Jessica Daily

I've Moved!

2011-09-21T14:50:00.000-07:00

Hi my little dumpling! If you're wondering where I've gone, don't fret- I've got a new home! Expect more of my musings on style, relationships, life blunders and interior design- plus some extra sass at the new site.

Thanks for supporting my writing here and look forward to chatting with you on TheLadyFreak.com. If you want more specifics on why I took this party to a new location take a peek at my welcome post.

Signing off from Jessica Daily with lots of love and gratitude,

Jessica

Pardon Me, I'm Up to Something....

2011-07-05T21:23:00.000-07:00

I'm horrible at keeping secrets. I keep the big juicy ones when it counts, but for some reason any secret vaguely resembling good news dwells at the tip of my tongue, struggling to pepper every conversation with premature announcements.

It is for this reason, my friends, that I've been avoiding you like a three way mirror mixed with overhead lighting.

Basically, here's what you need to know: I'm stepping away from Jessica Daily for the next two weeks because I've got something brand spankin' new and a whole lot freakier in the works. I know we've just celebrated our one year blogiversary and we're feeling all fuzzy and stuff but I am taking this party to another level.

I hope you'll join me at the new destination and bring a plus one.

Details and formal invitation to come.

xx,

Stealthy, calculating lady

One Year Blogiversary

2011-06-28T07:35:00.000-07:00

I hope you got me something sparkly because today we are celebrating our one year blogiversary. It's been quite a ride, full of inspiration, learning curves and self reflection.

To anyone that's ever stopped by this blog, thank you for your support, kind words, and just, you know, being here...

I happen to think it's very special to be able to share not only pretty and inspiring things, but also thoughts and musings on the important stuff (and obviously the not-so-important).

Like a good friendship this blog and I have done some questionable things together: OD'ed on caffeine and seriously contemplated the fright of Santa Claus; shared exciting news; questioned the complexity of the female mind; gossiped about what happened to us over the weekend; shared our mutual obsessions.

This past year I've felt more inspired, sartorially excited (fashion boner?) and artistically interested than ever before. So thank you for inspiring me and being a part of that journey.

If, just for kicks, you are like me and like to abuse your emotions with strong doses of nostalgia almost daily, here's where we started a year ago today.

As I said that day, I'll say again on our one year blogiversary: and so, here it goes. Please enjoy.

xx,

J

Daily Quote Dose: Let Us

2011-06-27T21:44:00.000-07:00

"Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair.” -Susan Polis Shutz

Birthday Reflections

2011-06-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

Today is my birthday. I am turning 23.

I usually make a big song and dance out of this day (aside from Christmas, uh, what day could be more important?) but something in me feels unfamiliarly gloomy about the whole deal this year.

You might say, you’re 23, shut up and get drunk (which I probably will do anyways, thank you), but I can’t help feeling like this year has blown past me like the smoke from my birthday cake, opaque memories billowing around my face, there for a moment, but almost immediately dissolved into the stillness of the present where I stand here, once again the birthday girl, with a whole new year that needs tending to.

I supposed it’s natural to feel reflective on your birthday, and a lot of things have happened in the last three hundred and sixty five days: I’ve flown the nest (as they say), learned how to clean a toilet bowl (never again), watched some of my best friends scatter around the world, come to terms with the word “utilities,” gotten my first “big girl” job doing something I love and spent a lot of time hanging out here, on this blog, with you.

I’ve revived my love of platform shoes (an affair that began in second grade with my trendsetting Sketchers, platform sneakers); exercised patience; started taking vitamins (old age will do that to you); grown to understand my parents more; appreciated my Grandparents more; felt more grateful for the depth and authenticity of my friendships; become a connoisseur of cheap pinot noir.

And I’ve, for the first time, felt myself change. Not from what I was, to something new, but from myself to a further version of myself. I’ve seen interests that always existed blossom into full-blown hobbies, and jobs.

And it’s not that these things never happened in the past, it’s not that I’ve never evolved before… it’s that I’d never noticed it in myself.

Someone told me in college that you will change more from twenty to thirty than you previously had in your whole life. I was highly skeptical when I heard this (as I am whenever I hear a quote that begins with, “trust me”) but I’m beginning to accept this statement.

There’s a cold, overwhelming, invigorating feeling that comes with complete independence; separation from what everyone else in your sorority is doing; removal of the constant opinion of your family; an end to the comfortable and familiar cycle of measuring the years by your school calendar.

All the barometers of success, acceptance, expectation, and even fun are immediately unhinged and centered on you, as an individual. Of course important relationships will always influence your decisions and remain a thread in the sweater of your life, but the freedom to pursue your oddest passions, to wear whatever the hell you please, to eat as much of one food (macaroni and cheese…) as you damn well want… it’s all suddenly there.

A lot of heavy, gloomy things come with aging: deaths, mortgages, broken relationships, heartbreak.

But aging also brings about a unique sense of freedom. Freedom to develop and be your true self, confidence to be your true self, and the power to take on all of the heavy things with the grounding of experience and (sometimes) a little wisdom.

I don’t happen to think I’m particularly wise at 23, or that I’m so mature that I’ll start using cocktail napkins at the bar, but I do feel a changed sense of self and awareness this year.

So (aside from what I’m wearing tonight...obviously) there’s what I’m thinking about today on my birthday.

xoxo,

Daily Quote Dose: Be Something

2011-06-22T23:28:00.000-07:00

"I’m gonna be something one of these days.” -Patsy Cline

I Can't Stop...

2011-06-21T21:34:00.000-07:00

... pattern mixing.

These sort of inspirations are feeding the need.

Matching be damned.

xx,

The reformed daughter of a mother who always told her to buy both pieces of the matching sweater set.

Images sources: 1, 2, 4

Daily Quote Dose: Bridget Jones

2011-06-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

"Resolution number one : Obviously will lose twenty pounds. Number two: Always put last night’s panties in the laundry basket.” -Bridget Jones’ Diary

Do You Need Intellectual Validation?

2011-06-21T20:33:00.000-07:00

Well, you're in luck my little cupcake. I get such a kick out of the comments that are left for my enjoyment here on this 'ol blog that I figured I'd go ahead and showcase my favorite every week.

That's right: leave your words of wisdom and your comment could win "Comment of the Week." Not enticing enough? I'll throw in a pretty picture and something about how sassy you look in those new jeans...

Now dazzle me with your wit and enlightening commentary (as you already do!).

xo

Daily Quote Dose: Live Well, Dress Well

2011-06-20T23:39:00.000-07:00

"You have to get dressed every day so you might as well get dressed well; it’s like eating.” -Tziporah Salamon

image source

A Colorful Life

2011-06-16T20:32:00.000-07:00

Not to get too fluffy on you, but I fall into the category of people that thinks inspiration is everywhere.

The homeless man's poncho? Why not. The old lady's prescription sunnies? Don't mind if I do. The bathroom's tile mosaic? Yes, thank you very much.

Lately, my creative juices have been all sorts of inspired by Mothaaa Nature herself. Yes she's a bit moody sometimes (June gloom for my birthday party) but all in all I happen to love all the color's she's rocking.

