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*

Riding Shotgun

There we were Saturday afternoon, on the open road weaving around in traffic trying to figure out where the hell we were going when I looked at the clock and saw 3:55pm.  Dude.  We're not gonna make it.  Should we just turn around and say whatever with it?

We kept moving, I figured out how to read a map (really not my strong point and probably why I'm a  self-proclaimed wanderer) and we got where we were going, but in my mind I can still see 3:55 on the dashboard clock. I heard a reporter say this weekend, 'This will be one of those events you look back on and remember exactly what you were doing when it happened.' The this being Whitney Houston passing away.  I'm not going to wax on like she was my best friend, although in my 20's I'm pretty sure I thought she was given how much playtime her music got.  My girls and I used to blast out I'm Every Woman like no other.  Damn.  No more Whitney.

What a tragedy.

And no I'm not going to get into her handstands at the Beverly Hilton.  Let's just remember her as the legend she was.

Before hearing the news we had a rad day.  Decent weather, roamed the streets of the fabric district, I pretended not to be scared of the drug dealer with the shopping cart, took in a Vanessa Mooney sample sale and laughed like a hyena when a guy screamed at the sight of a full-grown Bull Mastiff entering the elevator as he was exiting.  Outfit?  Uh, sorry. This is all I got.  In-car chic is the new black?

~Details: Martin +Osa (RIP)-Plaid Shirt, Alexa Chung-Skirt (seen here), Frye-Boots, TK-Bag, 

Vanessa Mooney-Necklace & Bracelet, here~

And here's Whitney Houston. She really was every woman.

Cave Woman?

Sunday was traumatic:  the tree came down.  And so did half its needles.

However this was also the mark of good things to come since I've always viewed January 2nd as the start of spring. Some call it delusion, I call it survival skills.  I am a denier of the winter weather.  While a warm sweater or jacket is still in rotation it is most often found over a dress of sorts, or perhaps a skinny denim baring the ankles.  For those of you up to your knees in snow, I'm sorry.  I have zero advice having fled that same Canadian scene several years ago.  Turn up the heat and parade around the house in shorts and t with a margarita in hand?  I may or may not have used this as a coping mechanism whilst combating an adverse reaction to snow mold that left me housebound for months.  

Back to Sunday.  It was a glorious afternoon.  The perfect spring day one might say.  Is it appropriate to wear fur in spring?  I don't know, I just did it anyway.  Truth be told it was a little balmy despite being sans sleeves, but I reveled in it.  My poor pale skin sung out beneath the warm rays of the sun while I nestled my head in the needles of the tree (while shielding my eyes) just one last time to breath in its pine goodness.  It's a new day.  Goodbye tree and hello beach.

Thinking bird.

Wrinkled bird.
~outfit details: Anthropologie-Dress, Juicy Couture-Vest (again), Madewell-Boots~

Finally pulled the trigger on these Madewell boots just before Christmas and

want to wear them every day--leggings, shorts, dresses, jeans and even sweats.  

Yes it's true.  Sacrilege has struck.

~Vanessa Mooney-Necklace, Melinda Maria-Ring, Motif 56 and PANYC-Bracelets~

Angry bird?  

The Chef was calling it my cave woman look. 

Within 24 hours he went down like a sack of hammers with the flu. Well now...

Woman kissing the tree goodbye while her boyshort peeks out. 

Yep yep we keep it real over here at the bird, folks.

Woman Treading Water Wants Out of the Pool

Has someone ever disappointed you so much that you kind of got stuck at a certain place in your life? Loaded opening sentence there, but one I'd like an answer to.  Recently - and I guess stemming back to not so recently - a person I really trusted and thought highly of (and no not the bf) completely trampled me in what I've come to realize is their ongoing tirade of self.  It feels like such a long time that I've been weaving in and out of a deep level of hurt.  Sometimes, admittedly, without much grace.

