

backstage at christopher kane

2010-01-11T23:36:00.004-06:00

I need to try this 'do.

image via stylesightings

omgomg

2010-01-09T19:44:00.004-06:00

Well.
It's been a year, hasn't it?
Holidays, family, parties, desserts, shopping, days spent on the couch, you know the drill.
And I've become obsessed with tea. (Don't worry coffee, you'll always be my #1.)
So that's what I've been up to.

I just found something that I absolutely needed to share, something so charming it kinda makes me want to get married all over again (to the same guy, naturally) just so I could do it like this.

gottahavethatdressgottahavethatdress
eventhoughidon'thaveanythingtowearitfor

...and gray suede heels to round out the perfection that this is.

I highly recommend checking out more pictures.

Images by Jessica Claire

2009-12-16T23:23:00.003-06:00

This girl is totally adorable. (and she does the BEST stuff with her hair)
I've just finished looking through her entire photostream...I hope that doesn't sound creepy.
But maybe you'll understand if you have a look-see for yourself.

Even more here.

sunday shoe candy

2009-12-13T16:30:00.002-06:00

The shoes that fantasies are made of...

Beautiful, glorious, brutally expensive fantasies.

Shoes by Vicente Rey
Photo by Andy Julia

lucky number slevin

2009-12-11T17:15:00.002-06:00

I received this award from my gorgeous friend Allie, and am ever so touched.

You should know that she's pretty awesome.

And now to meet the requirements of this award, I shall share with you 7 random things about meeee! (Wheee!)

1. I love baking. Love it love it. One day I intend to make the world's best chocolate chip cookies.

2. I really want to learn how to play the drums, but I don't have a use for that skill. There's never drums sitting around that you can just use. And I'm not in band.

3. I'm a little obsessed with things smelling good (including myself), therefore I buy an excess amount of lotions and soaps and candles and everything 'like such as'.

(This is not my house. But it'd be cool if it was, huh?)

4. I have a less-than-admirable attention span, and on top of that, I daydream a lot. Maybe the two go hand in hand. I'm trying to be more present and in-the-moment, and..is that something shiny?

5. I laugh a lot, and I cry a lot. Sometimes I laugh 'til I cry, but I never cry 'til I laugh.

6. I have an "inspiration wall" in my study where I post...well, anything that inspires me. (didn't need to explain that one) Sometimes I just go stare at it for aHWile (that was for you, Allie). I always see something new, and it really helps when I need ideas for hair/makeup/whatever.
Here's a semi-crappy picture of it:

7. I have 4 siblings, and my husband has 8. (without even counting any of their spouses) And I love it. I couldn't ask for a better family. They make me so happy.

And I would like to pass this award on to the lovely ladies behind these blogs:

Bonjour Ennui
Lainey Turns the Camera On
Girl by the Whirlpool
Oh dear it's Liana
Fairydah
Gabby, she wrote
Grant family blog

Here's the rules:
1. Thank/Link the person who nominated you for this award;
2. Copy the award and place it on your blog;
3. Tell us 7 interesting things about yourself;
4. Nominate 7 bloggers and post their links.

Have a great weekend!

xoxo,
Gossip Girl

then and now

2009-12-09T01:48:00.003-06:00

Bazaar June 1954:

(shot by Tom Palumbo)

When I saw this I instantly thought Chloé.
It emanates the same class and relaxed feminine feel.
Same type of silhouette and all that.

Couldn't you just see this look slipped right in there with a Chloé collection of today, like in between these two looks from the 2010 Resort collection:

Ah, I love recycling fashion.

2009-12-05T18:39:00.006-06:00

Here's Audrey in "How to Steal a Million."

Adorable, No?

And here's a lace mask I stumbled upon over at The Audrey Hepburn Complex:

Hmmm....looks like it'd be pretty easy to make. Actually it just looks like black lace trim.
I don't know where I would pull this off but I love it.

And here's the original again, because now you should look at her amazing glitter eyeshadow.

And a couple more stills from the movie, because she sported some fantastic outfits.

Rain boots + pink lacy shift = WIN
pictures via picked pics

It's a really great movie, and I'm not just saying that because of the clothes.

2009-12-02T23:46:00.003-06:00

After approximately 3.5 days of nothing but sitting around, eating, playing Wii Super Mario Bros. (super addictive), eating, playing board games, and having an all-around fabulous time with my family (thankful), it's been a little hard to get back into the swing of things.

But my Christmas tree is up. So that's bringing some joy and cheer.

Hope you had a great holiday! (all those who celebrated)
(I know it's been like a week since Thanksgiving)

pictures of edie/sienna and bob/hayden having nothing whatsoever to do with thanksgiving are brought to you via weheartit

we are band aids

2009-11-24T23:43:00.000-06:00

I watched Almost Famous again recently, and concluded that it had been entirely too long since I'd seen it last. I should make it part of some kind of regular rotation (not that I have a regular rotation of movies...ehm...The Holiday...don't judge me).