This is what I mean:

Which do you fancy baby cakes?

Image sources: 1, 2, 4

Daily Quote Dose: Abe Lincoln

2011-06-16T20:15:00.000-07:00

"Whatever you are, be a good one." -Abraham Lincoln

Daily Quote Dose: Bookworm

2011-06-15T07:35:00.000-07:00

"My life is a reading list."- John Irving

image source

Summer Mood Board

2011-06-15T07:21:00.000-07:00

What's a (blogging) girl to do when she's too tired for elegant musings and too spent to remember her middle name?

Make a mood board, of course.

Lately I'm consumed by an obsession with all shades of orange and pink (especially when paired together).

I tried to implement the color scheme into my upcoming birthday party decorations but unfortunately instead of pink and orange I left the store with a brand new bestie from the balloon department and turquoise everything... your guess is as good as mine.

Sigh.

Happy hump day.

Daily Quote Dose: Dr. Seuss

2011-06-13T22:41:00.000-07:00

"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple." -Dr. Seuss

photo source 

Friday's Favorite Things

2011-06-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

1. Favorite Setting:

2. Favorite Piece of Art:

3. Favorite Shoes:

4. Favorite office:

5. Favorite Accessories:

And, my little buttercup, here's what you'll find me doing this weekend.

A little bit of this:

And a little bit of that:

Happy weekend to you. I wish you two days of fireworks and sparkles.

image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Psychedelic Night Out

2011-06-08T21:34:00.000-07:00

Oh, hey there.

I'm currently exercising the strength of Poseidon to keep myself from opening a glistening, beckoning, seductive, bottle of wine.

At first I thought, "It's Wednesday. I'm young. I chatted politely with a crackhead on Lankershim blvd like a true lady. I. deserve. that. glass. of. wine."

But, then, with the steely determination that only comes from the looming disaster of bikini season, I thought, "Crack open a bottle of water and call it a party sugar buns."

So, here I am... doing that.

It's wild... and also completely irrelevant to this post... but hey- remember this bad boy?

Well, psychedelic flower dress had quite the night on the town.

Together we went to my friends' birthday party at Casa Escobar. If you haven't been there I would like to tell you that it occasionally smells like a sewer and there are sticky booths and Mexican blankets hanging on the walls.... and I love it.

I love it so much (especially after a couple patron + pineapples) that I decided to take you on a tour of Casa Escobar's highlights.

First, I modeled the lovely vinyl booths. These puppies stick to your thighs faster than carbohydrates:

Next I wanted to share the beauty of the plastic flowers:

Last up, the Taco Bell bell:

I have to tell you, this dress was just a happy dress and it had some standout qualities, the most important being the crotch accenting flower.

You don't believe me?

Who wouldn't want a flower accenting their lady bits? It's a real man-getter.

Evidence of man-getting:

Okay I paid him. But you know... in theory.

dress- vintage (from Cuffs); purse-vintage Chanel

Daily Quote Dose: The Woman Who Walks Alone

2011-06-07T21:55:00.000-07:00

"The woman who follows the crowd usually goes no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before." -Albert Einstein

NavaHO

2011-06-06T23:28:00.000-07:00

I am such a ho for anything Navajo print or Native American inspired.

Judging? You're probably kind of boring... and pilgrim-ish.

Thinking the above headdress is the perfect thing for me to wear on my birthday. Are you majorly opposed? No? Oh fabulous!

Mara Hoffman. Buy it here

OR buy the knock off here

Image sources: 1, 2, 5, 6, 7,

Daily Quote Dose: I'm An Idealist

2011-06-06T23:04:00.000-07:00

"I'm an idealist. I don't know where I'm going but I'm on my way." - Carl Sandburg

image source

Daily Quote Dose: Be Who You Are

2011-06-03T07:23:00.000-07:00

"Be who you are; otherwise you will miss your life." -Buddha

Friday's Favorite Things

2011-06-03T07:03:00.000-07:00

1. Art I Want:

(available here on Etsy)

2. Couple I Like:

3. Current (all consuming obsession): vintage wallpaper

4. Thing I'd Like to Wear:

(buy it here)

5. Thing I'd Like to Eat:

And, five things I'm doing this weekend:

1. Concocting a theme for my 23rd (and obviously all important) birthday party
2. Building a wardrobe that matches the mid century fun and frivolity of the Parker Palm Springs (in anticipation of an upcoming trip)
3. Trying to be this glamorous when I grow up:

4. Working on my fake British accent
5. Hunting for vintage wallpaper to line my bookshelf (see obsession above)

Toodles.

Good luck out there this weekend. I hope you do one little, insignificant but magical thing. Or get good and saucy. Either way.

xo

photos: 3, 6

Daily Quote Dose: Why Do We Love?

2011-06-02T21:20:00.000-07:00

"Why love if losing hurts so much? We love to know that we are not alone." -C.S. Lewis

Daily Quote Dose: The Impact of You

2011-05-31T22:26:00.000-07:00

"I am a part of all that I have met." -Alfred Lord Tennyson

Blogspiration... And 10 Things I've Been Doing

2011-05-31T21:19:00.000-07:00

Here are some things I've been doing lately:

1. Googling Marilyn Monroe.

2. Mastering the frozen food aisle in the grocery store.

3. Having issues with my nose which feels like it has knives inside the left nostril.

4. Dropping the above fact in conversation with strangers, casually.

5. Wondering why above strangers didn't want to talk to me about my possibly cancerous or flesh eating nostril.

6. Getting lost in the paint aisles at Home Depot and annoying all staff within a 30 foot radius.

7. NOT going on Web MD.

8. Eating sausages and drinking fancy beer at Bru Haus. Verdict: I do not appreciate quality beer but I do appreciate quality sausage (I set you up for this one...). And you should go here if you are a male that wears polos to work and wants to watch sports during happy hour (or, if you want to meet one of these creatures).

9. Testing out cheap wines at Trader Joes. One winner so far: Black Mountain Pinot Noir (let it also be known I incorporate bottle presentation into my assesment and have little to zero formal training or knowledge... but I am bossy and consume many a glasses of red).

10. Getting inspired by these ladies of the blogosphere:

What have you been up to sugar buns?

photo sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Daily Quote Dose: Large Parties

2011-05-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

"I like large parties. They're so intimate. At small parties there isn't any privacy." -F Scott Fitzgerald

Gone Shopping: Adore Vintage

2011-05-24T21:08:00.000-07:00

Life is cruel sometimes. Just when you think to yourself, "hey, I can be thrifty and buy only what I truly need for the next two weeks" it goes and slaps you with sartorial findings that have you salivating.

Here the line between "truly need" and "what the hell was I thinking" becomes a little fuzzy.Vintage turbans more important than eating? Obviously.

Well, the above musing is fueled by a recent discovery of Adore Vintage. It's a magically curated site, ripe with vintage gems and it's (thank you Jesus) not expensive!

Alert the mastercard, mama needs some 70's party dresses (what's new?).

Here are all of the things I would like in my closet:

1. 1960's Turban

2. 70's Sundress

3. 70's Sheer Frock

4. 70's Fringe Necklace

5. 70's Leather Shoulder Bag

Consider it a true testament to my endearment to you that I've divulged my favorite pieces...

