tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49844569504584095162024-03-12T20:27:45.793-07:00somuchdirtylaundryWriter, Mother, Fashion Lover, not necessarily in that ordermnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4984456950458409516.post-28452668907586558352011-09-11T10:31:00.000-07:002011-09-12T09:16:57.467-07:00If Even Cameron Diaz Can't Pull Them Off...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5_e4qp1iCdo/TgzeBvHbbgI/AAAAAAAAGC4/vqA_bx8TGdI/s320/short4-cameron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5_e4qp1iCdo/TgzeBvHbbgI/AAAAAAAAGC4/vqA_bx8TGdI/s320/short4-cameron.jpg" /></a></div>(picture from the movie Bad Teacher)<br />
<br />
There seems to be something terrible plaguing this country. (besides all the obvious economy in the toilet conversation that goes without saying at this point)<br />
<br />
I'm referring to the trend of wearing the shortest shorts you can squeeze into regardless of your age or size.<br />
<br />
Everyday this phenomenon continues to amaze and confuse me. When I drop my daughter off at school I see girls wearing these tiny little denim shorts that are smaller and more uncomfortable than an undergarment. What's worse is that they are pairing these shorts with incredibly tight shirts and they are only 10 years old. This is disconcerting on so many levels. Is there an avid need for attention that has us thinking we need to wear items like this- the shorter, the tighter, the better?- starting at age 10? And what's worse is, where is the lesson in self-esteem? There seems to be a disconnect somewhere. Why aren't we teaching our daughters to hold themselves in a higher regard? Why aren't we relaying the message that if we don't value our bodies enough to understand that the real power is in <i>mystery </i>that nobody else will value it either?<br />
<br />
It's not just the 10 year olds by the way. At the grocery store I saw a gaggle of girls probably college age all wearing shorts that just looked incredibly uncomfortable. And not one of them seemed to care that they didn't have the bodies for these items. On one hand, I felt weirdly intrigued that cellulite didn't seem to bother them that it was visible, on the other, I felt so sad.<br />
<br />
I won't even get into the women of a certain age wearing these shorts. All I can say is that if they haven't figured it out by now, that's not even a subject I'm going to touch. BUT, I will say this: JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN WEAR IT DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD. I wish they would put that warning label on certain items of clothing, it would hopefully give women the pause they may need before buying an item that is just ridiculous.<br />
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Let's help teach our children the art of appropriate dressing. It's not just about aesthetics, it's about viewing our bodies as gifts, treasures to behold and uncovered. After all, looking exactly like everybody else is as boring as shooting fish in a barrel.<br />
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mnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4984456950458409516.post-41765229355522200652011-01-27T20:25:00.000-08:002011-01-27T20:30:23.959-08:00Rag House + Me = No Way Jose.So I learned the hard way what a rag house is....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://image.ecplaza.com/offer/o/oklahomarags/5871772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://image.ecplaza.com/offer/o/oklahomarags/5871772.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I had sent my resume to a company who wanted someone to help them with their "wholesale vintage" business. Since I have been freelancing for both a fantastic vintage site and a designer selling apparel wholesale, I figured this would be a no brainer, I like vintage...or so I thought.<br />
<br />
Apparently what I like is high end designer pieces sourced from private sellers that are immaculate and will only hold their value as my children age. I like <i>investment</i> vintage if you will- and fortunately, that is really the only vintage that I am familiar with. The site that I sometimes work for is just that- amazing pieces that are sourced one by one and treated with an incredible amount of respect. <br />
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When I arrived at my interview I gave an enthusiastic hello to the receptionist who ignored me. Okaaaay...so I stood there. She then informed me hastily that the interviewer would be running 15 minutes behind. Her attitude was a bigger deal than the wait honestly, so I sat down. I noticed that the ceiling tiles were half on, the walls looked like someone had spilled coffee on them and nobody cleaned it up and the carpet was downright scary. Hmmm.<br />
<br />
The man that interviewed me was about as pleasant as the receptionist. He informed me that he had just let go an entire creative team and was going to replace them with just one person. (as if the state of the lobby wasn't a red flag, this was a blaring fog horn to <i>get the fuck out of there.</i>) I politely answered questions and then took a tour of the warehouse. This is when all hell broke loose. The word "bedbugs" shot through my mind as I saw hundreds of workers wearing masks and gloves sorting through piles and piles of clothing in a space as big as the biggest Costco you can imagine, only it was downright dirty. What I mean is, the public toilet I used on the drive down was cleaner than this place. He then informed me that I would be spending most of my time sorting through inventory.<br />
<br />
Now, I don't mind a little manual labor..in fact I get bored if I have a job that doesn't require me to move around and move stuff around, but the stuff I move around is usually <i>clean </i>clothing. And I have seen pictures of rag houses before, (like the one pictured above) and they aren't really that dirty looking. But this place took it to a whole new level...I felt like I had been dropped into the worst episode of hoarders ever and it was then that my senses took over.<br />
<br />
My interviewer asked me for the names of some shoes that are hot on the vintage market right now, you know, big sellers. I was in such a state of shock that I think I said something like, "I can't really think of any right now..." as I stared around dumbfounded. He snidely replied, "really? you can't think of <i>any </i>right now" and that's when I said, "No. I can't. Well not beyond a great pair of designer shoes that have been cared for properly. Thank you for your time, but I am definitely not the person you are looking for to fill this position."<br />
<br />
I don't even think I stopped to shake his hand, I just hightailed it out of there leaving him now looking the deer.<br />
<br />
A good friend told me that when you interview for a job you are also interviewing the potential employer while they are talking to you...I always ask how many people had the position that I am interviewing for in the last 2 years, what is their management style and most of all I am seeing if I will be able to happily work with this person in the future.<br />
