Lighten the Load

Some glorious things happened this weekend: I cleaned my closet AND partook in Sephora's 20% off for VIB's. And I watched The Lost Boys twice, but that's another story for another time.

Now when I say I cleaned my closet I mean I cleaned that mother GOOD. We're talking a third of my clothes are in bags on their way to Goodwill, consignment or eBay. All that's left is to go through the winter crawl space (call 911 if you don't hear from me by Friday) and release a bunch of coats. Buh-bye! Feels pretty awesome to let things go and look forward. Sadly, I've proven to be that person who can't get rid of a t-shirt due to the memories it invokes from that one time...uh, yeah. Therapy much? Who's with me? I know you're out there.

I guess what I learned again this weekend is that belongings do not equal safety and security. They equal piles of crap from days gone by and, at least in my case, do their part to hold me in the past.

Armchair psychology on hoarding aside, let's move onto the good stuff.  THE CLARISONIC.  I've used it twice since Thursday's Sephora stampede. Do I look three years old yet? Goals people, you've gotta have goals.

You may be asking yourself, what's the link between a clean closet and 20% off? Well let me tell you: HELMUT LANG.  I got this thing of beauty for 50% off after months of lamentations on price and don't think I've ever worn it on here before so ta-da! I love it. I want to wear it every day and, sometimes, I actually do.

The moral of the story is only buy things you love, don't despair if you have to wait for them to go on sale because it's a sweeter victory AND DON'T FILL YOUR LIFE UP WITH CRAP YOU DON'T EVEN REALLY WANT.

The end.

~Jacket: Helmut Lang, T: James Perse, Lace Vest (old): H&M, Denim (old): Free People, Shoes: Julian LouiexAldo~

~Necklaces: LowLuv by Erin Wasson and Vanessa Mooney, Rings: Erin Wasson and Vanessa Mooney

Bracelets: Vanessa Mooney (here, here, here, here) and Motif56~

Look hard: two eyebrows! Kinda...

Remember the Time

Fresh off yet another run-in with the playground terrorizer (for reals is it over yet?) I thought I'd peel by and flash some of those pics I mentioned last time. You know, fondly revisit a handful of this summer's countless memories of sheer panic: stomach in a knot, blood pressure climbing, eyebrows fluttering to the floor all around me.

Enjoy! Someone might as well seeing as whenever I look at them I'm transported back to the moment each was taken and can't help but remember how depleted I felt. How can a person be so unhealthy yet not realize it? Well at least not until their hair falls out. It's interesting you know, how good life is to us. Even though I'm bummed about my hair and feeling wistful about the passing of a summer not fully maximized, I'm grateful for the wake-up call that's making me focus on striving for better balance in my life. Here's to more guilt-free and fear-free 'NO!'s' in the future.  Holler if ya year me.

Let's begin at the end: down to one eyebrow, but starting to feel better. Some color in my face.

Motivating words I happened to walk past on my birthday. A gift? A sign? I TOOK IT.

I passed my citizenship test. With a quarter of an eyebrow they still let me in!

Getting sworn in was one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences. Over too fast.

Another highlight of this summer was the discovery of Aviator Nation. 

The t-shirt I'm wearing here is one of theirs: super soft with a vintage 70's vibe. 

Before I jet I just want to say thank you to everyone who commented on the last post or emailed to say what's up. Even though I haven't been around all that much, I still read blogs every now and then so it was nice to be remembered and I appreciate all of your kind (and hilarious) words. Here's hoping things are looking up.

I'll Buy What I Want Thanks. And I'll Wear It, Too.

Cat's in the corner having a snore and I'm trying to pick what to write.  I'm exhausted.  We're all exhausted.  It's Thursday.  Yawwwwwn.

On a bright note I managed to make it outside yesterday and even combed my hair.  Sticking to my apparel conviction of soft, cozy clothes in warm colors I threw on a slip dress. layered a cashmere thermal over top and finished with a military jacket.  I'll never forget buying this jacket at J.Crew in Santa Monica.  The sales guy tried pretty hard to talk me out of it:  it's too big, he said, you're drowwwwning in it.  This was a few years ago before military really made a significant comeback, and I wasn't listening to anything he had to say.  Dude, you're wearing tighter pants than I ever have.  Issues.  Anyway it's one of those purchases I've never regretted and has saved me from multiple 'I don't have anything to wear' moments, making it worth its weight in gold.  

