Simple Sunday

I don't know about you, but Sunday is one of my favorite days.  It's a day of no set agenda, fly by the seat of your pants, lounge in the sun (or on the couch) and relish the moments as they pass.  Yesterday we were about to go our separate ways for the day when the Chef decided to take a late lunch outside his own restaurant just after opening.  Impromptu lunch date? Um, okay! Mid-day margarita? Count me in.

While weeding out the closet on Saturday for late summer/early fall planning, I came across my pink blazer (last seen here) immediately deciding it has not had enough play on the blog.  This is one of those purchases I keep at the forefront of my mind--saw it, left it behind and later had to track it down 15 ways from Thursday to eventually find one in my size.  *Note to self: get it when you see it and take it back if you change your mind thereby avoiding my size is no longer available-itis.*    I tossed it on with a pair of my go-to Current/Elliott shorts (thanks Gilt Groupe), a simple white t-shirt and a pair of Converse sneakers.  It's true what they say:  simple is best.  It was a great lunch outfit, but carried me throughout the day as well.  Recipe for success!

~Outfit details:  H&M-Blazer (similar here, here, here), James Perse-T-shirt, 

Current/Elliott- Boyfriend Shorts (here and here)

Old Stud Handmade-Belt, Converse-Sneakers, Spitfire-Sunglasses (similar)~

Pink Blazer-Check!

Piles of my fave jewelry--Check!

Rings:  Dean Davidson (similar in smoky topaz), Melinda Maria Link Oxidized, 

Bracelets: Leather--Motif56 and PANYC, Friendships c/o Rosa Loves DC

Sneakers--Check!

Wind in my hair-check!

Spill it--how was your weekend? I spent Saturday with a butterfly while overhearing the guys next door talk about dating in a scene straight out of Swingers.  Delightful!

Guilty: Of Wearing Comfortable Clothing

Yesterday after the collective gasp and guttural screams commenced upon a 'not guilty' (still can't believe it) verdict being read in the Casey Anthony trial I curled up in the fetal and screamed, "Damn you OJ Simpson NOT AGAIN!!".

That's all I'm gonna say about that for 5 minutes.

Instinctively I wanted to get as far away from the television as possible.  What if Nancy Grace had a stroke and was no longer able to entertain me every day??  Strolling racing into my room I tossed on clothes that gave me comfort (like comfort food only in clothing form) and took to the beach to block it all out.  Fortunately I had spun by Brandy & Melville last week and hit the jackpot in the cotton department.  Seeing as we have been given an Ashley Bachelorette bye this week I took it upon myself to wear something reminiscent of her not wearing pants--although let the record show I had a one piece romper on beneath.  *oh no the google searches that are gonna come in off this one*  I have to say the grey maxi alone is likely to become a new go-to piece.  

~Brandy and Melville-Top, Maxi and Fringe Bag, Free People Romper, Matt Bernson-Gladiators~

Doesn't count as a butt shot if you have a seamless romper on beneath.

Close-up on the accessories: Flea Market Turquoise (jackpot) cuff, Marc x Marc coil ring, and

the usual Bhati Beads, PANYC and Motif 56 bracelets.

Close-up on the shirt:  no-brainer with the fringe and Navajo-esque + Flashdance vibe.

I opted for overkill with the Dean Davidson turquoise and Melinda Maria link oxidized in gold.

silver + gold = a good thing in my opinion

Proof that you can't always see through the skirt, but even if you can there's a one piece romper

saving me from ho-ville.  The maxi would also be a fab beach cover-up.

As I'm glancing through the pictures I realize I've committed the cardinal sin of fashion:  I've worn an outfit of almost entirely one brand--except the romper and the shoes.  Oh well, I guess I'll live.  It all worked together and if the fashion police try to haul me over I'll just avoid them for 31 days and then make up piles and piles and piles of lies to get off scott free.  Seemed to work just marvelously yesterday.   *slap, slap, slap infinity* 

New Day/New Way

It's become increasingly obvious that if I want to get any outfit pictures done for this blog I'm going to have to be prepared at all times.  That's like telling a 4 year old on a roadtrip to 'hold it' until the next rest stop.  Uh, yeah--probably not going to happen so have to plan in advance for accidents.  There I was on Saturday morning fresh off a night of Dateline, 20/20 and Nancy Grace Casey Anthony updates...sheer bliss.  The last thing I wanted to do was hop out of bed and coordinate for a picture.  The only thing on my mind was sleeeeeeeeep.  You know, in order to avoid having to purge my closet any further.

