Friday, October 31, 2008

Duh



Pretty sure I don't need to explain this to my friends.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Whether Weather Appropriate

We're getting ready to move to a warmer climate, so I'm trying to stay away from purchasing anything wool or boot-like these days... Although it's tempting since the weather dropped down to the 40's suddenly! I've also been working on pairing down my closet to essentials that are more well-made and an investment in the long run. In my mind, there are several categories in which the essentials are grouped: 1)tops/blouses, 2)dresses, 3)skirts/shorts/pants and 4)rompers (aka jumpsuits or overalls). Today, I will cover 1 and 2.

1)Tops/Blouses:

Joie Moonlight Night Top via S Sense $59 on sale


Valentino Red's Bow Tie Blouse via S Sense $277 on sale

The only non-monetary issue I have with the two tops above is that they are SO white. Off-whites, like ivory, seem to compliment yellow-inclined skin tones so much better. I would also like to see more champagne colored tops, please! Thanks.


The following Victoria's Secret blouses have also struck my fancy:

I like this blouse because, even though it has long sleeves, it is silk, which means it will probably breath well in a hot climate... I'm just guessing this though because I want it!

Pleated Silk Blouse, $58
preferably in Winter White or Black (no pictures available)


Silk Chiffon Plunge-Back Blouse, $48
in Pearl Pink or Black, I think both are adorable!


Silk Charmeuse Plunge-Back Top, $58
in Aluminum or Black (there is no front view for this top, how dumb!)


In other top news, reminiscent of Rebecca Turbow's 2004 and 2005 color scheme:

Madison Marcus Cowl Neck Top via Basic Boutique, $182 on sale


Last but not least, Heidi Merrick's Ayumi Blouse:




I think the above tops are pretty wearable in a professional or non-professional setting... but what do I know! I could probably get away with wearing jammies at work.


2) Dresses

Sea Sweetheart Button Down Dress via Basic Boutique, $184.50 on sale
(not really worth the price to me, but a solid
running-out-the-door-and-need-to-be-dressed candidate)


Another Sea dress available via Basic Boutique, $207 on sale
(A little too cutesy, but I think it would go over well in Thailand
Oh, and check that out! Totally an off-white.)



Tony Cohen Dress via Basic Boutique, $264.60 on sale
(I think I like this mainly because the fabric looks super soft. Easy to please!)


Rudsak Everything Dress via Le Train Bleu, $69.30 on sale

While the final dress falls in the bright, too white category, it has a no muss, no fuss look and feel perfect for a traveler or lazy dresser (me!)... and it's 100% cotton, so I'm sure it would take to being dyed a couple of shades darker (a Tide to go pen can only do so much!).

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Walter & Christopher Kane

A couple summers ago, I was visiting Melissa in New York before she moved, and we stumbled upon a little shop in the East Village selling loads of Walter dresses, skirts, blouses, etc. It was some kind of consignment shop that was selling the samples from the line (I had never heard of at that point). I bought a cheap dress that I never wear, and Melmo bought a really cute skirt (plaid taffeta?).

Fast forward to this skirt:


Found on Couture Candy, I lusted and coveted over this for a good month before I finally decided to buy it. Alas! It was not meant to be. I received an e-mail three days later saying they are out of stock and would not be receiving more unless someone returns one that happens to be my size... and I happen to be checking their site at the same time.

A fervent Google search pulled a dress similar to the style of the skirt:
$159.99 via Overstock.com

While about the same price as the skirt, it does not give me that same heart palpitating urge to spend beyond my means. Oh, well! It's probably better off this way.

UPDATE:
Gilt.com Final Sale Walter Skirt + Sheer Blouse, both SOLD OUT!

On to continuing to envy of what is not meant to be....
Christopher Kane via Refinery 29

Selections from his Spring '09 show via Style.com:









In conclusion, I would like to state: Christopher Kane! How dare you take advantage of my love of ruffles!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Hot Tub: Yes or No

on the questionable route.... my boss bought this tub the other day: The picture doesn't do the size justice. This thing is MASSIVE. As in, punch a hole through your kid's finished, painted room because it can't make the corner! It also came with a questionably translated-from-Chinese installation manual.

Let's take a closer look:
(If you asked yourself, "Is that fake wood paneling and a key pad to control the jets?" then you are correct!)

Anyway, this got me thinking of what my ideal shower/bath would be if I had my own place or lived in an apartment with a bathroom big enough for a sink that does not overlap the tub... Oh, and thousands and thousands of dollars!

classic clawfoot




I know Betty is a fan of the Japanese ofuro style tub, so here's a little eye candy:
classic wood version


updated a bit with some tile


And last but not least! The Farnsworth of tubs: