The Grass Is Always Greener

Do you ever just feel like you're going on about your day...do de do de do de do when wham! (not george michael) you get hit between the eyes by the sheer incompetence of those around you?  I often find myself wondering how on earth it is that people are employed.

Take for example my recent run-in with Verizon.  I have what they call the Triple Bundle:  phone, internet and television.  One would think that when you transfer service all 3 pieces of that TRIPLE BUNDLE package would automatically be activated at the new residence, no?  Oh it transferred all right.  For 2 days until someone over there in Verizonland decided to change the status of my order from 'complete' to 'pending' causing only the phone service to go dead.  Why?  No one knows - isn't that interesting?  Three hours and five different departments later, apparently no one over there is 'authorized' to change that one little word back to its appropriate status - COMPLETE.  Someone took the authority to eff it up, but no one wants to man up and take the authority to make it right.  At least not for 24 to 48 hours.  Why?  Who knows?  No one - that's who.  So in the meantime I'm trying to recruit without a phone.  Effective, isn't it? It's like being at a standstill in the dark.  Everyone knows where the switch is, but no one who can reach it will turn the bloody thing on.  Good grief.

~J.Crew Military Vest, Free People Tank & Tube, Siwy Hannah Denim, Brandy&Melville Bag, 

J.Crew Ballet Flats, PANYC & Motif56 Bracelets, Target Sunnies, Random Necklaces~

Speaking of dark:  the electric company decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and just kill the power to my old apartment rather than transferring it back into the owner's name as has been done since, oh, the dawn of electricity. Oh no that would be too much like, say, proper procedure.  Instead I am now without wheels and a prisoner in my own home due to the fact that my car is parked in the garage that can't be opened because the garage door opener is, you guessed it, electric and on the same account as the one they gloriously (dripping with sarcasm) turned off!  Even better?  There is apparently a rash of electric company switch turn-ons this week so they can't get the account reactivated - and my car out of the garage - until...wait for it...MONDAY.  Pardon me while I spontaneously combust.

Excuse me stranger?  Can I get a ride?  Is that a moth in your hair?  Oh, no thanks.

Can someone please turn the lights back on?  I'm just trying to keep moving forward and avoid lingering in my former, well put together and much loved abode where everything had its home, was organized and wonderfully decorated.  A place where I could get in and out of the garage with ease.  Those were the days.

Onward and upward, my friends.  I smell Friday and a nice long NAP.

To Warmer Days Ahead

Well girls today is the beginning of the White Denim in Winter Challenge and it would only figure that I'm seriously under the weather with a cold.  I spent Friday night trying to convince myself that I didn't have a sore throat, only to wake up on the couch Saturday morning barely able to swallow.  Tall tales to self continued well into the evening where reality set in:  someone else would be singing Maneater at a local hang out while I sipped hot tea through a straw.

There is no justice in this wicked world.

I am so looking forward to seeing how everyone styled their whites today.  I'll join in on Thursday as the whitest thing I have to offer right now is my dastardly pale skin.  Here's who's up:

• Daniela - D, Etc.
• Nicole - Frankie Hearts Fashion
• Shannan - Merci Blah Blah
• Lyddie - Chic on the Cheap
• Taylor - Curly in the City

Everyone posts at different times so you might need to visit more than once, but I've already seen Lyddie's and she sent me into tears.  Gorgeous!  Speaking of tears does anyone else cry when they're sick?  I spent Saturday night shivering and weeping away to The Holiday.  Oh Jude Law.  Oh Kate Winslet.  Oh romance.  

On that note I leave you with a glimpse into today's outing with the Chef.  Long live boyfriends who don't give a rip about the Super Bowl and running around with plastic cheese on their head while the neighbors get ripped out on pot, screaming and hollering their heads off, using baseball terminology to describe football.  True story.

Pinkberry

Loyalty goes to frozen yogurt places that don't allow children

to dig their hands into the toppings.

Blood Orange & Original Swirl

Toppings: Raspberry, Strawberry, Blueberry & Pralines

Feed a cold; starve a fever.

