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* 

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...

Denim On White

By the time Friday hits I usually can't even think straight much less concern myself with what to wear throughout the weekend should any special outings occur.  This past weekend I had a bunch of errands to run on Saturday and was hoping to pull out something a little snazzier than sweats or boyfriend jeans and a t-shirt (take note because I live in bf jeans).  It was with much relief that I found Jamie at Work Your Closet in just the nick of time.  She had posted a picture of Drew Barrymore in a daytime look that I immediately connected with, and already possessed the elements of.  Love those outfits best...and so does le wallet.

Cut to scene and Saturday found me having to politely ask the neighbor to turn down his heavy metal music that not only rattled my windows, but certainly deafened the elderly couple who share a wall with him.  Possessing newfound 'eye of the tiger' I skedaddled off into the living room to take on Level 3/Day 1 of the 30 85 Day Shred (woot!) before terror could grip me, later emerging victoriously to clean up and don the Drew Barry inspiration for an afternoon out.  I think it was a hit because even though I had mad bags under my eyes the Chef noted how well the outfit suited me, and even told me it did not remind him of Ma Ingalls when I gave him the Little House on the Prairie interrogation.  Little trivia for you:  I'm a master at Little House on the Prairie and believe I have seen every episode.  I used to dream of being Laura Ingalls running with Mary and little sis Carrie through the grass as Ma and Pa pulled up in the wagon.  

~Martin+Osa-Denim Shirt, Anthropologie-Belt, Odille-Skirt (seen  here), Sorial-Handbag~

~PANYC-Wrap Bracelet, Free People-Studded Bracelet & Silver Ring, Melinda Maria-Link Ring~

I know I carry on about FP a lot, but they really do have some very cool pieces 

of jewelry that are not overly expensive.  You have to weed through, but the treasures

you emerge with make it well worth the look.

Somehow I'm thinking Laura Ingalls may not have been up to speed on my studded sandals, but
I'll give her a pass - she was too busy wheeling Almanzo who had to be 15 years older.
What a vixen.

Scene of the noisy music crime lies just in the background...hours earlier I
had leaned over in a much more disheveled outfit *think purple tank and beige JP sweats*
with tossed salad hairdo to match, bellering out:
'Hey! Would you mind to turn that down a smidge?'
To which I got blank stares in return.  Of course I did.  They couldn't HEAR me over
the heavy metal screams.  Is that music? Ears bled for miles around.

And then I was off to release my patchwork dreams which have recently
threatened to turn my home into a scene out of How to Make an American Quilt.
Painful on so many levels.

So I'm not sure what you think of the ol' denim on white.  I personally love it and so did the girls at Anthro when I stopped by to return that shade and recover a piece of my sanity.  Sometimes I meander out in things I'm kind of wondering if people will raise an eyebrow to just to see what happens.  The litmus test always lies in having someone stop to ask where you got your stuff.  Works like a charm!

Hope you had a grand weekend/Mother's Day!

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!

Calling Sean Penn. And Later - An Outfit To Keep It Classy & Casual on the 4th

Well, well, well.  Now isn't that the longest blogger title you ever did see?  I never was one for coloring inside the lines.  Except when I was 5.

So without further ado, let me tell you this is NOT the post I had planned as we head into the 4th of July weekend here in the US.  I was just going to give you a sample of what I might wear on the day and meander off.  Instead I spent this week becoming increasingly more agitated by the Oil Spill Crisis on the Mississippi Gulf Coast (amongst other far less original, basically banal irritations, but I'll stick to the course for this post). 

                                                            image via Bumpkin on a Swing

The past two days, in particular, I have spent a good portion of time on the telephone explaining to close friends and colleagues why they should go check out Bumpkin on a Swing's blog to really see the devastation and hear the heartwrenching stories of people living and working amidst this disaster.  It's been shocking to me.  I grew up on the Prairies in Canada where oil and gas is a healthy chunk of local business.  I know what it's like to have those rigs on our land, and know the people working on them.  It's a high risk job.  But if there was a gusher - because it would be open air - they would be able to cap it much more quickly.  I understand that.

Now that I live in California and see the oil rigs off the coast, and know what has happened in the South - I somehow feel very connected to this tragedy.  Maybe because the industry and the people are so very familiar to me.