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In the case of the rag house...no way. And I will think twice and do the research next time I am looking for vintage.<br />
<br />
oh and by the way, <a href="http://www.zuburbia.com/">www.zuburbia.com</a> has some amazing vintage pieces if you're in the market for well cared for, impeccably collected items.mnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4984456950458409516.post-42466652707073298202011-01-18T13:37:00.000-08:002011-01-18T13:37:57.530-08:00What People Wear In Vegas, Should Stay In VegasSomething terrible is happening in Las Vegas. <br />
<br />
Yes, Vegas has the greatest shopping choices on earth if you want to pay full markup and shop for high end designer items, however, when it comes to wearing those items on a night out, it just doesn't seem to be happening.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sZzsYw2sejQ/TTYFRk9E2fI/AAAAAAAAAC8/FVLhBv84USM/s1600/IMG00248-20110115-2146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sZzsYw2sejQ/TTYFRk9E2fI/AAAAAAAAAC8/FVLhBv84USM/s320/IMG00248-20110115-2146.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This picture is what I saw when I went out in the new (and amazing) Cosmopolitan Hotel in City Center. Everywhere you turned, there was another nameless, faceless girl in a too tight, too short, sparkling dress. You cannot even imagine the staggering number of women with their ass cheeks hanging out, their breasts all but exposed, and barely an accessory except for a stripper shoe was to be found. Hair seemed to be an afterthought and I didn't see one girl in a pair of pants or jeans. NOT ONE. Really?<br />
<br />
I find it hard to believe that every single woman on the planet, (well at least the thousands that I saw) are happy walking around like this. There was more cellulite and wardrobe malfunctions on the casino floor than slot machines. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sZzsYw2sejQ/TTYGJ0T2tQI/AAAAAAAAADA/J9iTKvDIQ0E/s1600/IMG00249-20110115-2146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sZzsYw2sejQ/TTYGJ0T2tQI/AAAAAAAAADA/J9iTKvDIQ0E/s320/IMG00249-20110115-2146.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Could it be that women feel the need to dress like this in Vegas in order to get noticed? It seems to me, that someone with style is more likely to get noticed and (let's just call a spade a spade here) garner respect for actually bringing a little bit of mystery to the table. <br />
<br />
Isn't bringing one of these women back to your hotel room like shooting fish in a barrel? I know it sounds harsh, but ladies come on, you've left me no choice. Be yourself, not some cookie cutter version of the girl in front you, and for god sakes, if you're smart and beautiful, then leave those ridiculous dresses for the girls who need them in order to get noticed.mnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4984456950458409516.post-52303618881357317212011-01-13T11:55:00.000-08:002011-01-13T11:55:25.222-08:00Really Rachel Zoe?Ok, that's definitely not the first time I've said it. I'm not a hater by any means, I just never understood all the hype that surrounded the mega stylist. <br />
<br />
And now there's this, which leads me to believe that yet again, my instincts are right 99.9% of the time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static02.mediaite.com/styleite/uploads/2011/01/0-zoebig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="453" width="600" src="http://static02.mediaite.com/styleite/uploads/2011/01/0-zoebig.jpg" /></a></div><br />
(picture from styleite.com today)<br />
<br />
Yes, there you have it- "babe, I totally ripped off that dress and called it 'inspiration'" <br />
<br />
What apparently happened, although we can't be sure yet, is that Zoe styled a photoshoot in 2007 and bought the vintage dress that she used in the shoot. Now, in her new collection, the exact replica of the original vintage dress has made an appearance as her "own". <br />
<br />
Listen, this is a phenomenon that apparently is ok within the fashion industry...creating a dress that looks almost exactly like a vintage dress and calling the original dress "inspiration". I don't get it, I think it's a cheap way out, and when I first heard of this practice I was more dumbfounded than when I found out that Santa Claus wasn't real. <br />
<br />
Where are the real designers? The ones that actually draw, and create from traveling and life experiences? Why do we even have trend prediciton companies when fashion is supposed to happen organically like art? Who cares what the next trend is anyway when it's predicted from some ridiculous company?<br />
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Give me a break. And Rachel? That's ba-na-nas.mnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4984456950458409516.post-21345581805781534312011-01-06T19:54:00.000-08:002011-01-06T19:54:58.593-08:00Bye Bye Trendy, Hello Stylish.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.prettypennies.com/images/cache/newner%20193-03_jpg_46ffca730e6f8623b28bc9c4e1e3ccab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.prettypennies.com/images/cache/newner%20193-03_jpg_46ffca730e6f8623b28bc9c4e1e3ccab.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>(picture from prettypennies.com)<br />
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So I bought this blazer today. And I'm not afraid to say that I love the little shoulder pads, and slightly puffed sleeve. And even though it's slightly trendy and goes against what I believe in, when I put it on I didn't care. <br />
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You see, I have realized that I am no longer at the age where I can afford to run out and buy the trendiest item to wear for a night out. In this case I don't mean afford moneywise, I mean I can't afford it because I am simply too old and risk looking like the woman who is borrowing things out of her daughter's closet. <br />
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What I like to practice (and tell my clients) is that when you reach a certain age, go for style and not trend. A great piece will hold up over the years and as you age your wardrobe becomes an investment, like sunblock or fabulous skin care. <br />
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What I mean is, as you enter your thirties, try to avoid looking back and going, "what was I thinking??" when you remember certain outfits. Like I am sure Kim Kardashian will do when she looks back on this picture:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://fashionbombdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/kim-kardashian-balmain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="286" src="http://fashionbombdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/kim-kardashian-balmain.jpg" /></a></div>(fashionbombdaily.com)<br />