See anythaaaang you like?

Daily Quote Dose: Some People

2011-05-24T19:39:00.000-07:00

"Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet." -Roger Miller

Daily Quote Dose: A Bird with a French Fry

2011-05-23T22:07:00.000-07:00

source

Weekend Wardrobe

2011-05-23T21:58:00.000-07:00

Moving out meant the end of my access to many things: mom's furs; cooked food; my beloved Bubba (seen here); wine that costs more than $15; and worst of all, my blog photographer brother and my Dad's this-lens-is-worth-more-than-your-life camera.

I'm mourning the losses and in the interim all I've got is my little, hardy, beloved digital camera and some intoxicated friends to take my picture on weekend nights.

This weekend in particular happened a few weeks ago but I hope you'll forgive the delay.

Friday Night:

It was warm, balmy, festive feelings in the air.

The impromptu photo shoot (or shall I say single photo shoot) was inspired by my matching the sand. I referred to myself as a chameleon for quite some time after this picture was taken (social hindrance you say? ha! no, everyone wants to hang out with a chick that tells people she's a chameleon).

Dress: H&M; Purse: Vintage Coach; Necklace (last seen here): Vintage (Agoura Antique Mart)

Saturday Night:

Someone was going away which of course means all of his friends needed to drink away the soon-too-be-void at a sticky bar in Westwood.

I thought to myself, this would be the perfect time to wear denim jorts + a "cape"+ 5 inch platforms.

Some things are far from flattering but you do them anyway. Case in point:

Poncho/Top/Cape: Vintage (Rose Bowl Flea Market); Shorts: Vintage reconstructed by Yours Truly (you saw how I did this here); Tights: DKNY; Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Last time you saw this cape/poncho it was a skirt. I like it better as a poncho to be honest but it didn't have much of a chance last time because I was wearing a phallic beanie.

My "little" friend:

What do you wear on the weekend sassy pants?

Things I'd Like to Buy

2011-05-23T20:34:00.000-07:00

Statement 1970's Kenneth J. Lane KJL Tribal Necklace ($225)

.... You know why.

Daily Quote Dose: A True Friend...

2011-05-20T07:53:00.000-07:00

"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked."

-Bernard Meltzer

image source

TGIF

2011-05-20T07:08:00.000-07:00

For a prediction of my weekend see above.

If you want to get all specific about it: tonight I'll slide my hiney into some vinyl booths that look like they're straight out of a horror movie from the 1970's... this is all in the name of friendship (happy birthday B & W).

I'll be wearing this dress and if there's any ounce of responsibility in me I'll snap a photo to share.

I'm also tackling some DIY home projects (painting; sanding; heavy lifting)... pray for me.

Wishing you a weekend of pleasant surprises.

P.S., anything fancy on your agenda?

P.P.S, If you need some reading material check out my newest blog obsession, Tuula

Daily Quote Dose: To Be Frank

2011-05-19T21:39:00.000-07:00

"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." -Gone with the Wind

Mood: Water Baby

2011-05-19T20:05:00.000-07:00

There's a special level of contentment I experience when by the water. I prefer the ocean but will take a lake or a swimming pool in a pinch. 

I've even been known to embrace a kiddie pool filled with beer, but you're going to have to make a much stiffer drink for that to happen again.

sources: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6

Daily Quote Dose: Friendship Is Born When...

2011-05-17T23:02:00.000-07:00

"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one.'"

-C.S. Lewis

image source

Playing Dress Up: 1stDibs

2011-05-17T22:41:00.000-07:00

There is a life of mine that exists within my mind. It's fantastical, splendid and sparkling. It is a world in which I roll out of bed to find hot, fresh brewed coffee on my desk, right next to a laptop, a stack of magazines and an abyss of time to be spent writing.

It's a world in which fresh cut flowers are delivered to my house regularly; I have a personal masseuse; all dogs are potty trained; my makeup and hair always look professionally done; high heels are more comfortable than uggs; and there is no such thing as a hangover.

You might call this my dream life, and you might, as it turns out, call this some of my dream wardrobe. It falls into the dream category because at the moment I can't drop a cool 18 hundred on a dress. I probably shouldn't drop eighteen cents on a dress right now but let's be honest, I spent my cable money on vintage dresses this month (one of which you just saw).

I'm so over TV anyways...

1970's Cut Velvet Lavender Caftan

1960's Scandanavian Silk Op Art Dress

1960s Elaborate Beaded Chiffon Gown

Studded Leather Jacket, 1960s

Edwardian Irish Crochet Cotton Lace Jacket

It's clear I can procrastinate with the best of them. Anything tickle your pickle?

Daily Quote Dose: The Most Wonderful Thing

2011-05-16T19:42:00.000-07:00

"When I was about eight, I decided that the most wonderful thing, next to a human being, was a book." - Margaret Walker

...Depending on the day, a glass of wine might compete for this title in my world.

Gone Shopping: Vintage Online

2011-05-16T19:34:00.000-07:00

Karen Blanchard of WhereDidYouGetThat makes my most groovy sartorial dreams come true. I'm always clicking through her posts to see the origin of her bell bottoms and one recent exploration led me to Cuffs.

The Cuffs stores are up in Northern California, but if you're out of area (like yours truly) their website boasts some impressive and affordable options. I particularly enjoyed the vintage department and while there aren't a bajillion options, there's plenty to satisfy your spending tooth.

I just bought this vintage psychedelic wonder:

And also wished this wasn't sold out...

Any favorite online haunts you'd like to divulge?

Crazy Print Lady

2011-05-13T17:17:00.000-07:00

I'm learning a lot of things working in an office. One thing I'm not learning is names. Peoples' names that is.

I've been wondering, where's the chick that can rattle off the middle name of a celebrity's baby on the drop of dime? What happened to my memory that allowed me to colorfully describe the ingredients and measurements of my favorite cocktail?

Why can I remember your favorite type of greek yogurt; the number of times you like to press the "door close" button in the elevator; the name of the friend that you always have animated phone conversations with in the hallway; and on which day you wear your baseball hat, but I cannot remember your little, two syllable name.

This has been happening a lot.

So, in lieu of names, I remember people by habits and outstanding characteristics. I figure, especially since I'm the new girl (or new-ish girl) that people probably don't remember mine either.

This got me to thinking that they must be labeling me some other way. I thought about what could be defining me.

My label might be the-girl-with-the-grande-latte, the-girl-that-looks-half-awake-every-morning, the-girl-that-drinks-obscene-amounts-of-water, the-girl-that-keeps-her-cell-in-her-lap-at-all-times, the-girl-that-sneezes-like-a-dwarf-squirrel, or a collection of other things. And while these labels are all possible, it's clear to me what my most outstanding habit is: wearing crazy prints.

I am The Crazy Print Lady.

I've worn leopard; stripes; good and plenty patterns; polka dots; navajo prints; african tribal prints; herringbone; gingham; plaid; etc.

You name it, I've worn it in the last four weeks. And I've probably worn it with another print at the same time.