Confession:  I've added a few more lounge pieces to my closet as of late (ahem slip dress) and have been wearing them layered in the outdoors. Yep you read it here first: I'm cavorting about in things that are technically pj's.  No one is any the wiser and I get more than a few compliments.  The way I see it as long as I'm not going to the store in footie pajamas I think we'll all survive. 

~Outfit:  J.Crew-Military Jacket, James Perse-Cotton/Cashmere Thermal, 

Slip Dress-Pure & Good, Loeffler Randall-Boots, Anthropologie-Sunglasses~

Bracelets:  Motif 56 (here and here), PANYC (similar), and Rosa Loves DC Turquoise Friendship

Ring:  Melinda Maria

Necklace:  PANYC

Like that last one?  Imagine someone doing the basketball shuffle all around you while you're trying to walk.  That's the Chef!  He totally gets into the picture thing: lays on the ground, runs around behind trees, cars, garbage cans--you name it, and then when it's all over starts a super crazy shuffle for one last one.  It's freaking hysterical!! 

PS-is anyone else watching Chelsea Settles on MTV?  So good!  Maybe you can catch up this weekend while you're hanging off the couch.  There I go projecting again.

Tower this is Ghost Rider Requesting a Flyby

Do you ever have moments where you feel caught between the past, present and future?  Lately I'm stuck in the vortex, pulled in all three directions, emotionally exhausted.

Am I doing all I should be?
Have I done all I could?
Is what I'm doing enough to be able to do all I want later?
Wish I had made a different choice. (new territory for me)
Maybe if I had I would be doing more of what I want now...

It can be a torturous thing this thinking thinking thinking.  It's necessary though.  I mean if you're not contemplating your life one day you'll wake up wondering how you got there.  And what if you don't like it?

Oh hell this is really turning into a melancholy one, isn't it?

Blame it on Monday, overcast skies, lack of sleep.  When in Rome.

I managed to haul it out mid-afternoon yesterday.  Just in time to catch 15 minutes of sunshine amidst what's turned out to be a full week of foggy days.  No complaining here.  Tossed on the usual jeans, boots, jacket and t--and then slung my Low Luv Thunderbird necklace on at the last second.

Chef took a few pictures before we hopped in the car and when he passed the camera over we had the quietest exchange.  Me: 'Something about this is very Goose and Maverick.  Man look at my hair.  I need a comb.'  Him: 'Your hair has never looked better.'  Tell me sweet little lies.  More 80's flashbacks.

Tossed up hair, J.Crew Jacket, James Perse Tunic, Martin+Osa Jeans, Mike&Chris Boots, Anthro Sunglasses

Low Luv x Erin Wasson Necklace, Seventh Door Bracelet, Melinda Maria Silver Ring

Worn sparingly.  Company now defunct.  

Um, as I was saying...bird + military green + aviators.  

Mind like a steel trap.

Scenes on the Side

Oftentimes I find myself thinking of alternate names for the blog.  Yesterday I came up with 'Me and my Jean Jackets'.  I love a jean jacket.  I have 5 or 6 of them.  A couple denim vests too. It's a sickness that I blame entirely on my years working for the Gap.  If I'm not in jeans, I'm carrying or wearing a denim jacket.  Safety blanket, I guess.

Anyway so we're out wandering about the other day during Adventures in Catsitting and it hits me:  I look like a cowboy.  Well a cowboy that's thinking about defecting to the other side (not that side. the indians side...is it pc to say indians anymore?) to partake in the fringe boot action.  So I mention to the Chef who proceeds to collapse in half laughing.  'It's the look on your face,' he says 'you're dead serious.' I'm all 'I do look like a cowboy, don't I?!?' Of course he reassures me I don't, but secretly I kind of don't even care if I do.  That's what lazy days are for:  tossed up hair, disheveled outfits, fringe boots and cowboy attire.  Whatevs.  You only live once. Go fringe-y cowboy or go home.

I was scanning through the pictures the other day busting up at the goodies he captured.  I can't wait for the weekend:   home of the no comb zone.  Bring it.

I have no idea.  All I want to know is where was the jean jacket.

Look out for that kid:  he wants his two dollars!

(please tell me you've seen better off dead)

I might need two pairs.  These are going to go down in the Fringe Files Hall of Fame.

Beam me up

I miss my long bangs.  Grow hair grow.

Lion Tamer

Fringe, mane, cats.  All of these things belong here.  (as opposed to one of these things just doesn't belong here)

About a month ago, the Chef's mom opened her garage and two Abyssinian kittens strolled in.  Well actually one darted straight into the house and the other followed soon after.  She hollered to the Chef as she pulled away, 'A cat's in the house.  Keep an eye out for it.'

