Cave Woman?

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

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

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

Thinking bird.

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

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

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

Yes it's true.  Sacrilege has struck.

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

Angry bird?  

The Chef was calling it my cave woman look. 

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

Woman kissing the tree goodbye while her boyshort peeks out. 

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

The Winds are Blowing

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

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

Exhibit A: le scarf.

Exhibit B:  the fall outfit complete with scarf.

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

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

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

Tower this is Ghost Rider Requesting a Flyby

Do you ever have moments where you feel caught between the past, present and future?  Lately I'm stuck in the vortex, pulled in all three directions, emotionally exhausted.

Am I doing all I should be?
Have I done all I could?
Is what I'm doing enough to be able to do all I want later?
Wish I had made a different choice. (new territory for me)
Maybe if I had I would be doing more of what I want now...

It can be a torturous thing this thinking thinking thinking.  It's necessary though.  I mean if you're not contemplating your life one day you'll wake up wondering how you got there.  And what if you don't like it?

Oh hell this is really turning into a melancholy one, isn't it?

Blame it on Monday, overcast skies, lack of sleep.  When in Rome.

I managed to haul it out mid-afternoon yesterday.  Just in time to catch 15 minutes of sunshine amidst what's turned out to be a full week of foggy days.  No complaining here.  Tossed on the usual jeans, boots, jacket and t--and then slung my Low Luv Thunderbird necklace on at the last second.

Chef took a few pictures before we hopped in the car and when he passed the camera over we had the quietest exchange.  Me: 'Something about this is very Goose and Maverick.  Man look at my hair.  I need a comb.'  Him: 'Your hair has never looked better.'  Tell me sweet little lies.  More 80's flashbacks.

Tossed up hair, J.Crew Jacket, James Perse Tunic, Martin+Osa Jeans, Mike&Chris Boots, Anthro Sunglasses

Low Luv x Erin Wasson Necklace, Seventh Door Bracelet, Melinda Maria Silver Ring

Worn sparingly.  Company now defunct.  

Um, as I was saying...bird + military green + aviators.  

Mind like a steel trap.

Red Denim and Lace

Lately almost every time I go to put an outfit together I'm faced with the reality that my wardrobe has begun to resemble what hung in my closet in the late 80's/90's.  Truth?  I'm not sure how I feel about it.  More often than not I'm tossing on a few outfits before finally settling on one, and somewhere in the process there is mumbling about Madonna.  Maybe some things are better left in the past?  The influence she had on fashion then--and consequently now--is undeniable.  When I see Lourdes running around in lace, droopy crotch pants and hightop sneakers it especially hits home.  Man it's crazy how fast time flies.

In any event, it was great to don my red denim again last night.  The biggest challenge I have with them is not enough tops.  Fortunately I was able to snag the best long sleeve lace top at Forever 21 back on that wonderful day when the lace blazer and I found each other.  I'm not one to be wearing a sheer lace t-shirt so I just layer a thin black tank beneath and head out.  Works perfectly.  Even better?  Remembered these awesome Steve Madden platforms I stalked down about a month ago...all sold out nationwide when there they were in Kentucky for about $30.  The last pair.  In my size.  Kismet! Just in time for the weekend.  Here's to a great one.

~Details:  J.Crew-Denim Jacket, Forever21-Lace T (similar), J Brand-Skinny Twill, 

Steve Madden-Platforms (similar on sale!), Free People-Sunglasses~

Cool, right?  He killed it on the camera last night.

And with that I bid you farewell until Monday.  Oh.  And just wait until I tell you about how Target is refusing to allow me to return an online purchase or even print up the online receipt to provide EVIDENCE of purchase (aside from the box it was mailed in, all the packaging, and the packing slip with my name and address on it *cough cough*).  Does anyone have any contacts higher up over there?  I'm at the end of my rope and just want a refund.  Ugh!!

Black and Blue

The title of this post sounds so ominous.  Nope--just the story of an LBD and a favorite denim shirt.

