A recent trip made me realize black is the worst color to travel in. It attracts all kinds of crap and by the time you get to your destination, you need a rub down with duct tape to look presentable. So whatʼs a girl to do when she wants to be comfortable while staying away from Juicy Couture track suits? (Iʼm still amazed when I see this, by the way.) 
Instead of jeans, which can get uncomfortable during long sitting stints, stretch cotton pants are better bet. I like these 
Knit lovers rejoice! 
Gem & I
June 10 | Favorite Things
Statement jewelry has never been my aesthetic but I just might change my tune this summer, especially since there are so many interesting pieces on sale… yes, I’m still babbling about all these sales.
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Love this bold look! The green Swarovski crystal sea monster motif looks tough but somehow also manages to look graphic. Jewelry is not well represented in my wardrobe and it’s a shame because it can punch up a basic outfit or add some personality without trying too hard. I say bring on the shiny!
Going with Flo
May 16 | Favorite Things
I don’t know about you, but the vast improvement in weather in my neck of the woods has me feeling so cheerful. It also makes me want to put on light, feel-good clothes including – gasp! – florals.
It seems like designers, editors and retailers are all conspiring against the floral-phobic in me. Flower motifs are everywhere. I've always been a little dubious. Small prints can be prissy while large flower prints come off as muumuu-esque. But now I’m feeling the flo. Maybe it’s all the real flowers that I’m surrounded by lately. Maybe I’m getting soft. Whatever it is, I’ve turned around to this wearable garden party. Here’s one of my faves:
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The silhouette is casual but the open back gives it a bit more sex appeal. The best part for me is that the floral print is a bit more graphic than girly. How sweet it is.
Hopelessly Devoted
May 2 | Favorite Things
I was recently shopping with my husband and baby in tow – he was sweet enough to wheel the little one around in the stroller while I trolled the downtown Nordstrom here in Portland for handbags. The selection is fantastic at this location, with many of the requisite luxury brands: Yves Saint Laurent, Chloé, Marc Jacobs. It was fun to look but I was having a hard time even finding anything that really caught my eye. At the prices handbags are going for these days, the bags better make me look taller, hotter and infinitely more stylish than everyone else around.
Then I noticed the Chanel boutique within the Nordstrom over in the corner. The lure was too strong. I had to check out the goods. Here’s where I got a little lightheaded. First of all, it is about ten times brighter in that part of the store so it felt like handbag heaven. The sales woman who helped me was so incredibly attentive and helpful that I wanted to say “I’ll take everything!” in the throws of my bag high. Of course I had to snap out of it, but not before my lust for luxury was permanently cemented in the shape of this bag:
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Chanel Perforated Metallic Calfskin Flap Bag |
This picture from the Chanel website makes the bag look flashier than it actually looks in person. But Perforated Metallic bag has attitude while being classic enough to steal the show from the prim little quilted bags. The gold metal accents contrast nicely with the silver leather and the inside is lined with the most beautiful silvery-blue satin. I am officially in love. But with a $2,195 price tag it will have to be a long-distance courtship. But don’t think I’m not scheming of ways to be with my true handbag love.
Why Dye?
March 30 | Favorite Things
I used to make fun of my husband for listening to the Grateful Dead because for me, the whole scene conjured up images of dirty hair and bad tie-dye. Whether thatʼs a fair assessment or not, it doesnʼt matter. I have now official gone over to the dark side and know plenty of Grateful Dead songs by heart (from years of being a captive audience on road trips) and have even caught myself singing a tune to the baby. *Sigh*
While I wonʼt be sporting a tie-dye t-shirt any time soon, I have seen some nice tie-dye looks that doesnʼt look too, um, crunchy. Here a look I really like:
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It almost looks like an ethnic print, which is a big trend this season. I say a little tie-dye goes a long way and this light, airy look is perfect for spring.
YSL Majorelle
March 25 | Favorite Things
At first I wasnʼt that into this bag. It seemed too old lady-ish for me. But after further review, Iʼve changed my mind.
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How else can you pull off purple patent leather but as a bright bit of arm candy? It also helps punch up a rather staid design. Iʼm all for classic looks but accessories are a great way to think outside the box.
Speaking of Yves Saint Laurent, I read The Beautiful Fall
The Sweetest Thing
February 22 | Favorite Things
I donʼt know if itʼs the fact that a cupcake is involved or just that the top is adorable but I am loving this bright little number from Boden.
