Summer Solstice

You know what this means, right? THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER ARE OFFICIALLY HERE.

Look for me on my throne.

Contemplating the deeper things. Like what kind of table should go here?

And is it okay to mix Mexican and Moroccan decor?

And maybe I should've grabbed a couple more of these blankets? Or a larger one?

And most importantly, how to squish myself into that far corner to get the most of the late day sun.  

But for now I must go indulge in mid-afternoon job abandonment. 

What Goes Around Comes Around

Last week I got serious about getting rid of some stuff and started a pretty significant purge.  It's not entirely over, but is definitely underway.  As I was sorting through clothes I came across a few pieces saved from my early days at Gap in the 90's.  Man those were the days: leather pants, tencel-blend skirts and dresses, and the best basic jeans and t's. I wish I would have saved a few more things because I had quite the arsenal back in the day. Employee discount anyone?

This red tank dress has travelled with me from Canada for the past 15 years. It was one of my all-time favorites from a summer collection Gap did not long before I left, and I've never been able to part with it.  Sunday was super warm and we were heading to the flea market, so I took a chance and slipped the dress on over a little tank top. Holy mother of pearl this baby still fits! God bless the inventors of the Whole 30. And the hoarder in me.

~Dress: Old school Gap, Vest: M2F, Booties: Joie, 

Jewelry: Vanessa Mooney, Bag: Brandy & Melville~

Rifling through the fake LV's to get to the vintage crossbody bags. 

Eye of the Tiger after spotting the coolest vintage table for my kitchen or herb garden.

Woot! Will post some pics after I get it situated.

In the meantime, sweet dress right??

And why didn't I buy more than one pair of these boots last year?

No Expectations

Sometimes the best things in life are the most unexpected.  Maybe because you go in with zero expectations, you can't be let down.  Maybe because it's fate that blindsides you leaving you giddy with excitement.

Of course this usually happens on a grander scale like a chance meeting with someone special or a dream job, but it happened for me this weekend when I met a dress.

Yes, I said a dress.

You don't understand.

I try to form friendships with more dresses. REALLY I DO. But they're all usually so boring. Or expensive. Or both. And those expensive dresses are so snooty.  They don't really want to come and hang out with me at the flea market or the beach or some hole in the wall restaurant we're testing. They want to go to da club. And I haven't seen the inside of da club in a looooong time. Not long enough as far as I'm concerned.

So anyway.  There I was on Friday: still kinda woozy from being sick most of the week, remnants of a headache lingering in the background, when suddenly I decide maybe a little fresh air is in order. Next thing you know I'm in the Free People dressing room lying down on the little sofa wondering why I decided to leave the house again listening to throngs of girls go on and on and on about they neeeeed this or that item because they're on their way to Coa-chel-la so 7 to 10 day delivery won't work for them. They're on their way now don't you know?? zzzzzzzzzzzz

I'm trapped. I can't leave. I'm lightheaded.

Despite the fact that we are in the midst of a torrential rainstorm complete with thunder and lightning, tank tops and skimpy shorts, bandeaus and bandonts are being tossed around like rag dolls. It's 48 degrees! What are these people thinking? Why is that girl's mother paying for a pile of what appears to be bras for her 15 year old daughter to wear to Coachella? How is that girl getting there?  She needs a JACKET. I've turned into my mother.

Somehow I manage to wait out the mob. You know, by holding up a fitting room for 30 minutes while the shopgirl laughs maniacally every time she slides open the curtain to see if I'm still alive. Thank goodness for being a regular customer or mall security might have been helping me to my car.  

As I'm making my way to the exit I peer into H&M: people people everywhere. Nope. Can't do it.

I glance across at Zara:  clothing lying all over the floor and lines reminiscent of Holiday. Uh-uh.

Just as I'm about to admit defeat, I see it.

After telling myself repeatedly: there is nothing in there for you, there it is hanging in the Madewell window:  the striped dress. I'm not even really on the stripe wagon, but something about these stripes is different. 

And my friend is working there now?  It's a sign.  

She tosses me into a room with the dress and a denim shirt  (a good friend always knows)...

Cut to scene and I've made a new friend. I want to hang out with it every day. And by hang out I mean wear it from sun up until sun down.  I love it so much I might need two.  Kismet.

~Details: Madewell-Dress & Denim Shirt, Brandy & Melville-Fringe Bag (similar), Joie-Booties~

~Vanessa Mooney-Necklace, Bluma Project (similar), Motif 56 and PANYC-Bracelets~

All I got was Instagram because I parked it on the couch for most of the weekend. I look forward to committing the ultimate blogging offense and wearing the dress on here again.  Perhaps even a couple more times. *gasp*

Why don't you tell me how you really feel about it?