Yesterday was a race from the moment I opened my eyes until the time I hit the couch just in time to catch Teen Mom (cue the tears over Catelynn's fear of Brandon & Teresa cutting off contact with Carly).  Being busy without scary demands is a good feeling.  Unfortunately it wasn't so great when I reached over to turn on the straight iron only to realize 10 minutes later the thing had crossed over to the great hair appliance factory in the sky.  Why me?  Cut to scene and there I was racing out the door minutes later with a somewhat fuzzed out head of hair and a bag containing various outfit changes to last the day...miraculously I was only 10 minutes late to the first meeting.  Think screeeeech.

It should be noted that cleaning out the closet can yield many a forgotten treasure.  Case in point the little black dress in this post.  I picked it up more than a few years ago and have only worn it once or twice because it always gets lost beneath a hanging jacket.  Imagine my excitement upon rediscovering it this past Saturday.  We're in this weird weather pattern right now:  fogged in for the morning, blazing hot for the afternoon and then fogged in and cold for the evening.  I'm not ready to kiss summer goodbye so am working dresses and shorts to the maximum opting for light layers overtop that can easily be tossed aside once it warms up.  Second case in point:  the denim shirt.  Everyone laughed and called me a cowboy when I picked it up at Martin+Osa (RIP) a couple years ago.  Laughs on you suckahs (ie. friends who teased and read this blog)!  The denim shirt is back with a vengeance and I'm here to claim my rightful seat on the denim shirt throne.  On a serious note:  two wardrobe essentials paired together for chic and easy. You really can't go wrong.

~Details:  Martin+Osa Denim Shirt (similar, similar), Free People-LBD, Shoes-Swedish Hasbeens~

~Rebecca Minkoff Studded Rocker (here with silver studs), 
on the left:  Rosa's friendship bracelets + Seventh Door cuff + Melinda Maria Link Oxidized Ring
on the right:  Made With Love bracelets (on sale!)

Quite possibly the best shoes I've ever invested in.  
There is a reason SJP consistently wears them in many different versions and colors.

This is what we call the "out in the parking lot next to the restaurant hurry up before any 

customers spot us" shot.  Complete with hysterical laughing.

And now let us carry on toward the weekend.  Only two days to go...

Simple Sunday

I don't know about you, but Sunday is one of my favorite days.  It's a day of no set agenda, fly by the seat of your pants, lounge in the sun (or on the couch) and relish the moments as they pass.  Yesterday we were about to go our separate ways for the day when the Chef decided to take a late lunch outside his own restaurant just after opening.  Impromptu lunch date? Um, okay! Mid-day margarita? Count me in.

While weeding out the closet on Saturday for late summer/early fall planning, I came across my pink blazer (last seen here) immediately deciding it has not had enough play on the blog.  This is one of those purchases I keep at the forefront of my mind--saw it, left it behind and later had to track it down 15 ways from Thursday to eventually find one in my size.  *Note to self: get it when you see it and take it back if you change your mind thereby avoiding my size is no longer available-itis.*    I tossed it on with a pair of my go-to Current/Elliott shorts (thanks Gilt Groupe), a simple white t-shirt and a pair of Converse sneakers.  It's true what they say:  simple is best.  It was a great lunch outfit, but carried me throughout the day as well.  Recipe for success!

~Outfit details:  H&M-Blazer (similar here, here, here), James Perse-T-shirt, 

Current/Elliott- Boyfriend Shorts (here and here)

Old Stud Handmade-Belt, Converse-Sneakers, Spitfire-Sunglasses (similar)~

Pink Blazer-Check!

Piles of my fave jewelry--Check!

Rings:  Dean Davidson (similar in smoky topaz), Melinda Maria Link Oxidized, 

Bracelets: Leather--Motif56 and PANYC, Friendships c/o Rosa Loves DC

Sneakers--Check!

Wind in my hair-check!

Spill it--how was your weekend? I spent Saturday with a butterfly while overhearing the guys next door talk about dating in a scene straight out of Swingers.  Delightful!

Seeking Comfort in the Comfortable

I want to thank each and every one of you who left a comment, sent an email, text, tweet, smoke signal or otherwise when you saw the post on Grayce (pr. Graycee for those who asked) last week.  Your kind words have genuinely helped ease our pain.

