Damn JCrew

Damn JCrew! why must you continue to make the cutest, most stylie clothes around. You torment me.

Seriously, they are doing such a great job lately. The Ballerina dress [silver I would pair with a yellow sling black and yellow enamel bracelets/ black cardigan perhaps?]. Perfect little jackets and sweaters [I think it might be time for me to own a cashmere sweater I mean, come-on, a staple right?]. This pretty little ruffled top has been used throughout their catalog to style up sweaters and coats with just a peek of ruffle poking out. YUM!!! where's my sugar daddy when I need him? 5k anyone?

Things I can highly recommend ...

• I highly recommend not running into two Ex's in the same week [or the same 24 hrs as my occassion occured]. One is plenty enough to put you into an emotional tailspin.

• I can recommend not running into one whom you could have avoided [since you got a phone call warning you of his appearance/but attempting to be an adult, brave and get it over with after 6 yrs of not seeing this person] then force yourself to be kind to this person because you feel like it's your duty. Some things are just way over [what was the SATC line? "we are so over, we need another word for over"]. This one my friends... was legally, officially over and I can say without hesitation that complete apathy and some disgust has set in.

• I can, though, recommend large amounts of medication to get through such an occasion.

• I highly suggest, if, said large amounts of medication are consumed, that you then don't allow your hairdresser to talk you into a new hair-do under said medication and emotional distress, as well as being under the influence of a full moon and on your period. [a "bang" situation has occured from said appointment]

• I can recommend calling the ex that you still think kindly of, to tell him so. We had a nice conversation despite it being emotional.

That my friends are some things to file away in your back pocket to do and not to do, while under the influence of a full moon, your period and drugs.

image via flickr

Sia concert, El Rey Theater Los Angeles

image via flickr.


Sia show last night was a ton of fun. I always forget how much I like to go see good music until I get to a good show. Sia has such a magical voice it's smoky and deep but her personality is almost as if she's a big elf, all happy on stage and acting like she's 5.

I've seen and been part of some odd happenings at shows but last night was definitely one for the books. The El Rey is mostly standing only with the exception of rows of chairs on either side of the building. Because of my recent back problems my friend and I grabbed two chairs in the beginning and I wore my lesbian clogs [not that there's anything wrong with that] just in case we had to stand.

Before the show began the couple next to my friend and I struck up a conversation. I thought she was a little buzzed but didn't think too much about her enthusiasm.

I toddled off to the bathroom and came back to this woman kissing my friends forearms [her way of admiring her tattoos there]. It was a bit startling but crazier things have happened and my friend didn't seem alarmed. Now at this point the place is full and seats are prime real estate, I must also mention that they are bolted to the wall so you can't pick up a chair to turn yourself away from offending neighbors.

So the conversation continues and it begins to be obvious to me that she's obviously high on "X"and is LOVING everything and everyone [for the non-familiar out there "X" /or "E" is suppose to make you lovey-dovey really touchy-feely everything is more beautiful and wonderful/so I've heard ]. Granted, the girl was beautiful so it wasn't too obnoxious.

Fast forward to the show beginning and we all stand up on our chairs and she and I loose our footing and sort of crash into each other I apologize and she starts saying how sorry she is and she hugs me then grabs my face and kisses me straight on the lips!

So I lean over to my friend and tell her that 'she just kissed me straight on the lips!' and we both have sort of a wide-eyed look and then just laugh. I lean back over to my friend and say "you know... it's my lesbian clogs...they are THAT hot". We just exploded with laughter.

Anyway...back to the music....If you would like to listen to a live studio of her new CD due out early next year you can hear it from the Radio show Morning Becomes Electic. Her new CD will be called "Some People Have Real Problems" my fav "you have been loved" is really lovely.

The fire orange sky of LA

The sky is so hazy and merky in Los Angeles right now. Think good thoughts for all of the effected people. It's hot here 90ish and dry and you can't open any windows because of the powdery film lands on everything [it still seeps into the windows]. I really shouldn't complain I'm healthy and safe.

It's taking a tole on my asthma I'm tired...

I have link love to share

That lovely post last week titled "right now" needs a proper shout out as I found her again today. Alyson from Unruly Things. This must be a regular post she does, but changes the variables...She had a new one up to inspire me and hopefully you as well.

Where are you right now? do you need to check in with yourself?

Right Now:
I feel really behind schedule with some work I need to do. I'm procrastinating here instead.

