Channeling My Inner Olivia Palermo

Now let the truth be known:  I'm much more of a Farrah Fawcett meets Kate Moss kinda girl, but every once in awhile my inner Olivia Palermo comes calling.  During Closet Purge 2011 (the saga continues) I came across these faux leather shorts.  Remember when I got them last fall in Canada? Well every time I see these babies Olivia P comes to mind.  In fact, for a good while there every purchase I made was met with 'Olivia Palermo made me do it' (seemed to make sense at the time?).  After awhile that got old or I forgot about it or something.  More than likely my inner hippie came calling and OP got shoved to the back of the closet.

Then Chloe popped up with this in spring:

And it has lived on my desktop ever since.

I got fixated on finding the same top.  Oh who am I kidding?  I also got fixated on achieving a version of those skinny legs, but a failed 30 turned 86 Day Shred and 3 plates of guacamole later the fixation died.  Then as I was rooting around in le closet this weekend I came across a sleeveless black top with a slit in  back versus the front and it was game over.   

Moments later we snapped these pics while a beat-up VW bus pumping reggae beats drove round and round the block until I couldn't take it anymore, hopped back in the car and sped off.  Awkward

~Aritzia-Shorts, Club Monaco-T-shirt, Alexander Wang-Coco, Steve Madden-Heels~

~Bracelet won last year from the wonderfully chic Corks+Caftans 

+ Melinda Maria link oxidized & Marc x Marc coil rings

The second lap of reggae beats causes me to stare over and throw a dirty.

Seconds later I'm wondering if the shorts are too short while the Chef busts up

 laughing on the sidewalk.  Where's the love?

Finally lap three of reggae madness sends me racing off down the street back

to the car hollering over my shoulder, "It's not a side show ya crazy birds!"

Oh yeah there's the back of the shirt.  Everything happens for a reason?

As you can see summer has shown her beautiful face in Southern California and I couldn't be happier.  There is nothing quite like waking up to the sound of boats in the harbor and kids laughing their heads off in the distance.  Here's hoping for a week of minimal work and warm days in the sun!

The Bachelorette's back tonight, too--fasten your seat belts!

In a Pinch

It's official I did miss my calling:  throwing outfits together in a minute or less has been confirmed as one of my gifts. Who knew? Suffice it to say, as I'm pretty sure I say every weekend, the weekend went by far too quickly.  It's as though the clock speeds up as soon as Friday afternoon hits.  Apparently peoples' brains fall out of their heads at record speed on Sunday nights as well.  The ding-a-ling neighbors took it upon themselves to get in a screaming match with another neighbor who kindly asked them to move their hanging-in-the-alley-inconsiderately-and-horribly-parallel-parked-vehicles so that the other person could get out of their garage.

Response:  We pay for this space so it's not our problem.  

Are you for real?  

Honestly my heart (and ears) just bled.  How on earth can you be so nasty to someone you have clearly wronged and are completely inconveniencing?  Truth be told I'm still baffled sitting here thinking about it.  I don't know how it all played out in the end, but I don't think it was pleasant.  This is not Beverly Hills so they had seriously better wise up.  People don't play down here.  You might get away with a little childish writing on someone's car in West LA, but not in my neighborhood. Word

Anyway.  There's a little neighbor update for ya. It's been quiet on that front because a. I'm trying to avoid them and b. My activities have ranged from exhausted and hanging off the couch to exhausted and racing out the door.  Carrie needs a break (preferably not a breakdown thank you very much).

Back to the outfit.  I guess we're going to start calling the outfit portion of this blog "Beat the Clock" or "How Many Different Ways Can You Try Not to Kill Yourself While Trying to Pull Yourself Together In Under 5 Minutes In Order to Get a Quick Picture".  Queen of the run on sentences in the house! On Saturday afternoon I had 752 errands to run when the Chef dropped the bomb that he had a limited window to take the picture.  Welp, here's to killing 752 birds with one big a** stone -- Carrie live and comin' at you from outside the water brewery.  Exciting times here at the bird. yawwwwn

 This thing is gold.  No planning, no nothing. Pure gold.

So many of my favorite things all in one--the makings of the best outfits, right?

Zara-Blazer, James Perse-Tanks, Belt-Flea Market Find, Shorts-Current/Elliott, 

Foley+Corinna-Mid-City Tote (four years old and still an all time fave), 

Motif 56, PANYC & Bhati Beads-Bracelets, Melinda Maria and MarcxMarc-Rings

Uh-oh stray hair at one o'clock (I'm really loving this o'clock thing of late--as I'm sure you've noticed).

Unbeknownst to me I walked around with that hair sticking out for 12 hours.

No worries though--the shoes stole the show. Show stoppers is more like it.

These Sophie Theallet for Nine West's continue to get mad play.   

I think I sent a stampede over there on Saturday.

Woman ponders deep hidden mystery:  

"Where did all my wonderful neighbors go and how can I find a way to lure them back?"