You know the best part of the story?  This is totally normal dialogue in their world because these are cat people.  They don't question or freak out when cats find them, they just accept them into the fold.  The past few cats their family has had all either rolled up to their house or his dad's office and never left.  It's in the DNA of cat people.  We're cat seeking devices.  I was secretly ecstatic when I met his parents for the first time and saw cat paraphernalia littered throughout the house:  cat rug, cat thermometer, cat doorstop, cat figures in the planter outside, iron cat statues on the bookshelf, pillow stating 'The Cat's the Boss in this house'.  I made mental notes with glee.  All my cats have found me too.  Same with my parents.  I come from a long line of cat lovers...goes back generations.  No jokes.  We have the photos.

*Cue 'We are Family'*

His parents are out of town and he's catsitting.  This basically means all I did this weekend was play with kittens.  Well, one kitten and one cat.  The other kitten just stares at me and runs by...but I'll win him over.  He sniffed my hand on the way out the door yesterday and just 48 hours ago I won over his brother.  Victory is on the horizon, friends.  Stay tuned.

It starts like so:  locate your subject.  In this case hiding on the other side of the chair.

Speak softly.  Avoid direct eye contact. No sudden movements.

Pull out the big guns:  fringe.  This confirms you are of the same kind:  cats.

Draw 'em in with a a little jingle jangle.  
(Chef's mom keeps tinfoil on her couch to keep cats off...not these two.  
Tinfoil = toy as evidenced from random piece strewn here.)

Curiosity takes over!

Moments later:  friends for life.  
When they start chewing your fingers and let you grab their teeth you're officially in.

Next up:  Socks.  
One day they're sniffing your hand, the next they're sleeping on your head.
Can't wait.

~Details:  Current/Elliott-Shorts, James Perse-Cashmere Sweater (last year), Gap-Camis, Low Luv x Erin Wasson-Necklace, Zara-Boots, Anthropologie-Sunglasses~

P.S. --Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian readers!! I hope you guys are having a wonderful day with family, turkey and naps.  I've had a bunch of searches for the White Pumpkin
Ganache and Caramel Tart recipe the past few days.  If you need dessert here's the recipe.
Please have some for me :)

Haunts

Falling in love with LA is something that's turned out to be a huge surprise to me.  The first couple years I lived in the city I seriously thought I was going to lose my sh*t.  Pushy people, everyone claiming to be an actor (as they help you try on your shoe or pass your tea over the counter), the snazziest car at the four way stop goes first--unwritten rules that I was unaccustomed to and, quite frankly, highly annoyed by.  Then around year three, once I started working for myself and had more free time (read: no longer chained to the desk for 12 hours/day), an interesting thing happened.  I would wake up in the morning and want to be in certain parts of town or at certain places.  And the things that once worked my nerve, well I didn't notice them as much anymore.

Cut to a couple years down the line when the Chef and I began doing dinner and a movie once a week, and the fascination grew.  We discovered some seriously great places, and after awhile developed a handful of favorites that became our top spots to hangout at for hours.  Apparently we weren't the only ones finding them either because we'd often run into the same people over and over. And after awhile some of those people became friends of ours.  This city is delightfully unexpected that way.

Yesterday we popped into a coffee shop that used to be relatively unknown, but is now kinda not so much.  We sat down to grab dessert and I glanced next to me to see the tiniest girl.  Suddenly it dons on me:  Ellen Page.  Juno in the house!  I loved her in that movie and also thought she killed it in Inception...Canadian too by the way and no I'm not usually a name dropper.  Anyway we're all sandwiched in elbow to elbow and I'm fighting everything in me not to turn and embarrassingly exclaim I think she's bomb (to which she'd probably be like, lady are you 53 years old with that terminology and do I know you?) when I hear one of her friends mention how pretty LA is.  And she responded with something along the lines of LA is a very pretty city--enchanting in its own way and in ways you wouldn't initially think it would be.  Kindred spirit.

And then the server brought my peanut butter banana cup cushioned in the flakiest pastry you ever did try.  The rest is a blur.

~Details:  Young, Fabulous & Broke-Vest, James Perse-V-Neck, Martin+OSA-Skinnies, 

Sorial-Bag (similar), Banana Republic-Boots (similar), Anthro-Sunglasses~

Passion Fruit Gelee + Peanut Butter Banana Cup + Lavender Lemonade + Decaf Espresso 

Low Luv x Erin Wasson-Necklace (sale!)

