Muted Tones

I'm on the verge of just renaming this one:  how many whacked out poses can he catch me in?  If I get time to post the outtakes over on FB prepare to pee your pants.

Anyway, yesterday was off the hook.  Slept in, lounged around for a couple hours and then had the.most.glorious. late day lunch (later followed by 8 homemade chocolate chip cookies, but who's counting?).  I know you're probably all, 'yaaaaaaawwwwwwwwn', but remember--we've not been able to do much of that for the past several months due to Restaurant Opening 2011.  Don't get me wrong--we're super happy to be in the midst of the experience, but it's still really nice to get in some quality time.  Remember last year when when the Chef and I ran the days with freedom?  Outfit posts aplenty?  Now we're just trying to get a full night's rest, comb our (respective heads of) hair and wear more than one pair of jeans a week.

*Digs through laundry pile on bedroom floor.* (only kind of joking)

On a serious note though:  was closet diving last week and came across a pair of Elizabeth & James suede heels I picked up a few years ago around the time one of my cats got hit by a car and had to have surgery on her leg.  It was a sad (and wallet crushing) time, but I kept the shoes anyway.  Then promptly forgot about them in the midst of all the chaos (long-time readers know my cats are my family!).  Serious jackpot moment upon rediscovering them the other day.  Long live the closet dive! And the late day lunch...

 I call this one the 'wait a second, is that an antique store over there?!

 As I was saying about the shoes....Uh, hello again friends.

Outfit details: Club Monaco-Silk Jacket (suede version here), Tucker x Target-Cami (polka dot), 

Martin+Osa (RIP)-Grey Skinnies, Elizabeth & James-Heels, Alexander Wang-Coco (Rocco)

I know you're thinking, 'dude we just saw the bag. enough already', but this is the best

I have of a jacket close-up. Picked up on sale a few weeks ago at Club Monaco...

wait until I use it in my Grease tribute.  Do you pick up that vibe?  

It's pony-taillllll time!!

Speaking of which--what on EARTH is going on with my lid?? 

Use a comb much?  Bid me good luck as I attempt to secure a half decent

haircut in the upcoming weeks.  It's akin to death around these parts.

Remember my orange locks in March when the parents visited?  

No?  Don't worry--I blocked it out, too.  PTSD

One Fall Day. But Only One.

Labor Day was a glorious day--no laboring.  The Chef had the day off (rarity) so we were footloose and fancy free.  Upon arising in the AM I noticed ominous clouds...and then rain.  Two hours later:  more rain.  "Fine by me", she says to herself, "I think I'll take a nap."

Next thing we knew it was humid and warm and iced tea time.  We emerged from the house.  We had lunch.  We roamed the streets. Cut to scene and it was swanky dinner date time (our much missed fave).  So much for the LBD (seen here) and silk bomber I had planned--more rain.  Being the seasonal embracer I never am (summer lover in the house) I dove head first into my fall clothing and pulled this one out.  

~Outfit details:  Zara-Blazer (similar), Vince-Silk Tank (similar), Martin+Osa (RIP)-Black Skinny Denim, 

Ash-Ono Boots (similar), Alexander Wang-Coco (Rocco), Anthro-Sunglasses~

I know what you're thinking:  she does not look very happy.  In fact I was quite happy, except for the on with the dress, off with the dress, on with the blazer, off with the blazer, where are those ding-dang pants again??, I think the boots are in here, maybe I do want the dress after all, did that rain stop?, I am getting sweaty and we're gonna be late, wait a second let me get a picture of this one! gymnastics routine.  You know the one, right? *shakes head*

Now here's the thing about Southern California: On Tuesday morning, just hours later, I awoke to flames of heat from the sun, my fall dreams dashed to the fitting room floor.  Ever since it's been bloody 90-113 degrees from morning until night.  Just when I was willing to accept fall, summer came out from behind the clouds and screamed, "PSYCH!!" -- right in my face.

Am I even making sense?  I ate a cream puff for dinner tonight.  And a Mr. Freeze.  Then an ice cream cupcake (it's the year of the birthday).  And 14 glasses of water.  Blame it on the heat stroke.  