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Yikes! Even though it's designer, it's really not that flattering on her and adds trashiness not classiness to her look. And thankfully, that's something I have finally outgrown.mnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4984456950458409516.post-22710522466270176732010-12-29T21:21:00.000-08:002010-12-29T21:21:20.764-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s7v1.scene7.com/is/image/Littlewoods/A012P_SP104_08_GM0RPb?fmt=jpeg&qlt=90&wid=350&hei=410&color=255,255,255&size=350,410" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://s7v1.scene7.com/is/image/Littlewoods/A012P_SP104_08_GM0RPb?fmt=jpeg&qlt=90&wid=350&hei=410&color=255,255,255&size=350,410" width="273" /></a></div><br />
I don't care if this jacket is last season. I want this little leather jacket from Ted Baker. I can just picture wearing it, just not with that hideous shirt underneath.mnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4984456950458409516.post-9068204057446859052010-12-20T12:41:00.000-08:002010-12-20T12:41:26.225-08:00Welcome To Los Angeles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sZzsYw2sejQ/TQ-97mDa1RI/AAAAAAAAAC0/1GsLmnTZc0U/s1600/IMG00147-20101217-1041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sZzsYw2sejQ/TQ-97mDa1RI/AAAAAAAAAC0/1GsLmnTZc0U/s320/IMG00147-20101217-1041.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Yes, this is a real picture.<br />
<br />
When trying to find parking the other day during a torrential downpour, I pulled into what I thought was a parking spot. In front of me was this string of signs. I don't quite speak Los Angeles yet, so in my primitive translation I think it means: Park on the right of this sign (lovely arrow to indicate) only from 8am-6pm except or one hour on Thursday mornings. After that you'll get a ticket. If you park on the left of the sign (again, arrow to indicate) you have to have some sort of permit or it looks like permits (plural) to be exact. <br />
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But in actuality, you will get a ticket regardless of what you do because California needs the money. Maybe if they stopped making up ridiculous signs and paying employees to put them up they could figure out how to fix the budget.mnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4984456950458409516.post-12192964602766716082010-12-14T12:43:00.000-08:002010-12-14T12:47:51.392-08:00Paris' Holiday Collection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sZzsYw2sejQ/TQfVX-mi8lI/AAAAAAAAACw/ApTipznB4fU/s1600/IMG00143-20101213-2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sZzsYw2sejQ/TQfVX-mi8lI/AAAAAAAAACw/ApTipznB4fU/s320/IMG00143-20101213-2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This is my 9 year old daughter's "Holiday Line" she told me last night as she laid the pictures out for me to look at.<br />
<br />
"It's red and green for the Holidays, except for blue Hanukkah dress."<br />
<br />
Well, that explains it.<br />
<br />
She also told me that she is "not doing any accessories with this line, only shoes."<br />
<br />
Well, okay then. Guess we'll have to wait for spring to see the accessory collection...mnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4984456950458409516.post-47488564939155613332010-12-09T19:25:00.000-08:002010-12-09T19:25:42.250-08:00My Sentiments Exactly.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sadanduseless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://www.sadanduseless.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/books.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
(picture from stumbleupon.com)mnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4984456950458409516.post-63064999026264158122010-11-29T18:54:00.000-08:002010-11-29T18:54:41.366-08:00The West Has Won My Wardrobe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://girlstalkinsmack.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/vanessahudgens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://girlstalkinsmack.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/vanessahudgens.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>(image from girlstalkinsmack.com)<br />
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Growing up on the East Coast gives you an intense appreciation for structured fabric, sleek fitting coats, heels and of course, black. It's not in my nature to embrace the flowing, layer-y-ness that encompasses living on the West Coast. For the first six months I lived here, I couldn't understand the importance of a pair of Uggs when worn with a dress. <br />
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However, before that gets taken as negatively, let me explain. I now understand that the reason why the style of dress is completely different in Los Angeles. It developed out of two things; nicer weather and necessity. The fact that it is considerably sunnier does do something positive to the psyche, shaping it into a totally different disposition. When you wear black on a sunny day you can't help but feel like you are raining on someone's parade. And as far as the Uggs goes, well, one thing I have realized about L.A. is this: when you are standing in the sun you are standing in all that California is known for, the sunshine, the warmth, the <i>happiness</i>. When you are standing in the shade however, it's like standing on a different continent where the wind is cold and the dampness seeps into your bones. Those Uggs with the dress may look crazy, but the flowy dress is perfect for the sunshine and the boots help you to not freeze during the time you're in the shade. There is actually a method to the madness that has turned into a West Coast fashion statement.<br />
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Layers are not in my nature, however, I have learned to adapt. I used to feel fat whenever I wore more than one layer, now I have just gotten over it. The weather here is bi-polar. Seriously, you can basically have all four seasons in one day. The morning is cold, (unless it's a heat wave) the afternoons are warm to hot, and as soon as the sun goes down, the evenings are cold. And as I said before, layering is not something that came naturally to me. As a matter of fact, I despised it so much when I first moved here, I found myself either sweating or freezing most of the time. I had to stop fighting it and go out and buy a more layering friendly wardrobe. This means, T-Shirts, Open Cardigans, and (God help me) lightweight scarfs. Gone are my days of choosing a black turtleneck and a coat and being done with it. Now getting dressed actually requires a lot more thought, and honestly, a lot more fun. Yeah, I said it, layering with <i>color, </i>is actually fun. <br />
<br />
Case in point, when going to pick out a Çhristmas tree, I was wearing a tank top, an open cardigan, a floral scarf, jeans and knitted Uggs. While I was standing next to the tree we were purchasing, waiting for an attendant, my husband said, "This is your look, " as he gestured to my outfit, "you look great like that." The old me would have shot the woman wearing this outfit a nasty look and hissed under her breath, "get <i>ahold </i>of yourself, and take that stupid scarf off!" The L.A. Mom I have become was happy.<br />
<br />