Fringe Files: Last Days of Summer

Here's a rare Saturday night post.  Not sure I've ever actually done one of these, but the Chef insists so here it is.  We were piecing through some Instagram pictures and came across this one taken on a super hot day a couple weeks ago.

Chef:  'Oh you have to put this one up for the Fringe Files.'

Me:  'Uh, okay.  Maybe this week.'

Chef:  'What do you mean this week?'

Me:  'I'm pretty sure no one wants to see me wearing the same fringe bag in every post.'

Chef:  'Hel-looo there's a fringe bag AND boots.' pause 'I mean, you have a fringy reputation to uphold.'

Who can argue with that logic?  You can tell there hasn't been a ton of time for snazzier pictures as of late.  Not that we ever had a fancier camera, but you know what I mean. These days it's a lot of hair in ponytail, Instagram on the fly and quality time spent together vs. la-de-da outfits and time spent on photos.  We're still getting in the groove of the whole restaurant schedule thing, but it's starting to get a little better every day.  Thanks for hanging in there.

~James Perse-Tank, Gap-Cami (best.things.ever), Martin+Osa (RIP)-Denim Mini,

Joie-Fringe Boots (sorry last year), Brandy+Melville Fringe Bag(similar)~

Probably the last you'll see of my bare legs for awhile.  Fall weather has arrived in SoCal and I spent the day wrapped in one of my fave old cashmere sweaters.  Soon I'll be wrapped in a Missoni x Target throw though...victory is mine!!

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!

Rebirth of a Saturday

Once upon a time on Saturdays the Chef and I would cook brunch and later stroll the neighborhood for dessert, or maybe go to the beach.  At times we would indulge in a mid-afternoon cocktail followed by a movie--perhaps even two.  Somewhere in between we would grab some outfit pictures for le blog.  My how times have changed.  Now Saturdays look like this:  struggle to get out of bed by 11am after going to bed at 4am after closing the restaurant.  Brunch?  Oh hell no.  See that peach in the refrigerator?  Yep there's brunch.  What was that?  You wanted dessert?  How about the Dove chocolate bar with almonds?  Okay don't mind if I do. Something to drink?  Wheel by Coffee Bean and hope there's no line or I'm s.o.l. because we have to grab last minute ingredients for dishes that sold out last night and the place closes at 3pm.  Screeeeeeech.  Hey at least we're in it together, right?  Truth be told we look at each other and bust up laughing regularly.  The days of wearing matching socks are long gone.

This Saturday was spent in a whole new world.  Outfit pictures?  Done in a warehouse surrounded by various eye-opening goodies.

Box of Chardonnay?  Now that you mention, it is kind of hot outside.

*heaves into cart*

What the wha?  50 individually wrapped bags of Cheetos or Fritos for $10.98!?

Britney? Britney Spears?  Can you hear me??

Carmageddon or no carmageddon girlfriend would have been there in moments 

for a piece of that action.

Woman wanders aisles forgetting what on earth she's even looking for.

Is this over yet?  Death to fluorescent bulbs.

Once back in the vehicle they realize there are zero close-ups of the outfit. 

The bf grabs the camera and, while at a red light, looks over and snaps a picture of gf's new necklace

while she downs the box of Chardonnay from the passenger seat (I kid, I kid...on the chardonnay only).

And yes Carey has the necklace too--I swear our brains are on the same wavelength sometimes.

Almost forgetting to highlight Inspector Shoeseau's latest conquest, woman grabs camera 

and snaps picture of Joie bootie purchased at more than 50% off mere weeks ago.

Never give up the dream.  Even if you have to call 23 stores to find it.

Other random thoughts:  Last Thursday evening I witnessed the worst behavior in the grocery store.  A woman my mother's age walked up next to me at the Rainier cherry stand and began randomly picking and eating cherries out of the individually pre-wrapped bags. We're not talking one or two cherries (that would be bad enough) oh no I mean like a five minute marathon of at least half a bag.  Finally I looked over and stared until she stopped before I stomped off.  Next thing I know I've forgotten to get dill so I have to walk back by the cherry stand where guess who's back?  Hands all up in the cherries, eating away, and she's brought her husband back for dinner.  They were spitting cherry pits into their hands and burying them beneath the bags.  Double fisting.  I made a huge scenario of stopping in my tracks so he looked up and saw he was spotted.  Even under the spotlight of my withering glare he didn't care.  He was at a smorgasbord and nothing was going to stand in his way.  A massive eye roll and head shake later I make my way back to the front of the store where he and his looney tune wife have followed and are standing behind me waiting to pay for 3 things---none of which are cherries.  Why would they need to pay for that?  They basically just stood there and stole them in plain view of everyone in the store.  What are people thinking about?  