Enjoying the silence I began mentally planning posts for the upcoming week when it hit me:  I had none.  Up out of the bed I hopped.  After glancing out the window to see miracle of all miracles - the SUN shining (seriously it's been in the 60's for a month) - I popped the closet open and stared down a skirt I've been hankering to wear ever since spring supposedly sprung.  At approximately a half past I'm not quite ready yet the Chef rang me to say he was ready.  Cut to scene and there I was zipping off down PCH in hot pursuit of wherever he was--ever tried coordinating locations by cell phone?  Um, I don't advise.

Me:  'You're where?'
Him:  'Well where are you?
Me:  'Who cares where I am? I'm driving toward you, aren't I?!"
Him:  'I'm parked on the side of the road at xyz'
Me:  'I have no clue where that is, ya know.'
Him:  'Where are you?'
Me: 'Haven't we already been over this?  Fine.  I'm at ab and cd.'
Him:  'Look up the road and to your right.  I'm on the side of the road'

....he says as I zip on by, surrounded by traffic, unable to stop.  Oy vey people.

Fortunately we were able to find some open field thing that looked like the middle of nowhere.  Totally reminded me of the desert.  Palm Springs?  Is that you calling?  Hope to see you soon.  Love, Carrie.

~Jacket--Forever21 (10yrs ago), Tanks--Gap, Skirt--Mes Demoiselles, Shoes--Matt Bernson, 

Necklace--Melinda Maria, Sunnies--Anthro, Bag--Brandy & Melville~

Note the No Stopping Any Time sign.  As an avid nerd and follower of the law, signs like this

breed fear and guilt in me.  If the sign says NO then why are we stopping here??

What if the Poliiiiiice come?? *cue carrie breaking into a sweat*

Look into my eyes.  What do you see?  You see him calmly taking a photo while I nervously

glance down the road to see if the black and whites are coming to haul us to the clanker.

Serious moment:  skirt.  

Skirt, skirt, skirt infinity.  

Total score at 75% off at Calypso.  *tears*

Do you check their sales?? Must.do.

~Bracelets (from top to bottom):  Motif 56, PANYC studded leather wrap, Bluma Project blue~

Here I am on the verge of a breakdown waiting for some authority figure to jump out and holler 

that he's got us on tape and we're going down.  Who's gonna make the food then, huh Chef?!?

hehe. little dramatic over here at the bird sometimes.

Anyway this was Saturday complete with disheveled hair and a side of wind.  I've got a confession:  I hit the jackpot so hard at the flea market on Sunday.  $8 pants.  EIGHT DOLLAR PANTS.  Now if I can only find someone to take a picture of me wearing them...

In Full Bloom

When I last left off it was the eve of the Royal Wedding and I was going off the royal tracks with excitement.  Suffice it to say I stayed up all night Thursday watching it unfold, tweeting with several of you, and texting back and forth with one of my top Canadian girlfriends. It was a mixture of tiaras, tea cups and tears over at the bird (oh and possibly 15 mini cream puffs, but who's counting?).  Friday morning found me a hot mess, trying to work and still buzzing from all the royal festivities...shockingly so were several of my clients.  It was a royal kum bah yah.  Someday I will stop saying royal, but not exactly sure when that will be.

I think it's safe to say at this point that the neighbors think I'm whacked due to round the clock laughing and crying.  That could work in my favor regarding keeping them off my deck, so pardon me while I go let out a cat call to keep the stigma alive.

Okay I'm back.

Anyway I awoke Saturday morning determined to get more unpacked and organized.  This of course meant I abandoned ship and headed straight for Free People.  Procrastinator C at the helm.  What was supposed to be a return resulted in the most spontaneous yet delightful purchase I've made in some time:  hot pink slinky ruffled dress.  I wore that mother to church yesterday morning, then straight out to brunch afterward getting stopped along the way all day.  Brace.

~Free People Dress, J.Crew Tissue Hoodie and Vest, Brandy & Melville Bag

Matt Bernson Studded Sandals, Target Sunnies~

Let's take a moment to discuss:  gorgeous color, bottom portion so full you have to

gather it to ascend/descend stairs a la Scarlett O'Hara (or at least in my mind), 

fringe bag swinging in the wind + paper thin layered hoodie + military vest =

a marriage of multiple styles culminating in favorite new outfit.

Fresh off meeting one of my fave teachers ever we celebrated with brunch at a fave spot,

sipped cocktails called 'sonic smash' and made a pit stop at the chocolate shop.  

