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.

Woman Treading Water Wants Out of the Pool

Has someone ever disappointed you so much that you kind of got stuck at a certain place in your life? Loaded opening sentence there, but one I'd like an answer to.  Recently - and I guess stemming back to not so recently - a person I really trusted and thought highly of (and no not the bf) completely trampled me in what I've come to realize is their ongoing tirade of self.  It feels like such a long time that I've been weaving in and out of a deep level of hurt.  Sometimes, admittedly, without much grace.

Yesterday I was in my car and managed to forget it for awhile when suddenly at a red light this jolt of remembrance left me feeling as though I'd been kicked in the stomach all over again.  Yeah, it sounds dramatic and certainly isn't all unicorns flying out of your a** like blogging's supposed to be (or something), but whatevs.  It's the truth.  A guttural sigh and a green light later I thought to myself, 'I've gotta get away from this. I don't want to let this moment define my life and destroy me.'  It was a turning point, I guess.  There have been months of dark days dealing with this person and I'm really tired of it.  The Chef's been cheering me from the sidelines and it's helped a lot, but every once in awhile I am faced with the fact that this thing, this person, will forever be written in my life story and I wish I could just erase the entire thing.

Hell's bells.  Not so much on the cheery side today I'm afraid.

Some dark pics to go with?  You got it.  Pass the chocolate.

~Outfit:  Juicy Couture-Vest, Old Navy-Sweater, Alexa Chung-Skirt, Frye-Boots, Rings-Flea, FP, Bracelets-Vanessa Mooney, Madewell, Motif 56~

Bright side: skirt's on sale, sweater is too and so good I picked it up in two colors.  Santa's sleigh came early and I was driving it.  Maybe that was him behind me in that picture?  Nah!

Sunday Brunch

When I left off on Friday I was up to my eyeballs in birthday preparations for the Chef, not exactly sure how it would all be accomplished.  Thankfully dinner that night went off without a hitch (roasted chicken - one of his faves) and a new brownie recipe will make it's debut this week - all I can say is start fasting now.  Whew!

It's been a relaxing, but cold weekend here in Southern California.  When the Chef and I rolled out of the movies on Saturday night it was 39 degrees at midnight and the temperature later went down to 35.  We rarely see the 30's at night so that's brisk for us - even me who grew up in -35 and colder temps in Canada.  Come Sunday afternoon it had warmed up some, but the wind was super brisk - so when we started to discuss brunch options I may or may not have begun to spontaneously shiver at the thought of venturing outside.  Then I remembered a wideleg velour pantsuit I haven't been able to wear much.  Seize the day!  And the fur to go along with it...

~Outfit details:  Juicy Couture Velour Puff Sleeve Jumpsuit & Fur Vest, J.Crew Denim Jacket, 

Foley + Corinna Mid-City Tote, Tom Ford Sunnies, Melinda Maria Rings~

It was great to legitimately need to wear that faux fur (last seen here) 

over the denim coat.  The Chef called it my "anti-man" look.  

Totally like the Man Repeller. BAHAHAHA!!

I live in fear of hemming things too short...out came the Danys.  

And the argyles.  Past the knees.  

This is as close as I was coming to showing you the puff sleeve.
Too bloody cold outside and not dragging camera into restaurant to
photograph sleeve whilst being gawked at.  They were already
staring wildly at the fur and velour combo.

I'm all about dressing up for Sunday brunch, but when it's cold I have a hard time getting motivated.  Hats off to each of you who live in the snow and pull out all the stops + bundle up in a coat.  I remember those days and the sweat inducing frenzy it took to get everything on, arrive at destination, remove the coat, scarf and gloves to find my outfit inevitably wrinkled, and then have to get it all back on by the end of the night.  No wonder I was thinner in the waist back then.

Anyway, today's the Chef's real day and we're gonna rip it up, so I'll catch up with you tomorrow.  Hope you had a great weekend! (ps-was it me or were the Oscars a total yawn fest?)