I'm Hoping:
That I don't hate the new logo I've developed for myself in 6 months, like I always do.

I'm Anticipating:
Not a good anticipation unfortuntely...A bunch of work at the office in the next few days.

I'm Frustrated:
with said logo I'm working on.

I'm Tasting:
just finished an egg beater omlet for dinner with turkey pastrami and a little cheese. easy & fast.

I'm Wearing:
my rattiest 501's with a hole in the knee a thermal tshirt my hair tied back in a bandana. I'm either completely dressed to the nines or a total slob, I haven't quite mastered the inbetween.

I'm Really Loving:
My new "sensible" heels that I've forced myself into wearing. I'm calling them my smart heels they look very "smart and chic" to me even though I had to pack them full of stuff so my foot won't fall out [narrow] and the website Decorno: if decor is your porn [which is such a fab name]

I'm Wishing: for two things....
that the winds go away in So Cal because the fires are so incredibly out of control - as well, that everyone makes it safely out of their homes if they need to. I hope they don't have to leave...or that any more do.

a really nice vacation after all this freelance is done. I'm starting to overload again.

Rave: Kaenon Sunglasses

I should first start this post with saying a little bit about my sunglass usage. I should say that I'm not down with the 300$ Gucci glasses, I mean they're attractive and all but I just don't need the double GG's bad enough, plus I like to throw my glasses in my bag without thinking much about it. I mean how different can plastic get really? My 25$ pair from Target are fine, I'm not devistated if I leave them somewhere, scratch them or sit on them.

A few months ago I got some sunglasses for a styling project. A good friend of mine is the Creative Director for Kaenon Sunglasses and he's been talking about their polarized lenses forever. Ok sure, polarized, ok, why would I need those driving around the city...blah blah blah. Anyway, he loaned me a good handful + for the shoot and let me keep a pair to test drive for myself.

I noticed clarity and variations in glass [other cars] right away which wasn't sending me over the moon intially but I gotta tell ya that I tried to wear a pair of my cheapies the other day and I thought I was going to go blind. Seriously, the polarized thing IS TO DIE FOR!



I started researching polarized lenses after that because I wanted to know more, apparently polarized lenses have historically been designated for sports and especially water sports, it helps the deflect glare. They are also recommended to light sensitive people because they help block UV rays.....so guess what other benefit they give...protection for those crow's feet that are marchin' across your face in record time [oh, you know it's true!]. I don't know why fashion mags aren't talking about this along side the $100+ tubs of goo [Hello? Vogue/Elle].

Along side the polarized lens following the sports market, they historically have been uglier-than-ass, as well as making some people a little motion sick because of the way the lens is built. Kaenon has figured out a way to avoid that somehow and this coming from someone who got motion sick from Google Earth last week [really].

So my tip of the day are the frames shown above called Delite which are so SUPER cute. Needless to say I use my little protective baggie on these puppies now and I truly would be devistated if I lost them. The Delite's are more dollars than I would normally spend on a pair of glasses [$199] but now that I've worn these lenses - I get it.

top photo via Kaenon

Anya Hindmarch

I don't think I've talked about Anya Hindmarch yet have I? I think about this woman a lot. She has set out to torture me in nearly every month's fashion magazines for the past 6 months...and I mean ALL of them.

This boot has stopped me in my tracks so many times - even in friggin' Oprah. Each time I think to myself OmG that's the boot, that's the one I have to have...I go straight for the liner notes and there she is AGAIN!!!!



Apparently this woman who I think I've discovered is quite notable -Accessory designer of the year & her famed "I'm not a plastic bag" - reusable tote that had stampeeds of people entering stores blah blah blah. Great everyone else loves her too -whatelse is new.

I still want that bag dammit and those boots! $945 for the Lautner Bag and the boots a measly $895 please already I normally drop that kinda cash before breakfast. Yah right!

right now

I can't recall what groovy site I saw this on recently [sorry no link love] but loved the idea and kept a sticky note of the questions.

Right Now...
I'm thrilled: I can't talk about it yet till the ink is dry but it's been a long time dream of mine-which involves the National Stationery Show.

I don't miss: my evil step-dad [a very long story], being a poor student, not knowing who I am as a person [due to the first one]

I'm planning: New creative endevors. A trip to Paris next fall.

I'm listening to: Just heard Missy Higgins this AM on Morning Becomes Electic...want more. Still listening to Ray LaMontagne, Rachael Yamagata years after the fact.