And now I bid you a good Monday.  Tomorrow I will dish on how the downstairs neighbors came home at 3am on Sunday and were so thoughtful to give me an early wake up call by running up and down the wood floors so hard I could hear them upstairs. Ahhhhhh.  The good life.  Is it too early to ask for a cocktail?

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)

Marching Into Fall in Military Jackets

So you know my J.Crew Military Jacket?  I'm thinking you do, even if you just started following yesterday,  because it was in the outfit post.  I also wore it here and here.  And because I get so many compliments on the jacket - both here and when I'm out and about (it's so easy to throw on that it goes on errands very often thrown over even sweats) - I wanted to do some investigation and provide alternatives.  You see my jacket is from late last summer right around this time, and it is no longer available *insert sad face here*.  As far as military jackets go it was not terribly priced at, I believe, $98 (even though I know that seems a bit steep) because I have worn the thing well over 98 times.  In fact, I bet I've worn it 98 times in a month.

Anyway that's like salt in the wound, so my bad.

In an effort to ease your pain and help out with military jacket madness as we head into cooler weather (which some of us poor biznatches have not escaped much this summer holler if you hear me fellow Californians!) please find some options - in various price ranges - listed below.

 dear polyvore:  stop trying to push me over the edge.  from, carrie.

Let's do a Top Row/Bottom Row Price Comparison (Left to Right)
First 2 Jackets:  Top Row:  Elizabeth and James - Shrunken Surplus Jacket - $395
                                 Bottom Row:  Rag & Bone - Leigh Jacket - $475

Second 2 Jackets:  Top Row:  Juicy Couture - Skylar Twill Military Jacket - $298
                           Bottom Row:  Target - Xhilaration Juniors Military Jacket - $24.99

Third 2 Jackets:  Top Row:  Delia's - Ricki Military Jacket - $49.50
                               Bottom Row - American Eagle - AE Military Shirt Jacket - $49.50 

So basically here's my summary.  The first two jackets on the left are staples.  They are fabulous and you will keep them long after the trend is gone because they are not so trendy that you can't pull them out for seasons to come.  The second set....well color me happy on that cost comparison!  Oh yeah!  Put on your helmet in case you're getting lightheaded because this, girls, is what we call a STEAL OF A DEAL here at this free bird!!  The Juicy jacket will likely be more well-constructed and it will be cute, but it's pretty trendy.  If you can get your hands on the Xhilaration one, why not give it a try and see what's what??  For the amount it'll get worn you really can't go wrong.  And, finally, regarding the third set - those two would be the closest to the one I get compliments on.  The AE one in particular and it pains me to even admit that.  I guess the brain waves over at AE (she says dripping with sarcasm) must have saved a Martin+Osa designer to come up with the last jacket.  It is beautiful and wonderful and affordable and I'm considering it myself even though I swore I would never financially support that organization after they cut my right arm off just a couple weeks ago. Martin+Osa has been one of my best friends for the past 3 years...I digress.

I hope this helps in your journey for the perfect military jacket for fall.  I am convinced that polyvore lives to torture me or I would have included other options that give you a military flavor with a bit of sass and perhaps other color options like this beautiful jacket from Free People that has a feminine flair to it, this workshirt from J.Crew in the softest pink/taupe color, and this jersey jacket from Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Let me know your thoughts ladies.  I think most of us can agree we love the military jacket.  Perhaps your new friend is amongst one of these!

Striped. And Shoed.

I don't know about you, but I am ready for the weekend.  How is it that this week seems to be moving at a snail's pace?  Perhaps because there is an extra day off just waiting at the end.  Sigh

In any event, although it was not planned I guess this outfit could be a little throwdown in celebration (and anticipation) of the 4th of July.  So let's get to it.  How do you feel about stripes?  Yes?  No?  Sometimes?  I have to say that although I am really drawn to stripes, I tend to stop myself from buying too many because they could really fill up my closet and take over - I like 'em that much.  However, with my love for nautical-inspired looks, I do keep a few navy and white striped staples on hand for their fresh, clean appeal.

This Brandy & Melville dress is one of my all-time faves.  Probably because it is so easy to work with and made from a very soft, yet sturdy, cotton.  This past weekend we made a valiant attempt to go to the beach on Saturday (if you keep saying it's summer maybe it will show up?) The weather was actually semi-warm that day and we got a good couple hours of sun, although you would never know it from my still white legs. When we strolled off the beach I threw this dress on to go catch the sunset from a better spot and later grab a bite.