So, this post is coming to you, courtesy of your friend, The Crazy Print Lady. I hope you enjoy the inspiration.

And I hope if you go print crazy this weekend that you might think of me. You don't need to remember my name. My label will do.

PS happy friday to you. I hope you avoid hangovers, pot holes and snagged tights.

See you soon.

PPS, which print is your favorite?

sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Daily Quote Dose: Enjoy

2011-05-12T12:35:00.000-07:00

source

Weird Things Are Happening...

2011-05-10T19:12:00.000-07:00

Something is happening to me. Somewhere, in between the jumping around, the squealing, the cheers'ing and the color coding of my closet I have become... (semi) domestic.

"How can you claim such a thing?" you ask! Well, here's how: I've developed insomnia because I am consumed by.... couches.

Couches.

And pots. And pans. And how in the hell you're supposed to cook anything without a microwave (that's another post). And how to paint a room. And how to sand a coffee table.

Who do I think I am?

Whoever I am, I dream of slipcovers. And I, naturally, have been doing some online stalking to further my mental preoccupations.

Here are some couch findings:

If you google couch you will get to enjoy this:

Or better yet, this:

I feel bad leaving the image of vagina couches as your final take away from this post so here:

We're all soapy and clean now...

And if, as you observe my very bizarre behavior, you're fearing that I've become a regular Mad Men housewife, I'll just let you in on something to ease your mind: tonight I cooked a lean cuisine on a piece of cardboard because I don't have baking sheets... or a microwave... or anything besides wine glasses really.

images via We Heart It

Daily Quote Dose: Two Kinds Of Men

2011-05-09T21:06:00.000-07:00

"I like two kinds of men: domestic and imported." -Mae West

photo by Matt Albiani

Stone Cold Fox(y)

2011-05-09T20:47:00.000-07:00

Stone Cold Fox's latest lookbook has me feeling all sparkly and happy. I didn't think I'd ever be dying for velour bell bottoms after my second grade love affair (thank you, Limited Too) but here I am, hoping to slide my stems right in there.

Are you as flare obsessed as I am or is this another manic eccentricity that I can add to my list?

Daily Quote Dose: On Exercise

2011-05-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

"The first time I see a jogger smiling, I'll consider it." -Joan Rivers

image via We Heart It

Keep Calm And...

2011-05-08T19:53:00.000-07:00

Somewhere along the line these puppies got annoyingly ubiquitous:

"Carry On" is such a bland solution... I'd prefer to hang one of these beauties on the walls of my new pad (AH! Yes, I have a place! It's full of boxes and the kitchen is naked with the exception of beer, wine and a few carrots):

I've also thought of some of my own poster possibilities: "Keep Calm and Go Shopping;" "Keep Calm and Ding Dong Ditch."

What would your personal poster say?

Excuse My Absence

2011-05-04T23:03:00.000-07:00

Hello there sugar pies. Hope you'll forgive me for being mostly absent this week. It's due to the fact that I am MOVING OUT.

If you've been around on this blog for a little while you know that I've been dreaming about my first post grad apartment for the past ten months (woah) so I'm naturally excited beyond measurement.

This also means you can expect some down and dirty DIY home projects and before and afters. After sharing so many smoking hot interiors on this blog my mind is muddied with inspiration and in a general haze at the moment.

It will be a slowly-but-surely process.

Hope you're having a sparkly week. Happy hump day to you.

Daily Quote Dose: Always Young

2011-05-04T07:42:00.000-07:00

"A heart that loves is always young." -Greek Proverb

Daily Quote Dose: Something Shiny

2011-05-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

"Wearing something shiny on the outside is a reminder to be shiny on the inside." -Donna D'Cruz

image via We Heart It

Daily Quote Dose: Shine On

2011-05-02T21:40:00.000-07:00

"Shine on you crazy diamond."

-Pink Floyd

Daily Quote Dose: Daydreamer

2011-04-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

"A daydreamer is prepared for most things." -Joyce Carol Oates

Weekend Forecast: The Hunt Is On

2011-04-29T07:54:00.000-07:00

It's Friday and that, my dears, is reason to do your happy dance. I'm giddy as a toddler on an Easter egg hunt at the moment because this weekend I'll be apartment shopping.

Holy gumdrops, am I excited. Beyond.

I hope that once we find a place we can turn it into something that looks like this:

I'm starting to notice I like ethnic patterns, white backdrops, bold colors and a certain amount of quirk...

Wishing you the weekend of all weekends.

xx

PS:

Shaved ice does a body good.

All images via We Heart It

Woah, There's A Recipe On Here...

2011-04-28T10:40:00.000-07:00

Don't get nervous or itchy- this is not a recipe in the culinary sense of the word but rather in the alcoholic sense (we all know I am not the full domesticated kind of girl just yet...).

There's a lot of things I like in this world. Two of them are mint and grapefruit. Mint and I are true pals, I drag her along everywhere, to many a parties, and I've hooked her up with her boy toy vodka- they make the most sassy of pairs.

Grapefruit, well, I mostly enjoy looking at grapefruit and thinking about how I like it until I actually bite into it and realize this is, um, quite sour. At this point I grab a pinch of splenda and all is well in the world (this is horrific if you are a fruit purist, I'm aware).

Anyhow, I stumbled upon this drink which combines both of my culinary crushes and figured, hell yes I'd like to add alcohol to this equation!

Here you go, courtesy of Miss Martha Stewart herself:

Grapefruit and Mint Mojitos

Ingredients

Makes 4

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
1 ruby-red grapefruit
3/4 cup white rum
3 cups ice
1 cup seltzer

Directions

Bring sugar and water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat, and add mint leaves. Let steep 10 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve into a small bowl, and discard mint. Let cool.

Using a vegetable peeler, remove zest from grapefruit in long, wide strips. Place in a large glass, and add rum. Cover, and let stand for 30 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve intoa large glass measure, and discard zest.
Cut away remaining pith from grapefruit. Cut between membranes to release segments. For each drink, place 2 to 3 segments in a glass. Top with 3/4 cup ice. Stir 3 tablespoons infused rum, 2 tablespoons mint syrup, and 1/4 cup seltzer in a glass measure, and pour over ice. Garnish with mint sprigs.

Daily Quote Dose: Poetry

2011-04-28T08:02:00.000-07:00

"Poetry is a naked man, a naked woman, and the distance between them."

-Lawrence Ferlinghetti

image via we heart it

I've Got A Crush: Shakuhachi SS 2011/12

2011-04-27T10:34:00.000-07:00

I recently found Shakuhachi's newest collection titled "block party" on Oracle Fox and my flower child soul is drunk on the fringe, kimonos, ethnic 70's esque patterns, and flowing florals. I'd like to wear just about everything in here everyday this summer.

Any favorites?

Daily Quote Dose: Blue Jeans

2011-04-27T10:07:00.000-07:00

"Blue jeans are the most beautiful things since the gondola." -Diana Vreeland

image via We Heart It

Daily Quote Dose: The Greatest Secrets

2011-04-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

"And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places." -Ronald Dahl

image via We Heart It

Kindred Spirit: Lynn Dell

2011-04-26T07:57:00.000-07:00

Daily Quote Dose: The Key To A Woman's Heart

2011-04-25T10:04:00.001-07:00

"The key to a woman's heart is an unexpected gift at an unexpected time." -Sean Connery

Hey, I'm Not Going To Judge You...

