T-Shirt Heaven

The Olsen Twin's have come such a LONG way since the days of "Full House". Their Label  The Row, took the Fashion industry by storm, much to the surprise of the industries leaders. Their previous Fashion projects have always been geared toward junior markets and Mass sales, rather than Haute Couture. All have been wildly successful though.
Their newest project is StyleMint.com, what is Style Mint about you ask, T-SHIRTS!!!! The Twins Mary-Kate and Ashley have taken on the challenge of making the perfect T-shirt. Halleluiah!!! InStyle released a Sneak peek at the new collection this morning and I must say I'm excited.

On a bit of a side note. We all know the game six degrees of separation. Everyone in the world can be connected withing six connections.  I recently met a very nice lady who is a Stylist and Costume Designer with HBO Productions. She used to be the stylist to the Olsen's back when they were still on Full House and for all those films they did. Pretty cool.

First Pick!! Must have!

My other Pick.

T97NADKHAJNM

Too Much

Came across this video from Nowness today and I had to share.


Lernert & Sander: Natural Beauty on Nowness.com.

The Blue Fashionista

As a kid I had a few favorite cartoons. All of which have recently found all new life. My little Pony has come back strong along with GI Joes, Strawberry Shortcake, and now the Smurfs!! As you've probably seen this July will be the premiere of the New Smurfs 3D movie. I'm not really interested in seing it unless my daughter asks but so far she hasn't noticed it. Fingers Crossed.
This afternoon I saw on Fashionista that Harper's Bazaar has a piece with Smurfette!!! Harper's Bazaar has a feature on Smurfette dressed in only the best Designer pieces. I went straight to Harper's Bazaar to see with my own eyes. I was stunned. I've seen all kinds of marketing campaigns for all types of films as I'm sure you have, but I think this one takes the cake. I'm not sure if it's Genius or Lunacy. Maybe both! Anyway I had to share.
Smurfette sure did grow up to be a Fashionista, and a VERY well dressed one as well. I'm a little jealous.

Dolce & Gabbana! Seriously?!!!

Lanvin!

Louis Vuitton. Kill me now.

Marc Jacobs

Forever Young

I was going through my Blog lovin list of "new posts" today when I came across a post from ".....Love Meagan" that hit close to home for me. In Megan's post she wrote about all these high end Children's fashion collections. The children look like grown up models, they look adult. In fact several of the photos she posted as examples had children who were better dressed than I can ever hope to be. It was a bit eery considering how young they had to have been.
I'm a proud Mommy of a VERY tall four year old girl. She looks like she's seven just based on her height and she's a bit of a smarty pants so some times she acts older as well. It's been said on more than one occasion that (because of her height) she could be a model. My stomach kind of twists at the thought. I don't think I want that for her. I think she's beautiful and right now she thinks she's a Princess, I don't want anyone or anything changing that. And regardless of how beautiful I know she is some schmuck out there is bound to tell her otherwise should we ever think of letting her model.
She's my baby right now, OK not my baby but my little girl and I refuse to let that be rushed. I want her to stay my little girl.  Meagan made a great point the trend in Children's high fashion is for kids to appear adult. I don't mind my daughter trying on my shoes so she can pretend to be mommy, but I'm not about to buy her High Heels.  Kids should be kids. My daughter can pretend all she wants but when we go to the park, or for pizza, or even to the store she is going in her play clothes and she will be dressed as a child should be.

Meagan Thanks for this post!

I thought this was kind of cute actually. Looks like she's playing dress up, at least that's how I'm going to interpret it.

 Above and Below are Zara

Not so bad, don't know why this kid needs the Clutch, Watch and Blazer, but the sunglasses Maybe.

This is where it goes to far.

Little girl needs to smile.

The three Above are Witchery

My little girl. Dressed up for Father's Day!!

Lazy Bum!

This morning I barely got out of Bed. I hit the snooze five times before I slowly hauled myself to the Bathroom to start my day. It wasn't pretty. On days like these I tend to give up on dressing well, in fact I'm usually satisfied with just being clothed matching is optional and fashionable isn't even on my radar. I grabbed these cropped jeans and a tank and said "DONE".  I finished getting dressed, actually took the time to dry and style my hair since it would be the first time my coworkers would see my new do. Put on rouge and some gloss started making my way to the door when I realized I forgot one key component.