I managed to leave the house a couple times in the past several days for dinner with close friends.  Confession:  leaving my sweats and blanket behind was no easy feat.  Comfort is key these days, so prepare to see some hot mess up here on the blog.  I don't know about you, but whenever anything happens that rattles me to the core I subconsciously reach for things that make me feel safe.  Suddenly I'm surrounded by dark chocolate, jalapenos, bacon, fringe, blanket, soft old t-shirts and Current/Elliott denim.  Who's with me?  When the Chef coerced me out of the house yesterday afternoon I found myself closet diving and emerging with my fab Minnetonka boots that had somehow been left in the dust.  Silver lining, I guess.

Speaking of silver lining:  last night the bar was quiet at the Chef's place so I asked if my friend and I could watch the Bachelorette Men Tell All.  I immediately start ripping on Ryan P and lo and behold one of the bartenders knows him.  JACKPOT!! Fact finding mission commences...

~Outfit details:  Tank Farm T-Shirt, Current/Elliott Shorts, Old Stud Handmade Belt, 

Anthro Sunglasses, Free People Fringe Legwarmers (in 90 degrees), Minnetonka Boots c/o Langston's~

Dug from the abyss known as my arsenal of t-shirts, this Tankfarm ration holds many a fond memory.

Gorgeous yellow and turquoise friendship bracelets from the amazingly talented

Rosa @ Rosa loves DC.  They've been glued to my wrist since I opened the package last week.

Talk to me.  Fringe leg warmers inside fringe boots.  In August. 

Almost as good as a visit from Mom.

Not sure why, just like this one.  Blame it on the fringe blowing in the breeze.

As it is when someone passes away, all the days go by in a haze.  It's like the mind knows what happened but the heart can't quite accept it, and so begins the dipping of the toe into the waters of grief until we're fully submerged and can embrace it.  This is the worst.  You are all totally right--our pets are our family and when something tragic happens to them it is okay and normal to experience a deep level of sadness.  Thanks for jumping in the boat with us.  Sharing here with all of you and receiving such kind responses brought a lot of comfort to both me and the Chef, and we are very grateful to you.  Grayce was our top girl and we'll never stop missing her.  It's just not the same with out her. 

I hope you'll bear with me if my posts aren't as regular as usual for the next while.  xo ~Carrie

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.

Red and Purple

When I was a kid I had the uncanny ability to slip out the door to school wearing the most bizarre things without my mother noticing.  I'll never forget the time I came home wearing a plethora of my favorite items only to have my mother screech/gasp in horror, "Carrie you did not wear that to school did you?!?" I couldn't understand the problem with combining a red velour fitted half zip, skinny black denim and fuschia socks.  Or how about a purple chenille v-neck sweater, turquoise corduroy trousers and red socks?  What's the big deal, mom?  

To this day red and purple is a color combo that always catches my eye.  Last month I hit the jackpot of all jackpots at the flea market when I discovered not only the Eight Dollar Pants (yes caps are necessary), but also the most beautiful vintage 70's Missoni-esque halter dress.  Try to envision me jumping up and down while various onlookers stare from a safe distance.  It shouldn't be too hard if you're a regular reader.  I'm just going to spill it:  I wish I could turn back time.  I want to wear old school vintage treasures that would make Farrah proud.  I no longer want to pay more than $15 for anything.  My name is Carrie and I am an addict...flea markets are my poison.

Prepare for picture onslaught 2011.

~Outfit details:  Vintage Zig Zag Dress-Flea Market, Jessica Simpson-Dany Shoes, 

Foley+Corinna-Mid-City Tote, Melinda Maria Bangles & Rings, Brooklyn Thread-Bracelet~

The Pattern on the Dress!!

Oh and The Hand 

(adorned with Melinda Maria Galaxy Melted, Mini Pod Pave and Pyramid Bangles, 

Link Oxidized Ring and a green treasure from can't recall where)

The Other Hand (and a random truck)

The Front

The Back

The Sky Scrapers
...made from what I swear is wall paneling that used to be on my parents' living room walls.

The Neighbor's VW Van.
Kismet

I tossed the dress on last night with flip flops in honor of Taco Tuesday aka might have a few margaritas so better not be wearing anything that could land you on your head.  Suffice it to say it was some of the best $15 I've spent this year -- on the dress, not the drinks. FIFTEEN DOLLARS! *passes out*

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!