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

Bright Bag Small City

Rarely does a weekend go by when the Chef and I aren't racing the clock trying to squeeze an outfit picture in. Truth is, without him there would be no outfit pictures (yes i'm having a moment).  I'm uncomfortable enough as it is and pretty much wither up at the thought of lugging around a tripod (which coincidentally I don't even own - go figure).  When I started blogging last spring time was a luxury because he was still searching out restaurant locations - now he's mere weeks from being open and it's a completely different scenario.  To say we're stretched thin is pretty tame.

Sunday was such a treat. We spent the whole day together, had a leisurely mani-pedi - hey the guy is on his feet non-stop and has custom built so many things for his new place he deserved it - relaxed over lunch and then kicked it into high gear to get the pictures done.  After driving around aimlessly, for what seemed like forever, we haul out both kind of frazzled, and suddenly I got the giggles.  There we were on the bloody sidewalk in a hoity-toity part of the neighborhood where you know people were wondering what we were doing and I just lost it.  I was like 'what the hell was I thinking starting this thing? Look at us. I am standing here in 5 inch purple velvet heels that I never would have dreamed of wearing 18 months ago and you're laying on the sidewalk.  What is happening to us?'  We rolled.  It was the best day yet.

~Gap-Leather Jacket and Denim Trousers (first seen here), La Befana-Silk Blouse, 

J.Crew-Belt, Curly in the City-Clutch, Tom Ford-Sunnies, Melinda Maria Jewelry~

Moments earlier...not so composed.  Okay not composed at all.

How about that sassy clutch?  Taylor from Curly in the City started an Etsy shop and can't

keep them in stock. She makes an animal print version, too.  Brace.

I love the contrasting turquoise zipper.  

My purple shoes are in favor, too :)

Not sure what I was thinking when I didn't get these Jessica Simpson Dany's in tan.  

They were $39 on sale! 

Hope your weekends were bright and cheery.  I don't know about you, but I am so excited for the upcoming long weekend.  Only four days to go!

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!

Sunday Brunch

When I left off on Friday I was up to my eyeballs in birthday preparations for the Chef, not exactly sure how it would all be accomplished.  Thankfully dinner that night went off without a hitch (roasted chicken - one of his faves) and a new brownie recipe will make it's debut this week - all I can say is start fasting now.  Whew!

It's been a relaxing, but cold weekend here in Southern California.  When the Chef and I rolled out of the movies on Saturday night it was 39 degrees at midnight and the temperature later went down to 35.  We rarely see the 30's at night so that's brisk for us - even me who grew up in -35 and colder temps in Canada.  Come Sunday afternoon it had warmed up some, but the wind was super brisk - so when we started to discuss brunch options I may or may not have begun to spontaneously shiver at the thought of venturing outside.  Then I remembered a wideleg velour pantsuit I haven't been able to wear much.  Seize the day!  And the fur to go along with it...

~Outfit details:  Juicy Couture Velour Puff Sleeve Jumpsuit & Fur Vest, J.Crew Denim Jacket, 

Foley + Corinna Mid-City Tote, Tom Ford Sunnies, Melinda Maria Rings~

It was great to legitimately need to wear that faux fur (last seen here) 

over the denim coat.  The Chef called it my "anti-man" look.  

Totally like the Man Repeller. BAHAHAHA!!

I live in fear of hemming things too short...out came the Danys.  

And the argyles.  Past the knees.  

This is as close as I was coming to showing you the puff sleeve.
Too bloody cold outside and not dragging camera into restaurant to
photograph sleeve whilst being gawked at.  They were already
staring wildly at the fur and velour combo.

I'm all about dressing up for Sunday brunch, but when it's cold I have a hard time getting motivated.  Hats off to each of you who live in the snow and pull out all the stops + bundle up in a coat.  I remember those days and the sweat inducing frenzy it took to get everything on, arrive at destination, remove the coat, scarf and gloves to find my outfit inevitably wrinkled, and then have to get it all back on by the end of the night.  No wonder I was thinner in the waist back then.

Anyway, today's the Chef's real day and we're gonna rip it up, so I'll catch up with you tomorrow.  Hope you had a great weekend! (ps-was it me or were the Oscars a total yawn fest?)

Welcome Home Isabel

I know you're all probably thinking I scored the Red Poppy Pumps from last week's post.  Alas they still evade me, but I am tracking down a couple leads.  They don't call me Inspector Shoeseau for nothing (remember that one?).  In the meantime, however, I must reveal how it is that I reapproached the search with new vigor.  About a month ago, after once again professing my undying love for Isabel Marant's designs, I received an invite to a private sale where none other than some of you know what was being featured.

Confession:  I almost declined.  What if I got there and even the sale price was just too far out of reach causing me to spiral out of control into a mad depression?  I mean a girl's gotta weigh the odds.