Okay I window shopped to maintain some semblance of the 98 day shred.

Said fave teacher, John Piper, and me with me third grade panic grin.  

Humor me, okay?  It was a moment.

Speaking of moments let's all go have a bunch of them so Friday gets here QUICKLY.

I need a nap.

In the sheer giddy of it all I forgot to show more of the dress details.  You can find it here and it also comes in white and navy which are just perfect.  The fabric is super soft and great for summer because yesterday was 85 degrees and I swirled around all over without breaking a sweat once.  In my mind I see it layered with a pullover type sweater and my Joie combat boots...kinda can't wait to try that one out.

Happy Monday everyone!

Girl On The Go

Well here I am a week post move and all I can say is:  hot mess.  I am a firm believer in putting things in their rightful home to start with so as to not double up on having to correct later.  As a result I just got the bathroom three quarters assembled as of yesterday.   Only the bathroom.  I'm a working person with a job that takes up more than 10 hours a day...when on earth am I supposed to organize?  Send reinforcements.

Conclusion:  there simply just are not enough hours in the day.  I swear I did things on Saturday:  shred (woot! - Level 2, Day 5), put things away, use the dishwasher for the first time in 10 years aka feel like a real live grown up, and run 700 errands.  The Chef arrived late afternoon to assist in the errand running.  Mid-stream I screamed out:  'BLOG!' as in 'I need a post for Monday' - to which he replied ever so nonchalantly, 'you're a girl on the go so we're gonna have to get this thing done on the fly.' Examine the evidence.

Girl on fly takes time to whisper to transplanted Plumerias after negligent 

landlord's ill-fitted lattice falls on pre-existing tree slicing off 3 branches.  

Do.not.ask.  

What was that?  I need to hurry up? I'm the one at the bottom of the stairs mmmkay?

Pardon me while I just pull the ol' rip cord to get the garage door open seeing as 

the landlord STILL has not turned on the electricity to my old apartment that 

covers the opener to my garage.  Special isn't it?  Not so much.

Especially when you have to use your foot to kick the door open hoping that 

the bobble head collecting cuckoo birds across the back alley aren't taking it

all in and planning an attack.  

Moments later girl on the go screeches over into a private parking lot and jets out

into the street clearly marked 'no pedestrian crossing' all while taking a 

business call and prepping for an outfit picture in the median.  

After getting honked and screamed at 20x girl's bf finally captures several
likable photos for Monday's post...ta-da. 

~Anthropologie-Ikat Dress, Martin+Osa (RIP)-Denim Jacket, Brandy & Melville-Fringe Bag,
Brooklyn Thread-Beaded Bracelet, PANYC & Motif56-Leather Bracelets, 
Necklace-Handmade in Africa, Dean Davidson-Turquoise Ring, H&M-Sunnies,
Arnold Churgin-Flats~

Aaaand - CUT.  Quite literally...as I was hopping out of the median cut
my finger on a prickly rose bush.  No time to stop and cry about it. 
The Container Store was calling.

Other devastating, annoying and interesting events this weekend:  some guy shanked my dragon out from under me by bugging the Chef repeatedly during renovations until he just caved and sold it to him.   Think spontaneous combustion.  

Saturday morning found the landlord outside my garage having a...wait for it...garage sale.  Um, I have no words, but managed to keep it together due to elation over 91 degree weather.  Hel-looo!

Sunday:  after unpacking the bathroom found some goodies at the flea.  To be continued!

Gimme the dirt.  What stuff went down in your respective locales...and how many days 'til Friday again?

Flowers in the Sun

I awoke Saturday morning in a completely relaxed state. One whole day of sheer nothing ahead of me. Sigh.

Instead of hopping out of bed I lazed about reading the March issue of Elle, which has some of the most beautiful vibrant shoes I've ever seen, to ease into the day. Two cups of tea later the Chef and I strolled out to be greeted by the warmest summer-like breeze we've had since before last summer's deep freeze.  It actually caught me off guard in the best way possible.  Instead of zipping by the beach on our way to brunch we stopped to take it all in - volleyball players, sailboats in the distance, kids jumping in the sand. For a moment winter seemed so far away.

I couldn't have cared less that I was overdressed.  My legs, on the other hand, were screaming out for sun exposure.  Soon enough ladies, soon enough.

~Outfit details:  Zara Cropped Floral Blazer, James Perse T-Shirt, Gap Wideleg Denim

Rebecca Minkoff Studded Clutch, Dulce Clogs~

I've never regretted this one.  Caps off an outfit every time.