Anyway, the movie is friggin' great. (obviously) (which I'm sure you already know)
From the fantastic music(love me some old school rock) to that cast! Talk about stacked. Of course, maybe at the time we didn't realize how stacked it would prove to be. I mean...
Philip Seymour Hoffman. Anna Paquin. Jason Lee (Earl). Frances McDormand. ZOOEY.
Just to name a few.
Heck, even Rainn Wilson was in there.

Oh yeah, and Kate.
So iconic, so untouchably cool, so cute in all her crop top glory...I think we all just fall in love.

(gotta have that shirt)

Watch it. Or watch it again.

today i love:

2009-11-21T14:26:00.000-06:00

This is so ridiculously right up my alley.
More here.

today i love:

2009-11-19T16:25:00.003-06:00

Erin Wasson's house.
Raaaad.

Also, I cannot stop listening to this song:

Note: I seem to have started this new "Today I Love" feature. It may become the new format for this blog, or it may not. But when you think about it, it's not really like I've changed anything...cause pretty much everything I've ever posted about is what I love at the moment, so now I've just officially titled it. Aha.

today i love:

2009-11-17T23:35:00.003-06:00

Layering.

In the home:

On the body:

A combination of the two:

Annnd...the best kind of layering possible:

Images, from top to bottom: Debi Treloar Photography, JL Designs, Stylesightings, Stockholm Streetstyle, Stylesightings, unknown

today i love:

2009-11-16T21:16:00.004-06:00

The facial expressions.
The dog is wearing glasses.
Their hair matches. (almost)
No one else is around.
And I think she's wearing two different denims. And I love that.

Today I also love:
The song "Little Green Bag" (George Baker Selection).
And it's likely that I'll love it tomorrow.

picture via My parents were awesome

denise grunstein photography

2009-11-11T23:49:00.009-06:00

the perfect white tee

2009-11-06T12:24:00.002-06:00

Still looking for mine.
Meanwhile, I've accumulated about 4 not-quite-so-perfect white tees.

image: icanteachyouhowtodoit

nighttiming baby

2009-11-03T01:30:00.002-06:00

I have this problem.

I stay up late for no reason. I put off going to bed so that I can...what?
Diddle around on the internet for pretty pictures and new clothes?
Yes.
And here's a pretty picture to prove it:

Byrdie Bell via altamira

Thing is, I'm actually really tired. My eyes hurt.
I just have problems actually going to bed, but once I'm there, I have no problem staying. I love sleeping in the morning.
I'm just a little nocturnal. Like a cat.

So there's the only picture of my Halloween costume.
(Obviously I'm doing something very catlike in this picture, and not a wimpy air-punch.)
It was a fun weekend.
My favorite costume that I saw was John Cusack from the movie Say Anything. It was perfect, down to every last detail. The guy actually had attached an extra set of arms to himself to hold up the stereo...SO hilarious. They looked real. Ahh...I wish you could've seen it.

Any favorite costumes from the weekend? What were you?

Good morning. See you in the night.

P.S. Snuggie commercials crack me up. Did you know that you can wear your Snuggie to:
-go to the movies?
-do the wave with a load of other Snuggie-clad patrons at a football game?
-do the 'cabbage patch' dance while watching TV?
-'raise the roof' around the campfire with your family?

my weirdest crushes (if you want to call them that)

2009-10-30T01:15:00.003-05:00

I'm not talking about standard expected crushes like the Rob Pattinsons and the Chace Crawfords of this world, although those are all well and good. Believe me, they're fiine.

These are "crushes" of a different genre.
These are dudes who I admire, men who make me strangely happy, guys who I want to chill with.
And I just straight up like 'em. Cause they're awesome.
Okay, so here we go:

1. Conan O'Brien
(the obvious. If you know me, you're probably already aware of this.)

Things to like:
-the (in)famous pompadour
-the freakish height
-the geek impression

2. Tiger Woods*
(the greatest, literally)
Things to like:
-the infectious smile
-the red shirt-on-Sundays thing
-the super large biceps

*NOTE: This post was made before all the scandal. I don't know what I think about him at this point.

3. Louis Van Amstel
(the sweetheart)
Things to like:
-um. he can dance.

4. Peyton Manning
(the coolest)
Things to like:
-the funny commercials
-the charity work

5. Joe Crede
(the one that got away...from the White Sox, I mean)
Things to like:
-the tucking-the-pants into-the-socks fashion statement
(there. see, now this post does have something to do with fashion)
-the insane 3rd baseman skills

6. Joel McHale
(the newest addition to this list)
Things to like:
-the skinny ties
-the sarcasm
-Lou.

So who's on your list?