Outfit Details:  Tucker for Target - Butterfly & Purple Print Dresses, Siwy Hannah Denim, 

Foley & Corinna Mid-City Tote, Dulce Calf Hair Clogs, Melinda Maria - Ring

Target-Sunnies, Necklace - Africa

Channeling Mrs. Roper will always cheer up the most dismal of sniffles.

As will a glance at Bieber.

You know you like him. Bay-bee, Bay-bee, Bay-bee OOOH!

Here's to sunnier, warmer days ahead.

It's official:  I despise winter.

See you back tomorrow for Round Two of the Whites.  Hope you had a great weekend!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Since leaping back on the workout wagon I've had so much energy - good energy, positive energy, happy energy.  Yesterday afternoon I got a rad call from a shop girl informing me she'd nabbed a leather skirt I've been coveting that's been sold out for weeks.  Score!! Rather than freaking out about work I let myself quit a bit early and scoot out with the Chef for a game of cat and mouse aka skirt.  The night was whimsical and fun; lighthearted, filled with shared smiles and laughs with people we've grown to love and appreciate in LA - a city that once seemed so unfriendly, but has become a warm community.

After I nabbed my skirt - oh yes I did - AND made a great new friend in the fitting room (who says you can't make friends in LA??), the Chef and  I found ourselves wandering about semi-emptied stores admiring the early phases of Christmas/Holiday.  I do love this time of the year.  It leaves me nostalgic and hopeful, sentimental and happy - but also just enjoying every moment.  Sounds cheesy, but couldn't be more true.  So in the spirit of the season (before someone jacks my parking spot and flips me off) I thought I'd share some of the things that are topping my giddy list right now...whether for self or others - they bring a healthy dose of cheer!

Sequined Animals by West Elm

$5 from each purchase will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

(pardon me while I purchase all 3 - this takes my newfound sequin love to a whole new level

and satisfies a need to give back to innocent ones who need our support)

• Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I'm thinking this golden wishbone might need to arrive within the next week.  We've got a lot of wishes over here at this free bird!!
• The Weepies newest album - 'Be My Thrill'.  To say I adore The Weepies would be an understatement.  I've been listening to their music from the beginning and am so happy to have their current album mixed into my faves right now and for always. 
• Last night when I was strolling Anthropologie I saw the cutest Christmas tree ornaments.  Admission: my tree is filled with quirky cat ornaments, but I sense a change.  Thanks Anthro!!
• The Holiday season is upon us...let's fill our homes with sparkle and shine like this peony candleholder from Eighteen Karat.  Makes me want to run to Vancouver right now.
•  Speaking of sparkle and shine, I can't seem to escape these Siwy sequin pants...I might need an intervention.
• But not before I get this ring on my finger.  I can't seem to get enough silver right now.

We closed the night at one of our fave restaurants - a place we started frequenting when we were "just friends".  It was heartwarming to have familiar servers sit down with us to catch up and dish on the latest in all our lives - people who have become our friends.  Suddenly, in the middle of everything, I recognized feeling so ridiculously happy, content, and at peace.  Living in the moment is where it's at.

Happy Wednesday everyone!!  Thanks so much for sharing your Holiday lists recently...so many great ideas to contemplate.  If you get a chance check out a list I contributed to over at Elleinad Spir - super fun!

When All Else Fails, Wear Something Cute

I think the bloody heat has gotten to my mind.  Yesterday morning I woke up from a dream where I was begging my friend Amber to bring me a Pepsi Slurpee from 7-11.  It was the weirdest thing - right in the middle of the dream I remembered I don't even like those and started pleading for a glass of water.  Why I couldn't get my own is beyond me.  All I know is it was hot in that dream, and when my eyes opened it was hot in my house.  (But thankfully I had not sleep-dialed poor Amber! Can you imagine??). 

