tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042504935572585742024-03-21T13:41:38.718-07:00jolie x laideAlisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304250493557258574.post-15174720981412069642016-03-31T06:28:00.000-07:002016-04-07T13:14:37.227-07:00march budgetPopping in with a very quick post about March purchases -- there weren't many, it was a quiet shopping month that absolutely flew by!<br />
<br />
As is often the case, my purchases have a nice cohesive color palette and will surely make friends with all of the other black and white and stripey pieces in my closet.<br />
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/march_budget/set?.embedder=2415172&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger&id=194932094" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="march budget" border="0" src="http://img1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set?.out=jpg&.sig=VsiRNAKOzzJjnM4k0ZM9Cw&id=7Hjifff25RGXGWEeXi33Qg&size=c600x556" height="370" title="march budget" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<i>clockwise from l to r:</i><br />
<i><br /></i><a href="http://www.clubmonaco.com/product/index.jsp?productId=81979696" target="_blank">Club Monaco Tweed Blazer</a> ($153) -- just a perfect little French-y blazer that looks great with jeans.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.uniqlo.com/us/product/women-lemaire-cashmere-blended-half-sleeve-sweater-175356.html#01~/women/featured/uniqlo-and-lemaire/tops/~" target="_blank">Uniqlo x Lemaire Striped Sweater</a> ($40) -- I was happy to get my hands on one piece from this fun collab<br />
<br />
<a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1009237&vid=1&pid=206688002" target="_blank">Old Navy Striped Dress</a> ($15) -- a great summer basic<br />
<br />
Uniqlo x IDLF Sweatshirt ($29) -- this one is a disappointment, and probably going back. It runs super small (just as reviewers said) and the torso is quite short. Too bad, such promise!<br />
<br />
Total -- $208 (not including the Uniqlo sweatshirt)<br />
Monthly budget -- $200<br />
<br />
Scoring the tweed blazer on a good sale felt like a win, so I don't mind spending most of my budget on one great piece. The cost per wear will be so tiny, I can feel it.<br />
<br />
Lots of things on my radar for April. I feel like I fall in love with something new almost daily, and I have fairly expensive tastes right now. Here are the things I can't seem to get off of my mind lately:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjLe63mkP1N4Li2z0GFcFhogoWlWT3nBZnsG6p5PynS_VwqwCz8xvCRk8oAXUPV_03msxJT_LjhvB6sChw3ppfDDYBe1cGOWDkQzuV7SedtH5i1vK_jCbeh8IY5lpqB95uKMah4rlD7xYJfGvR8ed0UMDYqE7DvTiyx6pnTucaknaRD9a9v8XCT8uWramffCXUlCdMGunMJq_gz_9GH9McWidbEJYX-_kMjtYf44-I6FrrIHA=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjLe63mkP1N4Li2z0GFcFhogoWlWT3nBZnsG6p5PynS_VwqwCz8xvCRk8oAXUPV_03msxJT_LjhvB6sChw3ppfDDYBe1cGOWDkQzuV7SedtH5i1vK_jCbeh8IY5lpqB95uKMah4rlD7xYJfGvR8ed0UMDYqE7DvTiyx6pnTucaknaRD9a9v8XCT8uWramffCXUlCdMGunMJq_gz_9GH9McWidbEJYX-_kMjtYf44-I6FrrIHA=" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
yes, I need <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/shoes/view-all/jacket-with-bow-c719531p3293077.html" target="_blank">another blazer</a> // I'm always on the lookout for <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/new-in/woman/view-all/leather-high-heel-sandals-c811528p3230653.html" target="_blank">cute shoes with a reasonable heel</a> // another <a href="https://www.net-a-porter.com/us/en/product/651797?cm_mmc=polyvoreUS-desktop-_-cpc-_-t-shirts-_-https://www.net-a-porter.com/us/en/product/651797" target="_blank">striped t-shirt</a> // <a href="http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?searchTermScope=3&searchType=ALL&viewAllFlag=false&CE3_ENDECA_PRODUCT_ROLLUP_ENABLED=N&catalogId=33060&productOnlyCount=1&sort_field=Relevance&storeId=13052&qubitRefinements=siteId%3DTopShopUS&langId=-1&beginIndex=1&productId=24183894&pageSize=20&defaultGridLayout=3&searchTerm=TS35P07JSLV&productIdentifierproduct=product&DM_PersistentCookieCreated=true&searchTermOperator=LIKE&x=25&geoip=search&y=11" target="_blank">this one</a> is a little crazy, but isn't it fabulous? I have a high school reunion coming up and there is a part of me that wants to show up in this...<br />
<br />
Linking up with <a href="http://www.franishtheblog.com/2016/03/march-budget.html" target="_blank">Fran</a> and the budget bloggers -- did you buy anything good this month?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fimg2.polyvoreimg.com%2Fcgi%2Fimg-set%3F.out%3Djpg%26.sig%3DqHkGUsAYhI8MjBfvqBeJg%26id%3DCHr49vr25RGFZtFFE83bcg%26size%3Dc600x240&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjLe63mkP1N4Li2z0GFcFhogoWlWT3nBZnsG6p5PynS_VwqwCz8xvCRk8oAXUPV_03msxJT_LjhvB6sChw3ppfDDYBe1cGOWDkQzuV7SedtH5i1vK_jCbeh8IY5lpqB95uKMah4rlD7xYJfGvR8ed0UMDYqE7DvTiyx6pnTucaknaRD9a9v8XCT8uWramffCXUlCdMGunMJq_gz_9GH9McWidbEJYX-_kMjtYf44-I6FrrIHA=" -->Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304250493557258574.post-15317504065398474732016-03-28T20:42:00.000-07:002016-03-28T20:42:53.923-07:00anywhere and everywhereThings that I love: cute graphic tees. Shoes with a very Gucci vibe. Pattern mixing. Hence, this outfit. Does it work? I don't know. Do I love it? Yup.<br />
<br />
It started with the tee, a very cute little number. I was trying to justify it's purchase and thinking about how I would wear it other than with the usual jeans and leggings. And then I realized, I can wear it anywhere. The shirt says so.<br />
<br />
In my office I can definitely get away with more casual pieces, especially when they're paired with more traditional suit separates. When in doubt, just throw a cute jacket over it! This tee is a little pricey, but at least now I've brought the cost per wear down just a tad more...<br />
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/anywhere_but_here/set?.embedder=2415172&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger&id=194680904" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="anywhere but here" border="0" src="http://img2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set?.out=jpg&.sig=sLxCw2x0vhptK1UdCI1sg&id=tBW2vZD05RGDecoUN_hFfQ&size=c600x654" height="640" title="anywhere but here" width="585" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
a <a href="http://us.riverisland.com/women/coats--jackets/blazers/white-eyelet-side-collarless-blazer-683550?cmpid=af_Polyvore_US_Blazers_desktop&istCompanyId=23c4e990-2bc6-43e5-80c7-6bc9ac44cc9c&istItemId=aximwxtai&istBid=t" target="_blank">white blazer</a> is really a spring wardrobe staple -- throw it over almost any outfit to feel a little more pulled together // a <a href="https://www.net-a-porter.com/us/en/product/651797?cm_mmc=polyvore-desktop-_-cpc-_-t-shirts-_-https://www.net-a-porter.com/us/en/product/651797" target="_blank">casual tee</a> with a nice slim cut // this is a lot of look, so a <a href="http://link.mercent.com/redirect.ashx?mr:merchantID=Nordstrom&mr:trackingCode=AB44F731-2FCA-E511-80F9-0050569419E4&mr:targetUrl=http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/4130974%3fcm_mmc%3dpolyvorecpcdesktop-_-datafeed-_-women:jewelry:earring-_-5005923" target="_blank">little pair of earrings</a> is more than enough // a <a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/44025?article=44025-A" target="_blank">ladylike satchel</a> is a closet workhorse // <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/new-in/woman/view-all/leather-high-heel-sandals-c811528p3230653.html" target="_blank">sexy shoes</a> that you can work and dance in // the bold print of this <a href="http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Coast+Peony+bloom+pencil+skirt/241477276,default,pd.html" target="_blank">pencil skirt</a> is a welcome sign of spring</div>