2011-04-25T10:04:00.000-07:00

1. If you got your face painted on Easter... at the country club... with your boyfriend's family.

2. If you like to yell "Abe Lincoln!" to yourself every time you see an Amish person.

3. If you're compelled to smell every single perfume sample in every single magazine you read.

4. If you get the mail in your bathrobe.

5. If you're infinitely more fun your first night in vegas than your second.

6. If you forced yourself to stash away your astrology books because you were starting to say things like, "you're such a capricorn," in conversation and it got weird.

7. If you crave beer (over water) when you're thirsty.

8. If you like bologna.

9. If you've ever blow dried your dog.

10. If several of your notebooks happen to be have red wine stains in them.

Daily Quote Dose: What If

2011-04-21T23:57:00.000-07:00

"It is a risk to love.

What if it doesn't work out?

Ah, but what if it does."

-Peter McWilliams

image via le love

Something I Picked Up Last Week...

2011-04-21T23:50:00.000-07:00

... Aside from a Coachella cold and a nice collection of blisters there is something pretty important I picked up last week: a full-time job.

You might recall I've worn many hats in the past eleven months since graduating (figuratively of course, you know that this was the only on-my-head sort of hat I'd worn up until last week) including reporter, actress, writer, blogger, social media guru, and my dog's personal assistant. This job happens to be a lovely combination of just about everything I've been doing and I'm dancing a jig with excitement.

It also means I have "normal person" hours; co-workers (that I see in person); and a sudden need to purchase tupperware (in which to bring my gourmet homemade lunches, obviously).

My first day at work I brought in egg salad and a raging, coughing, sneezing cold. They love me already.

I'll still be here talking your ear off on the intricacies of boob tape and mixed patterns but I figured I'd fill you in just in case you hear me referencing the workplace.

Fondly,

The blonde girl standing next to you in the elevator attempting to wiggle her tights up without you noticing

image via This Is Glamorous

Daily Quote Dose: Crying

2011-04-20T22:23:00.000-07:00

"Crying doesn't indicate that we are weak. Since birth, it has always been a sign that you are alive."

-Charlotte Bronte

image via We Heart It

Coachella & What Happened To Me

2011-04-19T21:59:00.000-07:00

If you're thinking I want to revel in how cool I am since I spent the weekend with all of my besties in fringed hippie wear in the desert sweating out alcohol to the beat of techno dj's then you're definitely wrong.

I do want to tell you, however, that Coachella helped me realize I'm old. 22 and old.

They always say the older you get the younger "the youth" looks (as in, every time you drive past a high school you wonder why they've let preschool aged hobbits run around campus...) but I never truly realized I was a cranky old lady until this weekend.

I spent a good forty percent of my internal thought process (though it was a thought process slightly inhibited by dehydration and a generous supply of vodka) wondering how in the hell fourteen year old girls got out of the house in rave wear and decided to twirl their unable-to-see-an-R-rated-movie butts around Coachella on psychedelics.

Of course I expected to rub elbows with those on the extreme party train, but something about seeing high school freshmen in such a state had me spending half of my time wondering whether I should get them a bottle of water or a better set of parents.

Aside from this tumultuous mental preoccupation I also had a spanking good time and enjoyed myself enough to come home with a raging cold and a minimal tan despite valiant efforts (I had more important endeavors to tackle than acquiring tan lines... like mispronouncing band names, spending hundreds of dollars on frozen foods and wondering which pair of sandals would make me want to cut my feet off the least on the walk home).

I, figured, since you saw me spend enough time talking about what I wanted to wear to Coachella in this post, that I might give you a glimpse of what actually happened.

Day 1, Or "The First Day Jessica Wore A Hat."

I was nervous about this deal:

But I soon realized I was with some dude in a golf visor so I couldn't go wrong:

Day 2, Or "Fupa Inducing Denim Jorts Hit The Town."

These bad boys were a creation that long existed in my head and finally manifested the morning of Coachella as I distressed my denim on the balcony of our villa.

I had started a post on the process of how to distress denim but alas I'm a failed blogger and got more concerned with crushing the mint for my cocktail than continuing to document all of the steps.

Essentially what happened is this: I went to Salvation Army in Santa Monica; bought ugly, baggy, 80's men's jeans; cut them to my preferred length; had my tailor take them in at the waist (I need a sewing machine and the ability to do this myself... baby steps towards domesticity); cut horizontal slits; used tweezers to pull out the blue threads (which run vertically in denim, whereas white threads run horizontally); and went out looking like this. You can only see one of the distressed areas but you can use your imagination.

I was also excited about this shawl from Crossroads.

Because, of course, I felt like Stevie.

Day 3

I don't have anything life altering to say about this except that Planet Blue's Precious Hands handbags are the perfect Coachella accessory. I also thought you might like the teal short shorts to my right. Contrary to what you're thinking they're not actually stolen from my closet.

Did you make it to Coachella this year and live to tell about it? Tell me about your escapades in a comment...

Outfit Logistics:

Day 1: Hat- Urban Outfitters; Glasses- H&M; Leotard- American Apparel; Skirt & Bag- Forever 21; Belt- Vintage.

Day 2: Shawl- Vintage (Crossroads); Sunglasses- Forever 21; Top- Thrifted; Jean Shorts- Thrifted/reconstructed; Purse- Vintage

Day 3: Tank- I forgot, but a longer top I cut into a crop top so I could be extra slutty; Skirt- American Apparel; Purse- Planet Blue; Belt- same as above

Daily Quote Dose: Nothing Ordinary

2011-04-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

"There's nothing ordinary in the living of each day." -L. Thompson

image via we heart it

Inspired By: Napolean Dynamite

2011-04-13T23:09:00.000-07:00

Have you ever mixed caffeine, insomnia, nerves, and excitement into one day? It's much better than binge drinking vodka red bulls, let me tell you...

I have some exciting news coming your way but I'm gonna wait it out and let it linger a little bit before saying anything (to squelch any suspicions I am not secretly an alien revealing my extraterrestrial identity and I am not pregnant with octuplets... that schtick is so up and I'm figuring out another way to get a reality show, thanks).

In the meantime I'd like you to know that I viewed Napolean Dynamite last weekend (whilst dressed as Gothic Stevie and sipping red wine before departing into the depths of beer soaked karaoke bars) and I liked it as much as I did the first five times I watched it.

There's something about fupa inducing jeans that really get my creative juices flowing, so I created an outfit based on this handsome fella:

Ginger in the front row.

Here's my interpretation:

Napolean Dynamite Style by jessica hagy featuring denim skinny jeans

See by Chloe denim top
$295 - net-a-porter.com

Denim skinny jeans
$110 - spanishmossshop.com

Rachel Comey strap high heels
$355 - solestruck.com

TopShop cream handbag
$60 - topshop.com

Ray Ban retro sunglass
$145 - nordstrom.com

Daily Quote Dose: Earth Laughs

2011-04-12T17:48:00.000-07:00

"The earth laughs in flowers."