Same goes for this little blazer.  It looks so good with frayed shorts.
~Accessories:  Melinda Maria Link Oxidized Ring, Dean Davidson Gem, Motif 56 Bracelet, 
Free People Necklace, Tom Ford Sunnies~

White legs cry out for freedom.  Momentary respite granted.

Somehow the Chef caught this one as I was just standing there 

feeling the warm sun on my back.  I can't wait for spring.

Wherever you were I hope you got at least a little warmth this weekend.  Just that one day in the sun made everything seem so much brighter.  Here's to a smooth week ahead!

Magic Pants

Last week I was waxing on over twitter regarding my search for the perfect pair of high-waisted jeans to add to the closet for summer's upcoming return-to-70's style extravaganza.  Coming in for the rescue was Nikki pronouncing her love for Gap's new trouser jeans...and mentioning the high-waist alternative.  Cut to Thursday and there I was, mid-afternoon, dancing with glee in the fitting room of my neighborhood Gap store - adorned in their Pintucked Wide Leg Trouser Jeans.  Truth be told two of the employees were jumping up and down with me.  One had been a little skeptical, but I came prepared with my arsenal of shoes aka platform clogs - and once I strolled out with those pants skimming the floor it was game over for all three of us.

Were you fans of Three's Company?  Remember Janet and Chrissy wearing those ridic-fantastic high-waisted denim trousers??  Well all I have to say is 'Come and Knock On Our Door' (the theme song - for all you young people) because there's been a rebirth.  Up next - conquering Mrs. Roper's vibe...it's gonna be one amazing 70's-chic summer, ladies!

 They make me look curvy in places I'm not thanks to the high waist.

Sitting perfectly just over the belly button.

 Super comfortable to sit in, and long enough in the leg to accomodate

a nice platform clog.

I could fit my whole shoe in the leg - that's how wide it is - LOVE!

A little wrinkly because I'd been driving in the car all day, but 

you can still see the fab silhouette - and they held up well.

I wore them with one of my fave Tucker blouses, but am also imagining them with a hot pink t-shirt with the word LOVE stitched on it (currently stashed in the summer clothing containers in the garage) and a wild colored belt.  Can you imagine?  Or how about a full-on Janet and Chrissy throw back with a blouse tied in a knot at the waist?  Or maybe a fitted t type jersey - remember the ones with the numbers embossed on them?  The possibilities are endless and the search is over.  

Will you be venturing into high-waist territory this spring?

Outfit details:  Tucker for Target - Blouse, Gap-Pintucked Wide Leg Trouser Jeans, Dulce-Clogs, Foley&Corinna-Mid-City Tote, Melinda Maria-Bracelets and Margo Circle Ring, PANYC-Leather Bracelet, Dean Davidson-Turquoise Ring, Target-Sunnies

Simple Saturdays: Brightening a Winter Look

As much as I can be a go with the flow person, every so often I find myself getting into a flap (no pun intended seeing as it is this free bird).  Maybe it's residue from holiday madness, but I've been wigging out if all my ducks aren't just so in a row and I am really getting on my own last nerve.  Saturday brought overcast skies and chilly temps at the beach.  When I woke up it took everything in me to sink back under the covers instead of jumping out to rush around the house completing 25 tasks (mission accomplished - the tree's still up and is officially a haven of spiky needle hot mess - not sure how I'm going to get that mother out now...).

By late afternoon we decided to simply meander about town with zero set plans in effort to thwart my newly emerged ocd-ness.  Ever notice how just when you want to throw something on and leave quickly, the weather decides to throw its own wrench into your plans and cause a little chaos?  Cool weather means a coat, and warm clothing in my closet usually consists of black and grey which I am oddly tired of at present (give me 10 minutes and I'll be back).  In an effort to shed the winter blues aka a coat - I threw a longer sleeveless knit cardigan and brightly colored scarf over the usual basics and felt my mood brighten right away.  Here's to discovering more ways to bring out my winter hippie!

 

The scarf totally saves the day.

If you were walking behind me you'd see straight basics.

The knit vest might take you to another place 

(if you're into granny chic, ahem val?)

-but the hint of scarf is really where the fun really starts.

Oh and the bell bottoms...and the mauve clogs (seen here and here).

 A touch of funky brighter jewelry adds a little more zip.

 And ta-da!  You're good to go...the bright flowers help too, of course.