</div>
Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304250493557258574.post-3629705283873305512016-03-27T07:24:00.001-07:002016-03-27T07:24:21.622-07:00i'm just here for the candyHappy Easter! As a single 30-something far from home, this isn't really a big day for me. I'm planning to grab brunch with friends and maybe see a movie, but it's not really so different from any other Sunday. But! I am definitely planning on partaking in one of the best Easter traditions: the candy. Easter candy is the. best.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I came across a few great candy-related recipes that I'm definitely going to be trying today. Delicious sugar high guaranteed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u>Truffle Bunny Shots</u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A <a href="http://www.delish.com/cooking/videos/a46520/truffle-bunny-shots-easy-easter-dessert/" target="_blank">cocktail you make in the hollows of a chocolate Easter bunny</a>. I saw this and just thought, I'm not using my brain to it's fullest potential. Genius.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0o4DGA1hQgPLkTVx6vMDvm2UZk4gLDSE82p4DlJpMqsrFvJy15PZkd5VoPn0F6iYlS2KCEKx3wxThLcSEnMQRAe8OMgwwkdduIUHTrMCiMJuglikOVU89uu_HOOm7ABmqStL7-18kf4/s1600/trufflebunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0o4DGA1hQgPLkTVx6vMDvm2UZk4gLDSE82p4DlJpMqsrFvJy15PZkd5VoPn0F6iYlS2KCEKx3wxThLcSEnMQRAe8OMgwwkdduIUHTrMCiMJuglikOVU89uu_HOOm7ABmqStL7-18kf4/s640/trufflebunny.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><u>Peeps S'mores Skillet</u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There really is no candy that says Easter more than those sickly sweet and colorful Peeps. You can take them to the next level with this <a href="http://www.delish.com/cooking/videos/a46520/truffle-bunny-shots-easy-easter-dessert/" target="_blank">rich and gooey layered s'mores dessert</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Pn8ModTPYH5unIkMYlBg3l9Ff8-RmhSKMrTIezQ9fVeS9DUMLIAk9PzoW83xV7_5oQh5RX7VOtl1JewM0ip10ymZxIf7HahbpEYT2HWwyWJcx27Hi_Hzc-k4qXNmNYxly-DO9u81mXE/s1600/peeps-smores-I-howsweeteats.com-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Pn8ModTPYH5unIkMYlBg3l9Ff8-RmhSKMrTIezQ9fVeS9DUMLIAk9PzoW83xV7_5oQh5RX7VOtl1JewM0ip10ymZxIf7HahbpEYT2HWwyWJcx27Hi_Hzc-k4qXNmNYxly-DO9u81mXE/s640/peeps-smores-I-howsweeteats.com-4.jpg" width="522" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u>Easter Candy Bark</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Candy bark is super easy to make and is a great way to get a lot of sugar bang for your buck -- <a href="http://dessertedplanet.com/easter-bark/#" target="_blank">this one</a> has a magical unicorn quality that I'm digging.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzpnP9AG7-0rOFnJnHTTRMN_b_NpbvECwha1H6u2taDMv3wob1MHq9XjUpoP_8z40v_CLM4XnQQW8Zq-2gD6fq7Z_r_C59xgek84dPGL0gi6WkpXT8ID1eCrGB2C8fQ1RUZapSu8JfNM/s1600/easterbark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzpnP9AG7-0rOFnJnHTTRMN_b_NpbvECwha1H6u2taDMv3wob1MHq9XjUpoP_8z40v_CLM4XnQQW8Zq-2gD6fq7Z_r_C59xgek84dPGL0gi6WkpXT8ID1eCrGB2C8fQ1RUZapSu8JfNM/s640/easterbark.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u>Bunny Shortbread</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is an <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/almond-shortbread-dipped-chocolate-bunnies" target="_blank">elegant little dessert</a> -- you'd never know that several chocolate bunnies had to die in order to make it happen.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdC47eLHYzqB82oxZBM7us-RDdpmRo5b0wlDV7I_it3_yNJVEdk-BqEmC7eF3wQSThn5ghfN9rWTecjlOFXbHHpOVdpx3JuWsjb8LOXkJfTyBorVo6QhYGYIzfK9xde4E1KWzTGu8BwrI/s1600/bunny-shortbread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdC47eLHYzqB82oxZBM7us-RDdpmRo5b0wlDV7I_it3_yNJVEdk-BqEmC7eF3wQSThn5ghfN9rWTecjlOFXbHHpOVdpx3JuWsjb8LOXkJfTyBorVo6QhYGYIzfK9xde4E1KWzTGu8BwrI/s640/bunny-shortbread.jpg" width="536" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304250493557258574.post-63079495211505836532016-03-24T20:00:00.000-07:002016-03-24T20:00:06.025-07:00the good stuff, vol. 7Here's what I'm into this week....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCE_rGSZWk1DNjivx9TcsTV5k-1B_rvOjcFnLa4cNxsIX6UMvLtpRr4BgQTqGY0V74Az53FXk644OEehsbeax9nGBR737ZVQZxKE_8-eJhcexYW6UHlWNHiMA3TiDPehhZiahwY3pLS8/s1600/good+stuff+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCE_rGSZWk1DNjivx9TcsTV5k-1B_rvOjcFnLa4cNxsIX6UMvLtpRr4BgQTqGY0V74Az53FXk644OEehsbeax9nGBR737ZVQZxKE_8-eJhcexYW6UHlWNHiMA3TiDPehhZiahwY3pLS8/s640/good+stuff+7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>reading</u></span><br />
<br />
Target has historically done very well when collaborating with designers who do fun, bold prints (Missoni, Lilly Pulitzer), so I think the <a href="http://www.racked.com/2016/3/21/11280020/marimekko-target-lookbook" target="_blank">upcoming Marimekko line could be a winner</a> -- it's cute!<br />
<br />
These <a href="http://www.thebigpictureny.com/" target="_blank">historical photos of New York City</a> are fascinating (and enormous -- not suitable for browsing on your phone).<br />
<br />
I feel like Lorelei and Rory did a lot of eating but almost no cooking on <i>Gilmore Girls</i>, but I'd still check out this <a href="http://nerdist.com/gilmore-girls-inspired-cookbook-will-help-you-live-a-stars-hollow-life/" target="_blank">Stars Hollow-inspired cookbook</a>. I'd like to know what was in that very potent Founder's Day punch...<br />
<br />
More information than you ever wanted to <a href="http://www.fastcodesign.com/3058058/the-harvard-vault-that-protects-the-worlds-rarest-colors" target="_blank">know about pigments</a>, and the library that is guarding some very rare ones.<br />
<br />
This <a href="http://wwd.com/menswear-news/designer-luxury/miuccia-prada-mens-wear-interview-10396751/" target="_blank">interview with Miuccia Prada</a> is presumably about menswear but really offers a glimpse into the world of a very cool lady.<br />
<br />
This week's warm fuzzy is this <a href="http://www.someecards.com/news/so-that-happened/random-text-new-baby-gifts/" target="_blank">sweet story</a> of how one person responded to a stranger's text message.<br />
<br />
A look at <a href="http://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/a14760/what-it-feels-like-to-go-platinum-blonde/" target="_blank">what it takes to go from brunette to platinum blonde </a>(it sounds grueling, like a hair marathon).<br />
<br />
There is a <a href="http://www.bustle.com/articles/145442-weve-been-using-sticky-notes-wrong-our-entire-lives-so-heres-how-to-do-it-right" target="_blank">right way to use post-it notes</a> and none of us were doing it.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>watching</u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span>
