Brigette - Stereolab

When Garance Dore blogged about one of her favourite illustrators, I knew it all looked very familiar. Then I remembered. Summer 2001 visiting my sister in Bournemouth, England where she resided for six months or so. I was dumbstruck by all the amazing illustration in the UK on notebooks and note cards, wherever you looked. Everything was so visually stimulating, I went a bit nuts. I left with three different types of stationary. Among them, a set of David Downton blank cards, which I lovingly referred to as my "pretty lady" cards. If you were lucky enough to be the receiver of one of those cards (from me), you must have done something wonderful.

(Illustration: David Downton )

56 - µ-Ziq

I can see you rolling your eyes in disgust at my predictability. I never said I wasn't a sucker for t-bar shoes. And I certainly never said I wasn't a sucker for mint green. And I never think anyone can have enough flat shoes. Plus I think chocolate and mint green is a fantastic colour combo. I know at least one of you out there is thinking of ice cream, right now. Ambika, feel free to back me up with this one. You know you love them. They have your name all over them too. For some odd reason, you were the first person I thought of when I saw these. I can see you wearing them in your new place.

I picked this song/title because last time I counted, I had more than 56 pairs of shoes. Meaning: put that credit card away.


(Photo: From Shop Ruche , which is a great little site with pretty decent prices).

Lorelei - Cocteau Twins

On Saturday, I trekked downtown to check out the opening of Treasury (formerly known as Listopad Treasury), a new treasure trove in DC, full of carefully curated vintage items. Washington DC desperately needs more places like this. I met some really cool girls outside, learned how to fishtail braid, and tried on some fantastic pieces. I left empty handed, but I'll be sure to check back in later. You should too. After all, the girl who got the leather travel bag was awfully satisfied with her purchase. Welcome to the neighborhood, Treasury !

Yea Yeah - Matt and Kim

She who smirks at her sister's shoe misfortune soon finds her identical sandals chewed up by a rambunctious dog precisely five day after said conversation. Apparently Serendipity thought to fix my little red wagon? Now neither of us have our Target sandals anymore. Yaaaaaaaay.

Tamacun - Rodrigo Y Gabriela

It is the last day I can wear these espadrilles. I bought them thrifted (they were brand new). I thought "of course I'll fit an 11. . . no problem". One year later, the ankle ribbons have parted ways with the shoe and without them, I have nearly wiped out no less than ten times. At that height (five inches) you don't mess around with sizing, unless you want to snap your ankle in two. So if you wear a size 11 and you would like these shoes, email me. Just pay the shipping and they're yours. The ribbons could be easily re-attached, I've just been lazy because they don't fit me.

In other news today, I took my neighbor's dog for a walk and fed one neighbor's cat. The thrilling life of the nearly unemployed.

Shirt - Marimekko
Skirt - H&M
Shoes - thrift
Bag - Permanent Vacation

Start To Melt - Peter, Bjorn and John

If I were dude, this lady would make my brain short circuit. She is stunning.

(Photo: Garance Dore )

The Ageing Young Rebel - DJ Food Feat. Ken Nordine

Yesterday lulled leisurely into a low key day of errand running. I proudly used coupons to purchase a new toothbrush and some female things, which no one equates to fun times. Where I once found errand running taxing, I now take pride in my grocery shopping and the minutia of being an adult. For me the key is to do everything while, wearing shoes you love.

Top - Alexander Wang
Skirt - Homemade
Shoes - Sam Edelman (by way of Nordstrom Rack)

Bookends - Simon and Garfunkel

In my simplistic days of tiny decadence nothing brings me the same type of pleasure as a visit to my local library. Scanning the endless mounds of books brings me indescribable, almost shocking amounts of joy. Finding a book which I nearly bought on Half.com feels similar to winning a small local lottery. $20 saved. My library is light strewn and pleasant, but transient. If it resembled either of these libraries in Copenhagan and The Netherlands, I might take it camp and never leave. Best to keep it sterile and transient, I suppose.


(Photos: From here and here )

Molfsee - Urlich Schnauss

Sometimes I need a reason. And yesterday the reason landed at my feet in the form of a hairless, helpless abandoned baby bird. At first I could hardly stand to look at him, as he resembled a mound of torn flesh lying on the sidewalk. But when I released him to the hands of the animal sanctuary worker, I found myself feeling attached and emotional.

I haven't drove so slow in ages and without the A/C my car was unbearable. But I knew the temperature of my baking car would keep him toasty and his breathing immediately improved (I glanced over every two minutes to check).