Channeling My Inner Olivia Palermo

Now let the truth be known:  I'm much more of a Farrah Fawcett meets Kate Moss kinda girl, but every once in awhile my inner Olivia Palermo comes calling.  During Closet Purge 2011 (the saga continues) I came across these faux leather shorts.  Remember when I got them last fall in Canada? Well every time I see these babies Olivia P comes to mind.  In fact, for a good while there every purchase I made was met with 'Olivia Palermo made me do it' (seemed to make sense at the time?).  After awhile that got old or I forgot about it or something.  More than likely my inner hippie came calling and OP got shoved to the back of the closet.

Then Chloe popped up with this in spring:

And it has lived on my desktop ever since.

I got fixated on finding the same top.  Oh who am I kidding?  I also got fixated on achieving a version of those skinny legs, but a failed 30 turned 86 Day Shred and 3 plates of guacamole later the fixation died.  Then as I was rooting around in le closet this weekend I came across a sleeveless black top with a slit in  back versus the front and it was game over.   

Moments later we snapped these pics while a beat-up VW bus pumping reggae beats drove round and round the block until I couldn't take it anymore, hopped back in the car and sped off.  Awkward

~Aritzia-Shorts, Club Monaco-T-shirt, Alexander Wang-Coco, Steve Madden-Heels~

~Bracelet won last year from the wonderfully chic Corks+Caftans 

+ Melinda Maria link oxidized & Marc x Marc coil rings

The second lap of reggae beats causes me to stare over and throw a dirty.

Seconds later I'm wondering if the shorts are too short while the Chef busts up

 laughing on the sidewalk.  Where's the love?

Finally lap three of reggae madness sends me racing off down the street back

to the car hollering over my shoulder, "It's not a side show ya crazy birds!"

Oh yeah there's the back of the shirt.  Everything happens for a reason?

As you can see summer has shown her beautiful face in Southern California and I couldn't be happier.  There is nothing quite like waking up to the sound of boats in the harbor and kids laughing their heads off in the distance.  Here's hoping for a week of minimal work and warm days in the sun!

The Bachelorette's back tonight, too--fasten your seat belts!

Polka Dots and Orange

Sometimes I have a brutal time coming up with post titles.  What's up with that?  It probably doesn't help that I've been burning the candle at both ends at work meaning by end of day I can barely speak much less form a cohesive thought.  It does feel great to be productive though - being idle is not my thing.  In any event I stared at the pictures and blurted out the title so here we are.


I was so happy to score these orange pumps at Zara a couple weeks ago.  How cute are they??  I'll admit I'm not usually one for overly bright colors, but these just called out to me - it also helped that they were the last size 36 in Southern California.  How could I leave them behind?  They have a ton of potential and probably only need an insert in the left foot which appears to have gotten a bit smaller than the right. Erm freak of nature much? No worries Inspector Shoeseau's on the case so it will handled in a timely manner.  Much like the time we were in Palm Springs with the parents when the Go International Target line was released and I stampeded on over there (inspector shoeseau style) to claim this polka dot dress.  It was the only thing that really caught my eye and, though I wavered at the time, am really happy to have picked it up.  Can be worn baby doll or belted and totally worth the less than $40 it cost at the time.

~Dress: Jovovich-Hawk for Target, Vest: J.Crew, Belt: Anthro, Shoes: Zara, 

Bag: Alexander Wang Coco~

I love the swirly fabric and mix of large and small polka dots.  So feminine and 

really a different look than I usually go for, but the vest made it mine.

Coco - still very sentimental to me, despite her backbreaking studs.
She always takes an outfit up a notch.

View from the back.  Have to say I'm not usually one for the shorter dress, but
this one got to me.  I was done at "polka dots".

The week's kinda been going like this...a blur.
As of yesterday I am officially out of Cadbury Mini Eggs
so prepare for a breakdown in the west.  Work's been grueling and I've lost my crutch!

Spying On Cars Containing McDonald's Bags

Late Saturday afternoon I found myself staring down a top I had forgotten was even still in my possession.  The day had not gone well.  The landlord - from here on out to be referred to as Mr. Inconsiderate Use of the Wet Saw at 7am - had used some of his favorite passive aggressive behavior on me that blew up in his face, but later really got to me seeing as I've been a great tenant for over 5 years and am now being totally disrespected due to his own poor decisions (tmi? perhaps but it's my blog and i need to vent).  I was upset, down in the dumps and needed to get out of the house.  Of course I was in no mood for a sweater so be damned if I was putting one on.  Instead I went rooting through my closet and came face to face with the former fave:  a Banana Republic silk scarf blouse.