Kendall Jenner and Gigi Haddid are pretty adorable, and I watched <a href="http://video.vogue.com/watch/kendall-jenner-gigi-hadid-sleepover-party-chanel-haute-couture" target="_blank">this video</a> of their goofy "sleepover" antics more than once. You need at least one viewing just to drool over the Chanel.<br />
<br />
I'm hunkered down during our first big thunderstorm of the season and decided to check in on Shon-day. <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/the-catch" target="_blank">The Catch</a> looks interesting, and I might tune in just to drool over Mireille Enos' hair, and face, and wardrobe.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304250493557258574.post-23563107679220462292016-03-23T21:06:00.000-07:002016-03-23T21:06:38.605-07:00Rodarte x And Other StoriesCrushed under a mountain of work, somehow I missed the launch of a very fabulous <a href="http://www.stories.com/gb/Rodarte_Co-Lab" target="_blank">Rodarte capsule collection</a> with <a href="http://www.stories.com/us/" target="_blank">& Other Stories</a> (H&M's baby sister). The collection is cool and glam with a 70s Biba-vibe. The limited color palette (black and white, metallics, and pops of pink and red) makes everything feel really cohesive and super easy to work into your closet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggW7pI3FRY-AVVymeCKC8OzG2hhc1ZbDQ6jihGIIxv98B-L0smwdhOgNlG-JfARsnK7P0IdO_lqS-BRiNr-W2kmUN7Qvg-6JcLaf7eIpbZuuxprbPxELtrxk7IN2x0sZB6gGzkm0AwYaM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-03-23+at+11.21.05+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggW7pI3FRY-AVVymeCKC8OzG2hhc1ZbDQ6jihGIIxv98B-L0smwdhOgNlG-JfARsnK7P0IdO_lqS-BRiNr-W2kmUN7Qvg-6JcLaf7eIpbZuuxprbPxELtrxk7IN2x0sZB6gGzkm0AwYaM/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-03-23+at+11.21.05+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
There were some quick sell-outs, but there are still a few gems available. <a href="http://www.stories.com/gb/Rodarte_Co-Lab" target="_blank">Happy shopping</a>!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuy-kiL_k6kNnl-8yCIKutQMPv4gxkPSueIlH_Ntr45rO_nvnWPlW1bV1SQf7LzHAzWiu55hcO5XbB_1At7k7DpBSTEf_iMnPcTM6Pgbww73gtKvV3RTNemsoeIg4LeXU9zHywFdkfyU/s1600/rodarte6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuy-kiL_k6kNnl-8yCIKutQMPv4gxkPSueIlH_Ntr45rO_nvnWPlW1bV1SQf7LzHAzWiu55hcO5XbB_1At7k7DpBSTEf_iMnPcTM6Pgbww73gtKvV3RTNemsoeIg4LeXU9zHywFdkfyU/s400/rodarte6.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIlzCmrkG2TnuQKLjufdGz3FnCO8bFPlwHqhxLqy_ErUAGpt1tUVOSWBG5pvTP1SZt41VOIEyxbaDjD7Dj9vZ0jn_7lx4UB7jUf9lkULriGLO485FgljEJWmvxMJR_2PNOvQGFgD_h5w/s1600/rodarte2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIlzCmrkG2TnuQKLjufdGz3FnCO8bFPlwHqhxLqy_ErUAGpt1tUVOSWBG5pvTP1SZt41VOIEyxbaDjD7Dj9vZ0jn_7lx4UB7jUf9lkULriGLO485FgljEJWmvxMJR_2PNOvQGFgD_h5w/s400/rodarte2.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyeqIL5EtsXlgKMj9ipytg1iwIL5nf_pN2S-X3U1WhaXT8FDVL1BVAQiAn1nsCUWwY8R4L7qzFuc4dGIJkkP5R7Wv_1kQAsGqHbckZvGYPITFhp5aD5K9Z0MUkAoahfvzAULugVBAIWY/s1600/rodarte3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyeqIL5EtsXlgKMj9ipytg1iwIL5nf_pN2S-X3U1WhaXT8FDVL1BVAQiAn1nsCUWwY8R4L7qzFuc4dGIJkkP5R7Wv_1kQAsGqHbckZvGYPITFhp5aD5K9Z0MUkAoahfvzAULugVBAIWY/s400/rodarte3.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This sequin wrap dress is over-the-top in a wonderful way.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzORg3OGOes1jlyKGNvkrynq_AD-i7Mn3-At24awmtRxzaO36B9PfY3djRYY5DpXofa-w8-tKbVbUKnxF3F95xnvCNsvhySKx-f55C3cwkE6U081FQT4r3Vf0ngC8llILYzLWQaL7i-Gs/s1600/rodarte4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzORg3OGOes1jlyKGNvkrynq_AD-i7Mn3-At24awmtRxzaO36B9PfY3djRYY5DpXofa-w8-tKbVbUKnxF3F95xnvCNsvhySKx-f55C3cwkE6U081FQT4r3Vf0ngC8llILYzLWQaL7i-Gs/s400/rodarte4.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSPr1G0u8rYvy8RoIjCYQ2EuCJBkPh699q4d-XsACCxE1auLiQQBC9-XNxcwFdmHrMaw9CScwzIimgaHHrLlaCGvRo7ZT7y1h1naHT-k_PI5HzasxWArSMYD-MBsXoACz4QIKy9r4Uxc/s1600/rodarte7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSPr1G0u8rYvy8RoIjCYQ2EuCJBkPh699q4d-XsACCxE1auLiQQBC9-XNxcwFdmHrMaw9CScwzIimgaHHrLlaCGvRo7ZT7y1h1naHT-k_PI5HzasxWArSMYD-MBsXoACz4QIKy9r4Uxc/s400/rodarte7.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Such a perfect little ring, maybe it will come back in stock (please?)... </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyv15iB7unWNMOrn4sLbZU0OUwOlC4BnzTewhB5JCewB8MwbOLikykPboNRiH0jIeZwokdbWOG81vPE9BcbTBecfRJLPLrralsJlmQHfJKGsOxSGEPpQc4QaTeJJd8Wt03mkDBUdsbEM/s1600/rodarte+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyv15iB7unWNMOrn4sLbZU0OUwOlC4BnzTewhB5JCewB8MwbOLikykPboNRiH0jIeZwokdbWOG81vPE9BcbTBecfRJLPLrralsJlmQHfJKGsOxSGEPpQc4QaTeJJd8Wt03mkDBUdsbEM/s400/rodarte+11.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just the shoes to fulfill my inner-Dorothy fantasies. So sexy.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib91XZKap0l02Crv8oI2_ipBAVcC0kI_E5qT_3H1HpN7ELk8TCPZBEBoYiCpFwT3PHtskOB9egk1XVbUIfp4t9EPC6eBh1iRnp4MLp2-pywe1TEgXZth5uKRTgxiPNOlKoXWBQ07lvno8/s1600/rodarte8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib91XZKap0l02Crv8oI2_ipBAVcC0kI_E5qT_3H1HpN7ELk8TCPZBEBoYiCpFwT3PHtskOB9egk1XVbUIfp4t9EPC6eBh1iRnp4MLp2-pywe1TEgXZth5uKRTgxiPNOlKoXWBQ07lvno8/s400/rodarte8.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ma0N1zAOrK6OnHxVAdo6dSLNGjwW9_KbYDE6_EJRA7cdgVdHrjZZVVljrmd8E0jSDX5PaIutnCKrSpg7XUGt0sf6NKYlLxVBexkAol87KBIjO4vjFDMIM_Q0tfcNqN8NqhPbSY1qQdI/s1600/rodarte9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ma0N1zAOrK6OnHxVAdo6dSLNGjwW9_KbYDE6_EJRA7cdgVdHrjZZVVljrmd8E0jSDX5PaIutnCKrSpg7XUGt0sf6NKYlLxVBexkAol87KBIjO4vjFDMIM_Q0tfcNqN8NqhPbSY1qQdI/s400/rodarte9.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Blush pink usually gives a fresh, innocent vibe but when I look at this super pretty wrap number I think "this dress has seen some things..."</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDPTY9W3JTvu6zw0Q9Y3JjG_7b0bY7-yRo2LDVCduErzUHnzEXnUGg5ORphzhjwt9lBEfwWne0fvGjpIr0Uwgik24Q7NbiET2bxuBb4_eWf2tlkxQcrpfj_6Kj7QWxkWiiB3Y639xe-k/s1600/rodarte+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDPTY9W3JTvu6zw0Q9Y3JjG_7b0bY7-yRo2LDVCduErzUHnzEXnUGg5ORphzhjwt9lBEfwWne0fvGjpIr0Uwgik24Q7NbiET2bxuBb4_eWf2tlkxQcrpfj_6Kj7QWxkWiiB3Y639xe-k/s400/rodarte+10.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304250493557258574.post-53590603963385957582016-03-22T21:04:00.000-07:002016-03-22T21:04:53.562-07:00pretty little layerYou know how you see something and you just immediately think, "that's SO me!!". Yeah, that's this jacket. Black and white, ultra feminine, polished, pretty. I have so. many. white blazers, but I don't care. This one has a ribbon and I love it.<br />
<br />
My natural inclination is to throw this on over jeans when I want a little lazy glamour on the weekends, but it's also begging to be amped up a bit for a super sharp professional look. This is the jacket I'd reach for on the morning of the big presentation, the keynote speech, the dream job interview. This is a four-season piece (just one of the ways I am justifying this purchase), but here's how I'd style it for spring:<br />