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I recently got a Boden womenʼs catalogue, not really knowing much about the brand. I lingered over every page. Thereʼs a sense of fun and whimsy to the designs, which lean toward the comfortable yet on trend. This top in particular speaks to my craving for color and the picture most definitely speaks to my craving for sweets. The pull is hard to resist.
Give a Girl a Handbag
February 13 | Favorite Things
Earlier today my brother called me for advice on a Valentine’s Day gift for his wife. I like hearing about last minute scrambles to find gifts. It makes me feel less like a loser when I do the same thing. He thought a new handbag was the way to go – good choice – and wanted some suggestions at the right price point.
That got me thinking… I always have room in my heart and closet for a new bag and this would make the perfect addition!
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I’ll try not to gush in admiration. Normally ruffles aren’t my thing, but the ultra girly detail is offset with the metal hardware and chain strap, which is removable for when you prefer a clutch. Love it!
Undercover and Underexposed
February 1 | Favorite Things
While the cold, rain and occasional snow still batters Portland, I refuse to let the weather get me down. I’ve got a Bahamas vacation coming up dammit! Gotta keep my eyes on the prize.
Part of the prize, besides the obvious improvement in the weather, is I’ll actually have a reason to shave my legs. Right now it’s like remembering to floss… I do it because I should. My husband is the only one who sees my bare legs and sometimes has the misfortune of rubbing up against a slightly hairy shin while we’re in bed. Poor guy. My laziness with the razor is even less fun for him.
Soon, I’ll happily shave my legs because they will be free of jeans, tights and long pajama bottoms! And I’ve found the perfect little dress to celebrate the liberation.
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C&C is the originator of the soft, lived-in looking t-shirt. I like that their t-shirts look a bit more refined and come in an incredible range of colors. I wish the Abbey came in more colors reminiscent of spring, but for now I’d be happy with white. All the better to show off my tanned and stubble free legs.
Body Conscious
Favorite Things | January 13
Does anyone like to shop for swimwear? Maybe a Brazilian swimsuit model, but the rest of us mere mortals would rather not face our bikini-clad backsides in a three way mirror.
Continuing on with the vacation theme (I’m counting down the days in case you couldn’t guess) I need a new swimsuit but I’m not really looking forward to shopping for one. I’m tempted to just order something online and hope for the best but that’s about as wise as ordering a fish sandwich at a roadside bar in Reno.
While I’ll have to cut myself some slack and add an extra set of crunches every day, there’s no doubt the suit I spend money on will be the one that makes me feel good. Whether it’s a flattering color or cut - or extra powerful Lycra - it’s all about the extra confidence that comes from keeping the jiggle under control. An all important factor when ordering another pina colada or snacking on something deep fried. This is a beach vacation after all.
Here’s a picture of a simple but simply gorgeous Eres swimsuit. Guess I’ll go start those crunches now.
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Flare Thee Well
January 6 | Favorite Things
I’m not into resolutions but the one thing I wanted to improve on this year was not always relying on jeans to get me through an outfit crisis. While I’ve added a few new dresses to my repertoire but I keep going back to dark denim for most of my outings. It doesn’t help that now I am totally obsessed with wide leg jeans. I’m constantly looking for another pair.
With a warm weather vacation looming – to save me from the rain God help me – I’m looking forward to packing light. Light in weight and color that is. So when I saw these jeans in the latest Anthropologie catalogue, I was instantly smitten.
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| Joe’s Lola wide leg chambray jeans |
Not only will these work for dinners and night walks on the beach topped with a tank and lightweight sweater, they will also protect my legs from mosquitoes! And these jeans would be perfect for the flight back when covering up is a must on those cold flights. Give me a cashmere hoodie and I’m golden. So what was that about not always wearing jeans?
All that Glitters
Favorite Things | December 13
With my attraction to all things glittery even more pronounced these days (must be all the holiday cheer), I went digging around for a sequined top I bought a few years back but thought I put away because it had run its course in my wardrobe. Well, it seems I gave it away because I can’t find it anywhere. Darn. When will I learn? Sometimes I’m too hasty about giving things away.
Sequins are everywhere right now. Whether you want a little bit of sparkle or the full bedazzled effect, it’s totally wearable and so much fun. Right now I am loving this little number.
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| Alice + Olivia sequin dress |
I like the idea of taking a sporty racerback dress and kicking up the pretty with sequins. I love pairing it with opaque tights or skinny trousers and you can always throw on a blouse or a light turtleneck underneath for a ladylike look. Nice no?