On Saturday I rolled into the kitchen decked out in one of my usual outfits of choice: faded, ripped up slim jeans, a white t and a pair of ankle boots. It was an exciting day: this pair of ankle boots is new. And it has buckles. What can I say? It's the little things, people.

As I glanced sideways in the mirror while strolling down the hall, something seemed off. I stopped, turned, walked back and stood there a moment assessing the situation. Hmmmm. Back in the kitchen (really I'm still on the first entrance but gave you a little context) I say to the Chef, who is so kindly assisting with litterbox duty, 'Dude. Does something about this say Peter Pan?' To which he responds by looking up and proceeding to double over in laughter, 'No, no! I actually never would have thought that. But now that you say it...' Well now.

Taking it back down the hallway I trade out the jeans for a slightly slimmer and much darker pair. Victory. Balance. No Neverland for me today, after all. Turning to the Chef I say, 'Better, right?' Not so much a question, but rather an eyerolling whew.

To which he turns to me straightfaced and says, 'Yeah, but you might want to give your skallywags another roll.'

Everyone's a comedian.

~Details: random t, Current/Elliott-Jeans, Vintage-Belt, Joie-Boots, TK-Bag, Anthro-Sunglasses~

~Vanessa Mooney-Necklace and Bracelets (L), Low Luv-Thunderbird, MarcxMarc-Coil Ring, 

Made With Love-Blue Bracelets~

Childhood pastime: taking a moment to observe the ants. They've got it down.

Skallywags? Reeeeally now?

Here I am demo'ing how I crush his head (kids in the hall voice)...

HAHAHA! I kid, I kid!!

It Was a Case of True Love

I had something to say, but can't remember what it was seeing as I just made the grave mistake of watching 'Virgin Diaries' on TLC and fear my mind has been wiped clean.  If there is a possibility of being scarred for life simply from watching a tv show I've got third degree scars.  Did any of you happen to catch the two who got married and had never kissed before? (see here)  Uh, can you say maul?  I was mid-air with a fork of pan seared green beans and can't even recall eating them.  There were some other awkward scenarios to behold, but suddenly they've escaped my mind.

Did I do anything this weekend?  Laundry, couch, worked on testing gluten-free donut recipes and laughed my head off on Friday night over dinner with friends.  At some point I made a pitstop at Whole Foods where I had a stranger tsk tsk me for purchasing green beans that weren't organic.  Excuse me lady, but do I know you?  I'm paying $4.99/lb for green beans and counting out exactly 14 so as not to break the bank.  Do ya mind?  It was on this very excursion that I seized the moment to try out my new Current/Elliott Rollers for the first time.  The love story continues.  No big shocker there.  I've been raving about the brand since the very beginning.  I guess this makes me a one denim brand loving woman (you know like a one woman man)--except nothing like the peeps who got married on Virgin Diaries.  *washes eyes out with bleach*

~Details:  Alexa Chung for Madewell-Sweater, Current/Elliott-Jeans, Joie-Wedges~

Effective immediately:  Channeling the 80's love for fisherman knits.

~Jewelry close-up:  Vanessa Mooney x3-Silver/Grey Suede, Madewell-Gold, Motif 56-Leather~

All those late nights watching Grease and Saturday Night Fever are manifesting before 

our eyes.  Next up:  big afro wig!  (wishes and dreams)

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.

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!!

Grecian Cowgirl

Bet you thought you were going to see Constantine, right? HAHA!! I kid, I kid!  That'll be tomorrow after he exits the show (the bachelorette for anyone out of the loop)...bets anyone?

Anyway, was it me or did yesterday just whoosh by in a blur?  Sundays are pretty much the best ever from start to finish:  an official "day of rest".  One of the things I'm trying to focus on this summer is living in the moment.  More often than not I'm thinking 3 steps ahead to what's coming next instead of simply being present.  So when the Chef suggested a quick brunch instead of going straight to work, I took him up on the offer despite knowing I'd have to pull myself together in only half an hour.  I'll confess:  I've been known to obsess about what to wear in the simplest of situations--and I blame it entirely on having too many options to choose from.  Rather than getting sucked into the vortex of throwing 450 things around the room in an indecisive frenzy I opened the closet, made a selection and forced myself to stick with it.  Worked out smashingly!  Dress I've owned for a year and never worn + bandeau + boots + jewelry.  Simple chic and met the timeline.  Miracle.