 

image via notebookdoodles

Whatever the case for once I literally want to see more of Hollywood get involved.  I WANT TO SEE SEAN PENN WEARING A BASEBALL CAP AND MANNING A DINGY THROUGH OIL RIDDEN WATERS GOING OFF ON HIS CAMERAMAN ABOUT WHY THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.  I can't believe I am actually saying this, but it's true.  I want to see Anderson Cooper diving into the water in some crazy lifegear retrieving sick wildlife in nets and bringing them to safety (they'd be calm for him because he's Anderson and he's got a magic touch).  I want Brad and Angie to come running out and shake their heads in dismay from the sickness that's spreading through the Gulf because of the oil spill and the toxins in the air.  I want them to melodramatically be handing out gas masks for all of the world to see - making the powers that be look inefficient in comparison to two actors.  I just want more of a spotlight on the situation.  To see more outrage.  To see the people helped more quickly.  For everyone to work together to get on the same page.  I couldn't just stroll off into the long weekend without saying anything.  Because the people who have to live with the effects of that spill probably won't have the most pleasant 4th of July, and that makes me very, very sad.  After Katrina a lot of the people in the South thought that a lot of the rest of us had forgotten them.  So even though I can't do much and have no real power, I just wanted to do my little part to say  "hey, we do see and we are with you in spirit"- even though that doesn't feel like much.

By the way, did you see that FEMA pulled in the formaldehyde ridden trailers for workers to stay in?  What is up with that??  When Anderson Cooper reported on that tonight I almost snapped.  Actually I think he almost did too.  We learned (or so I thought) from Katrina that those things are poisonous and unlivable.  Why are they now being used again??  And for people who are working in completely toxic situations as it is to come in to rest in those things is even more crazy.  My head is sore from thinking about all of this.

So because I feel like I've been breathing in oil fumes for weeks here's that outfit I promised.  It seems crazy to even include it after my soapbox, but it is still the 4th, it's still going to happen, and I'm gonna make myself get out in style with the mob.  I'll be taking in those fireworks displays in the name of every person in the South who won't be able to enjoy it firsthand.  Style on!

Outfit details:  Ray-Ban Metro Wayfarer, Eugenia Kim Toyo Braid Fedora, Alex and Ani Expandable Wire Bracelets, Rebecca Minkoff Lovespell Crossbody Bag, Gorjana Large Horseshoe Necklace, Matt Bernson KM Gladiator Zip Sandal,  Vionnet Leather Self-Tie Belt, Stella McCartney Cashmere and Silk Blend Cardigan, and finally the Forever 21 romper pictured here is sold out - at $22 I can see why - J.Crew has a similar one that is more expensive, but super gorgeous and here's the link J.Crew Stripe Silk Romper. 

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?

Paging Lauren Conrad

After spending pretty much every spare moment last week glued to the latest on Joran van der Sloot (don't get me started), and thus surviving on lettuce leaves and chocolate covered almond clusters from Trader Joe's, I awoke Saturday morning to the grim reality that all my pants were falling off and I needed a new belt.  (how's that for a creative reasoning?)

Rather than hoofing it into LA - seeing as the Chef may not have many weekends left to hang with me and he's been through enough shopping hell after that denim debacle - we opted to spend the afternoon in Laguna Beach, peruse the shops as quickly as possible to retrieve said belt, and then lounge leisurely over afternoon cocktails at one of our most favorite spots.  I have to say there is a reason people love to live in and visit Laguna.  I often wonder how difficult it must have been for LC, Lo and everyone to leave (the tv show was a guilty pleasure of mine)...remember when Lauren left SF to come back home?  Well, looky looky here - I could understand the homesickness seeing as the town is built around this:

Seriously.  There's a boardwalk that curves around the beach and usually it's packed.  I used this tranquil photo so as not to let the crowds scare you off if you're considering visiting.  But wait...on the opposite side of the beach is the town itself...

Yep.  See what I mean?  There's the main beach/boardwalk on the left and the shops and restaurants to the right.  In the daytime the beach is filled with volleyball nets and players as well as people on the basketball courts and laying out on the sand.  I'm not much about the sports so you'll usually see me doing this move:

      (note my attempt at summer hippie hair)

I call it the "hey, you mind if I run in there for a sec?" and it's usually x5 or 20 or something. The Chef much prefers this move:

He calls it the "turn a blind eye and keep on walkin' girlfriend".  There's a lot of goodies in Laguna Beach so ya gotta keep a grip on your wallet or it'll be emptied out all over in the cute shops.  After I grabbed my belt (to be displayed in future posts, I'm sure) we headed over to grab a bite.

