list five - what I love about getting older

the wise old
owl

1. sense of self

2. the ability to be taken seriously

3. getting married (something I NEVER thought I would do...but when it is right, it is right)

4. confidence in your ability

5. ordering a cocktail and not having to show ID each time

6. realizing that the best is yet to come

7. wisdom

8. experience. experience. experience.

9. the realization of the importance of time

10. the older I get the more accessories I acquire...can we say 100+ pair of fabulous shoes!

"Age is not something to fear...embrace it and realize how beautiful experience really is!"
- Katherine Hepburn

love.love.love.love.love.love.

Sometimes you have to decide whether it is time to keep on going or give up...

it hurts,
it stings,
waiting around for something to change.

making believe that everything will get better,
minute by minute,
breathing in and breathing out.

taking charge,
making decisions,
as you lock up the cage.

the pain becomes unbearable,
and you know the time is near,
to get out of this depression bout.

shit or get off the pot,
either keep it or cut all ties,
this is what it means to finally live...

and not just survive.

Leifsdottir - Spring 2010

LEIFSDOTTIR

Something I discovered a little late in the season but still too beautiful to ignore...

As many of you know I adore Anthropologie. I have been a devoted fan and very, very part time employee for over 5 years now and believe that they can really "do no wrong."

Last winter I heard whispers about a new line that the Urban Outfitters Corporation would be releasing. A line by the young Findland designer, Johanna Uurasjarvi.

The line turned out to be Leifsdottir. A feminine line - Johanna crafts evocative narratives from which she and her team derive inspiration.

"Leifsdottir expresses its appreciation for the past by using antique-inspired buttons and trims, in addition to old-world tailoring techniques and fabrics. Juxtaposing this are artistic, modern twists like abstract photographic prints, unexpected color combinations, and uniquely draped silhouettes and proportions. This aesthetic tension results in timeless wardrobe keepsakes that appear to be made, rather than manufactured."
~ from the Leifsdottir website

So, as I was shopping online I found a beautiful dress...a mix between a vintage Japanese kimono and a 70's summer dress. The silk fabric drapes like air around the body and the colors are clean and enticing.

This dress is apart of the Spring 2010 collection and even through the Summer 2010 line has been released there is something special about the early pieces.

A marriage of joyous light fabrics and elegant colors makes this avant garde line stand out among the typical white bohemian skirts and camel toned trench coats.


discover spring and summer



some other inspirations...


something to keep your face safe

another piece of air

"The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize."
- Steel Magnolias

One of the loves of my life...

I love fashion magazines.

It is a crazy obsession that I have. Since I was 15 years old I have been collecting Vogue and Vanity Fair magazines. Even as a teen, I could not settle for the fashion mediocrity that Seventeen, Cosmo and other trash teen magazines espoused. You see Lucky Brand and Quicksilver never made me tingle inside the way the Gucci, Prada, Cavalli, Chanel and Dolce always have. There is something SO compelling about the magic of the coutre houses of Paris and Milan. Yes, they may cost more than some people's first cars but as Coco said, "Money can not buy the fabulous feeling of wearing the perfect dress with the matching shoes. Throw in an ideal bag and it is heaven!"

Yesterday, as I was going through my stacks of fashion magazines and reminiscing about the fashion trends of yesteryear, I realized that these magazines that I have had such a devotion to and took such care of now have to go.

So,
I did some research.

One of the "wish list" items for the Boys and Girls Club Las Vegas is old magazines. I called their in-kind donation line and was told where to drop them off. Tomorrow morning, I am dropping off a trunk full of Cindy, Gisele, Tyra, Naomi and Agness.

Am I sad parting with my treasures?

Yes...
but now I have room for another obsession.

Fashion

There is something so wonderful about being able to express your personality through pieces of fabric arranged in a particular way of your own choosing. It is like you create a piece of art each morning when you wake up. Some choose to follow an established way of arrangement while others take the time to think of different combinations of color, texture and silhouette. Below are some of my current favorite pieces...

Beautiful Sandy...

Michael Stars "Huey" tee

Roberto Cavalli dress

Frye "Daisy Duke" boots

Nic + Zoe "Country Girl" dress

Happi Knits beanie

Mango "Cream Cheese" dress

Splendid "Papa" cardigan

Wolford tights

Dr. Martens "Vintage 1460" boots

Something sentimental...

I haven't seen this movie in years but it will forever remind me of being seven years old.