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/pretty_little_layer/set?.embedder=2415172&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger&id=194217256" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="pretty little layer" border="0" src="http://img2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set?.out=jpg&.sig=hOUWfv2z3d3LadhOfpvPtg&id=8OQZ85rw5RG6U1EFE83bcg&size=c600x724" height="640" title="pretty little layer" width="529" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
a <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/shoes/view-all/jacket-with-bow-c719531p3293077.html" target="_blank">classic blazer</a> you'll have literally forever // a simple, silky <a href="https://www.everlane.com/collections/womens-tops/products/womens-silk-camisole-black" target="_blank">black camisole</a> won't distract from the main attraction // these <a href="https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/pants/Slim/PRD~E8366/E8366.jsp?Nbrd=J&Nloc=en_US&Nrpp=48&Npge=1&Ntrm=eddie&isSaleItem=false&color_name=navy&isFromSearch=true&isNewSearch=true&hash=row0" target="_blank">cropped trousers</a> have a slight flare but are still slim enough to create a flattering leg silhouette // for spring, blush pink is a perfect pairing with black and white, and this <a href="http://www.solesociety.com/marcy-peach.html?pid=142213" target="_blank">satchel</a> is sharp and practical // cropped pants are a great way to show off cute shoes, like these very <a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1050637&vid=1&pid=183486042" target="_blank">minimal blush colored heels</a> // one bold accessory, like this <a href="https://www.shopbop.com/triton-ring-jules-smith/vp/v=1/1530082528.htm?currencyCode=USD&extid=AFFPRG_Polyvore_CPC_SB_USD&cvo_campaign=polyvore_sb_us&cvosrc=affiliate_cpc.polyvore_us.rings" target="_blank">statement ring</a>, adds just enough sparkle<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304250493557258574.post-58815490603366536252016-03-20T05:00:00.000-07:002016-03-20T05:38:33.656-07:00field trip: rifle paper co.<a href="https://riflepaperco.com/" target="_blank">Rifle Paper Co.</a> is one of the most charming and popular stationery companies in the world. You've seen their ultra feminine designs literally everywhere -- cards, wallpaper, books, cell phone cases, prints. And then there are the collaborations -- <a href="https://riflepaperco.com/collections/lesportsac/" target="_blank">tote bags</a> with Le Sportsac, <a href="https://riflepaperco.com/collections/paper-crown/" target="_blank">sweet tops and dresses</a> for Paper Crown, a <a href="https://riflepaperco.com/collections/garance-dore/" target="_blank">range of pieces</a> with style icon Garance Doré, and <a href="https://riflepaperco.com/in-bloom-book-collection/" target="_blank">classic novels</a> for Penguin Books. Rifle Paper Co. is slowly taking over the world, one cheery print at a time.<br />
<br />
What few people know is that this powerhouse company is based here in Orlando. In a modern little storefront, on a tree-lined street in the charming little neighborhood of Winter Park sits the modest headquarters for this internationally renowned brand. In addition to a design studio, there's a storefront filled with treasures. #orlandodoesntsuck indeed!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyNl26Pk5knNbQlmEOs0p5cwTYzz8h8aDkyiF6AmGhOz_bhjlxfXETsHknG-alKEJsp5oIPapcVnuunt-E0z9RmlofqL2QkKtKMXAB4pK86CTSyTxH2_FkrevnbXgUKajYNzbqUR6V3k/s1600/rifle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyNl26Pk5knNbQlmEOs0p5cwTYzz8h8aDkyiF6AmGhOz_bhjlxfXETsHknG-alKEJsp5oIPapcVnuunt-E0z9RmlofqL2QkKtKMXAB4pK86CTSyTxH2_FkrevnbXgUKajYNzbqUR6V3k/s640/rifle1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I love visiting their shop any time of year, but the very best time is when they're holding one of their sidewalk sales. They serve up piles of cards, calendars, notebooks and more at a fraction of the regular prices. This weekend happened to be one of those famous sales, so I thought I'd share a peek inside...<br />
<br />
The overall vibe of the shop is very much that of walking into a home -- the coziest, cheeriest home you've ever been in. This begins in the entryway, an elegant little space with overstuffed chairs, fresh flowers, and the bold pop of Rifle Paper Co. wallpaper.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljg1dCadskyq1eFgUxHl0lhl6DvKB68GgUcjVLkNGd1uCQQsYlzAimf9i0Ky44h4BBhg7HeVzRLI2fmxwPw6sbUNkQ-A7kChxdm3QUTr6j8e0UAqsKxFdLCNP-dCEomzgTVJ7t36BeQA/s1600/rifle2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljg1dCadskyq1eFgUxHl0lhl6DvKB68GgUcjVLkNGd1uCQQsYlzAimf9i0Ky44h4BBhg7HeVzRLI2fmxwPw6sbUNkQ-A7kChxdm3QUTr6j8e0UAqsKxFdLCNP-dCEomzgTVJ7t36BeQA/s640/rifle2.jpg" width="406" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
The retail shop feels homey as well -- you'll find a collection of tables, bookshelves, and little nooks that are perfectly merchandized with products. The aesthetic here is definitely more is more, and suddenly you feel like maybe your life would be much better is you had piles of adorable notepads, stacks of books, and plenty of chocolate handy -- the much maligned <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/21/nyregion/unwrapping-mast-brothers-chocolatier-mythos.html?_r=0" target="_blank">Mast Bros chocolate bars</a> are for sale, though they are attractively packaged (in Rifle prints?).<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRFxqqIqq_1xmcaXIuSO5wB8bBv_jw6DODD6K9OgbWr6fmFRVRE4Dqzs_3yMz1hdiFQJpPr1Uqhzv3zGqLsU3rBn2Wo5xS5YORR4O1iM6rOdjUaewbOo2tkrqI_vpwXqGQe7qRoQS8Ek/s1600/rifle9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRFxqqIqq_1xmcaXIuSO5wB8bBv_jw6DODD6K9OgbWr6fmFRVRE4Dqzs_3yMz1hdiFQJpPr1Uqhzv3zGqLsU3rBn2Wo5xS5YORR4O1iM6rOdjUaewbOo2tkrqI_vpwXqGQe7qRoQS8Ek/s640/rifle9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTYllC7oWuqaVHZTxvdqAqTX3oybNN1SRl3M-2H2PeUFAKd_p5_5oOFRsHq8IxmXJglZ5aIscF9tDU8oC2BbXhjY0L0KXuq5HU_LqPyH0iQJnxEMiQ232YNcCu32W7DubHw2Nkw1NVfY/s1600/rifle11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTYllC7oWuqaVHZTxvdqAqTX3oybNN1SRl3M-2H2PeUFAKd_p5_5oOFRsHq8IxmXJglZ5aIscF9tDU8oC2BbXhjY0L0KXuq5HU_LqPyH0iQJnxEMiQ232YNcCu32W7DubHw2Nkw1NVfY/s640/rifle11.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The store mostly focuses on it's own products, but you will find a selection of jewelry, books, cocktail fixings, and other items that dovetail nicely with the Rifle lifestyle.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOeaHLY3wrWEAqHEhJZ-e1QRJ6lBDFOvfI1OEY7YIiUUcdRK9NK16jHXFBKwNtzuWzjHRZ3q9gaMNVEsH5s4TyAYfBp_aVuA5u5xMSAST7CNWtnWVwkDmxiFND_wli92DhY0eihREOR6Q/s1600/rifle5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOeaHLY3wrWEAqHEhJZ-e1QRJ6lBDFOvfI1OEY7YIiUUcdRK9NK16jHXFBKwNtzuWzjHRZ3q9gaMNVEsH5s4TyAYfBp_aVuA5u5xMSAST7CNWtnWVwkDmxiFND_wli92DhY0eihREOR6Q/s640/rifle5.jpg" width="472" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
A wall of cards for every occasion imaginable (seriously, they have cards that say "Will You Be My Bridesmaid?")<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUtL7VCjGWEUVNF26ygZrqa-Rh7CBl_ELd4HTKVl6BNr2f_nywbd8f-QIAthW3SJIZYoRZ9ImaxzoD5laT-13LLuQeOkWf_cdvOTzRsZW9h6HYyiDZSxDlrcoljerqv6_x-HSBFc1YDg/s1600/rifle6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUtL7VCjGWEUVNF26ygZrqa-Rh7CBl_ELd4HTKVl6BNr2f_nywbd8f-QIAthW3SJIZYoRZ9ImaxzoD5laT-13LLuQeOkWf_cdvOTzRsZW9h6HYyiDZSxDlrcoljerqv6_x-HSBFc1YDg/s640/rifle6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The sidewalk sale attracted quite a crowd -- with everyone snacking on the sugar cookies and<br />