SHOES!!!! I forgot Shoes! ME!! The Shoe Addict hadn't noticed till moments before leaving that I still hadn't put any shoes on. I had left a brand new pair of Aldos out from the night before and so I grabbed those put them on and left.  I Wore Sling Back, Peep toed, Platformed Heels , SIX inches HIGH with my Bummy Jeans and ragged Tank.

OH Yeah, I'm a Fashionista alright!

Chopped

On a Whim I went to the Salon this weekend.
I have a pattern, I try to grow my hair out and then when I'm only 3 inches longer I hack it off and go super short. This is exactly what I did this weekend. My Hair is gone. Considering the amount of hair I had my head is feeling much lighter now.

So The cycle shall begin again. I will try to grow this out and then I will inevitably cut it off.  Am I the only woman who does this? I see so many woman with long beautiful hair and I feel jealous. How did they manage that? I can't handle long Hair the amount of time it takes to blow dry alone is insane to me.Where do these ladies find the time? Help, tell me your secrets. I promise I won't cut My hair off if you guys can share your wisdom. Until I'm let into the loop I shall continue my pattern.

Happy Thoughts

Happy Friday Everyone!!!

I have a Jam Packed weekend planned. Probably won't be posting, so here are a few Happy thoughts I'd like to share.

Celebrating!!!!

Two of My Besties have their Birthdays this weekend. Happy Birthday La Fonda! Happy Birthday Little bit! May all your birthday wishes come true and lets have a drink!

Also My Mother's Birthday is On Monday but her Party is Saturday, so to my mother I wish you a  VERY Happy Birthday!! You're the best!

 Also this weekend my Sister in Law is Graduating from Grad school with a Degree in Marriage, Family, and child Therapy. She has worked very hard for this and we're all very proud of her!!!!

To Drool Over

Jeffrey Campbell Cutout Oxford

Jeffrey Campbell Skate Shoe

Two shoe designs I came across during work research and fell in Love with. Although both are fabulous I doubt I could actually handle them. So instead I'll dream!

Just For Laughs

Mar Jacobs plays dress up

 Came across these photos the other day on Fashionista and almost died from Laughter. Perhaps it will put a smile on your face as well.

Too Calm the Mind

In Between all the birthday Parties I have every intention of sitting and relaxing and Crocheting. I started a lace Scarf yesterday and I plan to have it done before the weekends up!

Good Intentions

I was looking through my closet today Deciding on my outfit, when I came across a sheer Sequin Tank that I have. Tags still on and NEVER been worn. I looked at the Top and simply thought, "Mom". That Top is one of several pieces of clothing My mother has given me. She does serious shopping excursions and if she happens to come across something she thinks my Sisters or I may like she buys it. My Sisters are very particular about what they wear. One is conservative and looks as though she came straight from a J Crew photo shoot. The other is well too cool for school, she's got an edgy hipster look about her. Then there's me. I'm a wild card I guess. Not sure if I have a set style. I hate to say it but I have followed many trends in my day and so my look can vary with the seasons.
Back to Mom, she bought this unique piece for me because she thought it was pretty and she thought it had to be cool! Unlike my sisters I never say "I don't want it" to my Mom. I always take the piece and find a way to work with it. There was once a pair of Lamb and star print pajama pants, and not when I was five or ten or even 18. No she bought me Lamb and Star pajama pants at age 22. I took them and I wore them, they were kind of comfy actually. That's how Mom and I work.
This sequin tank wasn't a complete wash out, there was potential. And so this morning I decided I was going to wear it. I tried on three outfits, each a variation with this top. Nothing worked. Finally I gave up grabbed a white tank and tailored wide leg jeans and left for work. These pieces were part of the three outfits I had tried to work with. the tank had defeated me.
Sorry Mom, I tried. Anyway the tank is back in my closet, and taunting me once again. I WILL try again. As for my Mom and all her good intentions, I welcome every piece of clothing she gives me and simply see them as a new fashion challenge. She keeps me on my toes!

Love You Mom!

Shoes on the BRAIN!!!!