...or am I the only one who makes these strange types of lists?

5 things

2009-10-27T20:47:00.003-05:00

Note: This post is not going to be at all cohesive.

1. The clogs from this post back in May. I would still kill for them. Here they are again, for my your viewing pleasure.

2. Essie nailpolish. I'm really late to fall in love with it, but whatever. Now that we've found each other, we're going to be together for a very long time. Currently gracing my fingers: Mink Muffs; a wonderfully ambiguous brownish grayish color.

This is someone else's hand.

3. Alexi Murdoch. He's cool. He's chill. I heard his music in the movie Away We Go (which was pretty good, I think). My favorites of his right now: All my Days and Wait.

4. We just got these great new white sheets, and something about them combined with our fluffy white comforter kind of makes our bed seem like one of those delicious hotel beds that I just want to wrap myself up in like a happy little burrito, and enjoy unnecessary amounts of pillows and listen to the rain falling outside and not do anything. at. all.

This is someone else's bed.
(illustrator Kat Heyes)

5. I want at least one chunky silver watch.

stockholm street style

garance doré

Aaannd, that's it.
Peace.

no one on the corner has swagger like us

2009-10-16T17:19:00.006-05:00

Nothing like a killer attitude (or a wispy blue playsuit with leather detailing)
to make you stand out just a little above the rest.

all pictures via stylesightings

barefoot

2009-10-13T19:30:00.002-05:00

"One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon - instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today."

-- Dale Carnegie

image via we heart it

Fall-ing in love

2009-10-11T22:33:00.005-05:00

8 things I love about Fall:
(in no particular order)

1. An excuse to eat massive, unhealthy amounts of candy corn. (Who am I kidding, I don't need an excuse. I'd do it anyway.)

2. Pumpkins...pumpkin candles...pumpkin cheesecake...pumpkin patches. And now the word pumpkin looks funny to me. Pump. kin. Punkin.

3. Blustery days.

4. Apples... and piping hot apple cider. And basically any piping hot beverage. And cider donuts.

5. Bonfires with buddies.

6. Abnormally large, cozy sweaters.

7. Stomping through crunchy leaves.

8. And the beautiful foliage, duh.

What are your favorite fall fixations?

first image: Gemma Booth photography
second image: stockholm street style
third image: moi, 2008

2009-10-08T19:04:00.003-05:00

Let the record show that I'm a big fan of Stella McCartney.
But hmm I was not so impressed with her Spring RTW for 2010.

What I do is go through the slideshows of the different runway collections and save all the looks that make me do the 'serious face' that only happens in the presence of great fashion. (Does that happen to anyone else? You'll be going through a catalog or magazine all happy-go-lucky with a pleasant smile on your face, but then you come across a boot or a dress or a purse that is no joke, and it's too too good for a smile. It's a somber moment.)

Anyway.

Back to Stella.
As I clicked through the slideshow of her current Spring collection, I found myself only saving two looks. That's unusual eh?
But thennnnn....I found her Resort 2010 collection. (Serious face)
That's where the magic was! I saved like 16 looks, and I was even trying to limit myself. I think I'd wear the whole collection. Now all I need is a resort...

I'm going to try not to post all 16 of my favorites, but here we go:

The big pants.
More about this later (probably).

Mostly I love this just because it looks like it would feel amaaazing to wear.
Like you were wearing a cloud, a big silky blue cloud with a belt.

Yes to coral + magenta.

There. Seven. I think I did pretty good. But if you like what you see here...I'm telling you...
Check it ouuuut.

cutest thing i've seen today

2009-10-06T22:53:00.002-05:00

Are those mini Converses?!

Backstage at Sass & Bide
via stylesightings.com

WHITE.white.white.cream.white.

2009-09-30T18:26:00.005-05:00

Yup. It's gonna be hot to look like you're heading to the Hamptons.
The gauzy, breezy, gorgeous whites and creams are allll over the runways for Spring.
Head-to-toe. Monochromatic. Clean and fresh.
Seems like every designer had at least one white look.
That's what it seems like. To me.
Here's some personal favorites. (so far) (haven't gotten through everything yet)

ADAM

Aquilano.Rimondi

Emilio Pucci

Emporio Armani

Etro
(one of my favorites, are you surprised?)

Fendi

MaxMara

Rachel Comey

Trussardi 1911

I won't bore/blind you with anymore white for now. But be warned, I don't think I'm finished with it.

Which is your favorite? Something up here? Something I didn't show?

all images via style.com

ukelele

2009-09-26T17:29:00.004-05:00

Isn't this beautiful?
There are so many textures and colors and patterns...
the wicker chair, the leopard blanket, the silky throw, the patched dress...

Truly a work of art by the talented Gemma Booth.