Yesterday I was in my car and managed to forget it for awhile when suddenly at a red light this jolt of remembrance left me feeling as though I'd been kicked in the stomach all over again.  Yeah, it sounds dramatic and certainly isn't all unicorns flying out of your a** like blogging's supposed to be (or something), but whatevs.  It's the truth.  A guttural sigh and a green light later I thought to myself, 'I've gotta get away from this. I don't want to let this moment define my life and destroy me.'  It was a turning point, I guess.  There have been months of dark days dealing with this person and I'm really tired of it.  The Chef's been cheering me from the sidelines and it's helped a lot, but every once in awhile I am faced with the fact that this thing, this person, will forever be written in my life story and I wish I could just erase the entire thing.

Hell's bells.  Not so much on the cheery side today I'm afraid.

Some dark pics to go with?  You got it.  Pass the chocolate.

~Outfit:  Juicy Couture-Vest, Old Navy-Sweater, Alexa Chung-Skirt, Frye-Boots, Rings-Flea, FP, Bracelets-Vanessa Mooney, Madewell, Motif 56~

Bright side: skirt's on sale, sweater is too and so good I picked it up in two colors.  Santa's sleigh came early and I was driving it.  Maybe that was him behind me in that picture?  Nah!

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)

The Winds are Blowing

I've decided to basically wave the bird to most of the 80's and 90's fashions littering up stores at present.  Not all, but most.  You know I've been going off about what's available, or shall I say unavailable, for awhile and I'm pretty much over myself and my inability to get motivated to get dressed.  I mean let's face it: sweats and a t-shirt can only last so long, even for me (totally lying to myself).  One day last week I saw a pile of clothes lying on my bed--all soft tones--and it donned on me:  just wear what you want already.  Quit your friggin' whining and make a plan.  So here's the beginning of my plan:  soft fabrics in warm colors, loungy dresses, cushy sweaters, mixed with denim and boots.  That's all I've got so far, but at least I'm no longer in my pj's staring into the closet in a trance.

This weekend I did some window shopping and hit a few jackpots, one in particular at Madewell (I go through phases where I seriously love everything in that store).   Very rarely is there ever a dress left in my size once sale hits, but this time I was in luck.  Eventually I'll get to wear it with the scarf and some otk striggings, but this time the scarf only made it through the pictures before the 80 degree weather sent it flying into the back of the car as we sped off.  I can't complain too much -- it'll be cold all winter so might as well enjoy it while it lasts!

Exhibit A: le scarf.

Exhibit B:  the fall outfit complete with scarf.

Boots--rediscovered during a closet dive last year.  Sometimes it pays to hang onto things.

Sans scarf displaying one of my fave Melinda Maria necklaces (here in gold).

~Details:  J.Crew-Denim Jacket, Madewell-Dress, Cordani-Boots, Tolani-Scarf~

Pink Pants and My Wrist Fell Off

I've been quiet on the blogger front this week for a couple reasons:  the Chef opened his restaurant and it's been a bit of a crazy (yet exciting) time, and I have the worst case of carpal tunnel ever.  That bachelorette recap took so much wind out of the ol' wrist I was actually feeling a little sick after typing it up--and not from the show itself.  Or wait a second...

Anyway, thanks for bearing with me.  As coincidence would have it I've got an outfit post at the end of the week for the first time in a long time.  Big shout out to my friend Kelly for pitching in with these pictures late Sunday afternoon before we indulged in copious amounts of Mexican food at our fave place!  Interesting note: we took these things in no time flat leading me to believe maybe it's easier to take outfit pics with girls?  Thoughts?  I guess we shall see going forward.  Prepare to see Kelly and Carrie passed out laughing somewhere near you.

Before we get to the dish let me say I am seeing so much 80's resurgence it's left me winded at times.  I lived through that time period and definitely embraced fashion to the fullest.  When I saw these pink chambray pants in Madewell I tried them on a whim, took them off, had the sales associate beg me to put them back on, did so, came out and was hit by a wave of "you have to get those!!" by customers and employees alike.  Um, okay?  Peer pressure made me do it.  There's a new one.  These days I spend an incredible amount of time thinking about Pretty in Pink for some reason.  It's on my list for this weekend.  I wonder if these are a rendition of something I saw on there?

