Energy zappers, photography and fashion illustrations

So that's a random title for a post, right? But it's quite fitting, really.

I know this blog has been quiet recently, and quite honestly, it's not just because I'm busy. And it's not because I have a lack of things to post. Ever feel like your creative energy (or your regular, hey-I-need-to-get-out-of-bed-today energy, for that matter) is just completely zapped? That's me. For the last several months.

I won't bore you with the details, but let's just say at the end of the day (you know, when it's time to blog), I just didn't have anything left. Add that to my frustrations with finding a good photography spot for outfit of the day posts and my green-eyed monsterness of all the lovely fashion bloggers out there who have magazine quality photos thanks to their photographer husbands/boyfriends/significant others/friend's cousin's aunt persons, and I was pretty much done. Kaput.

Being a serious hobbyist photographer makes me an utter perfectionist when it comes to my blog photography*, but I just can't seem to master the art of the self-portrait. I mentioned this frustration to Mr. MG and he (bless his heart!) offered to learn how to use my digital SLR to take pictures of me. I may take him up on this sometime soon (before he changes he mind).

But until then, I'm hoping (now that I've rid myself of some of the big creative energy zappers) I'll be able to find the inspiration (and time!) to post more on this blog and my other blog.

Today, I'll leave you with some fashion illustrations I did recently for my product sourcing class. For that class I'm working on (what else?), a high-end costume jewelry line. It's been a while since I've picked up a sketchbook in between bills of material, competitive strategies, target market research and all that other stuff that goes on in business classes, so this was therapeutic for me. Maybe I should have picked up the sketchbook a long time ago.



*Full disclosure: Being a serious non-hobbyist perfectionist is actually what makes me a perfectionist about my blog photography but that's just between you and me, okay?

{ Update! } Have you seen this dress? (Tracy Reese Nougat Classic Lace Frock)

{Update}
I got the dress! After tweeting, blogging, facebooking, message board-ing, and searching all over the internet, I finally called the Tracy Reese flagship store and got the last dress. Shipment notification hit my inbox a few hours ago. The dress will be in my possession in a few short days!

Apparently, Tracy Reese herself was planning to keep the dress, but when I called she sold it to me. Very excited and glad that Tracy sold the dress to me (because, you know, it's her company and she could have just kept the dress for herself and I'd have never known). I always like it when one of my favorite designers turns out to be a cool person, too. Thanks, Tracy Reese and the employee who helped me!

---

Help, help, help!!!!!! Yes, I just used multiple exclamation points, but I promise, my current fashion emergency necessitates them. (And I know I've been MIA for a bit, but that's a story for its own post. Coming soon, I promise.)

But first- my emergency! I was planning on buying the Tracy Reese Nougat Classic Lace Frock to wear for my JP wedding on December 30. It's The Perfect Dress. Perfect!

I had already started picturing myself in gorgeous, wintery, Anthropologie-style wedding pictures, dancing around our holiday bedecked town in this dress, paired with black tights, booties and a gorgeous coat. And uh, my fiance, too. Yeah, he can be in the pictures, too.

But when I went to purchase it this weekend, it had disappeared from the website. Poof! Gone! Vanished! And it ran away with my perfect picture dreams.

I am so sad.

See, how perfect it is? See?




So, can anyone help me track this down? I'm planning to call the flagship store today and according to some other bloggers, this dress was also in some Anthroplogie stores, so I'm going to call Anthro, too. But I'm desperate!

I. Want. This. Dress.

Anything else at this point will be a sad substitute. And what bride deserves a sad substitute (even if she is just going to the JP)?

PS- I need a size 6 (or a 4, since I've heard it runs a little on the large size). But I could possibly also do an 8 and take it to the tailor. But a 6 would be perfect (I hope).

what i wore:: something old, something new

Last night, Mr. MG and a few of our friends went to a charity event. The invite told us we'd be "walking the red carpet" so "dress to impress." As if I need an excuse to get all dressed up. And when it's for a good cause, that's all the better!