I think the sunshine has gotten to me.mnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4984456950458409516.post-82124713205916646842010-11-10T09:06:00.000-08:002010-11-10T09:06:32.956-08:00Women Like This Exist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sZzsYw2sejQ/TNrNIoVvJzI/AAAAAAAAACs/hOJTgXd-xHI/s1600/IMG00094-20101109-0827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sZzsYw2sejQ/TNrNIoVvJzI/AAAAAAAAACs/hOJTgXd-xHI/s320/IMG00094-20101109-0827.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I know this picture isn't doing the situation I'm about to describe any justice, but you have to bear with me. <br />
<br />
This woman was walking in front of me on the way to drop my daughter off at school this morning. She was fully dressed, (including makeup expertly applied), her outfit consisted of leggings, Uggs, a cashmere hoodie and a True Religion jean jacket. She was carrying a new Fendi bag and last year's Prada sunglasses. Her dog had on a designer jacket and her kids were decked to the 9's. <br />
<br />
This is bad enough. <br />
<br />
Upon striking up a conversation with her she mentioned that she actually has five children and her husband wanted to have one more. She was stunning, her body was perfect, she looked amazing, and I felt pretty ugly duckling standing on the street with my hair all crazy and my Puma sweats on. But that's not even the worst of it...As her dazzling smile is lighting up the sidewalk she says this; "I don't know, having five kids is a lot of work, but it's so much fun! I think we actually may have one more." <br />
<br />
I immediately looked around for the hidden cameras I was sure had to be there. Having five kids is so much fun? Having the two (and a half) that I have is fun at times, but it stresses me to high hell. I find the daily task of trying to raise good, respectful children daunting and exhausting. I completely understand the parents who let their kids just do whatever because it's easier, that's just not the parenting that I practice. <br />
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And as far as getting decked out enough to have makeup expertly applied that early in the morning on top of getting five kids ready? Good for her! But unless I have somewhere to be that early, don't expect to see me walking to school with more than a headband for accessories, and that's only to hide the bedhead that I am sure to have.mnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4984456950458409516.post-5906702203045592832010-11-08T19:20:00.000-08:002010-11-08T19:20:00.555-08:00Are You A Boutique or Store Stalker?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.thoughtpick.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/stalking-shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://blog.thoughtpick.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/stalking-shirt.jpg" /></a></div>(image from blog.thoughtpick.com)<br />
<br />
I am what I would call a Boutique Stalker. Since having a disposable income has become a pipe dream, there is no way I can go out and buy new clothes right now. This is a reality that I have accepted and adjusted to accordingly. And while I may not have hoards of money to spend on clothing, I have done a great job of finding small ways to update -$20 skinny jeans at a sample sale, a $3 AMAZING scarf at a vintage show, $8 designer bathing suit at a sample sale -and even though I am perfectly happy searching high and low for the right item at the right price, it does requires a lot of research. Well, I call it research, boutique owners may actually call it stalking. <br />
<br />
Let me clarify: when I say stalking I am not waiting outside of boutiques for the owners to come out and shaking them down to have a sale; what I mean is, I frequent certain stores to see the new merchandise and to see if the items I had my eye on have gone on sale. By frequent I mean, go in often just to look. I know the employees by name now, and I am sure after I leave they are probably exasperated. Hey, times have changed and a girl still has to find a way to look good.<br />
<br />
For example<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=somuchdirtyla-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1439110263&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>-my favorite store, <i>Purple Poppy</i> has some of the best and most unique pieces I have seen. I have had my eye on a certain shirt there for a while now but at $75 that's a little too far out of my justification. However, I knew that if I held out long enough, it would come down. And sure enough, on one of my stalking missions I saw it for 50% off. <br />
<br />
The thrill of finding an amazing deal has replaced the high of shopping and paying full price. I feel like if it's still there and it's in my size and the season hasn't changed, I've <i>earned </i>it. <br />
<br />
I could now give tours of Los Angeles based on which boutiques have what items at what prices. If I were at all organized, I could probably create a spreadsheet, but even I'm not that neurotic.<br />
<br />
But trust me, if you're ever in L.A. and need to know where to find the best stuff at the best possible price, just call me. mnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4984456950458409516.post-61931909467525663182010-11-04T20:04:00.000-07:002010-11-05T11:21:20.535-07:00Why Mom's Dress Mom-Like<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mommyposh.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/mom_jeans1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://www.mommyposh.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/mom_jeans1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> (image from mommyposh.com)<br />
<br />
As much as I like to pretend that I am far superior fashionably to most mom's, I'm really not during the weekdays when I am in full on Mom mode. No. I'm not rocking mom jeans or sneakers (unless they're my leopard print Puma's) with faded jeans when I'm pushing the stroller, but I'm not wearing anything particularly fabulous either.<br />
<br />
Case in point? I found a cute little summer dress at a sample sale that I paid $10 for. (One thing I can do is hunt out a bargain when it comes to fashion, it's a true <i>gift</i>) This particular dress is a royal blue halter dress and it's really cute, if not subtly sexy. I've even worn it with heels and gone out for drinks. So I decided that with sparkly flat sandals, it would make a great casual outfit today because we are having a heat wave. After all, it's 90 degrees <i>inside </i>our un-airconditioned apartment. <br />
<br />
Since the thought of eating while sitting in our home that is now an oven is absolutely nauseating, I decided to take the kids to their favorite Mexican restaurant for dinner. And, let's face it, I'm dressed presentably enough to be seen in public, so why not? I am the cool<i> </i>Mom today! <br />
<br />