This blouse has bailed me out of more situations than I care to count.  Treacherous situations.  Situations where I otherwise would have needed a suit.  It has stolen the show at corporate meetings and dazzled mid-day diners at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills - even Larry Flynt gave me a whistle from his wheelchair once when I walked on by wearing it.  Hollar ya old perv!

Usually I wear it with a flowy wideleg pant and some strappy heels, but not on Saturday.  No on Saturday I opted for skinny denim, Loubs, a pile of bangles, my AWang Coco, and the top.  It was a day when I needed to be reminded that I'm in control of my life, that this bloody apartment and this poorly behaved landlord are not the boss of me, and that I will jump in a flower bed for a quick outfit post if required.   Even if it means waiting for 15 minutes to get to my destination while a misguided parallel parker smashes into the cars in front of and behind him 7x all while his McDonald's bag rides shotgun in the passenger seat.  What?  I'm shredding - I can sense hot fast food within a 50 foot radius.

This is the look of a woman who almost tips over as her red soles dig into the flower bed.

Red soles that rarely see the light of day due to this little thing we call "budget".

Coco and Christian moments before I hopped the ledge to strike a pose

while high school girls looked on in confusion.  

'Blame it on the landlord!!,' I screamed wildly into the evening breeze...
'You can't live at home forever!" (wah)

The top.  

And finally the car that hit every car in sight while parallel parking.
Examine, if you will, Exhibit A on the passenger seat:  McDonald's bag.
Food still in it.  Temptation comes in many forms, friends.

Well, it is T-minus 6 hours and counting until the wet saw goes off at an unthinkable hour for the third day in a row.   I've gotta go dart off into bed and get some shut eye.  Please send all thoughts, prayers and positivity my way...may it all be over tomorrow.  May Craigslist have the answer, may the landlord pack up and leave it all behind, may I get more than three sentences out on the telephone before the person on the other end of the line asks if I'm calling from a meat cutting factory...

Military Goes to the Beach

Call it wardrobe schizophrenia, call it what you want - but be sure to know I realize the pendulum is in full swing here at the bird.  One minute I'm ordering a Navajo blanket and waxing on about pink platforms and hippies, and the next I'm dressed for a day at the academy.  All I can say is what the hockey stick (throw back to the Canadian parental units soon to be on arrival) is up with the weather?  Je ne sais pas.  As you recall merely 4 days ago I was standing on the beach soaking up every minute of the sun (read:  basking in the glory of maxi dress dreams) only to find myself less than 24 hours later in an overcast cold mess.  The wind started whipping around and I seriously thought there was going to be a remake of Dorothy twirling around in her house off to crash in Munchkinland - only instead of Toto it would be me and two cats.  Far more interesting me thinks, thank you very much. 

This is my least favorite part of this time of year.  One minute I'm riding high on boho dreams and the next minute I'm back in the closet, heat on 75 seeking out layers of some sort.  As of Sunday afternoon it turned to military.  Pardon bags beneath eyes.

I know what you're saying...wasn't that the same beach from Monday's post.  True dat.
What a difference a day makes.  Has my Navajo blanket arrived?  Do I smell the UPS truck?

~Outfit Details:  Zara Military Blazer (seen here), Ever Net Sweater (seen here), James Perse Ribbed Dress, 
American Apparel Leggings, Joie Refugee Boots (seen here and here) , Alexander Wang Coco.  

Even though I wasn't exactly in the mood for layers these are light and the mix of
texture has to be my favorite quality about putting the pieces together.

Case in point.  Net on sweater + rib on dress beneath + studs on bag +
gold buttons on jacket + brass on boots = all kinds of interesting.

Note wind whipping about little strands of hair and cold hands gripping each other.
Within moments I was racing off to fulfill warm weather shopping dreams
with the heat on blast.  Spring, spring wherefore art thou?