~Ever-Catania Dress, Brandy & Melville-Lace Bandeau, Foley+Corinna-Mid-City Tote, 

Joie-Booties, Spitfire-Sunnies, PANYC + Melinda Maria-Bracelets~

Note the Chef in the lenses of my sunglasses as he exercises his mad photography skills.

Despite owning the dress for a year, I've never worn it due to its low hanging sides.  

During wardrobe overhaul 2011 (ongoing) I came across this lace bandeau and took a chance layering 

it beneath.  Jackpot! The dress has officially moved into heavy rotation.

It's perfect with the booties and yes I did just wear these last week.  

Prepare to see them again next week.

And because I know you're all dying for a neighborhood update *she says dripping with sarcasm*

suffice it to say manners are dead as yet another newcomer parks their moving truck

smack in the middle of the back alley blocking us in.  Better yet?  Emerges, sees us, and 

doesn't bother to even make eye contact much less move resulting in ixnay on the brunch factor. 

As you can imagine I was thrilled...not.

Which resulted in me retreating back indoors to experiment with making boozy ice pops.  

Post to follow later this week...get ready to call a cab.

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.  

Part Two: Raised by Wolves

Sorry for the downer posts this week.  Truth is -- every once in awhile how can you avoid it?  I guess I could lie and jump on the good ship lollipop, but I don't do fake very well so it would probably fall flat anyway.

Let's get to part two of this saga.  Bear in mind it all took place within the span of a few hours, so here we go.

Shortly after Pat told me her news, there I was glued to the couch in a state of shock when the loudest heavy metal guitars started up next door. The doors and windows rattled as some fool tried to rap along to it. Death metal + rap = bleeding ears.  In an instinctive act of fury I threw a t-shirt over that same electric blue tank and sweats and stormed down the stairs -- without shoes or socks -- and over into Pat's yard noticing her neighbor's doors flung wide open in total disregard for her state of being.

"Hey! HEY! Do you guys know Pat's sick?!?" Suddenly I realized I was standing in a stranger's living room.  A drug smoking crazy person to be exact, but I was so furious in that moment I didn't even care.

And did they know Pat was sick?  Yes they did--admitting it like it was no big deal.  They paused temporarily and didn't skip a beat as one asked, "Are you new here?" but in more of a 'you must be new here and are about to learn I do whatever I want" tone.  Oh hell no you don't.  No.you.do.not.  It was right around this time that the wheels flew off the carrie bus. Imagine 5'3'' woman in outfit akin to pajamas minus shoes and socks with hair sticking out everywhere wildly waving arms around yelling/hissing, "I've lived right over that fence for 10 years you idiot! And I've put up with you for one, but not anymore.  Pat's operation is tomorrow and you're going to knock it off RIGHT NOW!"  Then another pipes up, "Did she send you here?".....Take a moment and absorb. Did she send you here? Um. What?! I had an out of body and could see myself go off.  I ripped a hole so big one scurried off and another tried to tell ME to bring it down a decibel.  Zip it. Pot meet kettle. I don't think so.  This scenario brought out the blind fury of dealing with one too many selfish people within a span of days.

When the last one standing reached to take a guzzle of his beer I could feel myself on the verge of completely snapping so turned on my heel and stomped off, back to my own yard, bare feet pounding up the stairs just in time to hear him mumble something beneath his breath.  I'm glad I didn't hear what it was because in that moment I may have leapt over the fence and tackled him to the ground.  Of course moments later I was terrified, but in that moment not so much.

Next thing I knew these imbeciles were at Pat's house knocking on her door asking if she minded the noise...I'm not kidding.  30 year old morons.  This is your brain on drugs.  I heard her ask them to please stop and leave, which thankfully they did.  Nerves at an all time level of shot I quickly got ready and headed to a barbecue before they could chase me down.  Without even realizing it I donned the most ironic outfit:  a mix of favorites to make me feel safe and secure while expressing "do not mess with me".  It caught me by surprise when I was weeding through the pictures today.  Wild, wild, wild:  the internal expressed by the external.  Sometimes we are what we wear.  Wish I had a lion head to put on.  A fake one, of course.

~Tank Farm T-Shirt, Odille Maxi, Free People-Belt and Technicolor Dreamcoat (seen here), 

Brandy and Melville-Fringe Bag, Anthro Sunnies~

Yes...the t-shirt does say Raised by Wolves.  
Ironic that this is what I wore, no?  
I threw it on in a frenzy and ran out the door before they could whack me.
Wolves move in packs...They are bound by ties of affection; as a result of daily interaction they become interdependent on one another in terms of security, safety, shelter, food and social affection. (via charsiewpao)

~Moments earlier I relayed the story to the Chef.  Still on somewhat of an adrenaline rush I believe the 
story went something like, "Oh hell no that fool did not just ask me if I was new!!"