~Madewell-City Slouch Trousers & Tank, J.Crew-Denim Jacket, Cynthia Vincent-Wedges, 

Foley+Corinna-Mid-City Tote, Tom Ford-Sunnies, Bhati Beads~

These are so against the grain of anything I would normally wear, but somehow when I put

them on I could just see them with Converse running shoes and a simple tank, right?
They're lady man pants!  I even love the bit of wrinkle from the chambray.  
New fave pants.  Confession:  Wore them 3x this week.

Tried them with these for a night out (seen here and here); classic summer faves.  

Even though summer seems to have forgotten us again this year...*cough* 60 degree days *cough*.

Most accurate display of their true color...they're kinda like chameleon pants!

And finally...I need a haircut.  Which is akin to saying tomorrow will be 98 degrees 

- Southern California is not the home of the good haircut. Easier said than done.

On that lovely note me and my lady man pants are off.  My wrist is whistling dixie (not even sure what that means, but just love the way it sounds) and I've got a heap of laundry calling my name.  Thrilling

Shaking it Up

Okey dokey I was about to start typing and we had an earthquake.  Let's hope we don't have another.

Pause.  

It's just after midnight on Sunday evening/Monday morning.

Lampshade's swinging.

Let's cut to the chase in case I have to get in a door jamb.  On Friday I was all geared up to meet Torrie and Danielle in LA for dinner.  Poor Danielle had the day from hell flying in from OKC -- suspicious package at the airport had her stuck outside for 4 hours waiting to board, missing her connection and then having to re-route.  You never would have known it because she was in great spirits when I got to the hotel to pick the two of them up (Torrie is far more together than I am and can make it places "on time" vs screeching up w/moments to spare hence she was already with Danielle when I arrived).  

Sadly we didn't even think to get a photo.  Instead we got caught up over cocktails and terrific food, talking about anything and everything under the sun.  It was a super relaxing evening and I'm so glad I didn't wuss out and stay home.  For me there's always those moments:  what if they don't like me, what if I stick my foot in my mouth (uh hello, it is me), what if my hair's a wreck...and, of course, what to wear?  Thankfully Friday was a gong show of epic proportions at work so I skated out racing against the clock.  There was no time to over think the outfit.  I reached in the closet, pulled out some faves, glared at my fuzz mop of hair and ran out the door.  

Today when the Chef asked what I wore I tossed on the outfit and had him take some pictures.  This is my confession:  slapping on something from two days ago in a Sunday stupor.  In my defense I can't get enough of these crazy pants (first seen here).

~Madewell-Silk Safari Shirt, H&M-Vest, Free People-Extreme Wide Legs, J.Crew Belt, 

Sorial-Handbag, Sunnies-Spitfire~

~PANYC & Motif 56 Bracelets, Melinda Maria, random silver and Flea Market Dancing Ring~

I have to say I never really fancied myself a structured silk blouse kinda girl, but 

Madewell has completely sucked me in.  I want to wear this top every day.

Pants.

Pants. 

Pants.

Obsessed with these pants.  

Over dinner we discussed the blogger side profile pose, how much easier it is.  

Yes.  In this case it was also the "freaking hurry up the hipsters are coming" pose. 

Awkward moment much?

Dancing pants.  Wind blowing the pant legs around pants.

Can I live at this house pants?

Try to tear yourself away from the pants for a moment and examine the house behind me.

Mmmkay? 

If this keeps up maybe I should start a series: Carrie & Her Outfits go House Hunting.

Dear French Doors:  please be mine. 

On a happy note I've typed my way through this without any aftershocks.  Here's to it staying that way.  I mean it is Monday after all.  Yaaaawwwwwn.

Sale-ing On Into the Weekend

First I just want to thank everyone who commented or emailed after yesterday's post.  I appreciate your heartfelt words and admissions.  It's nice to hear different perspectives and share ideas on how to live a more balanced life while still contributing to the blogging community.  Posts will still continue, but maybe just a day's break here and there and at different times.  Thanks again everyone!