Do you ever have mornings where you wake up and just know you should stay in bed until the next day?  Like the gong show is just waiting to gong your life all day long?  Well I had that day yesterday.  First was the sweaty, drink-less dream. Then I rolled into my office after a shower where I could barely get cool water - only to discover my internet provider had lost service to at least a thousand customers in my area.  Isn't that special?  Not so much.  How, pray tell dear people, is a person to do their job sans internet?  Oh and never mind the fact that I pay my bills online and several needed to be paid by noon PST.  That's not happening!  I decide I'm going to be productive and do some laundry and clean-up...only to walk into my mudroom and find it filled with smoke from the new next door neighbor who sits in his yard and cigars it up all day and night while the breeze wafts over his fence and into my home.  Welcome neighbor!  When are you moving out again?!?

I could go on, but I'll stop and spare you the details.  Suffice it to say by 11:30am I was huddled under the bed with nothing but a peep hole to the tv where I could see that Victor Newman is being sued by his daughters.  (All I could do is hope the tv didn't go up in smoke like the time my blowdryer almost lit my hair on fire - true story).  Thankfully the Chef stopped by and rescued me from spontaneous combustion.  We strolled the streets and took in a new sushi restaurant before returning home late in the evening to realize My Generation starts at 8 and not 9pm.  Fitting, isn't it?

Here is a woman who just wasted over an hour on hold 

with "customer service" only to be clicked as the rep answered.
Can you say spent?

 She cheered herself up by wearing her favorite clogs, a carefree print,
and a neon studded clutch that could double as a weapon against, say,
Blogger who she has been fighting with for 4 HOURS
trying to complete this post. This is not a lie.

 Earlier in the day she followed the lead of the Isabel Marant post
and rolled her skinny denim.  Isabel was not kidding - this is a fun look.

 Happiness is a butterfly printed Tucker dress...and a post that
is completed in under an hour instead of now going on 4.5.

 Oh no problem - I'm just gathering up my sanity while sporting
a degree of denim on denim.  Which, coincidentally, I loved.

Keep Calm and Carry On dear friends.
The weekend is upon us.

Outfit details:  Current/Elliott -Vest, Tucker for Target - Butterfly Cami Dress, Siwy - Denim, Dulce - Shoes, Rebecca Minkoff - Studded Clutch, Melinda Maria - Rings & Bangle, Necklace - gift from Africa, Sunnies - Tom Ford

I have literally been fighting with Blogger for 5 hours.  5 hours people!!  All of you in the east are almost ready to get up and I'm just going to bed.  TGIF

Cat Whispering In Almost Italy

Today I spent most of the day in LA during which time I ran some errands, did some shopping and basically goofed off.  Otherwise known as screwing around.  I love that part of any day best.  Tomorrow I will catch up on all of your lovely blogs!    I wish I had some crazy funny stories to tell you, but so far this week has been pretty low-key except for the fool at Blockbuster who felt the need to practically holler out so everyone could hear, "Oh isn't this the movie Sa-aarah had that role in?  I'm so into FILMS lately."  Other fool responds, "Oh I KNOW just how you feeeeeel" - while attempting to look around inconspicuously to see if anyone within a 5 mile radius is listening - "One of my friends called me the other day to let me know they saw my movie at the bottom of the bin when they were shopping!!"  Okay.  I get that you're trying to get your acting on and I can respect that, but really I don't care to hear all about it.  Whilst screaming amongst yourselves please try to ensure your dialogue makes sense.  The statements were entirely unrelated and only made so everyone would hear and think they were "connected in the biz".  I love this city!! Where else could you witness this mayhem?? I'm not giving up Allstate :)

So one of my errands today led me to Anthropologie to return what was supposed to be the gold clasp version of the fabulous silver clasp belt I wore last week with the bubble.  Boy was I bummed out when I opened the little box and saw the exact same silver version I had already purchased lying in there.  Oh well.  You win some, you lose some and I still consider it a win when some money goes back into the account for once.  On my previous visit to Anthropologie I stumbled upon (sure sure) the nicest grey poncho that somehow found its way to the counter when it was purchase time.  Earlier this week we stopped to check out the canals in a distant part of my neighborhood and I threw it on as the sun went down.  If you're looking for a light cover-up that can morph into something a little dressy I would highly recommend the Cloudcover Poncho - as well as every single shred of this outfit.  It is one of my faves. 