Usually, an event like this is an excuse for me to go buy something new, but I decided to be frugal and wear something I already owned. I bought this dress a few years ago and have only worn it once, so that's sort of close to new anyway, right? Right. I also carried a bag (and forgot to photograph it) that I've had for quite a while. Just a little black satin clutch, but it looked nice with the dress.

I did pick up some new shoes (since I needed some strappy sandals anyway) and some jewelry (since I found some on sale at J. Crew- and I have serious issues resisting their jewelry). Both reasonable reasons for buying something, I think. And that bracelet on the left in the bottom pic? I made that one using some supplies that I've had hanging around for quite a while.

So, three pieces bought, three pieces already in my closet, one piece handmade by me. I'd say that's a pretty decent start to re-wearing and re-inventing a piece that's already in my closet. I'm hoping to continue that trend.

What about you? Do you tend to run out and buy something new for big events, or do you re-work what you already have?

ETA: After posting, it occurred to me that I should probably mention the animal in the cage next to me. That's our Stella Blue Bear. She is recovering from knee surgery, so she has to be in a kennel most of the time. It's very sad for us and for her, but she's doing well and it's for her own good. Just didn't want any readers thinking we're mean to our dogs!

Hey, look! I'm still here!

So, I did some clean up around this blog. I've been rather neglectful of it, but I never promised I'd be anything otherwise. But in my other blogging adventures, I realized I still need some kind of outlet for posts that just don't fit on those other blogs. So, maybe I'll update somewhat regularly again. Maybe not. But at least I updated the blog design. One small step for blogging. One giant leap for DU. Or something not even remotely like that.

Also, I'd just like to put it out there in blogging land that the Magic 8 Ball is a lying liar who lies.

fall style:: neutral dresses + colorful tights

One of my favorite things about fall is breaking out the tights. I just love dresses with tights and cozy sweaters. This fall, I think I'll try to break away from black, brown and gray, and incorporate some colorful tights into my life. They're the perfect way to add a pop of color to those neutral dresses that are all over the stores right now.


Floaty Cami Mini Dress, Madewell | Merino Ruffle Moto Sweater, J. Crew | Deux Lux Ruched and Tassel Satchel, Urban Outfitters | Bronson Suede Platform Booties, J. Crew | Bailey Earrings by Catie's Blue | Corrugated Steel Peyote Cuff, by Sand Fibers | Tight End Tights, Spanx


Smokey Eyes Dress, Modcloth | Vintage Bateau Top, J.Crew | Pom Pom Chain Necklace, Madewell | Blue Frilly Leather Shoulder Clutch, by The Leather Store | Opaque Tights, Anthropologie | Sierra booties, Nine West

What about you? How do you feel about colorful tights?

what i wore:: white after labor day

I'm way behind on my outfit of the day posts. Way behind.

This little getup is from a few weekends ago. Mr. MG (that's Mr. Moxie/Grace, in case you didn't know) and I went out for his birthday dinner with his parents and it was (barely) after labor day. But I've never been much for fashion rules, so I wore my very white, very summery
J. Crew Sweeping Ruffles shirt.

I love this shirt. I don't care if it's snowing and sleeting. I will find ways to wear it all winter long. And I'll wear other white items, too. And I won't feel bad about it. I won't feel like I'm cheating on summer with winter and took all the white clothing with me. Nope. Not at all.

The details: J. Crew Sweeping Ruffles Shirt | Black leggings (H&M) | Green Jacket, Theme | Leopard belt, J. Crew | Necklace, Madewell (no longer available) | Shoes, Target
So, what about you? Do you wear white after labor and generally live by the idea that fashion rules were meant to be broken, bent and otherwise twisted to suit your fancy?

inspiration boards:: ghost whisperer style

It's fall premiere time already (already!) and I feel the need to voice my protest that Ghost Whisperer got yanked at the end of last season and won't be returning this year.