And now...the weekend is here and I think it's going to be a full scale under-the-bed-hider if any of us want to avoid the amazing deals going on out there right now.  Why is it that just as I'm going full systems STOP on the wallet it's mayhem on the high sales seas??

It really is a cat's life...and someday, hopefully, she will take the tree down, too.

Here are some I'm attempting to avoid at all costs:

• Piperlime extra 20% off sale...I might have to freeze my wallet to avoid these mothers.  And these.  And holy mother of these.
• Madewell 20% and free shipping on any order til Tuesday.  Noooooooooooooo (bellered out like the cuckoo bird from The Bodyguard - you know you saw it!!  Whitney Houston was not insane then - she was every woman!).
• Tobi has a bunch of new markdowns...I already got sucked in once this week and have allowed my wallet to be placed in an unmarked location so as to stop the self-inflicted wounds.
• Ella Moss has 30% off a bunch of stuff.  The Eternity Cardigan is currently trying to reel me in.  I'm a sucker for anything that is soft and looks great with leggings and boots.

There is one promotion going on, however, that I do highly recommend you indulge in and that would be Melinda Maria's offer of 30% off everything, including sale, in her online store. All you have to do is type in FREEBIRD30 at checkout to get the price reduction.  I know I wax on about her stuff a lot, but it really is incredibly versatile and so fun to mix and match.  (apologies on poor picture quality below)

Today I wore the Pyramid Spike Bangle in gold, 

2 of the Galaxy Cluster Melted Bangles, and the Link Oxidized Ring.

And I realized I need at least one more of each of the bangles, so 

that is my gift to self this month...and maybe these sale

earrings too because summer's coming and turquoise is a must!

The promo's on through January 15th so there's still a bit of time to think it over.  If you get anything let me know - I'd love to hear what you choose.  And if you have any questions don't hesitate to let me know.  I've worn her jewelry for years, so am happy to help in any way.  There are several others out there who are becoming experts, too...he he

Have a great weekend!!

Faded Autumn Colors in Lace

One of my favorite things about fall is the marvelous sunsets.  I don't know if it's the crisp breeze in the air or the shortening days, but the colors lighting up the sky recently have been absolutely breathtaking.  A part of my commitment to getting back to a healthy work/life balance is making time either early in the morning or late afternoon to catch the beauty of the sun.  Have you ever noticed how colors look wonderfully warm and faded in the earliest and latest hours of the day?

Aside from the variety of texture and fabric that appears in fashion, my favorite thing about fall is muted colors:  warm greys, taupes, greens, and mauves in particular.  If you were to come over and peek into my closet you would find piles of grey sweaters in varying shades and forms.  As much as I love grey (and I do have a deep love in my heart for it (as evidenced here, here and here) - are you with me ladies?) I have to be careful or it will take over and leave me feeling a little drab, so when I saw these lace shorts at Madewell it was a no-brainer.  They are the perfect shade, add just the right amount of texture and can be dressed up or down to carry me through days and evenings into the Holiday season.

{J.Crew denim jacket, Club Monaco top, Madewell shorts, 

Falke striggings, Cordani boots}

PANYC bracelet, Melinda Maria Link Oxidized and Circle rings,

and, of course, scalloped edge perfection on the shorts.

Even if my legs are close to the same color. 

I re-discovered these boots on a closet dive recently.
(my version of an in-home dumpster dive for those of you wondering)

They were purchased on steep sale at Ped Shoes a few years ago, 

and are perfect for fall - with or without the amazing 

thigh-high striggings (also seen here) rolled down to just above the knee.

That's air billowing the blouse and not muffin top.  I swear.

And then she strolled off into the sunset and never looked back.

The End.

Happy Tuesday everyone!  Is it Thanksgiving yet?

Studded

If you've been following my blog for even the shortest period of time you've likely noticed that I like to mix studded elements into my outfits. I've recently added a new piece to my wardrobe that many of you have likely seen and some of you probably even own.  Before we get to it - here's a glimpse into my love for studded perfection.  This might be a good recap for my new readers...Welcome everyone!