 Suffice it to say the rest of the day/evening tried its best to turn into a gongshow...we decide to go to LA for dinner and a movie only to be met by everyone and their mother, father, sister, brother, aunt, uncle and grandparents attempting to do the same thing.  After several failed attempts to find a place to eat without a two hour wait (drive around and waste gas much??) one of our fave restaurants makes a place for us and the server tells us she'll get us out in time for our 10:45 movie because we left our phones in the car in effort to just enjoy dinner without distractions (imagine the thought).  Cut to scene and her watch must have stopped because we get in the car and it's 10:55.  The theatre doesn't seat after the movie starts, so we get a voucher and go home spent.

Talk about having the ocd whooped out of you - no wonder I didn't take that tree down yesterday.  Yaaaawn.  Hope your weekends were smooth sailing...or skiing :)

Outfit details:  Kersh-Sleeveless Sweater Coat, J.Crew-V-Neck, Hudson-Bell Bottoms, Tolani-Scarf, Old Stud Handmade - Belt, Dulce-Clogs, Foley+Corinna-Mid-City Tote, Melinda Maria-Moon&Star Necklace, Dean Davidson-Ring, Bracelets-Milijana and my niece!, Sunnies-Anthropologie

What to Give/What to Get

For the past few weeks I've been reading the wonderful gift guides on so many of your blogs and discovering so many treasures.  Yet because of work and life and chaos, there seems to have been little time to really sit down and think about what to give my family and friends.  This week reality has set in that I have next to no time left - and suffice it to say panic is in the house.  Usually my Christmas/Holiday shopping is complete by the 1st of December, so this is unfamiliar territory and I don't like it.  Today when my mother asked me what I was hoping for all that came to mind was a blank slate.

So tonight I gave some thought as to what I would be happy to find under the tree - and also what I would like to give to some of my girlfriends.  This may be the only "gift guide" I do and it's not in fancy format, but if even one of these treats appears on Christmas morning it will be great...and thankfully I've already picked a couple up for friends.

Kerastase Nutridefense 
This mask is my go-to:  I use it once or twice a week and
it saves my hair from becoming frizzy or dried out.
At $58 I'd be happy if someone gave it to me
so I could save my wallet.
It's a gift every female friend or family member
will use, love and appreciate.

JADEtribe Panada
I have a serious affection for JADEtribe (see story here).
These wristlets are made overseas by women in 

Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.

I will support any business that empowers women...

and am especially in love with the bright colors and boho-vibe of 

JADEtribe's pieces.  

Dean Davidson - Silver Marquise Rings

As you all know Dean Davidson is one of my favorite jewelry designers.

Aside from being an incredible Canadian talent (go home team!) he is a 

kind and down-to-earth guy whose rings are so unique.

I've dropped a bunch of hints on this one.

 

Fresh - Sake Bath

I've mentioned this more than once and include it in my list whenever

anyone asks for a few different ideas on what to get me for any occasion.

It is a true indulgence - if you have any level of stress in your 

life then a good soak in a tub containing a few caps of Sake Bath

will ease your troubled mind.  At least one person

gets a bottle from me every year at the holidays.

D.L. & Co. - Skull Cased Candle

While you're in the tub, how about a candle?  

For some reason I've got it bad for skulls this year.  

Don't ask me why, but suddenly I think they're the coolest things.

I already picked this up for myself along with the Skull Snuffer.

They'll look great on my desk after I open them :)

I think they're fun gifts for friends, too.

Bodum Tea Press and Warmer

This is another fave I've mentioned before...I've actually

gifted this to clients of mine who have loved both pieces.  If you 

have a tea lover on your list, this set is just a wonderful gift.

Package it up with some blooming tea from Teavana and you 

have a gift that will be loved and used all year round.

Gypsyz by Gypsy 05

Say what you will but these mothers are at the top

of my list.  I want a pair so bad.

This is a 100% organic cotton knit sock on a biodegradable sole.

They're a cross between a legging and a boot and are

meant to be worn both indoor and outdoor.

I'm crazy for leggings/leg warmers  

(Flashdance anyone? The dream will never die)

and these fit the bill perfectly.  They come in a

plethora of colors and my toes feel cozy just thinking 

about them!!

Okay you guys that's as far as I've gotten.  My eyes are slits and I'm heading to bed (it's midnight on Wednesday morning) because tomorrow is another crazy work day and the tree is still not decorated although the lights are working (at present).  I'm trying to slow it down a notch and have a ton of stuff to do before I leave for Canada next week.  How is it that the days are suddenly speeding by?

All I want to do is relax by a decorated tree before nodding off to sleep.