Until... my 2 year old throws a tantrum at the table and is wearing the milk she is supposed to be drinking and then literally <i>lays </i>in the salsa bowl. After realizing that even a visit from Santa Claus himself isn't going to save this meal and allow the people around us to enjoy theirs, I quickly pay the bill and get our dinner to go...just in time for the little one to throw herself on the ground and start screaming. This, of course, leaves me no option but to pick her up and hold her tightly to me while she is kicking and screaming, allowing all of the milk and salsa to press wonderfully into my cute little dress. By the time we reach the car, we are both wearing her runny nose, tears and a disgusting, sweaty combination of food that should never be mixed together. My dress is dangerously close to slipping off and what's left of it is of course, wet and disgusting. And I finally realized in that moment, that this is EXACTLY why Mom's get so comfortable in their unattractive clothing. Who has disposable income to ruin outfit after outfit when their kids are in their terrible twos?<br />
<br />
The trick is to dress to kill anytime you don't have kids and as soon as they hit Kindergarten, go out and buy yourself a new wardrobe, because believe me, you earned it.mnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4984456950458409516.post-49265263119457403512010-11-01T19:45:00.000-07:002010-11-01T19:45:48.437-07:00Hire Me Goddammit.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSglEsc6O1TO6eY7lprTHCTyl-_mwKIURq1SAq-j-l6bbzB8_g&t=1&usg=__f0FF26DnUyVEVYz_MFZgYc-FMc4=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSglEsc6O1TO6eY7lprTHCTyl-_mwKIURq1SAq-j-l6bbzB8_g&t=1&usg=__f0FF26DnUyVEVYz_MFZgYc-FMc4=" /></a></div>(picture from jobschange.org)<br />
<br />
When looking through my sent box the other day I realized just how many jobs I have applied for and just how many I have not even been considered for. <br />
<br />
To tell you the truth, I used to feel like the girl in the picture above, well I still do actually, however the one below is how I feel right now after realizing just how many jobs I have applied for and not heard back from.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:gaTwAAfmCTh-eM:http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o453/jeffs99vulcan/Donkey/Laugh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:gaTwAAfmCTh-eM:http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o453/jeffs99vulcan/Donkey/Laugh.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(picture from kawasaki.com)</div><br />
The job market is humbling to say the least. <br />
<br />
I had an employer tell me last year that even though I wasn't experienced in the field he hired me for, I was smart, therefore I could learn whatever he taught me. He showed me that I could do all of the styling, writing <i><b>and</b></i> the photography for a deadline driven sample sale website. I even moonlighted helping the buyers at that same job. It was fantastic, fun and I felt <i>alive.<i></i></i><br />
<br />
However the dreaded (I hate hearing this word, so I feel like a hypocrite using it) economy, got the best of my situation and here I am, freelancing. <br />
<br />
I'm not complaining. As a freelancer, I've been pretty damn lucky. However, it still sucks to live in fear, pondering over every word or outfit I put together, knowing that there are thousands of people just like me who would love to have the opportunity that I have been given. I'm not made of stone, I think about that when I'm working sometimes and it freaks me out to the point of having to get up and do something else for a little while before I can settle down to complete an assignment. <br />
<br />
Case in point; I was hired to write for a gourmet Rice Krispie company. The job is fun for Christsakes, and I still take all of the fun out of it by thinking about how lucky I am to have it in the first place.<br />
<br />
Maybe I should lay off the caffeine.mnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4984456950458409516.post-24978860741628090982010-10-27T20:22:00.000-07:002010-10-27T20:22:23.914-07:00Hair Envy or Why The F*CK Did I Cut My Hair?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.harpersbazaar.com/cm/harpersbazaar/images/q6/juliaroberts-de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.harpersbazaar.com/cm/harpersbazaar/images/q6/juliaroberts-de.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>(picture from Harper's Bazaar circa 2008)<br />
<br />
So about a year ago (10 months to be exact), when I was working full time styling and doing photography for a sample sale website in Downtown L.A. I decided to test my limits on how far I could push my own look and cut my hair off. I didn't just cut it into a pixie cut which would have been devastating enough, oh no, that would have been WAY too easy to grow out, instead I cut the mother f*ing living shit out of my hair. Translation: My hair was mostly shaved with a cool longer part in the front that hung down or as I liked to wear it; spiked straight up on top of my head. For about three solid months I loved this look. I was cool, I was edgy, I was finally living free! Until one day, I started to really miss my hair. And when that longing hit, I was really unprepared.<br />
<br />
For some reason I have a delayed reaction about every situation I have ever come across, whether it's monumental or what I just ordered for dinner. It must be a survival mechanism that is stuck in the on position, because I am pretty sure normal people have normal reactions in a normal time frame. <br />
<br />
So I began the long process of growing it out. And because I had gone to such extremes, my curly hair had to grow out and fuzzy before it had any weight to start to grow down. So here I am, almost a year later, and my hair is still short. I am so sick of it, I want to just pull a Kate Gosselin and get really crappy extensions so my damn neck is warm for once. Thank God this is L.A. and nobody can make a move without a scarf on. (It must be a law or something)<br />
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Why the picture of Julia Roberts? Oh, I just wanted to be sure to give you the best visual I possibly can when I explain this to you; when my hair is long and not washed, that is pretty damn close to what it looks like. Yeah... And.I.Cut.It.Off. <br />
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I'm beginning to wonder when I'll ever learn.mnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4984456950458409516.post-6245539855079414892010-10-26T20:25:00.000-07:002010-10-26T20:25:25.146-07:00Fashionably The Best Picture of Snooki Yet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s-ak.buzzfed.com/static/imagebuzz/terminal01/2010/10/25/17/snook-o-lantern-14115-1288041475-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://s-ak.buzzfed.com/static/imagebuzz/terminal01/2010/10/25/17/snook-o-lantern-14115-1288041475-23.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>(picture courtesy of <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/">buzzfeed</a>)<br />
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Being originally from the East Coast, I loathe everything the cast of Jersey Shore stands for. The orange skin, the bad makeup, the big hair, the slutty clothing, (and yes, I am talking to both the men and the women with that last statement), and the way that they perpetuate the already bad enough stereotype of the Italian American culture. I mean, they made admitting that you are Italian and originally from the East Coast a really tough thing to do without someone inevitably saying something stupid that refers to one of the cast members of the Jersey Shore. <br />