Do I love my pretty shoes? Of course. Do I like my dresses? Without a doubt. Do I worry about money and crap? Certainly. But sometimes, you just need a reason to remind you that that isn't all we're put on this earth to do.

molfsee - Ulrich Schnauss

(I was listening to this on full blast on my headphones when I discovered the avian. Pop some headphones in to enjoy this song. It'll quickly become your favourite as it is mine).

Le Banquet - Yann Tiersen

The easiest, laziest go-to dinner party ready outfit for me consist of:

a blazer - H&M (sale rack $20)
a nice dress - See By Chloe by way of Gilt.com
hot shoes - Boutique 9 or the shoes that launched a near fist fight.

The not-so-easy part? Nailing that Sears catalog pose as I have adequately demonstrated.

La Primavera - Manu Chao

And now a little something for the gentlemen.

I can't believe the guy that has made this beautiful collection, Umit Benan isn't even thirty yet. People like that put me to utter shame. He has designed for Marc Jacobs, Motu Tane by François Nars and Sophie Théallet. Calm down young man, and stop making the rest of us feel so lazy.

Not quite positive how I feel about the zoot suit pant look, in the current collection (inspired by Cuba). But I think with time, I could get used to it. That's me with every trend I suppose. The man jumpsuit might take a little more time, but even that, I'll come around to one day.

Matt Jackson, you + green suit = Love


(Photos: Dazed Digital )

Silently - Blond Redhead

When I'm feeling a bit lost, sometimes it helps to watch Broken English. I identify with the character in more ways than I like to admit (in one scene I noticed we have the same underwear, bizarre, non?). Part of me finds Nora overly dramatic and whiney, part of me is totally and absolutely empathetic. The freak out sessions, insecurities and fears are real, raw and somewhat familiar. And the grass is greener on the other side dynamic which she has with her best friend I am all too familiar with. She's so scared to be hurt that it's somewhat difficult to watch at times. I'm always left wondering how I too can change my life, for the better. But let us not forget the dialog. Oh the dialog.

Julian "Is there something wrong with you?"

Nora "Yeah, I'm a freak".

and:

French Cab driver: "I hope you find (h)appiness"

Audrey, Nora's Friend: "A Penis?"

Cab driver: "Yes!"




And where would blatant materialism be without the internet? Once upon a time, if you saw something you liked in a movie, you were left wondering if you would ever come across the item. Now, you just google, "silver cloud necklace" and poof . . . there it is, your Princess Tina necklace, for you to admire until have the cash in hand to buy it.

(Photos: Here, , here, and here.)

Fight Test - The Flaming Lips

Confrontation ain't my scene.

All my life I have played the role of the passive black girl. Which is another fun hollywood cliche. Either loud and totally abrasive or wise, quiet and secretive. Or a combination of loud and abrasive while totally unaware how wise they can be sometimes.

Generally I don't mind drunk people. The guy that ate the cement in the grass near Peas and my feet recently was rather amusing. As a matter of fact, he gave us a good ten minutes of laughter, the way he haphazardly tumbled into the grass like a domino. I liken drunk people to less charming toddlers. And that's all fine and dandy, until you throw your cup like a mad man and beer splatters on my new and beautiful shoes. The idea of someone spilling a drink accidentally is grating. The idea of someone tossing a cup is down right obnoxious. So, if you ever get the urge to toss your cup in the air and it lands somewhat on my new beautiful shoes, I may just walk up to you and with both hands, push you back. You will look up in disbelief that some girl in a dress and tall wedges has pushed you. I'll walk away and while you are still pondering "did she really just push me?" The answer is "yes".

Shoes: Boutique 9 by way of Nordstrom Rack. Aren't they great?

The Equalizer - Junior Boys

I can't wait.
The great equalizer of fashion speaks.

Summerhead - The Cocteau Twins

When summertime comes and it finally sets in that Dad is not whisking us away for a surprise holiday in France, I tend to do the next best thing:

Buy products which remind me of summer in France! If you sat on the beach with me in Agde, you had to have at least one Body Shop product which you swore by. A tote bag which you carried to the beach, bearing the Body Shop emblem would also suffice. We resembled that of a sun burnt cult, furiously slathering on different creams as experimentation and skin resuscitation (despite having worn sunblock all summer long). Aisha always stocked up on anything which wasn't available in the US, at Terminal 4 of Heathrow on our way home. But I never really found that particular product which captured my fancy, until now. Spreads more like whipped frosting than butter. And believe me, I know the difference between the two when it comes to smearing tasty foods on a surface. Smells absolutely delicious while remaining light as a cloud.

Summerhead - Cocteau Twins

I could only find a tiny sample of this song. But it always reminds me of summer and English countryside.