    There I am heading off into the Shekinah Glory in my shredded Siwy's

(aka best denim shorts in all the land) and the poncho.

This neighborhood is so very quiet.  It's a hidden treasure.  

"Carrie, reach for the liiight," said in the voice of the crazy lady from Poltergeist.  I still get nightmares!!

Back to the poncho:  it's sleeveless and a wider knit with a perfect drape. 

I love it with these shorts.

 

Here's a closeup from the back so you can get a better sense of the fabric and the drape.

While we were up there a gondola ride went by - complete with serenade!

And these high school kids were just paddling around out in their front yards. Lucky!

While the Chef was taking this picture look who came walking up...

He was such a sweet, timid guy!  Out came the Cat Whisperer - 

which is only kind of self-proclaimed.  I kid you not, if there is a stray cat 

within a one mile radius, they are on me.  I'm like a cat seeking device.

Success!! Not to worry - he is being fed. 

You remember the No Child Left Behind Act?

Well I'm the No Cat Left Behind person.

It was right around this time some guy came walking up with his new little puppy and cat friend gave a hiss and jumped off into the bushes.  And here's where it got a lit-tle kooky.  The guy proceeds to stop and talk telling us how he and his girlfriend are using Cesar Chavez's dog whispering techniques on the puppy.  Then out of the blue he goes, "Yeah like I do singing telegrams and had to deliver one to him." I'm thinking, who the dog?  So I ask something else and he says again, "Yeah, like it was live shoot and I had to walk up in a dalmatian suit and sing (and he bursts out singing some song) out of the dog snout.  He was a little freaked out."  And like a smart aleck I go, "did you get any tips while you were there?"  To which the Chef shoots me a look.  Oops!  But, uh, random much? He was certainly nice enough though. 

Anyway, shortly thereafter we peaced out and went our separate ways.  That was a great evening - it wasn't cold and overcast which is a rarity these days for some reason.  I feel like summer is passing us by and it makes me sad because we haven't had more than a handful of truly nice days.  August?  Are you out there?  

Let me know what you think of the poncho.  Do you wear them?  I hadn't donned one in years and it reminded me how comfy they are.  When it cools off in the evening what is your go-to item?

Outfit details:  Tom Ford Sunnies, Anthropologie:  Poncho, Gap Cami, Siwy Denim Shorts, Old Stud Handmade Belt, Foley & Corinna Handbag, Christian Louboutin Espadrille Wedge Bootie, Melinda Maria Rings, Free People and Motif 56 Bracelets

Shredded

I have to say I've been procrastinating all evening over this post.  I'm conflicted.  Torn I guess you could say.  Hehe - couldn't resist.

Subject:  ripped up clothing.  To rip or not to rip?  To get ripped or not to get ripped?

Maybe I should categorize the following as the good, the bad, and the ugly (or just simply ridiculous).  Let us proceed with Category One:  The Good.

Let me begin by saying I've been in a tete-a-tete with this trend for over a year. About a month ago I was with the Chef in Ever.  He was grabbing something when I saw these ripped up jeans.  Now I should preface this by saying I am a huge Ever fan and have a bunch of their stuff.  It's California cool - denim included.  Anyway.  Seizing the moment I scampered off into the fitting room to give them a try just for curiosity's sake because I didn't think I'd actually like them, and basically wanted to see what the rips all down the front would look like. 

Famous last words because here they are on my body.  When I put them on in the fitting room I also considered that I might be caught up in the elation of something potentially new.  So I strolled out of the fitting room where the Chef had his back to me checking out a coat.  I said, "hey what do you think?".  He turned around and without hesitating responded, "you know I actually like them.  You're getting those right?"

And now here we are.  The Good.