lemonade laid out for shoppers, it felt a bit like a house party.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLoJvNgAAUx-waVxgsqBKaxX6HM8rbNdo4oRbh69P4b2OtoxiP33KQQ2ylEQ2V8Xrd4Q4TPZefQ9H9nGP07T1qFjIYi3TMcSG2IlhPDGqckEqvcrCoabqZnoYf_VSVCJTSYUlwcVVrcw/s1600/rifle10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLoJvNgAAUx-waVxgsqBKaxX6HM8rbNdo4oRbh69P4b2OtoxiP33KQQ2ylEQ2V8Xrd4Q4TPZefQ9H9nGP07T1qFjIYi3TMcSG2IlhPDGqckEqvcrCoabqZnoYf_VSVCJTSYUlwcVVrcw/s640/rifle10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The sale itself didn't disappoint. They opened up their studio space so there was plenty of room for goodies. There were tables and tables of calendars, prints, notebooks, and planners at very discounted prices (notebooks and journals were $2-5, calendars, prints, and larger items were $6-15).<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDah3SL1y2AkY-wwau2G8y-DZ6T95sbJycjPUEoibKp5VxaTwRfrsbDxY-RTkvDQXY3ebzxKh66Vuki_nZU2M5MDzsPjHi87_25NgncK3X4ODZA5ksM2aVtWQEYV4pxD_qURDJmfzuaU/s1600/rifle13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDah3SL1y2AkY-wwau2G8y-DZ6T95sbJycjPUEoibKp5VxaTwRfrsbDxY-RTkvDQXY3ebzxKh66Vuki_nZU2M5MDzsPjHi87_25NgncK3X4ODZA5ksM2aVtWQEYV4pxD_qURDJmfzuaU/s640/rifle13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYMihfAASE5QMldLBZxcgDKF9a-9oWWOUXFWpjYZl25SPB1M0N4SflioMr4KujhhIdHqmMhsFInIgVZdIko7lyy9Q3t4YyFaJu39K9qxSr6j3FqYqSSqsn5o3RVNJzUAhcRP7hjgUxqg/s1600/rifle8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYMihfAASE5QMldLBZxcgDKF9a-9oWWOUXFWpjYZl25SPB1M0N4SflioMr4KujhhIdHqmMhsFInIgVZdIko7lyy9Q3t4YyFaJu39K9qxSr6j3FqYqSSqsn5o3RVNJzUAhcRP7hjgUxqg/s640/rifle8.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A lovely touch of just about every sidewalk sale is a little freebie -- a fun party favor from a thoughtful hostess. This year they offered a gilded 8x10 poster, screen printed right in the studio.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bc8gym4hUcmKhkwF65p_2q46H6dUZwWFrFguOjo-6BbnVpZGlnbKYnP28ZpnYARtwWWmEkRXxvM7620brVWZaD7yY44Zo3lB5ekgeNwZzn06AUEk07O3uXwn3KP7U0GLFS0wAJwy3_o/s1600/rifle14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bc8gym4hUcmKhkwF65p_2q46H6dUZwWFrFguOjo-6BbnVpZGlnbKYnP28ZpnYARtwWWmEkRXxvM7620brVWZaD7yY44Zo3lB5ekgeNwZzn06AUEk07O3uXwn3KP7U0GLFS0wAJwy3_o/s640/rifle14.jpg" width="522" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDJD-72MOV6/?tagged=riflepaperco" target="_blank">source</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For me, the absolute highlight was the enormous table loaded with greeting cards. Most were single cards with envelopes, spanning every holiday and occasion imaginable, priced at $1 each. The crazy thing is that most of these cards are the same ones for sale over in the storefront (and online, in Anthropologie, etc) for $5-8.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYo2vhE91bI96Kxat3NJ1QTT_CNUVb4WvRA_NcbnesZtttfyRKkwGvCdjeeN3sshFZqjzH1o_EmcN5R_zunnz5t05twaNtYdulxxsA2TMjnJGKsCrg-bRVmo59yVjrE-b1iSEHCLfcSNs/s1600/IMG_6880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYo2vhE91bI96Kxat3NJ1QTT_CNUVb4WvRA_NcbnesZtttfyRKkwGvCdjeeN3sshFZqjzH1o_EmcN5R_zunnz5t05twaNtYdulxxsA2TMjnJGKsCrg-bRVmo59yVjrE-b1iSEHCLfcSNs/s640/IMG_6880.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
You can't even buy a card in Target for a buck, and I like to keep a supply of great cards on hand to avoid last-minute greeting disasters, so I stocked up. And bought 25. (While I was standing in line I was going through my pile and decided to put one back. Because 26 is obviously too many).<br />
<br />
So go ahead, loved ones: get married, have millions of babies, get older, do nice things for me. You will be congratulated, celebrated, and thanked in the most charming and twee way imaginable!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6Z8XwY-Bq2oBZXNZZWQENX1v7FHdq6uIA2HWlBmAN5ArM_xXPfBfPv0bAVhHdlYH5EfTUoKa-DdlLs9RXXolYyMQ_z30YpOGTMLuQuzrsdCUlwEGh4BiIGr5xLG-QcN8WvzasYUJtbM/s1600/IMG_6872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6Z8XwY-Bq2oBZXNZZWQENX1v7FHdq6uIA2HWlBmAN5ArM_xXPfBfPv0bAVhHdlYH5EfTUoKa-DdlLs9RXXolYyMQ_z30YpOGTMLuQuzrsdCUlwEGh4BiIGr5xLG-QcN8WvzasYUJtbM/s640/IMG_6872.JPG" width="546" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Overall, my haul was impressive. In addition the cards I picked up a calendar, some notebooks, a few prints, and other assorted goodies. I even picked up a few stocking stuffers to stash away in my gift closet. This funny little zebra is sitting on my desk right now...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9t8ZRXCJqaBTUctMHVelNqmP-xX_MCdsG7UrG_Ad9YqzMdELkAUJX5RvTLbxMxuONyD-NL8m53NgiEg11_Nfp26-5FyG_zWD8SGEbnTMvfo8Kwr4QjFWT_l4Tz1_i_AKEsg_tYLO3i1U/s1600/note_zebra_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9t8ZRXCJqaBTUctMHVelNqmP-xX_MCdsG7UrG_Ad9YqzMdELkAUJX5RvTLbxMxuONyD-NL8m53NgiEg11_Nfp26-5FyG_zWD8SGEbnTMvfo8Kwr4QjFWT_l4Tz1_i_AKEsg_tYLO3i1U/s400/note_zebra_1.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
If you love stationery, whimsical design, and Pinterest-worthy shopping experiences, you should definitely make a pilgrimage to Rifle Paper Co. And if you're in the market for a few dozen cards, keep an eye on their social media for announcements of upcoming sidewalk sales (usually in spring, summer, and around the holidays).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304250493557258574.post-68430458652131605072016-03-17T19:18:00.001-07:002016-03-17T19:18:51.298-07:00this is not a drill<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
</div>
</div>
Last year the shoe of the summer was an adorable little black and white cap-toed espadrille, either the Chanel original or one of many very good inspired-by versions (you remember, like <a href="http://www.toryburch.com/color-block-flat-espadrille-%7C-106-%7C-espadrilles/888736919380.html?campid=GOOGLE:pla:888736919380:br_NA&gclid=CKiS25jpxssCFdJOgQod64MBfQ&gclsrc=ds" target="_blank">these</a> and <a href="http://www.6pm.com/steve-madden-palamo-white-black?zhlfid=139&kpid=36140383" target="_blank">these</a>). This year there are plenty of espadrilles to go around, and they're even more fun. Different shapes, different colors, different prints -- your whole summer shoe wardrobe is set. Here are some of my favorites:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxkPJD5ah-mUlWNFVSEOkuV3ZEG9LMuHWrtkybFzl-_hXsZikLcJekf2Cgm-Cxy85chQNQ_9WC7oYek5KPLbuG17dto7ii_5USuL9kJ4j8IFGKckPfUE2roE8EORlQqFMg8PVVEy-zPA/s1600/drilles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxkPJD5ah-mUlWNFVSEOkuV3ZEG9LMuHWrtkybFzl-_hXsZikLcJekf2Cgm-Cxy85chQNQ_9WC7oYek5KPLbuG17dto7ii_5USuL9kJ4j8IFGKckPfUE2roE8EORlQqFMg8PVVEy-zPA/s400/drilles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>top row: </i>last year Target did one of the best versions of the Chanel espadrille, and their <a href="http://www.target.com/p/women-s-dv-tia-espadrilles/-/A-50276043?clkid=18d22b6eN8af36f3feaeb9f1b49830711&lnm=81938&afid=POPSUGAR&ref=tgt_adv_xasd0002&utm_source=polyvore&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=sandals">dv Tia Espadrille</a> has very cute slipper-like quality // Boden's <a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/womens-shoes-boots/flats/ar745-pew/womens-pewter-glitter-betty-espadrille.html?cm_mmc=CSE-_-Polyvore-_-SpringDrop1-_-15fs&istCompanyId=654c6563-344a-4fb0-9b32-3ddc2d0f96b4&istItemId=axtwiqwlp&istBid=t" target="_blank">Betty