Demo of proper cherry selecting etiquette.  

Note:  hands on outside of bag.  Word.

I swear this used to be a fashion blog.  

Blog Sale Amidst Random Thoughts

Confession time:  Nothing has become my new favorite thing to do.  I'm pretty sure I've worked my way to a silver medal in doing nothing and I've only been practicing for about a week.  Here's the downside:  when you're doing nothing you run the risk of not wanting to return to le work.  I've successfully managed to tell myself enough lies for the past 3 days regarding why it is I don't need to walk around the corner and down the stairs to get the mail out of the slot where the bills aka reality might be.  Well, that and every time I survey the carpeted stairs they are just a little more shredded up by my cats who, if you remember, are waging war on carpets.  Avoidance is the new black. Today I was coerced by the UPS man who, seeing my front deck door open, whistled until I was forced to admit I was home to retrieve the package.  Whew moment occurred when there was a paycheck in the mailbox vs. just a bill. Victory is mine!!

Next week I'll get back to being productive, but for at least the next two days doing nothing reigns supreme.  You should totally give it a try sometime.  Especially you overachievers--it takes a few days to get into it, but once you're there it's really quite an unparalleled experience.

I guess I can't say I've done absolutely nothing because I'm (still) cleaning out the closets.  Before listing anything on eBay I thought I'd toss it up here to see if anyone's interested.  All the stuff is in epic shape.  It'll be first come, first serve so just send me a note to carrieonnn@gmail.com if you're interested/have questions and we can PayPal.  

SOLD
Martin + Osa XS 100% Cotton T 

Retailed for $39.50 and I'm asking $15.00 + shipping. 

It's brand new, tags still on, never worn.

Why am I selling given my love for M+O?  I have two of them.

And it's not wrinkled.  They were originally rolled at the store and I literally unrolled 

from the bag just a couple days ago (M+O fanatic)

Longer t, perfect with cutoffs, jeans or over a long maxi.

RESERVED
J.Crew XS Bubble Tank--would fit XS or S

Paid $24.99, asking $10 + shipping

Washed, but never worn.  Even as I'm listing I'm having second thoughts.  

Bubble fanatic in the house.  

Also perfect with jeans or cutoffs, and super cute beneath a little jacket.

James Perse, Size 2 (small), 3/4 Sleeve Hoodie

The fabric on this little jacket is super, super soft.

Paid over $100 originally and asking $30 + shipping.

I have washed and worn a few times, but it is in excellent condition.

Love it with bf jeans rolled and a little tank beneath.  

Nordstrom (Brand:  Mica), Size P (waist 25) 

Okay I love this little skirt.

It is adorable with flats, a simple T and a denim jacket tossed over for a Parisian vibe.

I can't remember what I paid, but it was in TBD

Asking:  $15 + shipping

SOLD
James Perse Cotton/Angora Blend Dress
Size XS/S -- fits slouchier so will fit a size S easily.
Tags still on--don't know why I haven't worn it.
Paid $250 asking $35.
It's Friday and I'm feeling generous.  Basically giving this mother away.
Perfect for fall with thin belt doubled and a pair of knee high boots.

SOLD
James Perse Long Cotton Button Up XS (attached thin belt hanging in back)
I have this in charcoal and wear it to death so purchased in navy and, of course, haven't worn.
Paid $175 and asking $30.
The light's weird right now so this is the best picture I can get.
What you can't see is that the back of this shirt and sleeves are
 made in Perse's signature soft cotton commonly used on his t-shirts.
I wear mine with skinnies and suede knee high boots--especially great in fall.

I'm still going through things and have more to add next week, but wanted to start clearing out some of my faves off the top.  You know, before I decide I need to keep them.  Send help.

On that note I can't wait to tell you what I saw at the grocery store last night.  People have lost their damn minds is all I have to say.  It's amazing how when you slow down you notice so many more things, right?  I'm not sure this is a good thing or a bad thing though...In any event it's the weekend.  Let's raise our glasses in a toast to summery sunshiny days!  May they go on forever (or at least through October).