- e.e. cummings

image via fashiontoast

Daily Quote Dose: Creativity

2011-04-11T13:14:00.000-07:00

"What keeps life fascinating is the constant creativity of the soul."

-Deepak Chopra

image via We Heart It

Gothic Stevie

2011-04-11T09:11:00.000-07:00

Sunglasses- American Apparel; Scarf- H&M; Feather Earring- Brentwood Art Fair; Jacket- Thrifted (Crossroads); Necklace- Forever 21; Top- Forever 21 (removed sleeves); Pants- GAP; Shoes- Jessica Simpson

Nothing better to mourn the death of the weekend than a gothic get-up.

Though I'm facing a new week, I predict my attention span to fall somewhere between ADD and a kindergartner as I mentally (and sartorially) prepare for the wonderment of Coachella...

In the meantime, you might remember my casual mention of the above ensemble on Friday. This is my first (documented) interpretation of my beloved Stevie Nicks, and the all star of this show is my lace dracula-esque cape I picked up at Crossroads a couple of weekends ago.

According to the more normal people in my life it reminds them of "the haunted mansion," and "halloween." I'm pleased with this.

Even though those descriptions are wonderful, I added some monochromatic texture and layers to the mix to make this more bad ass than blood sucking.

My favorite part of the whole deal is the capelet at the top of the jacket.

How does this make you feel? Depressed? Giggly? Sparkly? Fuzzy? Let's talk about it...

Happy Friday

2011-04-08T09:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight I'm dressing like a gothic Stevie Nicks. I hope you're in a happy place this weekend like the stud muffins above.

xo

Daily Quote Dose: Hendrix

2011-04-08T09:41:00.000-07:00

"If I'm free it's because I'm always running." -Jimi Hendrix

image via Dirty Blonde

Style Crush: Bianca Jagger

2011-04-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

It's becoming clear that 70's glamour just does it for me. The silhouettes, easiness and drama just speak to me on another level.

Today the spotlight's on Mick Jagger's first wife, the stunning Bianca Jagger. With her gorgeous bone structure you could toss her in anything and go crazy over it, but the combination of those cheek bones with her out-of-this-world headwear and dramatic taste makes me just adore her.

Every single accessory and piece of clothing you see below I would like in my closet, yesterday.

Easy Breezy

2011-04-07T23:31:00.000-07:00

White. Long. Flowing. Breezy. Ethereal... I just, kind of, love it.

But bring the tide pen. If you don't spill on yourself I'll probably spill on the both of us in the course of twenty minutes.

Image 1 &2 via The Sartorialist; Image 3 via Cat Party

Pink Loyalist

2011-04-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

As you already know, pink's always been my color. Ever since that fateful day Kimberly the Pink Ranger made her way into my life I've been loyal through and through.

There's lots to love about pink: it's happy; playful; feminine; bold; and plays well with others. I've always had pink walls in my room but since I am turning into an uber sophistcated, mature woman I've been thinking it was time to go with gray.... or some other color that says, "I know how to do taxes and poach an egg" (two very grown up things in my mind).

But then, just as I try to run from my childhood wall choice I wind up seeing this yumminess (below) and I feel dizzied with confusion.

The perils of paint.

Be a dear, and tell me your thoughts. I'll take them in, let them jiggle around in my mind for a few seconds and then go back to contemplating the most pressing issue of the evening: how will I tame the mammoth pile of shoes that's growling from my closet?

Image 1 via Take Out In Couture; Image 3 via MFAMB; Image 4 via Belle Maison; Image 5 via Matchbook Magazine; Image 6 via Made By Girl

Daily Quote Dose: Fools

2011-04-07T16:35:00.000-07:00

"We're fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance." -Japanese Proverb

image via Oracle Fox 

Dressing Like A Valentine

2011-04-06T15:21:00.001-07:00

For The Love of Pink and Red by jessica hagy featuring scalloped shorts

So you've heard me chatting about my love for red and pink worn together here and here, but I figured I might take it a step further and style my own little get-up. Ever since my Coachella post for Shop Eat Sleep yesterday I've gotten a little polyvore happy.

I used to think too much red and pink would look like a second grader on Valentine's day but somewhere in the past few months I happily changed my mind and got all sorts of obsessed.

Regarding the ensemble above, there's some specific things that bring me joy: the high waist and scalloped hems on the shorts; the luxe fabric of the silk blouse; the crossbody length of the leopard bag (I like to use both of my arms... it's weird); and the kind-of-masculine-until-you-notice-the-bow loafers.

I'm on a loafer kick this week too. I bought a pair of mint green crocodile loafers (I know, swoon) at Crossroads on Saturday and my boyfriend looked at them and asked, "um, are those used?"

I replied, "yes, but they're from Italy."

For some reason, knowing my used loafers were italian made me feel better about sliding my toes into a space other digits had been before.

Maybe my toes will develop an Italian accent.

Jil Sander silk georgette blouse
$845 - net-a-porter.com

Lucca Couture scalloped short
$48 - urbanoutfitters.com

Lillybee loafer shoes
$168 - simplysoles.com

Forever21.com - New Arrivals - 1058636328
$19 - forever21.com

DANNIJO / Kaimi
$198 - dannijo.com

Daily Quote Dose: Magic

2011-04-06T08:32:00.000-07:00

"You are unrepeatable. There is a magic about you that is all your own..." - D.M. Dellinger

I'm Getting Around!

2011-04-05T14:00:00.000-07:00

Hot diggity, there's happy news over here my sugar plums! One of my favorite blogs, Shop Eat Sleep, has taken me on as a contributor!

If you haven't checked out Shop Eat Sleep yet it's packed with insider reviews of the latest bars, restaurants, shopping, happenings and hotels.

Today my post covered where to shop and what to wear to Coachella. Click here to see my picks and let me know your thoughts!

image via Dirty Blonde

Viva Las Vegas: A Photo Diary

2011-04-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago I spent the weekend in Vegas with five of my girlfriends. Since we're of the real world, employed, generally functioning (for the most part) category of people now, the excitement really built up quickly for the weekend getaway.

In our eager haste our email chain quickly got raunchy and giddy and included quotes such as, “Oh, you hate your job? Why didn't you say so? There's a support group for that. It's called EVERYBODY, and they meet at the bar.”

We stayed at the Venetian, which, if you don't know, is pretty in a my-grandma's-knock-off-italian-kitchen sort of way. I brought the cheese puffs and forgot my second pair of shoes, naturally.

Here's a little photo journal. I'm working on becoming a more thoughtful blogger and taking artsy photos of food and drinks and all those other things I (sometimes) care about in addition to clothes... But, for now, here's some images of my friends and I standing in front of things.