Espadrille</a> packs a lot of punch for a casual shoe</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>second row:</i> a peep-toe and a bright color and a little wedge -- <a href="http://www.chineselaundry.com/cl-by-laundry/fortune-peep-toe-espadrille-wedge-4818" target="_blank">this sweet little shoe</a> has it all // last year's model updated with a <a href="http://us.topshop.com/en/tsus/product/kangeroo-espadrille-5196001?cmpid=aff_polyus_cpc_sandals" target="_blank">subtle silver shimmer and a teeny platform</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>third row: </i><a href="https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shoes/espadrilles/PRDOVR~E7666/E7666.jsp?srcCode=AFFIMPOLYVORE_sandals" target="_blank">pink python print</a> offers lots of fun pattern-mixing options // nothing says summer like a <a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/soludos-candy-stripe-espadrilles-natural-multi/p2569057" target="_blank">rainbow stripe of popsicle hues</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>fourth row: </i><a href="http://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/soludos-barca-original-striped-leather-espadrilles_186-3001723-FOR1202003/?previewAttribute=Black%2Fwhite&_$ja=tsid:60025|cgn:polyvorecpc|kw:sandals&cm_mmc=AFFIL-_-AWIN-_-polyvore-_-cpc" target="_blank">black and white stripes</a> work with everything // the perforations on this <a href="http://www.barneys.com/Loeffler-Randall-Cap-Toe-Mara-Espadrilles-503794330.html?utm_source=polyvore&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=desktop_sandals" target="_blank">Loeffler Randall pair</a> give a beachy wicker vibe.</div>
</div>
Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304250493557258574.post-39532641225169146502016-03-16T08:18:00.000-07:002016-03-17T19:10:08.640-07:00the good stuff, vol. 6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This week's distractions...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSvgjpCgL2JAi0aXG4ldFOob701qBOpgxa85Kod1K0uIMlfkLfKvUbM3vXXXQADLl9hRAoVyYF8PtP37pnVeIM17lcUFDEZSigp52jCiV6VJ56IIYIN3ftbxb8Em6d1j7G2jen1xydUM/s1600/good+stuff+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSvgjpCgL2JAi0aXG4ldFOob701qBOpgxa85Kod1K0uIMlfkLfKvUbM3vXXXQADLl9hRAoVyYF8PtP37pnVeIM17lcUFDEZSigp52jCiV6VJ56IIYIN3ftbxb8Em6d1j7G2jen1xydUM/s640/good+stuff+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">reading...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
This <a href="http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/fashion/stylist-favorite-things" target="_blank">list of a stylist's go-to sources</a> in a slew of categories (t-shirts, lingerie, nail polish, blazers, and everything in between) is a treasure trove.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2016/02/instagram-art-wonder-renwick-rain-room/463173/" target="_blank">Instagram effect on museums</a> -- is it a good thing? I'm a museum-lover, and I'm dying to see the <i>Wonder </i>exhibit. The thought of snapping a cute selfie definitely crossed my mind...<br />
<br />
Love this <a href="http://www.racked.com/2016/3/10/11183334/isaac-mizrahi-target-qvc" target="_blank">profile of Isaac Mizrahi</a> and his many fashion lives -- next time I'm in New York, I'm heading straight for The Jewish Museum to see his exhibit and have a little nosh at Russ and Daughters.<br />
<br />
Here's an <a href="http://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/makeup/a13229/karlie-kloss-makeup-tutorial-video/" target="_blank">easy makeup tutorial</a> so you can look ex-<i>actly</i> like Karlie Kloss (promise).<br />
<br />
Aidy Bryant is an absolute gem, and her <a href="http://domino.com/aidy-bryant-home" target="_blank">apartment is pretty adorable</a> (but also, pretty small -- no doubt about it, real estate in NYC is brutal).<br />
<br />
On TV, <a href="http://www.racked.com/2016/3/11/11195958/tv-hair-jane-the-virgin-empire-younger" target="_blank">everyone has the same hairstyle</a> (also on blogs too, right?)<br />
<br />
The Most Interesting Man in the World is actually, <a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/03/09/469775625/-most-interesting-man-in-the-world-raises-his-glass-for-last-time" target="_blank">pretty interesting</a>.<br />
<br />
I don't think there are any <i>bad </i>buys at Trader Joe's, but here's a list of <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/how-to-shop-at-trader-joes-what-to-buy-at-trader-joes" target="_blank">some of the very best things</a> to load into you cart on your next trip (for me: popcorn, frozen veggies, avocados, bananas, trail mix/nuts/dried fruit, and whatever assorted snacks look delicious). I had no idea about the sampling rule!<br />
<br />
Next time you read an article about millennials being lazy or whiny, think about <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HuffPostLifestyle/videos/10153519436556314/" target="_blank">this youngster</a> who has already accomplished a lifetime's worth of goals (and she's still in high school).<br />
<br />
Did you know J. Crew has a blog? It is a bit of an amalgam, but I liked this quick but enjoyable <a href="https://hello.jcrew.com/2016-04-april/WCW-Iris-Apfel" target="_blank">profile of Iris Apfel</a>.<br />
<br />
Very happy birthday to the Notorious RBG -- <a href="http://www.bustle.com/articles/148083-the-best-ruth-bader-ginsburg-quotes-in-honor-of-her-83rd-birthday" target="_blank">some of the many reasons</a> we love her.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">watching...</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTzycsqxYJ0" target="_blank">House of Cards</a> is back, and I'm (sort of?) excited. I decided to check out the first episode of the new season on a lazy Sunday afternoon and was surprised to get sucked down the rabbit hole. At moments it's pretty great, but there are definitely missteps and just way too many characters and storylines for the average person to keep track of (I totally forgot about a major plot point that comes back in a big way this season and had to stop the show and do a few quick Google searches to figure out what the hell was happening).<br />
<br />
#bam4ham -- Lin-Manuel Miranda doing a little <a href="http://www.broadway.com/buzz/184135/bam4ham-check-out-lin-manuel-miranda-the-hamilton-casts-white-house-visit/" target="_blank">Rose Garden Freestyle</a>, because I will never not be charmed by either of these two gentlemen.<br />
<br />
Under Armour has made some pretty great ads, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDM1FPFxbVk" target="_blank">this one featuring the US Gymnastics team</a> is definitely trying to motivate me to get back to the gym.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304250493557258574.post-20624569093759383302016-03-15T06:26:00.000-07:002016-03-15T06:26:07.086-07:00modern maryI wanted to write a post about Mary Tyler Moore being one of my first style icons, but I feel like that ages me more than I'd like to admit. Sigh. Does anyone even remember Mary?<br />
<br />