Where will I get my romantic, vintage-style outfit inspirations?

Because seriously, as much as I loved Lost, there were no outfit inspirations to be seen on that show. Unless, you know, I plan on getting stranded on a not-so-deserted-wait-there's-a-smoke-monster-who-used-to-be-a-man-what's-this-lightsource-plugged-with-a-huge-cork-covered-in-cuneiform-THEY-DID-NOT-DIE-ON-THE-PLANE island any time soon.

Aaaaaanyway...

I just loved Melinda Gordon's (played by Jennifer Love Hewitt) feminine style. Ghost Whisperer's story lines were nice (if we just forget about the mess that was season 4), I loved her cute little antique shop, Professor Payne was amusing and the dynamic between Melinda and Jim was refreshing (if not a little too sweet at times), but all of those were a far second to her fantastic wardrobe. So, in honor of Melinda's fabulous style, I made an inspiration board.*

*Full disclosure: This is sort of old. I made it for a project I did for grad school last semester but it's worth bringing up now, don't you think? I do. Especially since it saved me a whole bunch of time and you still get to read a blog post. See? Everybody wins.

styled:: alexa chung for madewell

Madewell finally debuted the much-anticipated Alexa Chung for Madewell line. Yay! There are a ton of cute pieces and they're selling out quickly. Hopefully, Madewell restocks soon because I'd love to get my hands on a few of them, including the Betty Tea Dress.

Here are two of my favorite pieces, the Betty Tea Dress (of course!) and the Sketchbook Tee, and how I'd style them:

Alexa Chung for Madewell Betty Tea Dress
styled with: Infinity Cardigan in bronzed twig, J. Crew
| Embellished leather belt, Abercrombie & Fitch | Hidden Sun Mary Janes, Anthropologie | Blue rose and vintage cameo earrings by The Silver Dog | Gatsby Cuff, Madewell



Alexa Chung for Madewell Sketchbook Tee
styled with: McKenna plaid shirt, Abercrombie & Fitch | Denim shorties, American Eagle | Opaque tights, Anthropologie | Highstep open-toe bootie, Nine West | Tassel rope necklace, J. Crew

So, what about you? What do you think of the Alexa Chung for Madewell collection? Which pieces are your favorites?

what i wore:: peach, green and a pop of neon

I'm having moment with green. A really long moment. As in, I think it's managed to creep into my life and go from one of my most hated colors to a near favorite. And all shades of it, too. From olive to sage to mint to this bright pea-green cardigan.

I once heard someone describe green as the perfect neutral because every flower has a stem and flowers come in nearly every color. I like that idea. In keeping with the flower theme, here I am, in a peach top with petal-like ruffles and a green cardigan with a neon orange belt. So, the top is the petals, the belt is the pistil and the cardigan is the surrounding greens. Erm...

And that concludes the cheesy flower analogy portion of this post. Carry on, everyone.





Top: J. Crew Outlet
Cardigan: J. Crew
Belt: Madewell (buy it here- on sale!)
Necklace: Madewell (buy it here- on sale!)
Jeans: Target
Shoes: J. Crew
Bracelets: AE, Madewell, my own designs


So what about you? Have you ever suddenly found yourself drawn to a color you disliked? Or has the opposite happened- did you suddenly start disliking a color you couldn't get enough of before?

What I wore:: work and the first day of school

Today is the first day of my second-to-last fall semester of grad school.

Did you get that?

That means I have two more years left, but it sounds like less time if I spin it as my second-to-last fall semester. I'm halfway through. Yay!

And I did not wear this outfit today nor would it matter if I had because my classes are all online. I'm way past those Septembers when I'd anxiously pick out my first-day-of-school ensemble, which was inevitably some ill-conceived, overly trendy getup. I'm pretty sure in 9th grade I sported a flannel shirt, jeans and lace-up boots.

Oh. Wait.