The American Dream

So, when I was five years old my mother asked me, "Dolly, what do you want to be when you grow up?" Most little girls would have said a ballerina, Strawberry Shortcake, teacher, lawyer, president (which I am sure I considered), etc. I said proudly, "I am going to own my own store!" Strange...yes but that five year old girl knew what she wanted and it seems the more I think about where I am going now, that is where I would like to end up.

America's foundation was built upon small business and the entrepreneurial spirit of it's citizens. When my ansestors arrived at Ellis Island, there was one large dream - to be granted the freedom and opportunity to persue better lives through hard work. As generations have passed, a strong work ethic has been established in my family. My dad owns his own business, my mom puts passion into everything she persues and my nana is known for her business sense and shrewdness.

The freeing idea of being my own boss, having creative liberty and knowing that the amount of work put into the entity would ultimatley determine it's success really makes me feel good. It makes me excited and ideas begin to spark like a 4th of July sparkler in my brain. This nostalgic connection to those bright eyed newly crowned Americans that coined the term, "We can do it," during World War II, makes it more deep rooted than just some "pie in the sky" idea.

So, the journey begins...write a business plan and find some funding.

list four - all time favorite songs

I am limiting myself to 50...in no particular order.

1. The Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel

2. Dead Flowers by The Rolling Stones

3. The Promise Land by Bruce Springsteen

4. Smoke Stack Lighting by Howlin' Wolf

5. The Man I Love by Billie Holiday

6. Blue Moon by Elvis Presley

7. Big River by Johnny Cash

8. Cold, Cold Heart by Hank Williams

9. Because the Night by Patti Smith

10. Reach for the Sky by Social Distortion

11. Come Thou Fount by Sufjan Stevens

12. The Garden by Cut Chemist

13. In Your Room by Depeche Mode

14. Poses by Rufus Wainwright

15. Try a Little Tenderness by Otis Redding

16. A Day in the Life by The Beatles

17. Real Love by The Beatles

18. Skylark by K.D. Lang

19. This Woman's Work by Kate Bush

20. Stardust by Nat King Cole

21. I've Got You Under My Skin by Frank Sinatra

22. Witchcraft by Frank Sinatra

23. The Man that Got Away by Judy Garland

24. Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland

25. Fade Into You by Mazy Star

26. Send Me On My Way by Rusted Root

27. Wonderwall by Oasis

28. Bubble Toes by Jack Johnson

29. Baba O'Reily by The Who

30. Let the River Run by Carly Simon

31. Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell

32. Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper

33. I Was Made to Love Her by Stevie Wonder

34. If Not For You by Bob Dylan

35. Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

36. These Are the Days by Van Morrison

37. Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2

38. A Rush of Blood to the Head by Coldplay

39. Please, Please, Please Me by The Smiths

40. Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division

41. Title and Registration by Death Cab for Cutie

42. The District Sleeps Alone Tonight by The Postal Service

43. Close to Me by The Cure

44. Pitseleh by Elliott Smith

45. Let Go by Frou Frou

46. Things Behind the Sun by Nick Drake

47. Come Pick Me Up by Ryan Adams

48. Just What I Needed by The Cars

49. Mary Jane's Last Dance by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers

50. Rollin' Stone by Muddy Waters

Just the tip of the ice berg.

Where have you been the last 28 years!?!

First off, no, that is not me, but...

I have always loved the mystery and beauty of yoga. It is an art form to me the way that the body can lengthen and stretch becoming so flexible that positions like above are possible.

Lately, I have been attending yoga sessions at least three times a week. I have found that my head is clearer from all of the chaos and chatter and my body is getting leaner, stronger and in balance. After years of feeling down about my body, I am seeing amazing changes; not only physically but also mentally.

There is something to the quietness and the slowing down that happens during yoga. The focus is directed on your muscles and your breathing; keeping both strong. In a world that never seems to silence itself and reflect, there is yoga.

Over the next three months, I am challenging myself to follow a strict yoga and running regimen. It is my goal to practice at least 4 times a week! And after working with a close friend Julie, I am going to put my intention out there for the whole internet world to see!

Sunday: Day off or outside activity...yeah hiking!
Monday: morning run for 30 minutes and evening yoga
Tuesday: morning run for 30 minutes and evening yoga
Wednesday: morning run for 30 minutes and evening yoga
Thursday: morning run for 30 minutes and evening yoga
Friday: morning run
Saturday: morning yoga

I'm excited to see how focusing this much time on my body will pay off! I'll keep you updated and will post a picture when the top position is achieved!

Anger. Angered. Angry.

Today was a bad day...
a really bad day.