<br />
Perhaps the most irritating thing about the cast of the class-less is that they will be famous for a little bit longer with Halloween fast approaching. Snooki and The Situation costumes have been selling like protein shakes at the gym and Bump-Its will see a final spike in sales one last time. <br />
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And hopefully, just maybe, after this last hurrah, they will begin to fade back into the cycle of gym, tan, laundry that they came from. The women will eventually get married and learn to cook, and fashion designers can stop cringing when one of the cast members step out in public and announce who they are wearing.<br />
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<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=somuchdirtyla-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B003C8EXKK&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>mnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4984456950458409516.post-89932974612232550992010-10-25T11:50:00.000-07:002010-10-25T11:50:07.494-07:00Nobody Becomes A Hipster By Accident<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s-ak.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/terminal01/2010/10/24/14/enhanced-buzz-11148-1287943597-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://s-ak.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/terminal01/2010/10/24/14/enhanced-buzz-11148-1287943597-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>(picture from <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/">Buzzfeed</a><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=somuchdirtyla-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0312624972&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>) <br />
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While out on Saturday night I heard an amazing line that I still can't stop laughing about, "nobody becomes a hipster by accident." <br />
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It's funny because it's true. It's an actual choice to put on those ridiculous glasses, dress cooler than thou, listen to music that is whiney and annoying, and pretend that they just discovered the "retro" movement. <br />
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Listen up so called super cool youth- those non prescription glasses without lenses were in style back in the 80's and I'm pretty sure they wanted to die there, so please stop resurrecting them. Your "rebel" way of dressing is not any different from any other rebellious clothing movement throughout time. The hippies when they first showed up, the acid washed jackets (the first time around), the grunge movement...all of these were here long before, so while you are trying so hard to not be a part of a trend, you are exactly that; a trend. And in a few years you will look back just like the rest of us and say no differently than we all do; "what the hell was I thinking?"mnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4984456950458409516.post-23495121729170205002010-10-21T13:23:00.000-07:002010-11-05T06:25:07.698-07:00Dressing Weird Doesn't Mean You're Fashionable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://foreveramber.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/04/15/ugly_clothes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://foreveramber.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/04/15/ugly_clothes.jpg" width="161" /></a></div>Fashion really needs to just get over itself. Seriously.<br />
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<br />
I think it's great if you understand the trends and how to wear them, however, wearing them all at once or perhaps participating in ones that your body is defying with every ounce of it's being, is just not cool.<br />
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I'm going to take one for the team here and describe it like this: there was a period in my life when I was- how should I put this- let's just say, not in the best shape. And perhaps my self esteem suffered because of this, (or perhaps I was not in the best shape because of my low self esteem, but this is a chicken or the egg debate that could go on forever) anyway, I started wearing tighter clothes to show off my curves. Back then, I couldn't bear the thought of not wearing a slim fitting body suit and denim shorts, (because that's what the hottest trend was) however, I had <i>NO </i>business wearing it. It hugged me in all the wrong places, the slim belt highlighted the belly that I had grown from eating a small pizza by myself every night to soak up the pitcher of beer that I had drank, or the pot that I had smoked, but most likely both. I was a hot mess before the term hot mess was invented. <br />
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Now I've (thankfully) learned to dress right for my body type and lifestyle. I wear structured fabrics that nip in at the waist, a colorful scarf on a plain T-Shirt day, leggings that have some sort of slimming power because the last thing I want to do is add another ounce of anything to my legs. See what I'm getting at here? It's called <i>Practical </i>Fashion. And from now on, that is exactly what we'll be talking about on this blog, because if I see one more picture of a girl in a floral top with a contrasting print skirt that is too small for her with those fake plastic eye glass frames and shoes that look disgusting while they pass it off as "vintage", I'm going to scream. Vintage is beautifully kept high quality fabrics and textiles ladies, old shoes are second hand recycling. And recycling is a great thing, however if it comes with bedbugs, leave it alone.mnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4984456950458409516.post-9253463612294580072010-10-20T11:04:00.000-07:002010-10-20T11:04:26.484-07:00Cigarettes And I Broke Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cigarettesdigest.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/beautiful-woman-smoking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://cigarettesdigest.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/beautiful-woman-smoking.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>(picture courtesy of cigarettes digest.com, and yes, there is such a thing)<br />
<br />
When I realized that my longest and most successful relationship has been the one I've had with smoking, I had a long talk with myself. Well, argument really. <br />
<br />
Cigarettes have been paramount to my life since I first stole one out of my Aunt's car at the age of 16. I once had a boyfriend tell me that he couldn't be "with someone who claimed that cigarettes were her first love." So I dumped him. Cigarettes <i>were</i><i> </i>my first love. Period. And I knew they were going to be there for me long after he would. I used to feel sexy and beautiful (like the girl pictured above) and most importantly NOT hungry, every time I lit one. <br />