(Photo: Body Shop )

New Genious (Brother) - Gorillaz

This outfit is from last week. When I'm not rooting around my house for things to frantically sell on eBay, I'm finding new ways to wear the things I have. Recession is good for the creativity and belting this dress gives it a new life.

Blazer - vintage (so hideous I couldn't say "no")
Dress - Complex Geometries
Belt - Urban Outfitters
Shoes - Seychelles
Bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs

I Go Deep - Jim Rivers

The new La Garconne lookbook has all sorts of city swoon-y images which allow me to reminisce about NYC while conveniently omitting my aching feet, the miscellaneous puddle dodging and the feeling of constant fatigue and always looking worn and ragged (no matter what amount of high end from my tiny arsenal I have sported in honor of trying to blend in). Here's to you, yet again New York.

Hope everyone's enjoying the long weekend (in the US of A).

Running Out - The Magic Numbers

Look Peas, calculator watches!! (This sentence will be followed by shrieks of absolute joy).

Peas once had an old fashion eighties chrome watch with an animated dancing man. The only downside, she could never manage to turn off the alarm and it was set to a very early hour. I keep threatening to find her a new nerd watch and I think we have a winnah.

(Photo: Lazy Oaf)

The Simple Story - Feist feat. Jane Birkin

Last night if you had spied on me in my chamber, you would have found me stretched out on my bed, chatting idly, casually and happily with a wedding coordinator from J. Crew . You might have considered that we were old friends had you eavesdropped on the conversation. They just happen to be that excellent at their jobs, those J. Crew wedding coordinators. They manage to suspiciously put you at complete and utter ease at thought of dropping a lot of moolah on a simple dress. But it will a pretty dress and I'll "be able to wear it again", says the bride (my sister).

I have a feeling, when I am not standing at the alter nodding encouragingly to the bride and groom, my other task could include serving as a second photographer (ever the multi-tasker, I am). Thus, I have been gathering ideas from Cup of Jo , who always has phenomenal wedding photos on her blog.

The Simple Story - Feist

(Photo: Our Labor of Love )

You Trip Me Up - The Jesus and Mary Chain

Do you ever get so excited by something you read, that you immediately set down your magazine and open your computer screen? That was how I felt when I read about Bad Joan in Real Simple. As a matter of fact, I practically chucked the magazine across the room and stormed up the stairs two by two, to grab my computer. A website purely devoted to selling indie designers at sample sale prices . . . what could be better? I was most impressed with the shoe selection by Marcello Toshi . The shoes tend to come in select sizing but lucky for me, I have big feet and there seem to be a lot of 10s.

(Photos: Bad Joan )

Fashion - Lady Gaga

I don't love Lady Gaga for the virtues of her music, oh heavens no. But I do love her for being unapologetically ridiculous (in the most fantastic of ways). What fun she must have when she rises in the morning, yawns, stretches and thinks, "Pants or no pants? Hat made out of horse hair or no hat?" Somehow I just know she would be equally as entertaining in person. One of the biggest misconceptions of people who dress "high fashion" (yes, I just did the finger quotes), is that they take themselves rather serious. I think that derives from the rest of the world being a bunch of haters. You have to really not take yourself too serious to step out your front door in a hat which looks like a flying saucer made of hair.

(Photo: Dlisted )

Little Man, Big Man - Toad The Wet Sprocket

After all these years and all your hours accumulated, playing Super Mario Bros 1, you probably never contemplated for a second that he was not happy to be rescued by you.

(Photo: from here )

Sentimental Walk - Vladimir Cosma

Tonight, I showed Peas my latest fashionable desire by Love Our Stuff and she agreed it was gorgeous. But then she laughed light heartedly and told me I was born twenty years too late. Clearly I would have had fun getting into trouble, in the eighties.

Now I can't stop thinking about one of my favourite films, Diva. Diva is the tale of a young man, who's in love (some people say "obsessed",) with an opera singer. His obsession leads to heaps of trouble. Romance, gangsters, hot (mess) eighties fashion and motorcycle chases . . . something for everyone! Though the story is action packed, the love that blossoms between this skinny white French kid and an older African American diva chanteuse is about as endearing as they come and will warm even the most cynical of hearts. As soon as I start collecting an income again, Diva is at the top of the list of movies I should own. But for now I'll leave you with a piece of cinematic eye candy which will leave you not doubting this film's cult following.



(Photo: Pixie Market and here )

Cheap Champagne - Georgie James

This cheap, lazy outfit has been brought to you by summer heat and recession.