"Passionate people have the hardest time with thinking that they failed." - R. W. Emerson

There are many things that I have learned from my parents, but one of the lessons that has helped me get to where I am today, is my passionate work ethic. I love to be challenged and to work hard at accomplishing goals. And, what is funny is that I do not work hard for the praise of others but I do so because I love the feeling of knowing that I have done an amazing job in my own heart and mind.

For the past four years, I have been working for an amazing non-profit agency. The agency works to empower at-risk youth to complete high school and then obtain their dreams of higher education in order to become self sustaining and efficient adults. I can honestly say that I have poured my soul into this organization; working very long hours, making personal sacrifices and feeling like I have aged 30 years. All of these "drawbacks" have been worth it because I love the mission and the students within the program.

Over the past couple of weeks, I have felt disillusioned...almost lost to why I have been working myself to the proverbial bone and allowing my health, happiness and relationships to fail all around me.

So, that brings me to today. I received an e-mail. A nasty e-mail that made me break down in terrible sobs and question A LOT. Now, to someone outside of the work world that I am in would have brushed the e-mail off and moved on but today the words that made up the message took me to my knees. I believe it has been a combination of seeing how much of myself that has been lost over the last couple of years, a feeling of failure based on the e-mail and being SO tired.

It is now time to step away...in what way, I am not certain but something needs to change. I refuse to be a casualty to work-a-holism and continue to age mentally and physically at an alarming rate.

"It is time to start being me now!"

Living Life

"Every man dies; not every man truly lives."

I believe that part of being an "adult" is having to deal with emotions that as children we do not experience; emotions like fear of failure, fear of not living up to potential and insecurity within ourselves based on materialism. Looking at the people around me who are of this fearful age, it is hard to see any sense of self awareness, satisfaction or peace. We are all walking around like zombies but instead of craving a tasty brain, we are glass eyed, emotionless and craving some freedom from the fear that has turned us into these half dead creatures. FEAR being the important word.

We fear not being in the right profession, not making enough money, not being with the right person, not finding "someone," not having the right look, not having the right attitude...and the list drudges on...

All of this makes me wonder, "Is there a way to live life without fear?"

With all of the beauty, passion, wonder and magic that shows brilliance through the small things, I believe that it is possible. I think it takes believing in our abilities, trusting God and being "okay" with who we are and not hiding our true selves away.

Life goes by so quickly and why cheapen the experience with any aversion to a full and awe-inspiring affair with the world that surrounds.

list three - all time favorite 80's movies

1. Pretty in Pink...class issues, love, great clothes and the ultimate ant-hero Ducky Dale

2. Raising Arizona...quirky, hilarious, meaningful - how could it be better?

3. Uncle Buck...this movie will always remind me of being young.

4. Dead Poet Society...passion, passion, passion...

5. 16 Candles

6. The Goonies

7. The Breakfast Club..."When you grow up, your heart dies." Something I remind myself not to do daily...

8. Weird Science

9. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

10. Field of Dreams

11. Ferris Bueller's Day Off

12. Say Anything...To know Lloyd Dobler is to love him...Diane Court is about to know Lloyd Dobler.

13. 9 to 5

14. 9 1/2 Weeks

15. Beetlejuice

16. The Burbs

17. The Money Pit

18. Bachelor Party

19. Mannequin

20. St. Elmo's Fire

Growing Up

So, I am 28 years old and I still have moments when I am not thinking completely in the present and I feel like I am 16 years old again...carefree, artistic and really happy. When my right mind takes over again, I feel sad; realizing how much I have changed from that go-lucky teen.

I wonder when we hit the point when magic, innocent beauty and being okay without an overabundance of "stuff" fades into the need to be more, have more and see things with a rough, angry and cynical lining.

How hard is it to be purely happy? How hard is it not to want stuff? How hard is it to live in the moment and see things with simple beauty and intense wonderment?

Try it for 15 minutes, a day, a week and see what happens...

Fall down the rabbit hole once more.

list two-all time favorite smells

(for february)

1. clean laundry

2. gardenia

3. fracas perfume

4. the ocean

5. johnson & johnson baby lotion...the original

6. jeans after they have been worn a few times

7. lacome make-up pressed translucent powder

8. the glue that is used to hold books together

9. Hume when he gets dressed in the morning

10. fresh oranges

"Life is hard on little things."

This week I lost my cat Phoebe in a pretty horrible way.

I put her in our backyard to keep her separated from our older cat Roxie. They were not getting along and Phoebe decided recently that is was okay to start peeing in the house.