I'm on the countdown to Parents Visit 2011.  I've got bedding and draperies to launder, floors to wash, bathroom to scrub down and groceries to purchase.  My dad told me to take a chill pill.  I was all, "um dad? I need to distract you from the traffic" - seriously friends I grew up in a very remote area and it's going to be a lit-tle overwhelming.  Last time my mom leaned her seat back in the car and we busted up laughing.  I'm hoping the blinding white walls and sparkly tile will ease the trauma...that or the bags beneath my eyes.  Whatever works!

p.s.- I put the blog up on facebook - 'like' it here.  Someday I'll learn how to put up a facebook tab on the side.  Technology = enemy.


*Update Friday afternoon:  safe from Tsunami (live at beach in SoCal and evacuated, but back home and leaving again though warning has lifted).  Parents are still here and I think we're heading to Palm Springs....my dad has a hankering for dry land.  Imagine that?? hehe  See you next week if I don't sneak a post in sooner.  Thank you so much for all your kind words and checking in on me. xoxo - C*

Blue Dots and Velvet

Okay velour, but velvet sounds better and who am I to mess with words?

Here we are at Wednesday - a few days to the weekend.  Yippee!!  I have mixed emotions as I type because this weekend will be filled with things to do that don't entail much lying in bed and relaxing (favorite pastime hehe).  All I can think about is how Monday may be met with exhaustion and that causes a bit of stress on the heart.  However yesterday afternoon I managed to alleviate just a little bit of that stress by putting together a very fun outfit for an event I have on Saturday that is casual, yet requiring a bit of sass.  The kind where you don't want to show up over-dressed, yet under-dressed will not be a good scenario either.  Long live Closet Quest 2010. (And living in the moment for Pete's sake!!  Monday will take care of itself.)

Remember last week when I mentioned my closet dive?  (here and here if you missed)  I have to tell you I came out with some great stuff that had almost been forgotten *hangs head*.  Amongst several new old treasures was a velour moto vest I got last year at Juicy Couture (along with a couple of fur pieces that made me scream out loud with glee!!).  Today when it came out of the closet my wardrobe rolodex immediately clicked to a fab ruffled t-shirt and the rest was outfit history.  Saturday here I come!!

Tom Ford Sunnies, Juicy Couture Velour Moto Vest and Ruffled T, 

Martin+Osa Denim (RIP),

Alexander Wang Coco Handbag, Mike & Chris Boots

The fluttery goodness of the sleeves on the t-shirt makes my heart happy!

Marrying textures like velour and ruffles is simple perfection:  my fave.

I threw on a Dean Davidson necklace for bit of shine against the grey,

and to bring out the zipper contrast on the vest just a bit more.

Mike & Chris boots save the day yet again. 

These have held up for over 2 years and still keep bringin' the sass!

What was that?  Saturday's on the phone?  Okay, I'll be ready in a minute.

Ha!

Truthfully though - it's tough to know you have somewhere to go and even though you have stuff in the closet, you just aren't certain the right thing is in there.  So many times I am tempted to simply buy something, and then don't always wear it again.  A case specific purchase can be completely justified and sometimes even necessary (wedding, important meeting, big date, just to name a few...), but when I challenge myself and find a loved solution already in the closet, now that's a jackpot!!  Happy Wednesday everyone!  Any recent fab closet conquests to share?

ps-day 2 of return to workouts accomplished! yay!

(es)Cape(d) to Fall

Let me begin by saying I hope the picture debacle has been resolved.  I'm scared to even mention it.

This weekend was filled with task-type activities: 

•  Vacuuming - check
•  Laundry - check
•  Sorting the mail - half check
• Eating a chocolate bar - check. 

Basically things you don't necessarily feel  like doing (except the chocolate bar, of course), but are so relieved when they're actually done even if it only lasts for 5 minutes.  In between Friday afternoon, (when we escaped for Mexican food and margaritas in 90 degree weather along with a gaggle of other Californians who were pretending it was summer), and Sunday morning's time change the temperature dropped about 30 degrees.  By the time I rolled out of bed yesterday morning it was downright chilly and the sky was filled with grey. Before mother nature could change her mind, I hauled out one of last year's favorite finds that never got a go-round (read: crying shame).  Seeing capes make a grand re-entrance has made me very happy.  It's a coat that's not really a coat - and oftentimes that's all we need here in SoCal! Any capes in your future?