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However, at this point in my life, I have become to realize that I am actually closer to looking like this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.corbisimages.com/images/572/6D1CBD6F-9F53-46CA-B620-5A89A71D7E14/42-19650437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.corbisimages.com/images/572/6D1CBD6F-9F53-46CA-B620-5A89A71D7E14/42-19650437.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
than anything else. Notice her fashionable earrings, and matching hat and scarf? Yeah I'm pretty sure the ghost of cigarettes future put this picture on the internet to show me my fate. I mean, how am I going to run around giving fashion advice when my fingers are about to turn yellow?<br />
<br />
So now, I am forced to have long calming talks with myself about things; i.e. am I really hungry or do I just want to smoke? is 1:30 a.m. a good time to pace around the house and eat pretzels instead of smoking? am I really mad that the dog chewed a Q-tip or am I just pissed because I'm not smoking? The list goes on and on, but the bottom line is always the same. <br />
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What I found is that talking things out in a relationship isn't as bad as I thought...well, at least in the relationship I have with myself. (I have yet to master it in any other relationship, but hey, baby steps) I also realized that after years of kidding myself about not "really being addicted" to smoking, I was wildly, unequivocally, addicted. <br />
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I also used to think that a memoir entitled "coffee and nicotine" was appropriate when I finally sit down to write one, however, I'm going to have to rethink that. <br />
<br />
At least I will have some more time and a few less wrinkles along the way.mnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4984456950458409516.post-47951986133845339812010-10-19T18:55:00.000-07:002010-10-19T18:55:36.469-07:00Yes, You Can Bedazzle Your Vagina<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cocktailwax.com/images/cristal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://www.cocktailwax.com/images/cristal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>(picture from <a href="http://www.cocktailwax.com/">Cocktail Wax</a> in Los Angeles)<br />
<br />
For so many reasons, I love the city in which I live. I can go to the beach in less than 4 minutes, I can see the show "Parenthood" being taped at my daughter's school, but perhaps the best thing of all is that I can now get my Vajayjay bedazzled the next time I go get a wax. What a wonderful world in which we live!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cocktailwax.com/">Cocktail Wax</a>, a "unique" waxing salon, offers waxing specialties in different flavors and scents, and now the embellished wax. They can place crystals in the design of your choice on your freshly waxed "area". I'm told the design will last for at least 7 days, so if you have any important "filming" that is coming up, well, you have at least 7 days to schedule it. <br />
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And by the way, those babies are Swarovski Crystals. Hey, if you are going to bedazzle what your Mama gave you, you may as well do it right.mnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4984456950458409516.post-61416002983807103152010-10-04T12:00:00.000-07:002010-10-04T12:00:19.432-07:00Fashioning Fashion at LACMASince I can remember, I have always had a love for the fashion from the era of the French Revolution. I may not have known what the French Revolution was at the time I was supposed to, but I sure knew that the intricate style of dress was definitely for me. <br />
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To put it simply, I'm a sucker for a structured fabric, a high neck and anything that shows off a figure without showing too much skin. This may be in part to my Connecticut upbringing, however, I doubt it. Maybe it had something to do with the stories I was always immersed in, or perhaps, a little show called "Little House on the Prairie". Who can say really?<br />
<br />
I was fortunate enough to attend the Fashioning Fashion exhibit at LACMA this weekend and was able to take some pictures without getting thrown out. <br />
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The picture below is for those of you who complain when I tell you that Spanx is not an option, it's a necessity. Imagine wearing these undergarments instead? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sZzsYw2sejQ/TKofoqjLe6I/AAAAAAAAABs/DDh8JPWaVpU/s1600/IMG00030-20101002-1329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sZzsYw2sejQ/TKofoqjLe6I/AAAAAAAAABs/DDh8JPWaVpU/s320/IMG00030-20101002-1329.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Interesting and intricate sewing on these early pieces.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sZzsYw2sejQ/TKofsFVbgoI/AAAAAAAAABw/oT7ORvMG0Dk/s1600/IMG00029-20101002-1327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sZzsYw2sejQ/TKofsFVbgoI/AAAAAAAAABw/oT7ORvMG0Dk/s320/IMG00029-20101002-1327.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Nothing better than a fancy dressed man in my opinion. This outfit made me a little bit envious...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sZzsYw2sejQ/TKofudyEsvI/AAAAAAAAAB0/XOKL1q_zPQw/s1600/IMG00028-20101002-1326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sZzsYw2sejQ/TKofudyEsvI/AAAAAAAAAB0/XOKL1q_zPQw/s320/IMG00028-20101002-1326.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This is the "calico" pattern that they always refer to when reading literature. Honestly, I had no idea either.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sZzsYw2sejQ/TKofxcA8yQI/AAAAAAAAAB4/60zIlUCHtRo/s1600/IMG00027-20101002-1325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_sZzsYw2sejQ/TKofxcA8yQI/AAAAAAAAAB4/60zIlUCHtRo/s320/IMG00027-20101002-1325.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Is it just me or does Burberry seem a little bit unoriginal now?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sZzsYw2sejQ/TKof1Cp37lI/AAAAAAAAAB8/r9i_4vtq87s/s1600/IMG00025-20101002-1324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_sZzsYw2sejQ/TKof1Cp37lI/AAAAAAAAAB8/r9i_4vtq87s/s320/IMG00025-20101002-1324.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Gorgeous. The tiniest waist ever, but none the less, gorgeous dress. <br />
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After seeing these amazing, hand sewn pieces, it made me a little bit sad that even I occasionally fall victim to the mass marketed, cheap pieces that are so readily available now. This experience made me appreciate the incredible hard work and true art that fashion is, and why I fell in love with it in the first place.mnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4984456950458409516.post-43372353210622111582010-05-24T08:50:00.000-07:002010-05-24T08:50:20.167-07:00Stuff That Paris Wears<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;">Can't imagine where she gets her fashion sense..</span></span><br />