Isn't that what's all over the runways this fall? Ah, 90s grunge. So good to see you again. Let me pull my teenage angst out of the closet along with some Doc Martens. Maybe I'll stop washing my hair for weeks on end and sleep with my make-up on, too, since you know, grunge beauty is back.

But whatever. Back to my decidedly non-grungy ensemble. I wore this the other day for work. Nothing special. Just another day at the office. It's hard to tell, but that belt is leopard print.



Top: Forever 21
Sweater: LOFT
Skirt: J. Crew Outlet
Belt: J. Crew
Shoes: Target
Jewelry: Madewell, American Eagle and my own designs

Okay, I know I said I thought I found the perfect picture taking spot, but now I'm not so sure. The background is good, but the lighting sort of makes me look like a little troll who just crept out from under a bridge- all shadowy and creepy. (Unless I take the pictures on weekend afternoon at about 2 p.m. Then I look like a glowing angel with a halo.)

Sigh.

The quest continues.

What I wore:: dinner with friends

Good news, people! I finally found a good spot to take outfit of the day pictures in my house. It took a little furniture rearranging, but I'm liking it. And bonus for me- the room we rearranged (my office/studio/exercise room) is actually more functional now. For example, all I have to do to use my scanner is plug in the USB cable (instead of pulling it out of storage, setting it up and plugging in the USB cable). See? Much more functional.

Okay, okay. We actually rearranged the furniture to make the room more functional, and the good spot for what I wore/outfit of the day just happened to be the bonus (not the other way around). Sometimes I forget that the world doesn't revolve around my blogging habits.

Ahem.

So anyway. Friday night, I went out for dinner with some friends. We were supposed to catch a movie afterward but dinner ran late, so we ended up a nice little outdoor bar instead. Good times, I tell you. Good times. And after the week I've had taking care of our dog, who is recovering from knee surgery, I certainly needed a relaxing night out with the girls.

Happy Sunday, everyone!



Cardigan, H&M
Sequin top, J.Crew (similar here)
Cargo capris, Abercrombie & Fitch
Ballet flats, ??
Necklace, J. Crew
Bracelet, my own design

Accessories:: Tiffany Blue- now available in a handbag

Tiffany Blue isn't just for boxes anymore. Now you can have the lovely aqua shade in handbag form with the launch of Tiffany's new line of leather accessories. The collection includes a structured tote or a reversible one, a clutch, and a ladylike bag among a few others...there's even one for the boys (but don't worry, it's a nice, manly shade of brown). It's hard to pick a favorite! View the entire collection here.

Which do you like best?


Avenue Tote | Tiffany Reversible Tote | Lyn Clutch

Fashion:: Design Star, Emily Henderson

Does anyone else watch HGTV Design Star? What did you think of last night's finale? I was happy Emily Henderson won because I really like her overall aesthetic and she just seems like a nice person, too. And isn't it nice when a nice person wins? But I'm not really here to talk about the finale. I'm here to talk about the outfit Emily wore in the second to last episode.

Specifically, this outfit:

Image sources: Left | Right

I'm obsessed. I just love the blue ruffled dress with the tan, heeled menswear-style shoes. So, I went hunting for some similar styles. And here's what I found:


I'm on Sapphire dress from Modcloth | Tissue v-neck T from J. Crew | Hammered NuGold Cuff by Cyndie Smith Designs | Double-lock leather belt from Madewell | Sueded opaque control top tights from Hue | Canyon messenger bag from Madewell | Langford platform high-heel oxfords from J. Crew

The dress isn't identical (*cry!*), but I added a long-sleeve gray t-shirt to give it some interest (and seasonal mileage, since summer is fading fast!). I think I like it! What do you think?

PS- Emily has a pretty cool design blog call The Brass Petal. Check it out!

He proposed! Wanna see my ring?

So life's been busy lately and I haven't had much time for blogging. Although, I have had time to jot down ideas and sketches for enough blog posts from now until 2050, so whenever I actually find time to write them, there will be lots of fun content- until then, well...yeah.