And I do think they are good.  I didn't buy them too tight so my skin's not busting through the torn leg areas.  I've shown them here with a wedge, but to be honest I completely see myself wearing them rolled up just one more time to ankle level, paired with black rainbow flip-flops and a thin white t at a beach bonfire this summer.  Ideal pants for that type of occasion.  See?  Versatility.  Another reason for Category Good.

I am, however beginning to wonder if it's ever going to warm up.  This picture was taken 2 days ago when it was 55 degrees at 6pm.  For those of you in Celsius that is 12.5 degrees.  In late June. Shudder.  The wind was just brutal.

And now let us proceed cautiously to Category Two:  The Bad

Please help me to understand this because I must not have been there that day.  I mean I get it that Rihanna and the Kardashians can pull these off, but I just don't get it.  If there is even an ounce of extra flesh on one's leg and these things are tight it's a fat bulge between the shreds and, pardon me, but that is not attractive.

Don't get me wrong - David Lerner (item pictured here) makes a mean pair of leggings. And if I wasn't on a wallet fast over at American Apparel I might consider investing in a pair of his....but why not just get a cheap pair, grab the scissors and slice carefully and accordingly if you want to achieve this look?  So long as you don't get too close to the side seam and can cut in a straight line you might be able to pull it off and save, oh, a hundred bucks. (these are currently on sale at Shopbop with only 2 pairs left in this style - so someone out there is pulling it off with a sky high bootie)

And finally, buckle your seatbelts and get ready for Category 3:  The Ugly.

The Balmain Slashed Army T-Shirt.  I am referring to it as The Ugly because with a price tag of $1625 I just can't resist.  What.in.the.hell.is.going.on.in.the.land?  Now everyone knows about the Balmain boots.  They're sick, they're fantastic, they're beyond.  At this point their reputation goes before them.  Seriously - I saw the Buckled Suede Pair at Net-A-Porter yesterday and only one day later (at a price tag of $1605) they are gone.  But that still does not explain this ripped atrocity, that is coincidentally now on sale for a mere $1,137.50.  It looks like some acid got loose and ate a bunch of holes out of it.  Call me practical, and maybe my age is catching up to me (or all my mother's lectures on being responsible with money and, like, paying for rent), but if you want a ripped up t-shirt how about this one by LnA?  Or maybe just rip up your own? 

Anyway.  Thus ends my brief synopsis.  I do have mad love for my new jeans - rips and all.  And I do rock the Siwy Camilla shorts in wonder and snowstorm - both with minimal ripping and fray - but I've personally drawn the line at the leggings and the t's.

How about you?  Any takers on the $1K t-shirt??  I'd seriously like to know just out of pure curiosity. 

Embracing Your Inner Hippie

Can you say swing the pendulum to the opposite end of the spectrum?

Just yesterday I was rambling on about my love for summertime nautical attire and now here I am today about to gush on boho chic.  I guess the truth is I relate more to the actual boho vibe.  I've always been the girl with the moccasins, the frayed denim, the fringe and all that goes with it.  It's just me. 

And hey, the beauty of fashion is its versatility right?  One moment we're in one situation or mood dressed for the occasion, and the next our scenario has changed and so, therefore, must our outfit.  Being a girl is so all encompassing.  How do we do it?? (chuckle chuckle. uh, sorta)

In any event I have spent a lot of time recently thinking about my summer wardrobe - specifically how to work with what I've got and save some moolah.  My inner hippie is just waiting for the weather to consistently warm up so I can dig out the goods and be zen all summer.  Last week I shared with you my desired summer hair...this week I polyvore'd up just one version of what you will likely see me wearing this summer. I hope it provides you with some insight in case you have an interest in this style, but are wondering where to start.