I discovered <i>The Mary Tyler Moore Show</i> years ago when Nick at Nite was the channel of choice for chronic night owls and they played some seriously old-school shows (and I don't mean reruns of <i>Friends). </i>In a nutshell, Mary Richards -- played by the extraordinary Mary Tyler Moore -- had a great job and a funky little apartment and wonderful best friend and a messy personal life and it all seemed pretty great to me. It was one of the first times I was really excited about the prospect of adulting -- she had a life that I totally wanted.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNwmVsfP0zJvpWU1NTJNvcLpNeA7EjnOY_BUhMtrQ_tICBmPiWinyJuGmm7uCcUHs2omxiocBVGF-PtOp4qJsnyTzX0-oDQF7vSUzX71ionBsPYBW1JQZzVgPJVOKKBmiChF1AMzlOLM/s1600/tweed+mini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNwmVsfP0zJvpWU1NTJNvcLpNeA7EjnOY_BUhMtrQ_tICBmPiWinyJuGmm7uCcUHs2omxiocBVGF-PtOp4qJsnyTzX0-oDQF7vSUzX71ionBsPYBW1JQZzVgPJVOKKBmiChF1AMzlOLM/s320/tweed+mini.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
Mary also had <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=mary+richards+clothing&biw=1440&bih=805&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiOnfvBlavLAhVDHR4KHSmVAQ4Q_AUIBygC" target="_blank">pretty killer style</a>. Mini skirts, scarves, and platforms shoes were staples, and when I saw this <a href="http://us.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpus/product/clothing-788621/skirts-1779003/vero-moda-tweed-mini-skirt-5318068" target="_blank">tweed mini</a> I found myself building a very Mary-esque look. I call this Modern Mary because of a few easy updates: a cheery spring color palette (no sepia-toned 70's hues here) and some next-level pattern mixing. A look perfectly suited for my current life (great job, sweet apartment, disastrous personal life)...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhSc9GFxxOm9Lb9_ILP60o5LcVhX8L5VI6DyPVE5JKXrDdbIQ7zf8mZb9qBTAs7YUB0iVjFljfYn_Rq0IzkL4JpHXibRAJ3IFjZs6xvYEFTecsXAGiGoJuR3p8hG2uwouxwL-h05IKcc8tK1HNBDf2Xre4lQiqpFKqgqW_QAPLa0zxiEBeBEkCcx1CgC2Wv602G5Pt2koo99qxbAO6UOPYw2qhF8L451H8agBX9ZTycK3CE72NhEtFoI7fEPA=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhSc9GFxxOm9Lb9_ILP60o5LcVhX8L5VI6DyPVE5JKXrDdbIQ7zf8mZb9qBTAs7YUB0iVjFljfYn_Rq0IzkL4JpHXibRAJ3IFjZs6xvYEFTecsXAGiGoJuR3p8hG2uwouxwL-h05IKcc8tK1HNBDf2Xre4lQiqpFKqgqW_QAPLa0zxiEBeBEkCcx1CgC2Wv602G5Pt2koo99qxbAO6UOPYw2qhF8L451H8agBX9ZTycK3CE72NhEtFoI7fEPA=" width="372" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
my <a href="https://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/knits_tees/Classic_Stripes/PRDOVR~B8722/B8722.jsp?color_name=oat-navy-spring" target="_blank">favorite striped shirt</a>, a real wardrobe staple // a <a href="http://www.matchesfashion.com/us/products/1050490?country=USA&qxjkl=tsid:57534&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_source=polyvore.com&utm_campaign=scarves" target="_blank">vibrant scarf</a> that is an easy transition to spring // this <a href="http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/bags-and-purses/dark-yellow-square-across-body-bag-_368872587" target="_blank">bright, tiny bag</a> won't hold much but sometimes it's good to pare down to the essentials // this <a href="http://us.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpus/product/clothing-788621/skirts-1779003/vero-moda-tweed-mini-skirt-5318068" target="_blank">tweed mini</a> is timeless and will work nearly year-round // if they're as comfortable as they look, I feel like I'd wear these <a href="http://www.6pm.com/product/8597560/color/583955" target="_blank">python platforms</a> all the time<br />
<br />
<br />
Tweed minis seem to be the thing for spring, here are a few other good options:<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_l1XyOoH4nYsOH3eplv0slaNWbbO_kP2m8rwr6zxR4ieqPXvVvMRF_Eoxi8YcF9CBnjSrEce-Wha-_qisAqMWRbDaexDCRDUZmD0BJ8bqXCsLO8oD9735WCrntB4h7JlzKFLIYlePlAo/s1600/minimontage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_l1XyOoH4nYsOH3eplv0slaNWbbO_kP2m8rwr6zxR4ieqPXvVvMRF_Eoxi8YcF9CBnjSrEce-Wha-_qisAqMWRbDaexDCRDUZmD0BJ8bqXCsLO8oD9735WCrntB4h7JlzKFLIYlePlAo/s640/minimontage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/kate-spade-new-york-mohair-blend-plaid-miniskirt/prod182470174/p.prod?ecid=NMCP_skirts_desktop" target="_blank">Kate Spade Mohair Mini</a> // <a href="http://us.topshop.com/en/tsus/product/check-mini-skirt-5093597?cmpid=aff_polyus_cpc_mini%20skirts" target="_blank">TopShop Check Mini </a>// <a href="http://www.loft.com/button-tab-tweed-skirt/396540?skuId=20193065&defaultColor=6600&colorExplode=false&catid=catl000017" target="_blank">Loft Button Tab Tweed Skirt</a> (on sale!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcfc.polyvoreimg.com%2Fcgi%2Fimg-set%2F.sig%2FS4hBDl5W1zCiPbUuSNC14A%2Fcid%2F192729497%2Fid%2F2l8pTFbq5RGwzVnzyHa90g%2Fsize%2Fc600x641.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhSc9GFxxOm9Lb9_ILP60o5LcVhX8L5VI6DyPVE5JKXrDdbIQ7zf8mZb9qBTAs7YUB0iVjFljfYn_Rq0IzkL4JpHXibRAJ3IFjZs6xvYEFTecsXAGiGoJuR3p8hG2uwouxwL-h05IKcc8tK1HNBDf2Xre4lQiqpFKqgqW_QAPLa0zxiEBeBEkCcx1CgC2Wv602G5Pt2koo99qxbAO6UOPYw2qhF8L451H8agBX9ZTycK3CE72NhEtFoI7fEPA=" -->Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304250493557258574.post-47472205431618481272016-03-14T18:56:00.000-07:002016-03-14T18:56:13.301-07:00it's national pi dayMarch 14 (you know, 3.14), a day for nerds and dessert-lovers. I can't say I really fit it into either category today. I enjoy a good math joke, but I can only remember π to five or six digits (nerdier friends can rattle off twelve, fifteen, even twenty digits easily). And then there's the other thing.<br />
<br />
I hate pie.<br />
<br />
I hope we can still be friends, I know this can be a fairly controversial stance. It's the one dessert category that I really just don't get. The tiny town I live in holds an <a href="http://celebrationtowncenter.com/events/the-great-american-pie-festival/" target="_blank">annual pie festival</a>, a wacky event straight out of Stars Hollow. The highlight of the event is $10 all-you-can-eat pie buffet and I leave hungry. My brother served pie instead of cake at his wedding last year and I brought a cupcake in my purse. Team Cake for life.<br />
<br />
But I love dessert and I love celebrating goofy holidays, so I didn't want to sit this one totally out. I realized it's the traditional fruit pies that I really hate. Goopy, sugary fillings sitting on a soggy crust...no thanks. But when you start adding chocolate, peanut butter, marshmallow, and other good stuff into the mix, well that's a horse of a different color.<br />
<br />