Highlights:

1. The Cosmopolitan Hotel (Specifically the Chandelier Bar)

2. Max Brenner in the Forum Shops

Lowlights:

1. Saturday Morning (or, more accurately, 4 pm)

2. The beds at the Venetian

3. Walking down twenty four million stairs in an attempt to exit Marquee...

Other Notable Moments:

Daily Quote Dose: Lewis Carroll

2011-04-04T15:44:00.000-07:00

"If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there." - Lewis Carroll

I guess that answers this question.

image via Dirty Blonde

Fit To Be Tied

2011-03-31T16:32:00.000-07:00

Sunglasses- Chanel; Necklace- Banana Republic; Shirt- Anthropologie; Dress- Thrifted (Crossroads); Shoes- Jessica Simpson Dany Platforms; Bracelets- Vintage & Nordstrom

This title is a little deceiving. I'm not currently mad as a hornet (two idioms in one post! yipee!) but I did tie my shirt in a knot... over my dress... so... there's that.

Anyways, I have to tell you about my new favorite thang, Crossroads Trading Co. Perhaps, you've already visited one of these amazing outposts (there's a bunch throughout the west coast) but I'd never heard of them until my sage, Miss B Jones, did a post on the Orange County location.

The whole deal, essentially, is you can buy, sell or trade clothes there (trade just sounds fun... like beanie baby bartering). I, having the tendency to hold onto clothes forever, naturally went with sole purpose of "buying." Which I did, very happily.

I hit up the Santa Monica location last weekend (wearing 5 inch high heels... why?!@?!?#) and in just a few minutes my arms were lost under a pile of awesome vintage and formerly loved dresses. I was a little overwhelmed and went to my comfort zone (dresses) since it was my first time but the whole store was brimming with cool items.

I spent an hour and a half, giddy as a schoolgirl, and walked out with 2 dresses, a skirt and an awesome Stevie Nicks-esque shawl thing for under $60. No typo.

One of my finds was this leopard print slip dress which I layered under a blouse for an evening showing of Bill Cunningham New York last night. There's approximately a million and three ways I could wear this dress so don't be surprised if you see it pop up again.

And, if you're wondering about the documentary, it was interesting, funny and smart. There were a couple of dry moments but overall I thoroughly enjoyed it and left feeling inspired. Bill's the sort of guy that tells strangers when they have spinach in their teeth and I just wanted to hug him.

Daily Quote Dose: Iris Apfel

2011-03-31T13:12:00.000-07:00

"Price has nothing to do with style. Sometimes the least expensive things are more amusing and more witty and if you put them together with things you have in your wardrobe you get a smashing new look.” - Iris Apfel 

My Idols: The Ladies of Advanced Style

2011-03-30T13:31:00.000-07:00

I have always admired and aspired to be like crazy old ladies. I hope they won't be offended that I've used the world old, in fact I should say "vintage" because there's really nothing "old" about these ladies at all.

I love them for their sense of frivolity and abandon. It seems, from my limited life perspective of just a couple of decades, that somewhere between 20 and 80 you really find your voice and individuality. And somewhere, in that mix, you realize that what matters most when dealing with style is the representation of self. What matters, is the personal joy you get out of crafting your look, the creative enjoyment you experience when layering a look that screams you! and nobody else.

When you hit 80 you don't care if what you're wearing is right or current or passe... all that matters is whether or not your individual style, which took decades to perfect and polish, is oozing out of what you wear.

So, here I am, 22 years old, and I'd like to take my fashion ques from some crazy vintage ladies. Well, lucky for me, the blog "Advanced Style" is dedicated solely to these fabulous women and their style. I stumbled upon this blog earlier today and have been consumed by inspiration and happiness since. You'll have to take a peek at their work for yourself, but in the meantime here are some of my favorite findings.

This sassy lady made me laugh out loud:

Advanced Style Presents: Ilona Royce Smithkin from teenage peanut video productions on Vimeo.

Some other favorites:

Daily Quote Dose: Big Diamonds

2011-03-30T11:23:00.000-07:00

"Big girls need big diamonds." -The fabulous Elizabeth Taylor

Teach Me Twiggy

2011-03-29T16:20:00.000-07:00

Color Blocking: The Art of Crayon Box Dressing

2011-03-29T16:01:00.000-07:00

Color blocking is sort of ubiquitous at the moment and I'm very pleased about this. Since I love bold colors, I figure, why not splash multiple across my body and get more bang for my buck?

There are a couple of things that make this look fresh and modern for me.

1. Luxe fabrics and saturated colors:

2. Nude Accents:

I'm particularly gaga for this last look (obviously): nude + red+ hot pink+ fur+ snakeskin= fashiongasm.

Image 1, 2, 3 via B. Jones Style; Image 4 via Citizen Couture

Daily Quote Dose

2011-03-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

"I feel sometimes that I'm walking parallel to life and not inside life." -Alber Elbaz

image via Lovemore

Friday's Favorite Things

2011-03-25T18:23:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've kept up with my list of favorites for the week and I know you've been generally weepy about this. You've been drowsy, dragging, down in the dumps, considering-wearing-a-tracksuit-in-public sort of depressed over this void, haven't you?

Well... never fear my little cinammon sticks! Here it is!

1. Favorite decision of the week: Following Ingrid Michaelson on Twitter. Simply because she says things like this:

"I just want to say one thing - I love cheese."

"I would be in such great shape if it weren't for my sweet tooth. And my salty tooth. And my snickers tooth."

"I want to snuggle with Barbara Walters. She seems like she would be good at it."

Obviously, these are the thoughts of my heart as well.

2. Favorite Tune: Sea Of Love by Cat Power

3. Favorite Laugh-out-loud:

One of the new friends we made in Vegas last weekend just teachin' me how he likes to get down. One of the highlights of this picture is the fact that I decided to clutch his index fingers romantically. Killer move of mine.

4. Favorite online discovery: Irina Werning's "Back to the Future" project. This photographer Irina has been inviting people to reenact their childhood photos and since I've got a wild case of nostalgia and love of awkwardness I am obsessed.

Here's some of her work:

I'm thinking these might be contenders for my reenactment:

5. Favorite color: Green

Image 8 via Le Fashion, Image 9 via Where Did You Get That, Image 10 via Vogue Diaries, Image 11 We Heart It

Daily Quote Dose: Mae West

2011-03-25T10:55:00.000-07:00

"I lost my reputation young but never missed it."- Mae West

Photo by Sally Mann

Daily Quote Dose: Kate Spade

2011-03-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

"I think that playing dress-up begins at age five and never truly ends." -Kate Spade

image via We Heart It

Let's Take This To The Bedroom

2011-03-24T14:00:00.000-07:00

I'm in the process of revamping my boudior (yes, I drop this word casually in conversation) at the moment, and as usual I've found some inspiration in the blogosphere.

Let's do it:

Essentially, my dream bedroom. You wanna talk about it? Okay, fur pillows- do me; framed eclectic art collage-heck yes; all white bedding, pale pink flowers- I love you; bed frame- eh, you're boring but I'm not that mad at you.

Let's be honest about this whole thing and say a lot of the awesomeness here comes from the hot diggity architecture. Who doesn't want to live in the attic with a bean bag? But again, all white and a chandelier- two of my go to's.

Again with the chandelier and white bedding, but I'd like to note the window dressing here- if these were in a bold color I'd meow.

Okay, yes. Printed curtains- why not? Bomb.com retro chair with gorgeous graphic print pillows? Fine. Pink walls? I'm indifferent...