Fur Hats in the Forest

Did you ever see Bridget Fonda in Point of No Return?  It's a little cheesy, but I like it because it's a female spy-type movie and Bridget does a great job balancing hardcore bad a** with an emerging soft side.  Once when I lived in Canada and was out for dinner with a girlfriend, some guy randomly walked up and told us I reminded him of Maggie (Bridget) in Point of No Return.  Normally something sarcastic would have rolled off my tongue, but I was so flattered someone thought I was a spy that I just turned a bright shade of red and muttered "um, thank-you".  Ha ha!!

Last week when we were at the parents it dipped down to -25 one day, so I donned my fur trapper hat and headed off into the trees to live out my spy dreams - sans a hand gun, any secret missions, and a fake identity, of course.  I bet I could kick someone's head off though.  Oh Bridget!

I would have added captions in between, but all we were screaming at each other was "COLD, COLD, COLD, COLD COLD!" and "did that one work?, do we have enough?, did the camera shut off AGAIN?!" before I finally just snapped and went racing off toward the house through knee deep snow while the Chef chased after me in his bright green toque (beanie).

Can you believe we have to go back to work tomorrow?  I'm not even sure I can remember how to get out of bed when the alarm goes off...and what about all the cookies and chocolates?  Whatever will they do without me?? 

Hope your holidays were marvelous!

Outfit details:  Juicy Couture-Fur Trapper, Zara-Velvet Military Blazer, James Perse-Cotton/Cashmere Tunics, J.Crew-Skinny Denim, Ash-Boots, H&M-Cheetah Mittens, Tom Ford-Sunnies, 14 pairs of socks

Hand in (Fur) Pocket

With Black Friday and Saturday having gone by, it was time to face reality:  there remained less than a quarter of a roll of toilet paper, zero razors and my deodorant was dangerously low meaning I'd have to leave the house (curses for not planning ahead). Of course that entails combing one's hair and, in the spirit of 45 degrees, donning something warm.  How does one recover from 4 days of sheer nothing? Go big and leave home in a fur coat to traipse about completing mundane tasks while strangers in the local neighborhood give odd sideways glances at your moderately overdone Sunday attire as you prep for operation buzzkill aka Monday morning by leaving your beloved sweats, UGGs and fuzzy sweaters behind.

Hmmmm I think I'll have a snack to go with all those other

snacks I've been consuming for days.  

Panic sets in as it dawns on me that Christmas is less than 

a month away and I have approximately zero gifts.

Suddenly I'm considering giving everyone I know coffee beans.

Yaaaaaaaawn.  Do I have to get that tp?  Don't I have some kleenex in my bag?

I stare listlessly into the tea as it steeps.  

All I know is this coat is fuzzy and warm, and the sleeve detailing is wonderful.

None of this, however, preps me to re-enter shopping crowds.

Check that woman tossin' elbows as she runs in the door at Target.

You know she threw someone to the ground like a rag doll for 

a 99 cent toaster oven left over from Friday.

I am happy to escape with just a tp purse (nifty catch phrase I came up with for

that little handle thing they attach...it always gets a smile from the Target ladies).

Joyriding around in the newfound "outdoors" (aka staying OFF the freeway) 

I spot a pink Cadillac and follow it around for 5 miles 

to ensure it is what I think it is...

Hells bells the recession hasn't hit everyone.  Mary Kay's selling like mad.

 

Next thing you know I come to, still in fur and chip in hand, at a fave

 local Mexican hangout.

The perfect end to a relaxing weekend.

Dear Monday:  Not now.

Outfit Details: Juicy Couture-Faux Fur Jacket, James Perse-Button-up, Juicy Couture-Riding Pants, Loeffler Randall-Boots, Foley+Corinna-Bag, Melinda Maria-Rings

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)

Blue Dots and Velvet

Okay velour, but velvet sounds better and who am I to mess with words?

