Denial, It Can Work.

Late last week I almost missed the bloody hopped on a plane to visit my family for Canada day. It was one of the best trips ever: days at the zoo, parades, fireworks, and most of all just having quality time with each other. Coming back is never easy, so I made the return trip in time for the 4th of July to ease the pain. More fireworks! Barbecues! Hot days! Uh, cancel that last part.

Instead it was totally cloudy and cool so we loaded up on groceries, grilled and spent 5 hours watching the Dallas marathon.  JR Ewing always did know how to get my mind off things. 

Cut to scene and I spent yesterday in the fetal feeling kind of sad. Homesick. Stuffing my mouth with ketchup chips. God bless the Old Dutch brand and very large carry on bags. 

In an effort to lift my spirits and not be a total buzzkill SEEING AS IT IS FRIDAY AND ALL,  I spent this morning outside lying around reading a book helping Chris build a planter. Seeing as the only thing I failed to bring back from Canada was the camera charger, here are some bright and sunny instagram lunch pics from a couple weeks ago instead of other instagram pics of a presently empty raised planter. 

Speaking of bright and sunny, if you're in the Huntington Beach area we'd love to see you this Sunday July 8th at The Corner for the Painted Bird Trunk Show. Personally, I cannot wait to pick up a couple pairs of these rad crochet shoes. They're handmade in India and the epitome of summer chic! Details are one post back or click here. Mimosas will be served. 

~Outfit: M2F-denim vest (back in stock and seriously the best summer layering piece), J.Crew-tank and sunwashed skirt (old), Dolce Vita-shoes (on sale!), Brandy & Melville-bag~

Semi-scandalous mermaid on the wall outside Roe Fish Market.

Orange crush--my idea of the perfect summer drink. 

Well, after the Don Julio margarita.

And, of course, a quick Painted Bird enlightener. Seriously, how to choose?? Hope to see you Sunday!

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?

Twisted

Last month I lost the camera.

Okay I didn't really lose lose the camera as much as, say, misplaced the camera. But hey, I didn't really know where it was so as far as I was concerned it was lost. How's that for a rabbit trail?

Anyway I found the camera over the weekend. Pretty relieving to see it there, amidst the folded laundry, nestled in the sheepskin rug.  Even more relieving to see a couple of legit outfits on it. I'm not so sure the sequin sweater is still appropriate, but I might give that one a whirl next week because it IS in front of a vintage VW bus and you know how that magic takes hold of me. 

In the meantime I can only say I probably need to put myself on Madewell restrictions seeing as if I get anywhere near the store I can't seem to keep from leaving without a bag. It does happen, but not that often due to a pretty stellar sale section. This skirt falls into the category of 'sporadic purchase turned regular rotation'.  It was one of those moments when my fave shopgirl (who used to work at Martin+Osa so we go way back) employed her mind reading tactics and tossed me into a fitting room with the skirt. 'Just try it,' is her favorite line and she has got it down. In her defense, summer's around the corner and the skirt is a decent price so it came home and is earning its keep in the versatility department. Here's to warmer days ahead! 

~Outfit details: Shirt & Skirt -Madewell, Tanks-Gap, Boots-Jeffrey Campbell~ 

~Vanessa Mooney--Bracelets, Poison Necklace, Keepsake Necklace~

~Brandy & Melville-Fringe Bag, Erin Wasson-Ring, Motif56-Leather Bracelet, 

Vanessa Mooney-Metal Bracelet~

Now if I can just find a couple of maxi skirts....suggestions welcome!

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*

Fringe Files

You know how there were the X-Files? Well I'm starting the Fringe Files to document all my fringe-ified outfits--primarily because I've run out of titles. *confession*

Speaking of confessions I don't know about you, but I spent most of yesterday watching 9/11 documentaries.  At first I didn't want to remember because of how sad it is, but then I remembered that I need to remember:  out of respect for the people who died and their surviving family members.  And also so that I don't become lackadaisical about the horrific events that happened that day.  Probably my favorite documentary was the one CBS aired called 9/11:  10 Years Later.  If you didn't catch it I highly recommend picking it up on iTunes.  Two French guys were doing a documentary on a rookie firefighter, and ended up capturing incredible footage at Tower One when one of them went to the scene with Chief Pfeifer.  It took my breath away and captured an insider's view like nothing else I've seen.  Even now, hours later, I can't stop thinking about it.

The only time I managed to get out yesterday was in an attempt to grab brunch.  Upon emerging from the house it became apparent that all the streets were blocked off due to yet another neighborhood event I probably threw out the flyer for, so we snapped a few pictures on the spot before rolling back upstairs to bust out the pb&j.  Not nearly the same as chips & salsa with a side of margaritas, but somehow I managed to survive.  Imagine that.

~Outfit: Sportsgirl-Crochet Fringe Sweater Tank (similar), BCBG-Ribbed Lace Tank, 

Elizabeth and James-Stevies (Jimi), Brandy & Melville Fringe Bag (similar)~

I may or may not have worn this tank a few times in the past week.

It is a birthday gift from my dear blogger friend Milijana who always remembers me.  
Hope to meet her in person someday! 

Fact of the matter:  I feel like Sarah Connor from The Terminator in this outfit.
All I need is about 50 more arm workouts and to tone up the junk in the 
trunk so I can kick a head off.  She did girl power like no other!