Thankfully common sense took hold and I threw caution to the wind tossing my disheveled mop into a ponytail, donning my favorite fishnet sweater (seen here), a simple tank, some leggings and a pair of military boots to brave the unknown.  Hot damn I was on my way!  However by the time I arrived there was barely anyone left.  My heart sank.  Thoughts raced through my head:  "Why hadn't I come earlier?  There are things I recognize from the runway!  *cue whimpering* Why did I drag my feet?  Thank God I'm wearing a bunch of my faves or I'd really feel like hell. Why did I initially give into fear?  Oh look at that leather vest.  Too bad it's probably too big.  Oh that dress is cute.  Crap there aren't any of the red shoes.  Or the sequin pants.  What is wrong with me?  Wait a hot minute that vest's my size."

Pause.  Retrace steps.

Wait a hot minute.  That vest is my size.

I look to my left and then right.  There's got to be something wrong with it.  It's the best thing in this room and none of these crazy women are even looking at it.  Before someone can shank me and run off with my treasure I gently remove it from the rack, saunter over to the mirror barely breathing with hope and sheer giddiness over holding a piece from a designer that is a dream of mine, slip the vest on and immediately tear up.  I'm not lying.  I could feel the waterworks coming.  You don't understand - or maybe you do - I just love her clothing and it was a moment I really didn't know would ever happen.  But it did.  And they told me a bunch of people had wanted the vest, but NO ONE could fit in it.  Hollar!! Some things are meant to be. 

There it is.  Sometimes I just open the closet to look at it.  Yep it's still there.  Close.

Look at it up close.  Okay go lie down now.  Okay look again.  Rinse and repeat.

Look at her (she's a girl) shoulder pads.

No seriously.  LOOK!  okay sorry I'm still a little worked up...

But can you blame me?  Please say no.  This is the look of elation. 
Dreams really do come true!
I almost had to send the Chef to get depends - for the car ride home.

Outfit details:  Isabel Marant-Leather Vest, James Perse-Cashmere Thermal, Martin+Osa-Skinny Denim, Ash-Boots, Tom Ford-Sunnies

Wishes Realized

Just before Christmas I did a mini Wish List/Gift Guide - it was nothing fancy, just some of my faves to give and receive.  Thank goodness Santa (aka the Chef) was doing his blog reading due diligence.  It was great fun to open a pair of those crazy Gypsyz and get to test them out in the Canadian snow.  They are even better than I hoped for because they're cut to stay up rather than droop down in the leg.  I would not, however, fave them for indoor wear - mostly due to the harder plastic type foot bed.  Aside from that they're a total win and I plan to wear these babies into the spring with denim shorts and a t - sometimes scrunched down and sometimes over the knee.  Call the Fashion Police on me all you want, I'm a fast runner and they'll never take me down!!

For the record they hold their own on slightly icy surfaces, too.  I, on the other hand, not so much.  Think mad amounts of whining and nearly frozen fingers in -36.  Oh.hell.yes. I just said -36.  It lasted approximately 10 minutes before I ran screaming back to the house like a little girl.  Okay the Chef did, too.

Full view - fun or WHAT?!

My family prepped for my neglectfully packed arrival...

with super cute scarves and hats under the tree.

It was a Free People explosion of cold weather goods that you 

would swear your grandma or Aunt Marge knitted up.

The scarf is especially super soft and I fully intend to 

haul it to the beach for bonfires.

Spring?  Is that you??

Two seconds later you may have heard shrieks coming from

the North as I tore off to the warmth of Ferrero Rocher's arms.

Consider this is an SOS.

Is there a Chocolate Lover's Anonymous Support Group in existence?

Things have gotten a lit-tle out of hand over here.

On a brighter note we are mere days away from Friday.  Is it wrong that I contemplated taking a nap beneath my desk at 10am today?? Halp!

Outfit details:  Free People:  Beanie and Scarf, James Perse - Tanks, T's and Thermal, Aritzia - Leggings, Gypsy 05 - Gypsyz, Tom Ford - Sunnies

Fur Hats in the Forest

Did you ever see Bridget Fonda in Point of No Return?  It's a little cheesy, but I like it because it's a female spy-type movie and Bridget does a great job balancing hardcore bad a** with an emerging soft side.  Once when I lived in Canada and was out for dinner with a girlfriend, some guy randomly walked up and told us I reminded him of Maggie (Bridget) in Point of No Return.  Normally something sarcastic would have rolled off my tongue, but I was so flattered someone thought I was a spy that I just turned a bright shade of red and muttered "um, thank-you".  Ha ha!!

Last week when we were at the parents it dipped down to -25 one day, so I donned my fur trapper hat and headed off into the trees to live out my spy dreams - sans a hand gun, any secret missions, and a fake identity, of course.  I bet I could kick someone's head off though.  Oh Bridget!

