better than the last

I have to write this post now to prevent myself from falling back into a streak of indifference and laziness. Lately I've been thinking a lot about Francesca Woodman. I received a book of her photos as a gift a few Christmases back. Her work really reminds me of how I felt about photography and creativity in general as a young woman. I am still pretty young, but slowly inching towards thirty and working a day job for the last three years has left me feeling pretty dull. I started this blog two years back to give myself an outlet of sorts, but have continually found myself confused in the point of it all. I'd like to delete everything here and start from scratch but I won't. I am going to try to have a little more fun with this space, to let it come more easily. I have a hard time focusing. I'll probably always be all over the place but if possible, I'd like to be more consistent in how random I am?

For now, I'll leave this post with a few little photos from Christmas travels and the aftermath of epic blizzard I returned home to.

the old lady within

I love these sequin shells from Topshop's collection of party wear. I think they'd look perfect with a black flouncy skirt. All of the sequins and sparkles really make me wish I had a few more holiday shindigs to attend. But Christmas, New Years and Birthday are all three very valid times to do the heavily embellished thing.

Topshop has really been making all of my 60s dreams come true lately. There's something so rewarding about hunting down the vintage pieces but Topshop comes pretty close. I still think the lot of the store is overpriced (it's all polyester which I don't believe should ever cost over $100) but they sure have found my sweet spot. Now I'm regretting giving away a vintage shift dress I found on eBay in high school that was red velvet with a cream silk beaded peter pan collar. Why would I ever part with something like that?

it's because i love you most of all

I really can't take it. I can't wait until December 31st for this movie. That's 51 painfully long days away.

french girls

I love all of Vanessa Bruno's videos so much. Daydreams of dancing around, smiling, crying, screaming, running...in Bruno's clothes that seem to suit Lou Doillon's perfect mop of messy hair so well. I want it. Everything.

iconic

I couldn't resist the Iconic Pansy Dress from Kate Moss' last ever Topshop collection. I missed it the first time around and it's just obviously one of those easy, perfectly cut frocks that you can wear over and over.

A few other favorite new pieces I'd love to get my hands on if cost were no issue...

That cream colored bell sleeve one reminds me so much of I Love You, Alice B. Toklas. There's actually several pieces in Kate's collection that are reminiscent of the movie and I think she must be a fan as well.

Now back to watching election results and totally freaking out. Yay for stress shopping?

you know it

Yesssss. United Bamboo's 2011 cat calendar is now available for preorder. Looks like they upped the price from 2010's calendar, but now you get 12 cats instead of 6. The present and future crazy cat lady in me knows that 12 cats is better than 6.

And while you're at it, your kitty could really use a new fancy frock.

knock your socks off

I think my life would considerably improve just by wearing these "Knock Your Socks Off Heels" from Modcloth. They remind me of elementary school art projects where some Elmer's glue and rainbow glitter could go a long way. They probably leave a bonus trail of fairy dust wherever you go and hey, a little added whimsy in the day never hurt anyone.

burrr

I need a coat like yesterday. Seriously. I've been thrust into this lovely brisk fall bare-armed and perplexed as to how I don't have a single practical garmet in my closet that will do the job of keeping me warm but not too warm. I can't seem to find anything I like except this Steven Alan coat. So I will need to make it mine, one way or another. I'm a firm believer in splurging on the things you wear every day, though. Coats, a good pair of boots, a solid bag. You can't really get around without them.

harrr

I find it amusing that of Style.com's L.A.M.B. show coverage there is Gavin & Kingston Rossdale, Debbie Harry, Christian Siriano, Mel B (hi Spice Girls!), Russell Simmons annnnd....me? With my awesome former coworker at Style.com, Jon. Gave me a (slightly embarrassed) laugh at least.

Also an excuse to post a photo of myself which I seldom do on this blog anymore. But that's a conversation for another day.

nov 10 vogue uk

For all of the editorials she does that make my jaw drop, this is my favorite look on Lara. Blonde, teeth out, signature gaze, a touch scary yet still really soft.

mother's daughter

I've been following Mother's Daughter since the summer and now it is hands down my favorite online vintage store. The styling and photography is enviable to say the least. The owner, Hayden Shiebler, most definitely has an eye for great pieces that never look too costumey. I've yet to place an order but really hope to do so sooner than later. Also, almost every piece is under $50. Pretty great.

suno x loeffler randall

Everyone's going crazy over these shoes and rightly so. For Suno's S/S 11 collection, they paired with Loeffler Randall to make some serious printed platforms and flats. These babies are going to sell out fassssst. The entire collection did not disappoint and my love only continues to grow for this label. Going to need to change the fact that I don't own a single piece soon enough. (photos via Refinery29, Fashionista, & Loeffler Randall)

rachel comey s/s 11

...And a softer side of Rachel Comey. The hanger appeal of this collection is there from start to finish. (Wave hello to next summer's sandals.) Just as with Vena Cava, I'll happily trade the bold prints for a home for my hips.

(Phoebe Philo and the Mad Men costume designers have really created a lovely, fresh-smelling world for us to dwell in haven't they? May it never end!)

vena cava s/s 11

Some choice looks from Vena Cava S/S 11. These girls truly never disappoint. Though I've come to know and love them through the prints they create, the focus this time around seems to be on movement. Everything is just begging to be worn. And they're making shoes now! It just keeps getting better.

wednesday addams

Alexa Chung for Madewell was online by 1am last night and of course I was up for it. I mean, I've been waiting patiently like everyone else for this thing to drop since seeing the presentation last February. Deeper pockets would be much appreciated at a time like this, but for now at least I can be Wednesday Addams for Halloween (again)!

Oh and I suppose a "Happy NYFW!" is in order? One of these days I'd love to have a gig that didn't involve covering most of it from an office. Already missed my dear Vena Cava this morning and am missing some blogger events I would've loved to attend. Totally loving the Milk live streams though.

dead man's bones

Because it's a Tuesday that feels like a Monday and because it's my blog so I can put whatever I feel like on it.

Sexy bitch that you are.

karen walker hat

At Gargyle.

I'll probably finally settle for one of the American Apparel versions or a decent vintage one this fall, but isn't this wide-brimmed Karen Walker hat just perfect?

ladylike

An absolute Grace Coddington and Lara Stone dream which will force me to purchase American Vogue once more. I only do it for Lara.

joaquin phoenix love

I have been sitting here watching videos of Joaquin Phoenix rap in anticipation of the documentary I'm Still Here that Casey Affleck made about him. We have a trailer now!



And because it's Tuesday and you probably need it...

all boys are more or less the same

Love this "Behaviour Guide" written by Jean Touitou, via Vain and Vapid. Truer words. I wish I had such sage advice at a slightly younger age.

stuck

I've been stuck in my apartment most of the weekend doing work. Nothing makes you feel more crazy than being inside on a sunny day. It doesn't help that my apartment is tiny, about 260 square feet to be exact, but I try to fill it with little details like favorite clothing on display and interesting plants.

sunday factory on a sunday evening

Excited for things to arrive from Sunday Factory. Perfect girly summer pieces made from cotton and linen at amazing prices. Thanks to rennes for discovering their Etsy shop!

butter yellow

The dress Kate Bosworth wore on the 4th of July has got me longing for a summer dress in a butter yellow color. It just looks so fresh.. Love the Isabel Marant booties in lieu of sandals too. I'm kind of over sandals at the moment, they've left me with dirty, maimed feet. Kate's boots seem like a better option.

crazy hot

Happy 4th! It's unfathomably hot outside and many cold beers are in order. This is what I'm wearing today... breezy things.