Club Monaco Cape, J.Crew L/S Tee, Siwy Denim Shorts, 

Banana Republic Tights, Mike & Chris Booties, Alexander Wang Handbag

Growing up in Canada Club Monaco was always a favorite brand.

 They pay great attention to detail and don't chintz out on fabric 
- this cape is a wool/cashmere blend meaning 
it keeps its structure but is still super soft and cozy.

 The button down back adds a special finishing touch, too.

Seventh Door Bracelet, Ring found at LF 

Mike & Chris Booties purchased at a way-back-in-the-day
sample sale that almost claimed my life, but was totally worth it.
2 hours later I got a concussion at Alexander McQueen on Melrose (don't ask)

 See that SUV behind me?  It had just finished almost running us over.
This is the look of elation + relief. 

Outfit pictures are stressful enough as it is, thanks.

I hope each of you was able to enjoy your extra hour of weekend to the fullest.  Onward and upward to Thanksgiving!  Four days off = bliss!

Soldier of Love

Scenes from the weekend

#1:  On Way to Meet See Jane (didn't get any pictures - fail! - too much good conversation - WIN!)
(Saturday afternoon driving in mad amounts of traffic on the 110 Freeway.  Chef's behind the wheel - I'm riding shotgun)

Me:  What the hell are these people doing on the road?!?
Chef:  I.do.not.know.
Me:  Get in the carpool lane before we go under that bridge into no man's land or we'll be eff'd!!  Ohhhh maaaaaan - there aren't any spacers to get into the carpool lane!!
Chef:  Yes there are.  Just up there.
Me:  No there's not!
Chef: YES THERE IS
silence as lane opens to get into the carpool lane
Chef:  Let's just drive off into the sunset of our love and never look back.
Me:  Dude are you for real? Where do you come up with this crap?? 
Chef chuckles maniacally while I shake my head so hard it almost flies off.

#2:  At Fave Mexican Restaurant
(combing menus over chips, salsa and margaritas)

Me:  What are you getting?
Chef:  I'm not sure.  How about you?
Me:  I was thinking crispy chicken taco, but now I'm thinking one of their specials.
Chef:  You're my especial. (pronounced ay-spay-see-al)
silence
I stare at him.  Then roll eyes.
He bursts out laughing
Me:  (in deadpan voice) Seriously.  What the hell is wrong with you?
He laughs even harder.

If only I had known that less than 3 hours later he would lock

the keys to my house and garage inside the garage.

Zara Blazer + AWang's Coco + Martin+Osa Skinny Denim

*how I miss you M+O let me count the ways...numbers don't go high enough*

               James Perse Cotton Cashmere Thermal      

Melinda Maria Link Oxidized and Margo Circle Rings 

 Alexander Wang, the original Coco + Ash Ono Boots

 Oh how I wish this picture could be enlarged without going off the screen.

Technology = enemy

Scene 3:  

We pull up to the garage, it's lightly raining, the Chef goes to root around for a lamp in storage before I put the car inside for the night.

Me:  The lamp is in one of the boxes by the door.

Chef:  Okay move the car in (as he carries big ol' floor lamp)

Me:  What are you talking about?  That's not a table lamp!

Chef:  What?!

Me: (hollering out the window) Bedside lamp!  We need the bedside lamp!

Chef:  Ohhhhhhhhhh.  Back up then.  I have to shut the garage door.

He locates the lamp and proceeds to enter the house while I park the car thinking he has used my house keys to enter the house.  I join him inside.  

Me:  Dude, where are my house keys?  I need to re-attach them.

Chef:  I don't have them (slight smirk)

Me:  Don't play around.  Gimme those keys (temperature is rising) I have a lot to get done tonight.

Chef:  I don't have them.  They must be locked in the garage. 

Me:  *goes off*  That's the only set to the garage! My car's locked in the (profanity-laced) garage?? How the profanity am I supposed to get in there to get out in the morning?!?  And several other choice words not fit for blog consumption.

Chef:  Can't we just be young lovers in love?  Let's just go back to where we were in the beginning!