One of the things that kept me marginally busy was my birthday the first week of August. D bought me a bike, which I've been wanting for a while. Our only problem now is that D needs a bike so we can ride together.

Guess who has a birthday on Friday? Guess who's getting a bike? Yeah.

I think my birthday present was a giant hint as to what he wants as a present, but I'm okay with that since we'll have lots of fun riding around town.


My new bike! Excuse the mess behind it. He had to rearrange a few things to fit it in our dining room. Yes. Our dining room. We live in a loft in the city. There isn't a yard or garage to speak of.

But the bike is only half of the story.

Last Tuesday, I got home from work late because I had an appointment. D was already home and I found him lurking in the dining room when I got there. Usually he's parked on the couch or in the office, so that was a little strange, but I didn't think too much of it. Then he told me he got me something to wear with my bike and to check the basket. Of course, I assumed it was a helmet since I still need one of those, but as I got closer to the basket, I caught a glimpse of a little red bag that was clearly too small to contain a helmet. Then I figured out it was an engagement ring (we picked out the stone a few months ago).

And then. He proposed, in our kitchen, with our dogs as witnesses. I'm pretty sure the dogs were super stoked. But then, that could have also been because we were in the kitchen and that means wayward food could fall and land within dive-bombing distance.

So, here's my ring. I love it (and I love how he proposed)! It's a blue diamond surrounded by white diamonds. The color reminds me of the ocean in San Diego, which, for me, is just perfect!


Photos by me.

Objects of desire :: "I'm an artist, not a ..." custom-made rings

Sometimes we all need a little reminder of where we're going and who we want to be. And that the current situation is. not. permanent.

I recently stumbled across these custom-made rings by Kathryn Riechert, and I found them nothing short of inspiring. And I love the story behind them, too- how Kathryn first thought to make them when she spent her days waitressing instead of creating. I'm sure most of us can relate to this on some level. Maybe you're not a full-time waitress with the soul of an artist, but you've got to be working toward something, right? Most of are, whether it's career-related or not. We all have goals and dreams. Why not keep a reminder of them right at your finger tips?


My mind is already in idea overload with possibilities for my own set of rings from Kathryn. ("I'm a creative spirit...not a corporate drone" is sort of amusing to me.)

So, what about you? What would your rings say?

Oh, and Kathryn? She's now a full-time artist who spends her days creating cool jewelry like this.

Dress dilemma: cupcake-ification

I bought the Chocolate Dipped Strawberry dress from ModCloth a while ago. And usually when I buy something new, I can barely wait to get it home, rip the tags off and wear it the very next second.



But this. This has just been hanging forlornly in my closet with the tags still attached, like that sad little kid picked last for dodge ball.

It's not that I don't like it. It's a sweet little dress. But that's also it's biggest flaw. It's too sweet. Too literal.

Chocolate-cupcake-with-strawberry-icing literal.

And so, I've been scouting around, trying to find pieces to wear with it that don't make me feel like I should have a candle on top of my head. I think I've found a few pieces that might get this dress out of my closet and onto the dance floor.

Idea 1- Toughen it up
J. Crew solid ripstop field jacket | Unlisted Shelf Help shoes from Zappos | Madewell fringed chain necklace | Deena & Ozzy zip-front moto satchel from Urban Outfitters


Idea 2- Soften it up
Outdoor cafe cardigan from Anthropologie | Anticipation heels from Anthroplogie | Louise upcycled earrings by Erica Leilani Designs | J. Crew Jericho tote

Idea 3- Embrace the cupcake-ification- add some sprinkles!
Glacier necklace by Surf and Sand Jewelry Design
| Satin bow clutch by Mermaid's Dream | J. Crew Starling heels in rose gold

So what do you think? How should I style this dress?

lust list :: nOir animal rings

It all started with Pete the Porcupine. I fell in love with this cute little critter ring, but sadly, I missed out on it since my size is sold out everywhere. But fortunately for me, nOir jewelry makes tons of other super adorable animal and critter rings (I'm sort of partial to Owen the Owl and Goldie the Elephant).