Image details (clockwise from top):  Winter Kate Gypsy Rose Vest,  Marie-Helene de Taillac Lemon Quartz Ring, Lucky Brand Jaelyn Belt, ASOS Wooden and Enamel Bangles, Mango Mulita Fringe Flat Ankle Boots, Siwy Camilla Cutoffs in Loveless, Urban Outfitters Medallion Ring, Linea Pelle Double Wrap Triple Stud Bracelet, Sabina Mini Pouch, Fossil Summer Wrist Strap

If I'm not wearing a tunic or dress, the denim shorts with a white t or tank are always the foundation of my boho chic look.  From there I may layer on a vest of some sort (silk is also a great option because it's super flowy and can add a bit of color),  a mish-mash of bracelets be it gold, silver, wood, lucite or a blend of each, rings to coordinate, either a brightly woven bag (if going with neutral top) or as pictured above a crossbody pouch, and finally a choice of shoes which may be fringed moccasins, a mid-calf to knee-high boot, or a strappy gladiator.  This is where the summer hair becomes crucial.  Remember my wavy quest from last week...it really does compliment the look.  And of course you can always throw on a headband if you like.  I'm not much of a headband girl, but I've seen others carry them off quite beautifully.

And now please do share with me ladies:  your thoughts on the hippie vibe...oui ou non?

You Can Leave Your Hat On: Eugenia Kim for Target Pt. 1

I've been sick for 6 weeks and I'm basically over it.  I don't mean I'm over it as in getting healthy over it; I mean my patience has worn thin over it.

I've been on lockdown in my house all week with the exception of one handbag extravaganza outing Thursday night so after a day of tying up loose ends at work, last night we decided to get out for a little while to get some fresh air.  To say I'm in no mood to mess with the hair is an understatement.  Making every effort to hurry before wandering back under the covers, I slapped on one of the new Eugenia Kim hats I snagged at Target shortly after the line launched.  Snagged is a word I use nonchalantly here because the truth is I basically stalked those hats down in multiple Targets early in the morning for days on end until the right ones were entered into my collection.  At one point I think I owned all but one in the entire collection - it was a mess - but Eugenia Kim is no joke.  She makes a mean hat.

When we left the house the Chef got a picture of me in front of my crazy neighbor's truck.  That guy loves his truck and now I'm kinda starting to love it too.  He glued little skulls on either side of the rear license plate - not decals, but actual 2 inch little skulls with green eyes - and hand-painted the back in red white and black stripes with one of those little paint brushes you use in 4th grade art class.  No jokes.  I seriously wish I could show you the skulls, but for privacy's sake I don't want to show the guy's plate.

Anyway, here's shot one of EK's Plaid Straw Fedora with blue trim.  Can you see the giddy in my eyes?  I'm not sure if it's because I'm standing in such close proximity to the truck or because I'm so thrilled with the hat.  Maybe both.  Oh, and I'm also a hypocrite (confession cleanses the soul?) because I've been ripping on the fedora as dead in the water and overused and overdone for the past 2 years.  Now I'm eating a foot sandwich as one (the hat not the foot) that I love and plan to wear all summer appears on my head.

 Before my neighbor could come out and rip me a new one for standing by/touching his baby aka the truck, we drove over to the beach.  Now you will get the full magnitude of fun this little chapeau can bring to an outfit...

Cute or what??  It's straw so it's really breathable and your head doesn't feel like a sweat fest under the hat.

Here's a close-up...see that funky little parrot on the side?  People LOVE him!  So do I!!

There, that's a clearer picture for you to see both the parrot and a side view of the hat.  I'm really happy I jumped off the fedora hating wagon because this hat is saving me from many a bad hair day right now.  I'm giving all the credit to Eugenia Kim because I was a hater until I saw her line.

I'm still pretty sick so don't know if I'll get to Pt.2 of Ms. Kim til next week, but I'll do my best for tomorrow or Sunday before the Lost Season Finale (pins and needles people!).  Is anyone going to get off that damn island alive??

Hope you have a great weekend!  And no I'm not flicking the bird...some sand got stuck on my lip - oops!

Outfit details:  Fedora - Eugenia Kim for Target, Button down tunic - Converse One Star, Denim - Siwy Hannah (these ones aren't the cropped style, but I have that pair also and they're basically the same only differing in length), Sandals - Matt Bernson Barracuda