I've been spending the last week studying shoes. I love shoes, or at least I did...... No I still do but right now my brain is overloaded with Shoes. I thought I knew everything there was to know about shoes, well OK not everything but I knew plenty. Did I mention I love shoes? I figured my obsession made me an expert. I was wrong! However by the end of this week I will be! Here's the kind of stuff I've been dealing with. First a Basic rundown. Most womens shoes get broken down into the following categories.

• Sandals
• Heels
• Sneakers & Athletic Shoes
• Boots
• Flats
• Clogs & Mules
• Loafers
• Slipper
• Oxfords
• Boatshoes
• Climbing

Just to aviod giving you the same mental meltdown I have been having I'm only going to bother with one category, Heels. You may think you're getting off easy but The funny thing about the heel category is that ANY and ALL shoes with more the a 1/4 of an inch heel falls in this group as well.
This is where I screamed first! 
Let's look at a few stand out types of shoes.

 

This is a Saddle Shoe! A Cute one at that!

But this is a Spectator! What's a Spectator you ask? I'm still not sure but Thanks to Zappos' Glossary I think I get it.

Spectator-

A shoe design that is characterized by 2 materials, often of different colors or materials, with an edge of the dominant color having a pinking edge exposed, and a perforated design on the toe.

 

The only thing wrong with this definition is on Zappos they have Spectators that are one color and do not have pinked edges. So once again I'm confused.

 

 

This is a Slouch, I had never heard of a Slouch Shoe before but then again I'm not a Ballroom Dancer. The name is a bit contradictory isn't? Oh well.

I was Happy to find out what My favorite type of sandal was called....This is a Toe Ring Sandal. See the loop for your big toe? 

 

 This is a Loafer. This was the only style that didn't have me confused and crying! I think I love Loafers now. OK maybe not.

Alright enough with the easy stuff time to tell you about the stuff that had my head reeling.  Clogs, Mules, Slides, and Wedges. First off Almost every possible shoe can be a Wedge. It's all in the shape of the heel, the height isn't of consequence at all. Wedges don't like to be segregated they welcome all!

Clogs were pretty Straight forward......

This is a Clog. What makes a Clog? Closed toe, no back, Right? Yeah, No! I won't even bother getting into this, but someday when you feel like it,( Why you would fell like it,  I don't know though) take a look at a "Clog" Section and you'll see.

 OK this is a Mule. At least that was the category in came up in.

This is a Slide. Do you see the difference? Ignore the Heel. As I mentioned all shoes can be wedges.  Now do you see the difference? Yeah I didn't see it either. I better stop now, I don't want to kill you with all this. But this is only a fraction of everything I've been going through. Peeptoe vs. Open Toe. Pump vs. Heel. Chunky Heel vs. Pyramid. I could go on for days. I have been going on for days. I need a break. Here are just a few Styles I discovered while doing all this research, a few fun highlights.

WHOA!!! If you didn't already guess these are Platforms

I do love a good wedge!

Yikes!

Super Cute! And a Wedge I might add.

Dadda, Dadda!

Without my Dad I never would have learned to ride a bike.

Without my Dad I never would have learned to change a tire,check my oil, or deal with an overheated engine.

Without my Dad I never would have become an artist.

Without my Dad I never would have gone into Fashion.

Without my Dad I never would have learned that life isn't fair at times but it's how we handle it that makes us who we are.

The list could go on for days but all I really have to say is.....

Thank You Dad! Happy Fathers Day

June Gloom

June Gloom is in full bloom here in LA. At first I thought it was kind of nice. Cool days that melt away in the LATE afternoon. However now I'm over it!  These foggy, drizzly, and COLD days are not helping me keep my closet organized. Twice a year I do a Wardrobe change out with the Season Changes, it's the only way I can share a closet. I've got piles and piles of Tank tops, shorts, and sundresses in my drawers and closet but most of my long sleeve tops and sweaters are packed in our Shed. I'm working the layer thing as much as possible but I'm starting to look like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. No wise cracks!!!
Growing up in California I am all good with the super dry heat, in fact I kind of thrive in the summer. Years of working as a Swim Instructor helped with that, I don't get too phased by the heat. Cold on the other hand is a different story entirely. These foggy days and Drizzles are affecting me more then I'd like to say. So although it is slightly picturesque how the sun keeps peeking through all the clouds, I'm sick of the clouds and ready to embrace the heat.