Clockwise from top left: Pete the Porcupine | Goldie the Elephant | Owen the Owl | Lee the Bee | Butch the Bulldog | Penny the Peacock

what I wore and shoes I need

I realize I post these outfit of the day posts rather sporadically and I'm trying to get better at posting them more often, but the truth is, I'm lazy. Yep. When I get home from work and the dogs are jumping around like crazy nutbags, ready to go outside, the last thing I feel like doing is taking pictures (and just forget about getting pics in the morning before I leave for work). But I did manage to take some pics today. So, here I am. Oh, and Lucy Beagle wanted to say hello.

PS- Excuse the photo quality. I'm still trying to mess with the lighting, the external flash and the camera remote. Some Saturday when I have hours of spare time (ha!), I'll work out this little problem.



Floral dress and white ruffled vest- H&M
Black sandals- Target
Jewelry- NY&Co

I must say, I'm not a huge fan of the shoes I wore today and so, I've launched a quest for the perfect edgy black sandals (I have exactly zero pair). Since I'm on the hunt, I thought I'd share some of my main contenders for possible near-future purchasing.


Clockwise from top: Nine West Extremist from Zappos | Sam Edelman Quintessa from Piperlime | Averill Sandals by J. Crew | Dolce Vita Western Buckle Wedge from Urban Outfitters | Pour La Victoire Kiara from Piperlime

Etsy as an incubator

Megan Auman, who authors one of my favorite indie business blogs, Crafting an MBA, recently posted about how to use Etsy as an incubator and why you should eventually move on. It really resonated with me because that is exactly how I view my Etsy experience. I've had a shop there for a while and I've worked on the exact topics Megan mentions, like product development, market research and branding. I also realized that my current shop is not working and I want to go a different direction. And of course, grad school also played a big part in forming my ideas for my future plans, too.



For my new shop, I still plan to use Etsy as an incubator while I finalize business plans (because this one is a much bigger plan). But once I have those plans ready to go, I'll be moving in other directions to become a multi-channel retailer. I never plan to leave Etsy completely. I just love the community there* and wouldn't want to lose touch with it, but I know I will outgrow using just Etsy and brick and mortar consignment eventually. You can check out a little preview of my new designs here and here.

*Speaking of communities, I'm a proud member of the Etsy Beagles Team, and we have a challenge coming up called "Lazy Days of Summer." That picture up there is part of the supplies for my challenge entry, and I'll post the finished piece when it's ready.

Happy weekend!

Online shopping :: Madewell

I'm ridiculously, super-excited that Madewell, my beloved J. Crew's sister store, finally sells online! A few things on my shopping list:

neon lights belt | colordrop bracelet | layered ruffles tank | floaty floral dress | city slouch trousers in lantern | fallen needles skirt | the canyon messenger | the sunset sandal

Outfit of the day :: indie artist love

I went to Target the other day for some toothpaste and somehow ended up in the clothing department. I'm not entirely sure how this happened, since those two departments are nowhere near each other. I'm pretty sure there are strategically placed wormholes all over the store. How else would I have ended up there? I certainly didn't wander in on my own. Ahem.

And of course, I didn't intend to buy anything, but then a cute little t-shirt caught my eye. And I recognized the artwork as one of my favorite Etsy artists, The Yumi Yumi Shop. So then, I had to buy it. How could I not, given my love for all things indie and this is sort of indie, right? I mean, the artist got paid for licensing her art, so I'm okay with the big box purchase.

So, aaaanyway, here's how I styled it (the very next day for casual Friday at work, since I couldn't wait to wear my new purchase).

(Excuse the ridonkculous look on my face. I'm still trying to get used to the remote. It doesn't always click when it should and then I make weird faces.)