I gotta tell ya that finding a comfortable place to sit on rocks is not easy (as you can imagine).   What I realized from this exercise is the dress was a great investment.  It gives in all the right places, the stripes are very forgiving, and the fact that there is more navy than white means it won't show dirt in all the wrong places (the derriere in this case).  It made me think that perhaps a few more stripes wouldn't hurt - especially for looser tops and particularly if we're eating out (think Mexican food) and I want to eat a lot without worrying about the tummy area! hehe

You know what else?  The 4th of July aside, I'm really feeling this red, white and blue combo.  When I first threw it all in the bag I thought it might be questionable, but once on it actually looked quite cute.  I paired the dress with my Bensimon sneakers which are basically irresistible.  Do you own a pair?  They're inexpensive, come in a ton of colors and are so, so comfortable.  Piperlime has several colors on sale that could easily take you from summer into fall, if you're interested.  They're perfect for just scuffing around and are a great casual alternative to a ballet flat.  Here's a close up:

I realize it's bad behavior, but one of the best things about these is the flexible fabric - I can just step on the backs with zero guilt!  Ever since I saw A Lot Like Love, and Amanda Peet was rolling around in that adorable red skirt with the Chucks she just stomped the backs on, those squished back shoes have been frozen in my mind.  The Bensimon's have been a dream come true :)  What can I say?  It's the simple things, right?

Here's the wonderful sunset we caught that night.  This one's for you Bumpkin - have you checked out her blog?  She lives on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and does an outstanding job of updating her readers on the goings on with the oil spill - her husband, The Captain, works at sea so he gets a firsthand look and shares with us.  It sure is tough to read, and the pictures are very sad, but it's great to be able to get the truth and lend support.  Please check out her blog if you get the chance.

Oh!  And if you're looking to add a striped dress or two to your life why not consider one of these little numbers:  Ella Moss's Sundance Halter Dress, Splendid's Charcoal Rugby Stripe Dress, Gap's Belted Nautical Stripe Tank Dress, or Anthropologie's Sunwashed Dots Shirtdress (personal fave - gorgeous).

Outfit details:  Tom Ford Sunglasses, Brandy & Melville Dress, Bensimon Sneakers, Marc by Marc Jacobs Tote

Farmer's Market Etiquette

I woke up to a fogged in Sunday morning at the beach that was just magical.  There's something about Sunday that just says peace.  By late morning the fog was burning off and the Chef and I were looking for something low-key and interesting to do outdoors.  We have driven by the local Farmer's Market a lot lately, but never seem to have time to stop and so decided that today was our day.

Well you wanna know what?  If you're looking for a low-key activity on a Sunday, apparently our Farmer's Market is not it.  Examine the mob in the background.  There's the Chef - ready to hurl half a flat of strawberries at the next person who attempts to trample us in order to get to the next vendor hollering "free samples!".

We were eyewitnesses to and victims of more social faux pas than I can count.  With this in mind we came up with the following pieces of advice regarding Farmer's Market Etiquette.  We reserve the right to add to this list as our experiences grow.  Sadly I think it may become a novel.  Or at least a pamphlet.

1.  Bring your own bag/roller contraption to carry any goods you purchase and STOP SCREAMING in the face of every vendor asking if you can buy their personally owned linen tote that looks approximately 10 years old and has seen more farmer's markets than you have or will ever visit.  I was followed by two grown men badgering vendors far and wide for their personal totes and was on the verge of just throwing mine at them and running off...but it was Marc Jacobs and that ain't right. Here's a fine example of a suitable market carry-all that not only serves its purpose, but also helps others in need. 

 

2.  Walk through the entire market rather than doing an impulse buy on the spot for the first item you see.  There are at least doubles of everything and sometimes the best prices and produce are in further booths.  I would also recommend wearing a sturdy shoe rather than a flip flop because the people with the roller carts are ruthless.  If they clip your foot you're on your own.

They look harmless don't they?  Well don't be fooled because they mean business.

3.  You might want to think twice before pushing over a paying patron in order to get to the free samples.

Here is an example of the withering glare from hell I gave to a man well over my father's age who shoved me aside to grab a single strawberry while I had my money containing hand out paying the kind strawberry selling lady.  He couldn't have cared less until I stood my ground and refused to budge much less hit the ground.  By then I shot him a dirty and turned and stomped off.  Grow up!! There's enough to go around for everyone!

Seriously.  There had to have been 100 strawberries.  It wasn't like they were closing shop never to be seen again.  Wait your turn much??  Get out much?? 

4.  If you haggle with an Asian lady, she will raise the price.

     (the picture above was taken several hours after all the people left and we felt safe to emerge once again)

This was so hilarious.  I was paying for something (a helmet - I kid!) and the lady said "$5".  As I was handing her the money the Chef was joking with her and he says "$4.50" and, without even skipping a beat, she goes "$6"!  It was so hilarious!  Then I hollered "$24!" and we all burst out laughing.  The vendors were all such great people.  It's the patrons I was terrified of...

5.  Don't be afraid to purchase your items closer to the end of the day because that's when farmers/vendors drop their prices and you can get even greater deals.  Here's some of what we got - although it was purchased on the fly in the middle of a raging mob :

Hope everyone had a safe and relaxing weekend.