She is usually fine being in the backyard but that evening she decided to leave through the gate on the side of our house. We searched for her that night and the next morning...to no avail.

I left that morning to run some errands and when I got to my first stop I noticed that there was white and grey fur coming from underneath my car. I thought Phoebe was dead at that moment and that she was still under my hood.

Jeremy, met me immediately and opened the hood. She was not underneath but there was so much hair in the engine belt! I was panicking thinking that she had fallen out when I was driving but I retraced my route and I could not find her.

I finally got home and noticed some blood on the drive way. The blood had paw marks in it so she apparently escaped.

I believe Phoebe crawled up inside my engine compartment to keep warm and she also knew my car from it being in our garage.

It has been two days now and she has not shown up at the house and the flyers that I put up throughout the neighborhood have not received a response. At this point I do not think she is still with us.

My poor sweet Phoebe. She had such a rough beginning and now this...

Such and unbelievably timid and sweet girl.

I will miss you.

If you have an outdoor cat, an indoor cat who has escaped or have cats in your neighborhood...PLEASE! PLEASE make sure before starting your car to honk the horn or "knock" on the hood. I thought this is something that never really happened but looking into this, it happens a lot. Cats can be horribly maimed and killed by engine fan belts!

Lists Made Fun!!!

There is something soothing to me about making a list. It allows my mind to stop thinking about whatever I have to do or what needs to be scheduled. It's a transfer of stress from me to a blank white piece of paper. Ahhhh...anyways, in an effort to make "listing" fun, I am going to make a list of my favorite things for the next 11 months. To make up for January, I will post two this month.

list one - favorite things when I was a child

1. red tricycle

2. red sweat pants

3. strawberry shortcake

4. sweet potatoes and carrots

5. hoppity

6. balloons

7. strolling around the mall

8. blankie

9. swings at the park

10. little tikes kitchen

11. plastic food

An amazing movie and soundtrack that I had kind of forgotten about...

The Royal Tenenbaums

My phenomenally talented film-major brother suggested I see this movie and the first time I saw it, I fell in love. The characters are eccentric, ironic and funny. They remind me so much of the characters that JD Salinger created. If you have not seen this movie, you need to go rent or buy it as soon as possible.

The soundtrack is also something beautiful.

Includes...

These Days by Nico

Wigwam by Dylan

Police and Thieves by The Clash

Judy is a Punk by The Ramones

Needle in the Hay by Elliott Smith

Ruby Tuesday by The Rolling Stones

Fly by Nick Drake

Stephanie Says by The Velvet Underground

Christmas Time is Here by Vincent Guaraldi

The Fairest of the Seasons by Nico

Everyone by Van Morrison

Character fashion -

Chas Tenenbaum

Firebird Track Jacket

Firebird Track Pants

Track Shoes

Margot Tenebaum

fur coat

shirt dress

loafers

barrette

Richie Tenenbaum

headband

wristbands

sunglasses

suit coat

tennis shirt

shoes

A few things you just might fall in love with...

these ruby lovelies

beautiful in floral

for your baby love

oh so comfy

...to match

for hearth and home

{Have a wonderful day!}

Thought about changing the world...

9.2 billion US dollars will be spent this year...

1.5 million gallons of oil to create...

1,000 years to break down...

you use 166 a year or more.

Guessed yet?

GROSSE!!!

Here are some awesome alternatives that will not only save you $$$ but also will help keep toxic plastic out of landfills and will save the energy used to recycle.

Klean Kanteen

Clear2Go

(my current favorite)

Nalgene

SIGG

(amazing designs)

Love is a many splendor thing...

L'amour, l'amour, l'amour

For the past two days I have been sick and as I lay in bed hacking and coughing, I have been watching a few of my favorite movies...

"I like to feel his eyes on me when I look away."

"Memories are wonderful things, if you don't have to deal with the past."

"Daddy, I've got cider in my ear."

"Thank you, Mr. Dooley. Next time you're in New York, just call me up."

What do they all have in common?

love. romance. passion. commitment. funny moments.

Now, as I do not consider myself overly romantic. The teenage girl who dreamed of Cary Grant and Ben Affleck coming to her rescue has grown up; I am glad to say! But there is nothing like watching one of those movies that make your heart ache slightly and wish that you were apart of the final scene of You've Got Mail. In a world so overrun by reality, pain and struggle, it is nice to watch the chemistry and love develop between two strangers. Well, strangers at the beginning, upon the first view and then they become like old friends who allow you into their perfect world for a moment to glimpse what every girl has been trained to believe love can be.