I love eclectic fashion. It doesn't make sense but it just does.

shut up with these shoes

2009-09-24T19:11:00.003-05:00

Please excuse me, these Louboutins made me have a 'Mean Girls' moment...

Possible DIY?

Image via altamira

happening right now: big sweaters + small skirts

2009-09-22T21:39:00.001-05:00

images, top to bottom: altamira (miroslava duma), altamira (mary kate stein), unknown, the sartorialist

personal favorite...

2009-09-21T19:25:00.003-05:00

...at the Emmys on Sunday.

From the rarely-seen-on-the-red-carpet hemline (perfect for showing off the killer stilettos - and that's "killer" in both senses of the word, potentially) all the way up to the delightfully simple hair and accessories, I really can't get enough of this. The color is divine, so perfect for fall.

Right on, Mila Kunis, and right on, Monique Lhuillier.

images via Usmagazine and JustJared

something different

2009-09-19T17:11:00.003-05:00

I find this so refreshing.
I've stared at it for a good 2 minutes so far.
I really wish I were wearing this right this very minute.
I would be so cool.

via littlestylebox

And now for a shameless plug:
I've just opened up my very own etsy store! I make pretty greeting cards by hand.
Check me out if you like. And have a great weekend.

diggin' on richard chai

2009-09-18T01:03:00.003-05:00

Ah, everything I love, all on one runway.

Refreshing color palette of silvery blues and greys, plus nudes, a splash of bright color, and of couuurse black and white.
Classic looks with just the perfect amount of twist.
Um, blazers.
Perfectly perfect drapey slouchy layering. That was too many adjectives in one sentence.
Whimsical details, a ruffle here and there.
Looks effortless, looks SO easy to wear, looks like maybe Richard Chai should go ahead and send me some stuff, you know, just so I can make sure.

thin sweater under blazer

2009-09-17T11:03:00.002-05:00

Another thing I can't wear until below-70-degree weather.

via stylesightings

imusthavethisdress

2009-09-15T22:11:00.002-05:00

It also comes in black.
To say that I'd be happy owning either one would be the understatement of the month.

By the amazing Madeleine Thompson.

fallspiration

2009-09-14T23:36:00.001-05:00

I love that she's wearing a white summery dress with her otherwise fall-ish outfit.

And I love bag. And the belted jacket. And the purse...
The only thing I don't love about this look is that I'm not the one wearing it.

over the top

2009-09-13T19:00:00.001-05:00

pssst...check out the ring!

Love the extreme.

from top to bottom: anja rubik, dripbook (julie tomlinson), yu tsai photography

2009-09-10T11:19:00.006-05:00

To me, the most romantic things are not necessarily roses and sunsets and chocolate. (Not that I don't like those things, baby, if you're reading this.) Those things fall into a different category, a category that will still always make me happy, but an obvious category nonetheless.

I love the subtle... the things that hold their own quiet magic and charm and untold secrets...

But instead of trying to put this into words I'm taking the easy route and putting it into pictures.

Orchards

Vintage couches

Abandoned buildings

Laundromats

Old books/bookshelves/libraries

What unexpected thing(s) do you find to be romantic?

image sources: Google images, the Selby (Nicolas and Francesca), Flickr (Portia Vanessa)

i'm a little teapot

2009-09-09T10:24:00.003-05:00

I love colorful kitchens.

image sources, from top to bottom: the selby (sally singer's home), unknown, flickr images (bordons)

in the jungle, the mighty jungle...

2009-09-04T01:08:00.004-05:00

Marie Claire magazine

How about her hair in this shoot?
I wannnt it.

Going camping for the long weekend.
What? YEY-AH!

I hope you all have a lovely weekend. I mean it.

...anybody wanna peanut?

2009-09-01T01:41:00.017-05:00

click image to enlarge

All I wanted to do yesterday was take a nap in the park.
It was divine outside.
You know, that perfect temperature that is right in between Summer and Fall, where you can sit outside without being hot or cold or bothered by bees.
I had a picnic lunch in the park with my coworker/friend/sister-in-law (that is all the same person). Baguette, brie, jam, grapes, you know the drill.
Well.
After that, all I could think about the rest of the afternoon at work was the sun and the grass and the breeze and how I think the best thing I could possibly do was somehow sneak back out to the park with no one noticing and just snooze there.
I didn't.
I worked instead.
After work, I met up with a different friend at the very same park. We chilled and chatted into the evening. We saw some cool people playing frisbee and wanted to join them.
But by then it was cold, and I was in a skirt, and she had to pee. And then they stopped playing.
After like, 10 minutes.
So we didn't.

I never got my nap in the park. Not a wink.
Someday, park, someday.

We have to enjoy these waning days of summer.
I, for one, feel like summer is ending just as I really started living it.

images, clockwise from top left:
facehunter, wilferd peterson quote, kate moss, cobrasnake, little style box, josh goleman photography, unknown