Top: Target (buy it here)
Cardigan: H&M
Jeans: Gap (similar here)
Scarf: Ruche
Shoes: Nine West (sold out in nude, but still available in black online)

Weddings. According to Displaced Urbanite.

Weddings are...

The perfect excuse to get a bunch of people you don't really know to buy you a bunch of crap you don't really need.

My response to these shenanigans? No. Thanks.

Things that horrify me

1. Matching earring/necklace sets. Go ahead. Live on the edge. Wear your pearl necklace with silver hoops.

2. Failure. Good thing it's not an option.

3. Wedding planning. That's why I'm not doing it.

Oh, aqua :: recent shopping

So, since my recent obsession with an aquamarine engagement ring has been squashed*, I'm turning my obsession with the color to other wearables, like dresses and non-engagement-y type jewelry.

Vintage aqua rhinestone earrings and vintage starfish brooch from Merelle | Lampwork beads by Chase Designs | Freshly Minted Dress from Modcloth

I plan to rework the vintage pieces into something new and I'm going to make a pair of earrings with the lampwork beads similar to these I made previously. And I can totally see me rocking out in the Freshly Minted dress with black capri leggings, a boyfriend blazer, and my nude Dolce Vita heels (and maybe one of those aquamarine cocktail rings I love so much).

*A highly reputable local jeweler talked me out of aquamarine since the stone is too fragile for every day wear and tear. So instead, we are looking at blue diamonds, purple sapphires (which look a lot like tanzanite), and possibly, blue-green tourmaline.

Speaking of California...

You didn't think I'd go all the way to San Diego and not shop, did you? Here are two yummy pieces I picked up at one of my new favorite boutiques, Shop AnnMarie in Del Mar.



Both pieces are from LA-based indie designer, Theme.

Inspired // California

Wow, it's been two weeks since my last post on this blog. Shame on me. But I have a decent excuse. I was on vacation in San Diego! Nothing inspires me like the beach and cities, so San Diego, being a city by the beach, is pretty much inspiration perfection as far as I'm concerned. We had a great time, I took over 1000 pictures, and I'm still busy uploading and editing them (in between studying for midterm tests and completing midterm projects- don't be jealous).

Here are a few pictures I took and then had fun with in Photoshop.

Everything's coming up roses...and posies and daisies // H&M Garden Collection

I can't wait to check out the H&M Garden Collection in stores. I'm loving the color palette and prints, along wtih the fact that it's made with recycled material.


image source: hm.com

fashion || rain, rain

It rained for four days straight last week and over the weekend. Poured, in fact. Every time it rains, I mutter to myself about how I need to buy a casual rain jacket for when I take the dogs outside in the downpour and for  other random adventures spent tromping around town in the rain. And then I decide I need new rainboots to match my new rain jacket. So, because I was bored and trapped inside, I started looking for my new rain gear. And if perfection were a shiny rainboot, it would be these lovelies from See by Chloe. I almost plopped them in my shopping cart. Almost.

And then the sun came out again and brought me to my senses.
(Along with the realization that I do not need to spend $200 on rainboots since my cost per wear would be, oh...about $100.)

But they sure are lovely. And they'd look so cute with a casual little rain jacket...

Rainboots, See by Chloe | Trail Model Rain Jacket, L.L. Bean

looks i'm loving

I'm loving Jennifer Meyer's tough leather jacket paired with the sweet floral dress. And Kate Moss' nude meets hot pink Valentino Couture frock paired with the animal print shoes is genius. 
 Jennifer Meyer at a Louis Vuitton party || Kate Moss at The Love Ball

food // spinach, noodle and chickpea soup

I spent the better part of last week feeling like I got hit by three freight trains thanks to a nasty cold. All I wanted was hot tea, chicken soup and lots and lots of DayQuil. Since I didn't have any cans 'o Campbell's in my cupboards, I decided to get adventurous and make my own (cooking is adventurous when you're sick). I came across this recipe on Fresh 365 and thought it sounded like a good base for my soup. So, I adapted my recipe from that one. I just threw all the ingredients in the pot and let the stove do its thing while I went through half of box of tissues. I'll never eat canned soup again.