Seriously?  Seriously.

This can only mean one thing.  

 Monday. 

Falling Into Fur

Fall fashion is in full force and I've been having so much fun checking out your wish lists and swooning over the fabulous items you've been thinking about.  The other day Alicia at Cheetah is the New Black caused my eyes to well up when she wore her fabulous fur vest.  I haven't compiled an entire wish list for fall because, well, I don't really have to.  Fur is basically it.  All of it.  Yes, the entire list.  Faux fur is the way I go and not just because of budget...it all stems back to the time I rescued a rabbit from a daycare and it became my pet for reals (but that's another story for another time).  Last year I picked up an adorable fur vest and jacket from Juicy Couture, and then it rained so much in Southern California I couldn't even wear them (suffice it to say soggy faux fur is not the new black).  In hindsight I'm kind of grateful because I feel like I've got a bit of a headstart in the fur department for this season.  There's so much out there to choose from I thought I'd pick some of my latest favorites and share them with you.  One thing is for certain - fur is a major part of this fall's top picks.  I found it on handbags, boots, collars, entire coats, gloves, hats, and the list goes on.  I even found this Cat in the Hood Hat over at Modcloth - um, kinda want it.  Badly.

How are you feeling about the fur/faux fur trend?  Are you planning on incorporating it, or simply admiring it from afar? Perhaps you even dislike it *say it isn't so!*

Starting in upper left corner and moving clockwise:  Halston Heritage - Faux Fur Vest, Guess - Bountiful Ankle Boot, Rebecca Taylor - Faux Fur Cheetah Coat, Alexander Wang - Polina Fur Ankle Boot, Anna Sui - Faux Fur Cropped Jacket, BB Dakota - Janika Faux Fur Vest, Topshop - Leopard Vintage Faux Fur Coat, Jeffrey Campbell - Dana 2, (center) Loeffler Randall - Faux Fur Military Jacket

Dear Holt Renfrew: I Love You

Here I am live and reporting to you from the Prairies in Canada where one minute the sun is shining and the next you're in a full-scale downpour that is quickly followed by more sun and a light breeze.  It's a good thing I packed a wide range of attire including shorts, skirts, denim, leggings, light t-shirts, blouses, jackets and even some tights because, tights aside, I've had a chance to wear a little of everything and it's been great.  One of the things I miss most about living here is the ability to truly indulge in all the wonderful fashion that appears at fall.  In Southern California we really can't get into much of a deep relationship with wool, chunky knit sweaters, or rich tweed so, even though I love where I live, I do find myself a little heartsick at all the possibilities that get passed over due to the high likelihood of a heatwave in the fall.

Seizing the opportunity to get out and take in a glimpse, the Chef and I ventured into downtown Calgary the other day where we inevitably ended up at Holt Renfrew - Canada's Barneys and one of my favorite places to shop when visiting home.  Within moments we I was oohing and aahing over amazing brands that were perfectly merchandised and singing all too many of the sweet songs of fall into my ears.  Even as I type a particular leather vest adorned with leather studded shoulders remains locked in my mind.  I don't think I'll ever be the same.  Wallet fairies?  I still haven't given up on you...

I was so excited to be able to wear velvet, cashmere, 

leather and suede all in one outfit.

It was Tucker for Target on the tank.

And Coco came along on the trip as well.

To visit her cousins and bring greetings from Southern California.

Holt's windows are always impeccable - like a scene out of Mannequin.

And there is something historic about the store that brings

out classy ladies dressed in their finest.  This lady 

who snuck into our photo was a doll!

Without realizing it my outfit coordinated very well 

with the colors in their window.  The slogan really says it all.

I managed to leave with a few treasures that I'm sure will make it into outfit posts over the next week or so.  Until then I hope everyone is having a wonderful Labor Day long weekend!!  I'm looking forward to catching up on your blogs when we return home later this week.  And now I've got a bag of ketchup chips staring me down...yesssss.

Outfit details:  Tom Ford-Sunnies, Martin+Osa (RIP) Cashmere-Sweater, Tucker by Gaby Basora for Target-Tank, Martin+Osa (RIP)-Skinny Denim, Banana Republic-Suede Boots, Alexander Wang-Coco Handbag