I would have added captions in between, but all we were screaming at each other was "COLD, COLD, COLD, COLD COLD!" and "did that one work?, do we have enough?, did the camera shut off AGAIN?!" before I finally just snapped and went racing off toward the house through knee deep snow while the Chef chased after me in his bright green toque (beanie).

Can you believe we have to go back to work tomorrow?  I'm not even sure I can remember how to get out of bed when the alarm goes off...and what about all the cookies and chocolates?  Whatever will they do without me?? 

Hope your holidays were marvelous!

Outfit details:  Juicy Couture-Fur Trapper, Zara-Velvet Military Blazer, James Perse-Cotton/Cashmere Tunics, J.Crew-Skinny Denim, Ash-Boots, H&M-Cheetah Mittens, Tom Ford-Sunnies, 14 pairs of socks

Blue Tights and Fur Coats

One of the great things about visiting Canada is getting a true taste of winter - the people in this country are so lucky to experience the glory of four well-defined seasons (although they might beg to differ when a freak snow storm shows up in May).  Remember when I visited in fall and got these great pictures?  They're some of my faves even now.  Admission:  I get homesick every time I look at them.

It was tough to stick to two bags on this trip because I kept on imagining all kinds of fun outfit concoctions for the cold, snowy days (aside from all the sweats and t's for luxurious tv-filled afternoons on the couch. ha!) we don't experience in SoCal.  As wonderful as warm weather can be, it kinda hinders the true essence of the winter wardrobe.  So today I got a hint of the crazy and strolled out into a winter wonderland...in shorts, tights and shag.  I kinda wanna wear this one every day.  

The first 10 minutes in freezing cold are always the easiest.
Especially if you're wearing something resembling a bath mat or '70's carpet.

Bringing a bit of the snow leopard.

Delusion sets in as the cold goes to my head...this is not the house.

Busting through drifts I make it back to the sidewalk...

With this grin frozen, quite literally, onto my face.
It was around this time the camera began to fog up from the temps.
Time for more chocolates and cookies!

Outfit details: Zara-Shag Coat, Current/Elliott-Shorts, J.Crew-Leopard Belt and Tights, Forever21-Booties, H&M-Mittens, Tom Ford Sunnies

The Elusive Back Door

When I was in university a couple of my friends attended college in the US and we only got to see each other on winter and summer breaks.  These guys were super fun, and my girlfriends and I looked forward to their return trips home where they schooled us about life outside Canada and seemed so very worldly.  Randy and Kenny loved a good rave and after regular club scene hours where we'd rip it up to favorites like 'Jump Around' by House of Pain, they would drag us to these after hours places that looked like abandoned buildings.  I remember being a royal pain (read: scared nerd) the first time we walked up at 2am to dead silence and pounded on the door of some warehouse in the middle of nowhere, "There's no one in there you fools!  Let's go home!!" only to have the door mysteriously swing open revealing thundering music, blinding strobe lights, and hordes of sweaty dancers who weren't ready to retire for the night.  More than once we'd lose track of time only to wander out into broad daylight on Sunday morning and head straight to breakfast.  Ahhhhhh the good old days.

When the Chef pointed out a cool looking alley the other day all I saw was the door, and it immediately took me back to a time when it seemed so cool to gain access to a place reserved only for those in "the know". 

 

Juicy Couture Fur Vest, Zara Pleated Leather Skirt, J.Crew Thigh Highs

The SKIRT!!  I saw this thing over a month ago taking a quick spin 

through Zara.  Like a fool I thought I could come back and grab it. Gone

Thus began the quest...which was completed just the other night when 

my fave shopgirl snagged the LAST one from the window display just for me.

Whew!  Cue "The search is over, you've been with me all the while..."

This is pretty much the condition we'd be in rolling into that secret door.

Okay maybe a bit less chic...but the door didn't smell like joranvandersloot urine.

And it wasn't flanked by palm trees holding crumpled up Marlboro packages.

Uh, anyone use garbage cans anymore?

Before you knew it we'd be rolling back out, donning our shades and heading

off to some diner or pizza joint for breakfast.  Ohthestomachofthecollegestudent.

T Luxury Apparel T-Shirt, Marc Jacobs Shoes, J.Crew Thigh Highs

I'm apologizing now - you may see this skirt several more times in the near future.

Imagine with a grey chunky knit sweater and military boots.

How about with flats, a poufy blouse and a denim jacket thrown over?

The possibilities are endless...a woman wanted to toss me for it in the fitting room.

It was a narrow escape thanks to the workouts.

 Melinda Maria Pyramid Spike and Galaxy Cluster Melted Bangles,

Margo Circle Ring

Here's to the rest of the week going by just as quickly as the past few days.
Happy Thursday everyone!
Woop Woop (that's my rave sound - ahahahaha)

Blue Dots and Velvet

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

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

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

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

Martin+Osa Denim (RIP),

Alexander Wang Coco Handbag, Mike & Chris Boots

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

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

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

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

Mike & Chris boots save the day yet again. 

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

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

Ha!

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

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