I'm looking forward to:
The Sia show next week I'm going to.

I'm wanting: A new bed, a new couch, and a lovely custom banquette for my kitchen...none of it will happen soon. my boyfriend to get his acceptance letter to Physican Asst school [it's due next month]

Also Loving this post about photographer Nicola Kuperus today on AT: NY via AT:Chicago

What happens when you don't pay attention

I went to an event a week ago Saturday...8 days ago...and of course I was nervous about being at this event as everyone is uber successful 'scrubbed clean' as one party go-er described them to be. So I brought out my cutest outfit that of course looked like I wasn't trying too hard including a pair of heels similar to the ones above. Now considering my back issues [see lovely xray below] you would think I would opt for something a bit more sane, but no my inner critic comes out and convinces me I would be nothing without a grand heel so I caved. I stood in these heels on concrete for a few hours. heels+ concrete =bad, bad, bad news.


flash forward a few hrs post party, where I knew I was going to be in some pain and I woke up to being sore but nothing out of my ordinary morning- walked to breakfast - then proceeded to work at my desk for a few hours and by the time 4pm rolled around I was barely able to walk.

my week went something like this: chiro appt/ pain killers, massage [and not the fun kind] + chiro appt / pain killers, acupuncture appt/ pain killers, another chiro appt/ pain killers, another acupuncture appt, and tomorrow am another not fun massage appt. I'm only at about 80% better. I am still in constant pain. Did I mention the lesbian clogs I was forced to wear everyday? [not that there's anything wrong with that] my fashion sense had to accomodate this fiasco for a full week.

My downfall was standing. I can wear a heel when I walk into an event or space and immediately sit down. I cannot stand. the metal in my spine screams at me to pay attention -I didn't mention the cocktails that probably dulled this "paying attention part".

I hate when my body screams at me and I have to listen. So now I don't have an option and I won't be duplicating this most expensive week ever - ever again. If you tally it up, since my insurance didn't pay for any of it except the meds of course, those were the most expensive pair of heels ever. My 20$ clearance rack super finds just took on Louboutin status.

You must go look at this house

Simple, modern farm house featured over at Design Sponge's Guest Blog today.

This corner photo group is making me crazy it's SO GOOD!!

Artist Matte Stephens

I don't normally double post things I do over at Apartment Therapy but this guy's work is too cute to pass up. Matte Stephens [who I love his double name meaning] has a fab Etsy shop with price points from 20-200$.

My fav this big haired girl here and this really lovely print called "do-nothing" which I should learn from. Think I'm going to ask for the big hair'd girl print for xmas wouldn't it be smashing in the bathroom?

Laura Bennett dress to sell on QVC

According to a very funny site called Project Rungay [Project Rungay's tag line is They Sew, We Rip] Laura Bennett's line will be featured on QVC early next year.

Recently Laura Bennett from Bravo's Project Runway was featured on Tim Gunn's Guide to Style where she gave away a lovely matte jersey dress. Today I saw a little tid bit about it and it seems as if QVC has picked up her line. Reportedly it will be sometime in Feb 08 when she goes on to sell. Looking at this little number will make me a first time QVC shopper.

According to Laura:

This dress is actually two dresses sewn together. The double fabric allows it to drape beautifully without clinging or riding up. It also helps to hide any lines from undergarments, so the look is always smooth and sleek. The addition of the second layer gives the dress a luxurious weight that hangs just right. Plus, there are no bulky seams. The seams are carefully placed for flattery and comfort and the side seams are slightly toward the back for the slimmest possible silhouette.

Although this dress was thought out and developed by me over many years, it is deceptively simple. You can take this dress from casual to dressy or from the office to a night out, just by changing your accessories. This is truly the perfect little dress."

The pictured photo is Laura's personal dress and the actual neckline is not that low. The real one is bra-friendly. It should be available for just under $100.

really looking forward to it. For more details you can read the full story here

Crazy Sexy Cancer

I got a chance to see this show Crazy Sexy Cancer last night that I've heard quite a bit about lately and all the flurry about the show is very well deserved.

"On Valentine's Day 2003, 31-year-old actress/photographer Kris Carr was diagnosed with a rare and incurable cancer. Weeks later, she began filming her story. Turning a seemingly tragic situation into a creative expression, Kris revealed her intimate thoughts, struggles and fears before the camera, sharing her story of survival with courage, strength, and lots of humor. "

While I was watching the show I was talking to my b-friend on the phone, and telling him about the program he said "oh gawd that sounds like it's horribly depressing" but it wasn't it was uplifting actually. As Kris describes in one part that "cancer has not kept her down but has propelled her into living her fullest." Because really if you think about it, In the end we are all dying really...shouldn't we all be living to our fullest?

highly recommend the show if you can catch it. I think I heard something about a book as well.