Here we are at Wednesday - a few days to the weekend.  Yippee!!  I have mixed emotions as I type because this weekend will be filled with things to do that don't entail much lying in bed and relaxing (favorite pastime hehe).  All I can think about is how Monday may be met with exhaustion and that causes a bit of stress on the heart.  However yesterday afternoon I managed to alleviate just a little bit of that stress by putting together a very fun outfit for an event I have on Saturday that is casual, yet requiring a bit of sass.  The kind where you don't want to show up over-dressed, yet under-dressed will not be a good scenario either.  Long live Closet Quest 2010. (And living in the moment for Pete's sake!!  Monday will take care of itself.)

Remember last week when I mentioned my closet dive?  (here and here if you missed)  I have to tell you I came out with some great stuff that had almost been forgotten *hangs head*.  Amongst several new old treasures was a velour moto vest I got last year at Juicy Couture (along with a couple of fur pieces that made me scream out loud with glee!!).  Today when it came out of the closet my wardrobe rolodex immediately clicked to a fab ruffled t-shirt and the rest was outfit history.  Saturday here I come!!

Tom Ford Sunnies, Juicy Couture Velour Moto Vest and Ruffled T, 

Martin+Osa Denim (RIP),

Alexander Wang Coco Handbag, Mike & Chris Boots

The fluttery goodness of the sleeves on the t-shirt makes my heart happy!

Marrying textures like velour and ruffles is simple perfection:  my fave.

I threw on a Dean Davidson necklace for bit of shine against the grey,

and to bring out the zipper contrast on the vest just a bit more.

Mike & Chris boots save the day yet again. 

These have held up for over 2 years and still keep bringin' the sass!

What was that?  Saturday's on the phone?  Okay, I'll be ready in a minute.

Ha!

Truthfully though - it's tough to know you have somewhere to go and even though you have stuff in the closet, you just aren't certain the right thing is in there.  So many times I am tempted to simply buy something, and then don't always wear it again.  A case specific purchase can be completely justified and sometimes even necessary (wedding, important meeting, big date, just to name a few...), but when I challenge myself and find a loved solution already in the closet, now that's a jackpot!!  Happy Wednesday everyone!  Any recent fab closet conquests to share?

ps-day 2 of return to workouts accomplished! yay!

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!

Channeling the 80's

Last summer when it became apparent that 80's fashion was definitely going to make a full comeback I started to consider how I could incorporate a potentially scary fashion time period (death to the half shirt and all the neon atrocities) back into my wardrobe.  Naturally it caused me to skip down memory lane to what my favorites had been then.  


 
Clockwise from upper left:  Shopbop - Victorialand Safari Vest, Gap - Denim Biker Jacket, Net-a-Porter - Splendid Jersey Harem Pant, Shopbop - Juicy Couture Camo Slim Cargo Pants





-I remembered the harem pants, t-shirt and safari vest I wore on the first day of 8th grade - and how my dad asked me if I was really going to leave the house looking like that.  Har!  Thanks Dad!

- Then I suddenly recalled my favorite camouflage cargo pants found at the dreaded Army & Navy store (Canada) my mom insisted we go to "just to take a look".  Mom knows best because I remember leaving there with not only the pants, but also a very cool pair of oxfords that got more than their fair share of love that Fall.  Those pants were a mad hit and my little brother was mortified to be related to me. :)

-I also remembered the Michael Jackson craze we were in then.  How he took biker and military jackets to a whole new level - and how I wore my grey leather biker jacket until it was worn thin. 

Ahhhhh - the good old days; funny how they can come back around.  When I looked in my closet today I realized that each of those pieces is there once again in varying forms, and can honestly say I love wearing them just as much now as I did then.  Only with a much higher and more expensive heel.

What are your former favorites?  Are you finding ways to incorporate them into your wardrobe...or have you left them all in the past?