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</span></span>mnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4984456950458409516.post-61176366070366923602010-04-14T20:13:00.000-07:002010-04-15T15:54:52.945-07:00Seriously?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gotta Love <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1JxMAr/www.noupe.com/inspiration/35-ingenious-examples-of-footwear.html/r:t">Stumpleupon</a> for showing me that my shoe addiction has reached it's pinnacle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://media.smashingmagazine.com/cdn_noupe/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/spider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media.smashingmagazine.com/cdn_noupe/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/spider.jpg" width="268" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, for those of you who know me personally, you know that I am deathly afraid of spiders. I mean I have run screaming from a room leaving my 9 year old for dead when I have spotted what I think is a menacing spider. Am I proud of this? No. Am I embarassed by this? Absolutely not. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That being said; for those of you who know me, I have also been known to wear some pretty outrageous outfits, (a white prom dress with white cowboy boots comes to mind), but I would NEVER I mean NEVER wear a tarantula on anything I own, much less IN anything I own. Even if it was plastic. But in this case, that's a real spider and I wouldn't be able to sleep knowing that these bad boys were in my house. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think the only person that could wear this and get some benefit from it would have to be a stripper, because that's a whole new level of crazy/sexy even I can't compete with. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On a different note though, I bet the height makes your legs look really long and sexy. But I would rather wear that prom dress and cowboy boots to work than wear these shoes for one minute. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The aquarium shoes on the other hand, I would wear. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Except for the fact that the entire time I would be worried about the fish being sloshed around and I most definitely would be attacked by members of PETA (this is LA afterall) and I can't take all that drama. So I'll leave the fish shoes to some drag queen who is obviously more glamourous and definitely braver than I am. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>mnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4984456950458409516.post-39059926753194572532010-04-11T15:52:00.000-07:002010-04-11T15:52:19.345-07:00Stop Subjecting Us To Your Camel ToeWhile coming out of the Bagel Nosh this morning, I noticed an older couple was leaving at the same time. They were walking in front of me and I quickly deduced that they were quite fashionable. They dressed as if they worked in the Fashion District downtown. (No, for those of you who understand what I'm talking about, they weren't tragically hip wearing crazy shit just to stand out because they didn't get enough attention growing up, what I mean is that they were pretty damn stylish) For example: He was wearing a blue striped shirt, dark washed jeans and beat up brown shoes and he was probably in his late 50's. She was wearing a blue (jewel toned) sweater with leggings, knee high boots, Marc Jacobs sunglasses and a fabulous scarf with blues and golds. She was also in her late 50's. So far so good right? <br />
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Here's where it takes a turn for the worst. While checking out the top half of her outfit I was impressed, but then as I glanced downward I noticed that the sweater was shorter than it should have been. Well, that's not entirely fair, this lady had a great body and if you can pull off leggings without your butt covered by all means do it. It wasn't the fact that her sweater was too short that was the kicker, it was her undergarments that got to me.<br />
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If you need/like to wear a full brief, by all means do it. Just know this: in order to pull off a full brief please make sure the panty lines do not show, and for the love of god if they happen to show, please make sure they are not squeezing your lady parts for all the world to see. <br />
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</div>And that's what was happening around 9:30 this morning at the Bagel Nosh in Santa Monica. Leggings were advertising a full ill-fitting brief underneath that not only put this woman's camel toe proudly for the entire population on Wishire Boulevard to view, but when she turned around they cut off her butt into four pieces and made two of them look like they were struggling to get out of an overstuffed basket. <br />
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What the hell is going on here? Since when did we stop looking in the mirror before leaving the house? Ugh. This isn't Chip N Dales ladies, the one with the biggest package doesn't get the best shift just so you know.mnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4984456950458409516.post-75784537059252060422010-04-08T10:57:00.000-07:002010-04-08T10:57:56.694-07:00I Can't Help ItMaybe it's because I moved to the West Coast where it is largely more informal in their style of dress, or maybe it's because I may be getting a tad bit older in my style of dress, but the bottom line is: It's time for me to succumb to the fact that I need a pair of flats. <br />
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I come from the school of thought that the longer your legs appear, the slimmer and sexier you appear. This is not wrong by any stretch, but living a few blocks from the beach you tend to look ridiculous wearing 4 inch Louboutins on a walk to Whole Foods for some milk. If I lived on 5th Ave sure....but Santa Monica is no Manhattan. <br />
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So in my quest to incorporate a pair of (gasp) flats into my wardrobe I have found a few pairs that I might consider, but haven't made the leap yet. So far these are the front runners. Let me know what you think. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.luckymag.com/images/shopping/2010/03/shoeguide_pointytoeflats_dkny_322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.luckymag.com/images/shopping/2010/03/shoeguide_pointytoeflats_dkny_322.jpg" width="245" wt="true" /></a><a href="http://www.luckymag.com/images/shopping/2010/03/shoeguide_pointytoeflats_kensie_322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.luckymag.com/images/shopping/2010/03/shoeguide_pointytoeflats_kensie_322.jpg" width="245" wt="true" /></a><a href="http://www.luckymag.com/images/shopping/2010/03/shoeguide_pointytoeflats_jessica_322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.luckymag.com/images/shopping/2010/03/shoeguide_pointytoeflats_jessica_322.jpg" width="245" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">all of these were featured in Lucky Magazine this month.</div>mnghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12351877420383822545noreply@blogger.com1