Yeah, okay, white bedding and chandelier. We get it. I couldn't resist.

Ottomans at the end of the bed are all up in my grill and I am liking it.

Yeah, this makes me feel sparkly. Love the monogrammed pillows and bold color accents. Crystal accessories don't hurt either.

I used to be all googly-eyed for this wall color... I'm growing a little sick of it. Mostly, I just want to enjoy the golden ottomans.

Matronly wall treatments are not turning me on here, but the mix of prints and leopard blanket make me feel really, really good.

Would this make me dizzy on the day to day? I almost don't care...

Image 1 & 10 via House Home; Image 2 & 9 via MFAMB; Image 4 via I Suwanee; Image 5 via Design Darling; Image 7 via The Glamourai

Daily Quote Dose: Soul

2011-03-23T17:35:00.000-07:00

"My soul is in the sky."

- William Shakespeare

image via lovemore

I Want A Getaway

2011-03-23T17:16:00.000-07:00

Where it's not raining; where the fruit is drip-down-your-chin juicy; where you can smell the flowers and the dirt; where you can run around in gauzy fabrics and flower headbands and sip wine. 

It will look like this:

Image 1 & 6 via Julia, Image 2, 3, 4 & 5 via We Heart It

Daily Quote Dose: Fate

2011-03-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

"Explore everything;

discover what fate brings you."

Vietnamese Proverb

I Want To Be Stevie Nicks

2011-03-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

Nighttime Dress Gets Daytime Treatment

2011-03-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

Shirt- American Apparel; Dress- Some Boutique in San Clemente; Purse- Vintage (London); Belt- Vintage; Scarf- Vintage (Grandpa); Sunglasses- H&M

We all know I'm a bit dress obsessed and one of my favorite things to do is re-purpose a fancier frock for daytime. This dress is super "here-are-my-boobs" on its own, but with a casual tank and scarf its suddenly daytime appropriate.

I've also been pretty obsessed with coral pouts for the past month and this Revlon "Kiss Me Coral" lipstick is one of my favorites.

I'm running out the door to Vegas with five girlfriends right now and I'm consumed with the fear of what I forgot to pack (as always). I might snap some pictures in the midst of the mischief making so stay tuned.

Wishing you a magical weekend. xx

Daily Quote Dose: Beer O'Clock

2011-03-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

"I work until beer o'clock."
- Stephen King

Color Crush: Rust

2011-03-16T23:22:00.000-07:00

Image 1 via Aubrey Rd; Image 2 via Lovers in Vain

Female Friendships: Too Much Fluff, Too Little Truth?

2011-03-16T23:11:00.000-07:00

It sometimes seems that the main role of female friendships is to make ourselves feel better; to make ourselves feel like we are not alone in our inability to stop eating girl scout cookies, we are not alone when we worry why it took him so long to call, we are not alone in our unhealthy obsession with sappy, unrealistic reality TV that leaves our hearts thirsting after a guy (preferably a tall, dashing guy) to tell us he wants "our forever."

In fact, empathy just might be the main ingredient in female friendships. Every time we're together we spend bundles of time retracing all that's been bothering us emotionally; "of course your boss doesn't hate you, he was just stressed;" "of course he loves you, he's just emotionally guarded;" "no way, you have not gained weight, you have the best body ev-er!"

Between the listening, the nodding, and the undoubted complimenting we are excellent at building each other up, but where does the need for confidence boosting end and truth telling begin?

A few months ago I watched an interesting moment between my mom and one of her best friends. My mom, mind you, has four brothers that used to pee on her barbie house and a mother that made her get her hair cut at the men's barber shop to save time. She likes to tell me "it's not a fashion show!" when I take too long to pick out an outfit (but, oh life is a fashion show, isn't it?) and often looks at me like I am a different species when I become weepy and emotional at the drop of a dime.

Of course, she does all of this while wearing Stuart Weitzman's, let's not get it twisted.

Well, my very honest mother and her friend were seeing each other for the first time in a couple of months and her friend was worried about the weight she'd "gained." I, naturally, replied that she "looked great" and that I couldn't notice anything (which, I must add, was not a lie). My mother, however, looked at her compassionately and said "nothing we can't work off."

I was appalled. She conceded to weight gain on thighs that were not her own!? I shriveled into the corner like a wilting flower sinking away from the sunlight of truth.

A few months later I've been looking back at this moment curiously. The truth is, her friend knew she'd "gained" weight so anything we said otherwise was (well intended or not) a lie. The other thing is, my mom's response was deliberate. She did not say, "yes your butt looks big," or "maybe just a few pounds," but she instead disregarded the dilemma altogether and offered a solution. No matter what we said, her friend would still feel she'd gained weight, so why not skip the sympathy session and get straight to the finish line?

Instead of sitting around, wallowing in the societal pressures to be thin and wondering whether or not we can ever drop the pounds despite our love of carbohydrates, my mom offered an easy solution to the problem so that we could be done with the negative topic and move on to the important topic of which cocktail to order.

I am not exactly sure I'll ever be eager to tell my girlfriends they look a little plumper than usual, but the strategy of disregarding the negative and focusing on the solution is something that could be valuable in all dilemmas.

As women, we like to talk about our problems, commiserate, lay around in the shadow of rejection and sulk and eat and gab on and on about how we are clearly more stylish (and generally better) than the coworker that go the promotion before us. But what if we became a bit more like men and fast forwarded to the part where we figure out a solution?

What if we disregarded the heaviness of negativity and the repetitiveness of reassurance and just went straight for the jugular of the issue?

Maybe he's not calling you back because you've texted him an unhealthy amount of times and now he thinks you're a little bit psycho. Maybe your boss hates you because you spend the day shopping online and talking to your friends on gmail.

Sitting around, commiserating about issues for hours is sort of like sipping a pina colada: it looks nice, it's sugary and sweet, but it takes a lot of time for it to really get you anywhere and it makes you a little fatter. Honesty, on the other hand, is like a shot of (top shelf) tequila: it's a little rough on the intake, but if taken with a grain of salt, and finished with the sweetness of a lime it takes you to where you're going much faster and with fewer sympathy calories.

At the end of the day I'll never lose my need for the sugary, pina colada aspect of my female friendships. Sometimes I really do need them to tell me I'm pretty or funny, or more awesome than frozen yogurt. And sometimes I don't want a solution to my problem, I only want a glass of wine.

What I'm hoping, is that in between these moments of sympathy, I can learn to appreciate the truth a bit more. It takes a true friend to tell you when you've messed up, and it takes a strong bond to survive the sometimes unflattering light of honesty. But ultimately, it's worth the sting. All those hours we spend wondering why our boss said we look tired or our boyfriend forgot our favorite flower could really be spent talking about important things: like why in the world they chose Ashley (and her crazy dentist hand gestures) as the new bachelorette, or the complexity of pattern mixing.

And, yes, your ass looks huge in those pants.

I Want To Meet This Guy

2011-03-15T20:49:00.000-07:00

The Man From Two Tribes - Teaser from Kevin Lee Brown on Vimeo.

Don't you?