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.

Summer Days

Some new developments have taken place in my neck of the woods (ahem, concrete):  It appears as though  a civilized person has moved into the neighborhood.  A piano player with legitimate skills.  Can you imagine??  Just last night I turned down the volume on the television to take in a half hour of wonderful music.  My mother was right:  I do regret quitting after all those years of lessons.  Sigh.

Let me tell ya:  summer is in full swing over here.  Last year was such a letdown in the warm weather department it's tough not to want to be outside all day every day.  I don't know about you, but the days seem to be going by so fast I wish I could put it on pause.  Bright sunny mornings, light streaming in the windows in late afternoon, the sound of the ice cream truck, an endless supply of fruit--it's the simple things keeping me happy these days--including a relatively light workload that I'm pretty sure I should be freaking out about.  But then I smell someone bbq'ing...

With the Chef's change in schedule it appears as though 2013 will be the first time an evening date may re-occur.  Instead we're making time in the mornings once or twice a week to spend a few hours together.  One thing's certain--there's something delicious about being footloose and fancy free while everyone else is at work.  The other day we just grabbed tea and sat on the beach digging our toes in the warm sand.  It was wonderful.  More summer please.

This has pretty much become my uniform of choice this summer.  

3x this week so far and don't even care.

Fringe + leather + lace + weathered shorts + piled jewelry and a cup of tea 

Minimal makeup? Yep, sounds good to me.

~Outfit details:  H&M vest, James Perse tank, Current/Elliott Shorts, Thrifted Belt, 

Brandy&Melville Bag, Rainbow flip flops, Anthro sunnies~

For the record that's not my piece of trash at the bottom of the stairs. 

The earth is not a garbage can for pete's sake!  Off to read a book and delete all fall fashion emails.  Have a great Wednesday!

Guilty: Of Wearing Comfortable Clothing

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

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

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

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

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

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

the usual Bhati Beads, PANYC and Motif 56 bracelets.

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

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

silver + gold = a good thing in my opinion

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

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

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

Ow Ow Ow Ow Red Pants Ow Ow Ow

To be clear I'm ow'ing over my freaking carpal tunnel'd right wrist.  It's gotten so bad that at one point today my hand and arm were numb from fingertips to part way up my shoulder.  I'm trying not to whine, but I don't think I'm being very successful.  Sigh


It hurrrrrrts like a biznatch.

That being said I have to cut this mother short so I can work today which, coincidentally, involves mad amounts of typing at times.  How can this thing heal without downtime? Can cats be trained to type?  I wonder if they require a salary and/or mandatory breaks under CA state law?  Things to ponder while my brain continues trying to regenerate after last night's bachelorette.  When I got up this morning I was so disoriented I couldn't remember what day it was.  No jokes.  Good thing my brother called during which time my 18 month old nephew sang a few words from Justin Bieber's 'Baby'.  To be exact he sang out 'Baby, baby, baby woooo'.  I almost passed out laughing.

Enough rambling.  Let's cut to the pants.  I've had these things sitting in a bag by my desk for a month during which time I've toyed with cutting them to wear cropped and frayed, or just hemming in general.  The thought of returning them has crossed my mind more than once too...I mean how much will I really wear red pants?  On Sunday I bit the bullet and threw them on for a Father's day dinner with friends.  It's official:  they're keepers (the pants and my friends).

~Pants-J Brand Skinny Twill, James Perse-Tank, J.Crew-Heels (3 years ago?), 

Brandy & Melville-Fringe Bag, Anthro-Sunnies~

~PANYC-Studded Wrap, American Eagle-Friendship, Motif 56-Braided Bracelets
Melinda Maria-Link Oxidized Ring, Free People-Necklace (5 years ago?)~
Admission:  I stepped foot in AE on Friday night and went nuts in the bracelets.  Buy one/get one free.
I have nothing to say for myself.  I swore I'd never give them money again after
they ripped 1000's of hearts out by closing Martin+Osa.  The price tag made me do it?
Shameless

Once I put the pants on I remembered every reason I drove into the middle of nowheresville
late one Friday night on freeways I'd never even heard of before just to get the last pair.
In the fitting room I jumped up and down with glee.  I have no problem admitting that.

Should I cut them off?
And yes I realize these pictures are redundant, but the other one reallllly
showed the belt I got for $9 at the flea market and later spotted for $140.  
I'm so glad I'm newborn cheapskate--I'd have missed out on so many good things!!

This is the 'oh yes we do have enough pictures I'm done' look.
Nothing's worse than having a couple of cars circle the block repeatedly to stare.
Awkward

Okay is anyone else having issues with blogger inserting extra spaces between paragraphs?  I just don't understand how to make it stop.  Anyone?  Anyone??

New Day/New Way

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Serious moment:  skirt.  

Skirt, skirt, skirt infinity.  

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

Do you check their sales?? Must.do.

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

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

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

hehe. little dramatic over here at the bird sometimes.

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

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!!

In Full Bloom

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

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

Okay I'm back.

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

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

Matt Bernson Studded Sandals, Target Sunnies~

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

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

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

a marriage of multiple styles culminating in favorite new outfit.

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

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

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

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

Humor me, okay?  It was a moment.

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

I need a nap.

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

Happy Monday everyone!