Sweatshirt - American Apparel
Skirt - Homemade (scrap pile fabric)
Necklace - Salvation Army (thrift, for those overseas)
Shoes - Salvation Army

Nothing To Worry About - Peter, Bjorn and John

Oh holy hell. At last, a Target collection I can believe in (after a year or two of disappointment). Thank you Anna Sui for setting things right in this world. Of course I have yet to see this stuff in person. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this one. The last two dresses to the right, have my name all over it. Especially the hippie looking one.

(Photos: Refinery 29 )

White Gold - Metric

I realize I haven't posted as many outfit photos as I did in recent years. Mostly because this summer, I've tightened the purse strings (slightly, veeeeery slightly) and I've also taken to unleashing my inner art teacher, meaning I dress in layers upon layers. And what could possibly be easier than monochromatic layers? I beamed when I rehashed the story to my father of the older gentleman in Starbucks who walked up to me and said "I would love to know where you shop. For my wife you see, I think you look very nicely pulled together". I didn't hesitate to rattle off everything:

Dress- Theory (outlet)
Sweater - Anthropologie (on sale now)
Headband - Etsy

My dad didn't hide his laughter.
"Does that mean you look matronly?" he asked with a smile?

Nope. That means a compliments a compliment and I never look a gift horse in the mouth.

(Notice: No hands to face, Sister Wolf )

Nu Baya Roots - Build An Ark

Horrifically ugly or awesomely badass? I'm about two seconds from buying but I really can't decide. Your call.

(Photo: Modcloth.com )

Outro - Handsome Boy Modeling School Feat. Father Guido Sarducci

When I heard about the rampant success , of Look At This Fucking Hipster , I scooted over to the page immediatately to see what all the commotion was about. All I could think was: Ready. Set. Laugh (at someone else's expense).

Then I saw someone I knew.

And continued to laugh.





(Photos: Look At This Fucking Hipster )

Pièces Froides #1 (Airs A Faire Fuir) - 2. Modestement - Erik Satie

He lumbers like a burly bear. He is quiet and speaks only when deemed necessary. If you push his buttons enough, you might get a roar. He will keep your secrets for a lifetime so those around him feel free to to whisper them to him. He is masculine in every way and was once a great basketball player. He is a hippie at heart, then, now and forever more. He believes that Birkenstocks and cargo pants are acceptable for every occasion (even weddings). But yet he gets teary eyed watching Audrey Hepburn movies and sends me emails like this:

I first saw this movie when I was young. I watched it on the TV at Grandmom B's house. I was probably 9 or 10 or maybe even younger. It is the movie that created my love for Paris. And also the movie that first acquainted me with Audrey Hepburn. Throughout my life, neither has ever disappointed me.

I love you (older sister). I love you (me). And, I love you (younger sister).

Enjoy,
Dad



Happy Father's Day.



(Photos: IMDB )

Online - De-Phazz

I recently joined a dating site, for reasons of nothing better to do with myself. While it has definitely supplied me with hours upon hours of writing material, it overall just concretes my thought, "it's really hard out there". Be it through a computer or in a bar. The main difference between the virtual meat markets and actual meat markets is the ability to accelerate the process of weeding through the suitors.

This particular site allows you to instant message between users and I find when I sign on late at night, my screen gets flooded. I usually will try and respond to everyone, but I make an effort to focus on one person at a time. I don't think it's fair or nice to spread yourself too thinly. Our beau du jour was nice but not really my type (as I found later). First of all he complimented my "beautiful brown skin", which always gives me the heebie jeebies coming from white males, even if it's meant with the purest of intentions. His chatting skills likened to a job interview combined with a pep rally. (And you all know how much I love both of those things).

Do you consider yourself assertive? Well yes, I suppose I do.
Do you consider yourself a take-charge sort of woman? I guess. Yes, doesn't everyone?
How does being assertive and taking charge extend to your relations? Well, I know what I like, but I try not to be bossy.
Do you own a pair of white boots? Come again?

He seemed to cheer every time I answered a question to his liking and he was so into this interview process that I didn't have the heart to tell him (post browsing of the photos), that I could never get into a grown man who wore knee socks with shorts.




(Pulp Comic Illustions from here )

Wild World - Cat Stevens*

Have you seen the blog for the movie Where the Wild Things Are? I love it so. One of the points I find most interesting about this new way of marketing ideas to the mass public by way of blogging, is that a blog can be sweetly subtle. It doesn't shove the movie down your throat, but more so highlights subjects an entire generation of us (who grew up reading the book in childhood), might find of interests. If I didn't know the blog was specifically for the movie, it wouldn't hit me immediately.

(Photos: We Love You So )

*God I love this song. For Matt Duckett (whom I also love).