The Matt Bernson KM Gladiators are one of my absolute favorite pairs of shoes.  This will be their 3rd year with me and they are still my go-to summer sandal:

By adding studs Matt Bernson takes the bad ass factor of the shoe up a notch.  The shoe itself does the same to a more feminine or casual outfit.  You've seen me wear them here and here with sheer glee.  If you are considering I would highly recommend you take the leap.  Remorse Factor = next to zero.

If you're in the market for a brown option, Matt's Barracuda is another excellent option and it's got just a little more stud to it:

Look at the sun catching that one stud on the right giving it just a little gleam!  These ones are entering their second summer and they go great with simple summer dresses or a pair of shorts.  Even though it's been very cool I've paired them with a jersey dress and military jacket for a late afternoon dinner and loved the way the shoes added a spark to the outfit.

And then there's the Alexander Wang Coco.  Remember the story of how I got this bag for my birthday last year?  Complete shock.

That story still brings a tear to my eye - and so does the bag.  The studs are what make the bag.  FACT

And how about the freaking bare-bottomed denim debacle that almost left the Chef  in a muted state.  Neither one of us has fully recovered, but we both agree the rewards of the battle were worth it given this $35 studded score:

This vest has been worn several times already with shorts, dresses and leggings.  It is extremely versatile and adds the perfect punch of za-za-zoo to a very basic outfit (of which I own many).  I almost consider it an accessory.

And finally - how about this little baby?  I paired it with the Lemlem Tiru Tunic and got so many compliments on this particular outfit.

At the end of the day I think it was the soft breeziness of the tunic contrasted with the sharp studded element of Rebecca Minkoff's Studded Rocker that really brought the look home.

Sometimes when people think of studs they think hard or harsh, and I hope these images prove that doesn't necessarily have to be the case.  My newest addition is super simple, but has been a show-stopper each time I've worn them.  J.Crew's Redwood Misfit Chino Short - studded, of course - and coincidentally paired with a belt by Old Stud Handmade.

Without the studs the shorts would still have a wonderful worn-in look and feel to them.  But with the studs added along the pockets it makes them just a little edgy - and the color couldn't be a more perfect compliment for the style.

Notice the worn spots on the shorts and the fray along the hemline.  How brilliant is that?  And the addition of the studs just knocks the shorts right out of the proverbial ballpark.  I had two women stop me on Sunday to ask if these were Current/Elliott.  Woop woop!  Nope!

That day I opted to keep it pretty simple and threw on a simple James Perse white v-neck, a pair of fringed Dolce Vita sandals from last year, and a light denim safari jacket I picked up at J.Crew (I think last summer?).

If the sun ever manages to emerge for more than 10 minutes here at the beach I might actually achieve a tan and the shorts will look even better.  I plan to pair them with a high wooden wedge and a nice blousy button-up for an evening out.

But in the meantime I'm more than content with the laid-back, casual vibe they give off because the studs make me feel like I've dressed up a little even if I'm just running out to the store.  They're on sale right now at J.Crew and if you don't see your size - don't despair!  Call the item locator person and they will find and ship your size to you. 

If you're interested in adding some of the studded element to your wardrobe this summer you might want to consider this super cute summer dress/tunic by T-Bags, this amazing Gryphon jacket (that will go on sale), these hawt Ash wedges, or how about this belt by Madewell or a Free People bracelet (have and love btw).  I'd direct you to this Marni bag, but it sold out within a day of being posted (as she breathes a bitter sigh of relief on behalf of the pocketbook).  Take it as a sign though...it's a pre-fall bag meaning this trend will be around for awhile longer.

You know, there is certain je ne sais quoi about a bunch of studs that, when added to a piece of clothing, a pair of shoes, a handbag or really any accessory, - breathes new life into an outfit. Do you think it could be the bling factor? I mean we are girls after all...And what are your thoughts - studs or no studs?