Spinach, noodle and chickpea soup
1 12-oz container low sodium chicken stock (or veggie stock)
1/2 lb pasta (I used whole wheat spaghetti and broke it in thirds)
1 15.5-oz can chickpeas
2 cans of water (use empty chickpea can)
1 cup fresh baby spinach
3 stalks celery, sliced
1 tsp minced garlic
1 1/2 tsp thyme
sea salt, to taste
cracked black pepper, to taste

Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to boil.  Gently boil 8-12 minutes (or until pasta is cooked). Add additional salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

from my studio // pearls, glass, lampwork and ribbon necklace

I felt like working on some jewelry this morning and I'm determined to use what I have before I go and buy more beads (way too many beads, way, way too many). The necklace below is the result of today's bead brainstorm. I'm keeping this one for myself, but I'm hoping to make more in similar styles. This one uses glass pearls, glass beads, artisan lampwork beads, and of course, a ribbon. I think I likes it.

fashion + home // white ruffles

I love white ruffles! Nothing is more girly or springy. J. Crew's Sweeping Ruffles Shirt and Paula and Erika's handmade white ruffle curtains are definitely on my spring 2010 shopping list.

One down, two to go

A brief follow up to my Q&A with the Magic 8 Ball®.

So, maybe I'm crazy, but I think there might be something to this Magic 8 Ball thing. It told me I was going to catch a big break soon and well...it was right! I just landed a huge freelance contract with a pretty cool company that's much closer to the fashion industry than the current 9-5 gig. I'd say that's a big break, no? And technically - technically - it's almost a new job, too. So maybe we can say we're 1 1/2 out of 3? Come on Magic 8 Ball, I'm counting on you to pull through on that San Diego thang. I know you can do it!

if i could be...

Brandi over at Brandi Girl posted this on her blog the other day, and I thought it would be fun little activity for me to post on my blog, too.


If I were a month I’d be August
If I were a day I’d be Sunday
If I were a time of day I’d be 7 p.m.
If I were a planet I’d be Earth

If I were a sea animal I’d be a dolphin
If I were a direction I’d be West
If I were a piece of furniture I’d be a vintage paisley printed chaise lounge
If I were a liquid I’d be champagne

If I were a gem stone I’d be an amethyst
If I were a tree I’d be a palm
If I were a tool I’d be a hammer
If I were a flower I’d be an orchid

If I were an element of weather I’d be a summer thunderstorm
If I were a musical instrument I’d be a piano
If I were a color I'd be turquoise
If I were an emotion I’d be passion
If I were a fruit I’d be a mango
If I were a sound I’d be singing
If I were an element I'd be fire

If I were a car I’d be a Prius

If I were a food I’d be chocolate covered strawberries
If I were a place I’d be the beach
If I were a material I'd be silk

If I were a taste I’d be spicy
If I were a scent I’d be coconut

If I were a body part I’d be eyes
If I were a facial expression I'd be a smirk
If I were a song I’d be musical theatre

If I were a bird I'd be a finch

If I were a gift I'd be a mix tape
If I were a street I'd be the main street in a vibrant downtown
If I were a city I'd be San Diego
If I were a door I'd be french doors

If I were a pair of shoes I’d be perfectly worn-in cognac knee-high boots


If you could be, what would you be?

morelle // spring 2010 handbag collection

I've posted about this indie designer before on my other blog (here and here), but I just love the designs so much that I'm posting again on this blog. morelle recently launched the spring 2010 collection of stylish, handmade bags. And not only are the bags beautiful, but the photography is stunning as well.







image source

Shop for morelle handbags on Etsy or on the morelle website.