Without even realizing it I threw on piles and piles of fringe aka safety blanket.

And, of course, the original safety blanket my technicolor dreamcoat...+ fave new flea market vintage 50's Navajo Dancing ring (on the left) + Free People ring on the right.

I may or may not have worn a version of this every day since.
May things go back to normal soon.

I don't know about you, but I'm so glad we're this close to Friday.  I need a massive nap.  Will let you know just as soon as I hear anything about Pat.  I noticed their lights on tonight, but wanted to let her get settled in before going over.  Thanks so much for all of your kind words, thoughts and prayers. xoxo

*Update:  Pat just texted me "All went well!! Needless 2 say am thrilled, but plz keep me in ur thoughts n prayers :)"

Wooohoooo!!!  Will visit her after work and keep you updated.  Thank you everyone!!

Dear Crazy People: This Is Not Your Next Home

This week has been filled to the brim with crazy.  Monday went by in a tax prepping blur as I showed the apartment to what seemed like an endless stream of neighbors I really hope I don't get - here's just a few:

• Teen Mom Candidate
• 20 lb dog lady who wants the beast to lounge on my Moroccan deck.   That's.Not.Happening.
• Guy who has never lived in the same state with girlfriend (does the landlord live here?), but is "sure" they'll get along fine (does the landlord live close by?) even though he really doesn't want her to quit her job (did you say the landlord lives upstairs?) and go back to school.  Do I have any advice on how he can talk her out of it?  Huh?  Oh and btw buddy, I AM the landlord.  No I didn't say that, but boy was I tempted.
• And today's person really took the cake.  Sppppokkkke soooooo slowwwwwly IIIII coooouuuulllld baaaarrreeeellly unnnderrrrstannnnnd hiiiiiim, got all up in my personal space, didn't want to see closet space, individual rooms or anything opting instead to corner me in the hallway to ask:  Do you live here alone?  How long have you lived here?  Does anyone live here with you (uh, already asked that ya cuckoo bird)?  By now I'm officially terrified and looking for something to hit him with when the kicker happens:  A huge moth flies out of his hair (I'm also terrified of moths for some strange reason) and flutters to land on the ceiling...followed by a mid-sized one that goes flying off into my office.  Okay Silence of the Lambs it's time for you to get out.  (At the door he turns and points to one of my pictures:  Isssss thaaaat youuuuu?  Me: Yes.  Him:  You look so much different.  Me:  GOOD-BYE as I shut the door in his face, locking it behind him.  HELP!)

Tuesday I was 25 minutes late to the tax appointment due to Southern California road construction in mid-afternoon.  Why me?  Thankfully Blanket came along to ease my nerves...he was a huge hit at the accountant's office.  Five women huddled around him upon arrival, and people kept walking in and out of the office we were in for four hours just to get a look at him.  It was quite heartwarming.

Somewhere in here I managed to throw on a semi-decent outfit and grab a few pictures.  Thankfully disheveled is in right now.

~Joie - Dress worn as tunic, James Perse - Ribbed Tank Dress, Gap - Pintucked Wide leg~

And yes that look on my face says it all:  I've had enough.

~ Motif 56-Wide Cuff and Woven Bracelets, PANYC-Wrap Bracelet, Anthro-Belt, 

Target-Sunnies, Melinda Maria-Ring, Africa-Necklace~ 

Earlier this month I ironed my hair for the first time in weeks before class.

Girl:  You straightened your hair!  Me:  You mean I combed it, right?  Girl:  um, nooooo - but

face complete agrees with my statement.  Me:  No worries.  I like a good rat's nest.  Girl: um, okay?

I think we're best friends now.  She laughs her head off and waves every time she sees me.

Still wearing these Gap Wide Legs in heavy rotation...hope they bring more back.
Worth picking up at least one more pair.

Thankfully the sun's staying up  longer.  Hopefully it brings out the sane renters because I
am not looking for a version of I am Legend brought to life.

How much you wanna bet that guy on the bike is one of the people I show
the apartment to later today?  He was totally making a getaway on that bicyclette.

I spent yesterday morning at the Chef's restaurant and it is looking so much more put together than last week.  I was relieved, if you want the truth.  In the meantime I'm about to go into full speed moving mode seeing as Friday and Saturday are the days to get all the big pieces upstairs as the Chef tries to oversee construction and renovation, while trying to assist in the move.  How fun.  I might not be back to normal visitation of your blogs until next week, so go do crazy things in the next few days so we can share stories.  P.S. Haven't shredded in two days.  Confession!! 

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*