The one good thing about June Gloom and rainy days.........I get to wear my Green Rain boots!!!

I love these.

Fashion Icons!-Greta Garbo

In my attempts to better educate myself in Fashion I thought today I would study the Fashion Elite. I've always loved Audrey Hepburn, CoCo Chanel, and Vivienne Westwood. And all though I knew of Twiggy, Bridgette Bardot, and Edie Sedgewick I was in need of true study! Once I jumped into this topic though I saw that the list could be extremely long. So where to start? There was enough for hundreds of posts thus was born my first Series posts. Here we go!

My First Icon Profile is Greta Garbo. Greta made it possible for woman to be both assertive and Feminine. The queen of method acting had a presence that stopped men it their tracks and made women want to be her. She set fashion trends galore but it's the social change she started that makes her a fashion icon. She redefined the role of woman in film, she was the highest paid woman in America in the 1930's.  Although never stated, she exuded the mentality of, "Yes I'm a woman. Yes I'm beautiful, But don't be fooled I could kick your ass if I wanted to". And that's what I love best about her.

So what sort of fashion trends are quintessentially Greta?

• Perfect Pout- Lip liner is a must
• Work the hair!
• Lashes!!! Falsies are a must.
• No matter what the outfit is, Be Confident!

That last point was particularly helpful to me today. I just wasn't feeling anything I put on but I sucked it up picked out a LBD and owned it!!  Thank You Greta!

I wish every photo of me looked this good.

There's that perfect pout.

Working the Hair.

Dilemma

How is it that I can stare at my massive closet and additional dresser and say to myself, "I have nothing to wear?!!" I know it's Wednesday, and Wednesdays tend to be rather blah but this morning I just can't get it together. I'm trying to think of a simple and classic ensemble that won't have my coworkers wondering if I dressed in the dark. It's as though my Fashion brain has vacated the building. Do the truly fashionable have these same moments or is this where my true self is rearing it's head? I don't know. But right now I have to get dressed for the day, here's hoping I don't scare small children.

Happy Wednesday Folks!

Lazy Days in Eagle Rock

I thought it was finally Time I wrote about my neighborhood. Eagle Rock is a small town in the big city. I know thats a contradiction in terms but it's true. It's a small neighborhood tucked between Glendale and Pasadena in the North East Corner of Los Angeles. Most people drive right through without knowing they been in a new neighborhood. I love it for this reason. It's a hidden gem. A family town with great food, fun shops, and plenty of community activities. I grew up in this little town moved away and decided to move right back once I got back to California. I love it here. I walked Eagle Rock, visited my favorite places and snapped a few shots to share with you.

First Stop was at the Four Cafe, the day this place opened was a blessing for me. They have a delicious vegetarian menu. I stopped in this morning to pick up a Ginger Mandarine Soda and  a Mexican Spiced Cookie.

Outdoor seating, perfect in the summer!

Comfortable atmosphere inside

Ready Made Salads and Desserts for a quick meal.

Second Stop was the Colorado Wine Company. The owners are the sweetest couple who really changed the feel of the neighborhood when they opened up this shop. We picked up two bottles on our walk.

I popped in to my hair salon, Double O, because I just love the decor the ladies have in there. Not only do they do GREAT hair but they've made the experience unique and fun with this great decor.

For Lunch we stopped at Lemon Grass, Great for vegetarians and Meat eaters like. I had the Vermicelli and Shredded Tofu and my fellow explorer had Chicken. They also have a full menu of Pho. Yum!

Chowing Down!

I think we Liked it.

Next we walked the residential streets where I snapped a few shots of the homes. This is where you can find all kinds of character in Eagle Rock.

Average Scene on an Eagle Rock Street

This is my dream house. And actual Castle in our little neighborhood. It's rumored Matt Damon and Ben Affleck  once lived in this house but I don't know for sure. One can dream though.

 Lions are a bit much, but we've grown to love them.

I picked these Olives up from The Eagle Rock Italian Bakery the day before.

Olives from Italian Bakery, Coconut meringues from Ruby's Bakery,  Mexican Spiced Cookie from Four Cafe,  and wines from the Colorado Wine Bar.

End to a Perfect Day.