I do believe the sign speaks for itself.  What's best about this spot is a. there is parking (not an easy thing to come by on a weekend in Laguna) b. the cocktails

                                                          adult lemonade and buddha's hand margarita, anyone? 
                                                         (love is wrapping your cocktail in a paper bag hobo style )

                                                (how about a strawberry smash or a lychee mojito?)

and c. the view.  It is amazing from inside as well, but I refuse to turn into the crazy camera person who's shooting pictures from inside every establishment so you'll just have to take my word on it.  Uh, yeah.  We used to come here every Sunday morning for brunch and love it to pieces.  Thanks for nothing recession!  Here's a little idea of what you get outside:

Sick, huh?  You can walk up and down the streets for hours with this view right at your fingertips.

Anyway, by the time we finished lounging, relaxing and chatting it up with a fab surfing couple it was getting a little late so we headed over to grab a bench and take in the view for a bit.

Okay and laugh a little or a lot. Oh, and there's a little bag of treasures resting comfortably beneath the bench too.  ahhhh treasures.

 On a serious note though - how about that view?  Here it is from the other side:

Super relaxing and beautiful. Not nearly as many people as earlier in the day either.  Before you knew it we were heading back to the car as it got dark quickly.

                          (home in the hills anyone? lauren's parents, neighbors, i'm available for tea...)

On the way home we stopped off at my grandma's house for a bite to eat.

I KID, I KID!!! I just couldn't resist!  We pulled up to our fave Mexican restaurant and were greeted by a gaggle of motorbikes.  Good thing it wasn't earlier in the day after cocktails or I mighta asked for a spin.  woops!

Hope everyone had a fun and relaxing weekend.  Onward and upward into Tuesday...is it Saturday yet?

Outfit details:  James Perse Double Layer Twisted Skirt, Fluxus Burnout Pocket Tank, Gap Favorite Cami, Matt Bernson KM Gladiators, Anna Corinna (now Foley+Corinna) City Tote, Tom Ford Bianca Sunglasses, Melinda Maria Jewelry mixed in with leather strips and straps from around the house. 

Attention Shoppers: We Have An Obscenity In Aisle 9

Holy mother of pearl do I have a whopper of a story for you.  It can best be summed up in 4 words:  pants on the ground.



What I am about to describe to you would provide General Larry Platt with new inspiration for his song.

On Friday I got up bright and early and dragged the Chef to a private clothing event.  I'm sure you've figured out by now that this is part of my job - although luckily I had taken the rest of Friday off so we could have a leisurely afternoon.  Suuuuure.  Because that always goes as planned.

At the first place we got invited to another thing (thing being the operative word here) held in some warehouse in the middle of nowhere.  We didn't know much about it, but it sounded okay so accepted and went along.  Does the above picture look like fun to you?  Maybe.  Does it sound like fun if you add to it dim lighting, a minimum of 500 people - and I highly suspect many more (can you say job abandonment?), much narrower aisles, zero fitting rooms and 3 mirrors in total?  Not so much.

Now try adding 497 women dropping their pants in the aisles to this equation and see what kind of images that evokes.  Are ya blind yet?  Because I'm still scared to open my eyes and he hasn't uttered a word in the 5 days since (think state of shock).

In hindsight we should have turned and sped off at the first sign of a bazillion cars in the parking lot, but curiosity took over.

And when security said "No Bags" as we were walking in, perhaps we should have taken it as sign number 2 and turned and ran instead of splitting up as he returned my bag to the car - where he should have remained and called 911.

Because when I walked in the door and almost got trampled to death by half naked women and clothing flying everywhere it was too late.  I got swept into the crowd like a ragdoll out to sea and that was the end of it.

                                                                    image via te quiero                                             
                                                 (i have a feeling this person was in attendance)

By the time the Chef finally made it into the building he was completely mortified (I owe him so big for this I don't think I can ever recover.  We're talking relationship recession in a HUGE WAY girls).  Being the sport he is he was like, "now that we're in here let's see what's going on."  Famous last words. 

Apparently this is "No Manners Week" here in America.  At one point I looked up and it was a sea of women without any pants on.  The poor Chef was looking up at the CEILING because everywhere you looked it was bare bottom after bare bottom.  We are talking g-strings for days.  Humility is dead.

After what seemed like hours of mayhem we emerged torn up, bruised and battered, but with our pants on.  Thank God.  2 more words:  NEVER AGAIN.

Here's one of the rewards of battle:  Studded denim vest.

                 Goes terrific with just about everything because I'm a basics girl.

                                                                
                                                                       Hipstamatic

                                                    
                                                     Including my fav Matt Bernson's.

                                  
 And of course anything by Melinda Maria.  Have you entered the giveaway yet?  Just a few more days...

Outfit details:  Current/Elliott Studded Harley vest, James Perse dress, Matt Bernson KM Gladiators, Melinda Maria jewelry