How yummy is this?

The Company Store's 2 ply 100% cashmere. I'd like one of each color please [you know for different rooms, change colors with my mood]

but eeesh $229!

Who is your inner person?

I had an interesting conversation with the hippest woman I know a few months ago. Chelsea is a top-tier fashion stylist working with notables as Pink, Christina Aguilara, Janet Jackson are just to name a few. To meet Chelsea you know that she has been gifted with more style and creativity than most of us dream of having in our little pinky toe [seriously] Chelsea would also be described as punk-rock-ish; dark hair, fair skin [naturally] a few tattoos including the large script of "girl puff" across her back in script. She has always leaned a little toward the avant gard [one halloween when answering the door to hand out candy --a child asked her what she was dressed as--she was her funky self that evening]. So we were having lunch talking about fashionable things and she admitted that she got JCrew catalogs and saved them. Her girlfriend asked her one day why she saved them since she obviously was not shopping there and she said it was "to feed her inner preppy". We laughed about it, mostly because if I could pick one storet to blow 5k at it probably would be JCrew. They just have done a REALLY good job in the last couple of years with making great quality wardrobe staples.

I thought a lot about that conversation for the past few months. It was such a PERFECT description of describing one's self. We all have inner people to us, sometimes we get to dress our characters sometimes they just lie hidden.

I have two inner people. My super athlete that really would like to be a long distance runner and triathlete and my punk rocker self that would like to look like Kat Von D from L.A. Ink. I have attempted to let these two characters come through - in my many years. I have spent hours working out, lifting weights, a feeble attempt at collegate sports/rowing and I have had a couple of ridiculous funky outfits that have gone out in public as well as my punk-rock-self.


As much as I would like to say I am those people I'm not. If I could be a runner I would, but the hardware in my spine just won't allow me to do so. I do some yoga, some walking, a tiny bit of swimming, and on occassion will spend some time on a spin bike. That's about it. My weight stays the same, I will never have Madonna's arms or run a marathon I just am not that ambitious. It takes so much effort and I'm really lazy.

My punk-rock self [this is a very loose term] has had some nice music moments: Knocked into a pit at a White Zombie concert, watching Pearl Jam open for Nirvana and the Chili Peppers, meeting Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam, watching a girl punch a guy out at a small show [best concert moment ever], Iggy Pop, Sound Garden and Henry Rollins to name a few of my concert going experiences. I can hold my own at music events and sometimes travel solo if I really want to see someone -but no tattoos [ I just can't find one that would hold my interest forever -yet]

What I am is, pretty damn classic - Think Jackie O and Audrey with a bit of funky wrapped in. If could have a matching handbag and shoes with a 3/4 lenghth coat on every day I would. I would wear matching gloves if I didn't think people would really stare. I appreciate a perfectly hemmed pair of pants and a perfect little black dress, I *heart* slingback heels, I am Charlotte from Sex and The City...though wish I was Carrie.[Although, I have seemed to replicate Mr. Big, Jazz guy and Aiden -via Carrie. I'm sticking with Aiden for the long haul though!]

So who is your inner person? and how do you feed her? Lately my feedings are reruns of SATC, Kat on LA Ink and issues of Patagonia. My inner girl is normally happy with those but it does really look like a lot of fun to be Kat.



images via: Patagonia, LA Ink

One of the most perfect songs ever

Pink Moon by Nick Drake. There was a documentary playing this weekend in LA about Nick Drake that I couldn't make it to which made me think of posting him.

If you're not familiar Nick is one of those "musician's musician". He made a few recordings in the 70's but suffered from acute shyness and mental illness. He ended up taking his life early but his music has definitely lived on with cult like status. Most of his stuff has a sad air to it but this song is perfectly pretty and quiet.

If you want to stay in your relationship

You should really read
this brilliant article titled "8 entirely new ideas about love"

I feel like this

cute new tee from Threadless.com-which if you've never been by to visit, is the most brilliant tshirt website ever. This one is called the Runnin' Rhino by Allan Faustino

sizes run small if you likey!

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I'm buried with freelance this week folks posting will be light all week!