Here some pies that are worthy of baking, serving, and eating, today and any other day...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg394yNrkZRe0gXIH0XNo4wl3QhowaT6RYr-J5L4zjc5ucBE6jjAerU9QsxzvgtkRPcXB2KdEp3sbJE8p_1kJytevzqTUK6o8QKRb8VPQYcsVYTvLkK4NhrGgiFjCH2yLDC2hgQTtLrbG4/s1600/tagalong+pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg394yNrkZRe0gXIH0XNo4wl3QhowaT6RYr-J5L4zjc5ucBE6jjAerU9QsxzvgtkRPcXB2KdEp3sbJE8p_1kJytevzqTUK6o8QKRb8VPQYcsVYTvLkK4NhrGgiFjCH2yLDC2hgQTtLrbG4/s640/tagalong+pie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2016/03/chocolate-peanut-butter-tart/" target="_blank">chocolate peanut butter tart</a> is meant to mimic the deliciousness of Tagalongs, the very best Girl Scout cookies in the world.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBMk3kCOasKo5lnOb8Q42ArjmHj4GnSlGqHR-tneIfePcSNus21uhWzlcGFLSjoEsjEc-3iktSEZzXs5aq0VgGF__nw8BDSsV70krJHIIf8KDnMAUH9oMA9hEduLYLqb2azaFIBsltso/s1600/smores+pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBMk3kCOasKo5lnOb8Q42ArjmHj4GnSlGqHR-tneIfePcSNus21uhWzlcGFLSjoEsjEc-3iktSEZzXs5aq0VgGF__nw8BDSsV70krJHIIf8KDnMAUH9oMA9hEduLYLqb2azaFIBsltso/s640/smores+pie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This <a href="http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1015346-smores-pie" target="_blank">S'mores Pie</a> is perfect when you don't have a campfire handy. I can almost taste that buttery graham cracker crust and gooey marshmallow.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX8G9K3hoxnEB5UMNs3NxgEe6hkzHTn3G_epp87M_HYyTZpjFu0yiFiYg6hfY9gXJQf8lCDDnZhT7CeURORrBjLbY7k1b5EAPvFsNQjsEEa5YwnVE_vjtP8qF06g7qVw4_MBVHBKVseg/s1600/piepop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX8G9K3hoxnEB5UMNs3NxgEe6hkzHTn3G_epp87M_HYyTZpjFu0yiFiYg6hfY9gXJQf8lCDDnZhT7CeURORrBjLbY7k1b5EAPvFsNQjsEEa5YwnVE_vjtP8qF06g7qVw4_MBVHBKVseg/s640/piepop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
These <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/easy-as-pie/" target="_blank">pie pops</a> are pretty goddamn adorable, even if they're filled with traditional fruit fillings here. But what if they were filled with Nutella? What if, indeed...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNiZqK6or28ofpRLjlTGcliinyadnlS894PFZ20MGUMhahtEge5BHqBX4M3YYTH4af90xXlWce2S3BtQZF9hsG7Uh1f7bxbNpB7ns2BAwoOILltDnZ2pO-3BxWvjHJoEXg39gb0KtGo8/s1600/creme+brulee+pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNiZqK6or28ofpRLjlTGcliinyadnlS894PFZ20MGUMhahtEge5BHqBX4M3YYTH4af90xXlWce2S3BtQZF9hsG7Uh1f7bxbNpB7ns2BAwoOILltDnZ2pO-3BxWvjHJoEXg39gb0KtGo8/s640/creme+brulee+pie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Creme brûlée is one of my favorite desserts, and part of the beauty is it's simplicity. I wouldn't want to mess with it too much, but the addition of rich, flaky crust to create a <a href="http://food52.com/recipes/39191-creme-brulee-pie" target="_blank">creme brûlée pie</a> doesn't seem like a bad idea.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij38fps4fZnuFp0cLDUQ6akNpF_S5sDTAyykeBCjBhtdQFlf2HCl_loZjAl7op7ZomHFzCJsm8OeA-2_UiO82FBgkR0E6l1Yu95QUqeYlzM38RxWmsPaelBm4dffqt3I0ArM30x5ISRj8/s1600/Banana-Pudding-Pie6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij38fps4fZnuFp0cLDUQ6akNpF_S5sDTAyykeBCjBhtdQFlf2HCl_loZjAl7op7ZomHFzCJsm8OeA-2_UiO82FBgkR0E6l1Yu95QUqeYlzM38RxWmsPaelBm4dffqt3I0ArM30x5ISRj8/s640/Banana-Pudding-Pie6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Pudding pie is a staple at my house for Thanksgiving, a compromise to appease the pie-lovers and the stubborn pie-hater (me). Ours is usually a simple chocolate version, but at some point I'm going to need this <a href="http://www.thisgalcooks.com/best-ever-banana-pudding-pie/" target="_blank">banana pudding pie</a> in my life.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>A few more pie-related tidbits....</u></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhdf8xPeA0Cn6Z__2uflYERKII_B9NL7HxoKukyXJqu2AAWfND_kbR2XlEBhrClxUJONG7obvHuyVA-3bQGQkPxH9iB7AmDFGvIfctlb_uT6YrhwdkxInheLR6nz_K-wQCs_8NjB_vjaqoeguJMCiNRBOUjs9fdAFeQqkDg-NXqV_l2UiL_rcSJRfUyZ4xocWX8eKskWl33x8okwpdXBj6GPLRX9Zdc9k02HCwwglYCU7U_8BCWuM3dW6oHqA=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhdf8xPeA0Cn6Z__2uflYERKII_B9NL7HxoKukyXJqu2AAWfND_kbR2XlEBhrClxUJONG7obvHuyVA-3bQGQkPxH9iB7AmDFGvIfctlb_uT6YrhwdkxInheLR6nz_K-wQCs_8NjB_vjaqoeguJMCiNRBOUjs9fdAFeQqkDg-NXqV_l2UiL_rcSJRfUyZ4xocWX8eKskWl33x8okwpdXBj6GPLRX9Zdc9k02HCwwglYCU7U_8BCWuM3dW6oHqA=" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
How adorable are these <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/collectors-edition-dinnerware-blue-graphic-e1194/?pkey=cdessert-plates-bowls%7C%7C" target="_blank">dessert plates</a>? I'm definitely going to pick up a few of each (especially for the price!)<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmyakTTD0H1hr02Mi2rNL1jtcqS3TtaM8EqcAWgzfXlElnQY-u-PmoUWz_24bRMnP44YN00oPAZLXPJiAjDlXm1oV0QF4e9oFE1BmLlif6QyGiWIdTXnErB-l0iX6BJOOJReW1LlZ_hs/s1600/dra5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmyakTTD0H1hr02Mi2rNL1jtcqS3TtaM8EqcAWgzfXlElnQY-u-PmoUWz_24bRMnP44YN00oPAZLXPJiAjDlXm1oV0QF4e9oFE1BmLlif6QyGiWIdTXnErB-l0iX6BJOOJReW1LlZ_hs/s640/dra5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/drakeoncake/" target="_blank">source</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I'm not the only one who hates pie! I could have written <a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/assessment/2011/06/pie.html" target="_blank">this article</a>, which argues we need a better all-American dessert than apple pie. Mark Bittman s<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/09/11/magazine/mag-11eatpie.html?ref=magazine&_r=0" target="_blank">uggests ditching the crust</a> when making fruit desserts, which is at least a step in the right direction. And what would <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drakeoncake/" target="_blank">@drakeoncake</a> be if there was only...pie?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Y9JhI5JbOwgo2S1atdSUnb422hdRrFWc2vZvvE3-bQvE9OzWOAsLYpECeZtb1ToI0pOe8oRFVpBFAbLUt7UnkRyf4TNYJmRdYWZtNiToiQ0QRzrSHUwGzVOKjtREBD_ybghq9-hKhnc/s1600/briermere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Y9JhI5JbOwgo2S1atdSUnb422hdRrFWc2vZvvE3-bQvE9OzWOAsLYpECeZtb1ToI0pOe8oRFVpBFAbLUt7UnkRyf4TNYJmRdYWZtNiToiQ0QRzrSHUwGzVOKjtREBD_ybghq9-hKhnc/s640/briermere.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If you are a pie-lover, put this on your culinary bucket list: <a href="http://www.briermere.com/" target="_blank">Briermere Farms</a>. It's a fairly tiny, unassuming farm stand on eastern Long Island that serves some of the best pies in the world (according to those in the know). They also have delicious muffins, cookies, and other baked goods in addition to farm fresh fruit and veggies. It's in the middle of nowhere but an easy stop on your way out to the Hamptons, Montauk, my mom's house, or other fancy destinations. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX8G9K3hoxnEB5UMNs3NxgEe6hkzHTn3G_epp87M_HYyTZpjFu0yiFiYg6hfY9gXJQf8lCDDnZhT7CeURORrBjLbY7k1b5EAPvFsNQjsEEa5YwnVE_vjtP8qF06g7qVw4_MBVHBKVseg/s1600/piepop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcfc.polyvoreimg.com%2Fcgi%2Fimg-set%2F.sig%2FYdqORZlbihz7XtVPfcgquA%2Fcid%2F193463395%2Fid%2F8lyr5o7p5RGiEmi3O4xqOQ%2Fsize%2Fc600x583.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhdf8xPeA0Cn6Z__2uflYERKII_B9NL7HxoKukyXJqu2AAWfND_kbR2XlEBhrClxUJONG7obvHuyVA-3bQGQkPxH9iB7AmDFGvIfctlb_uT6YrhwdkxInheLR6nz_K-wQCs_8NjB_vjaqoeguJMCiNRBOUjs9fdAFeQqkDg-NXqV_l2UiL_rcSJRfUyZ4xocWX8eKskWl33x8okwpdXBj6GPLRX9Zdc9k02HCwwglYCU7U_8BCWuM3dW6oHqA=" -->Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304250493557258574.post-69430331236602838062016-03-13T10:24:00.000-07:002016-03-13T10:24:48.689-07:00coffee (table) talkWhen I fantasize about hitting the jackpot in Vegas or scoring a lottery windfall, it's the possibility of little luxuries that excite me most: Chipotle for lunch every day (oh, I know guacamole is extra), weekly blowouts, and best of all, the ability to buy all of the books that my little heart desires.<br />
<br />
I mean, I'm sure I'd buy a fancy house and expensive shoes and all of that stuff, but...I really love books (#sorrynotsorry Marie Kondo).<br />
<br />
Right now I'm dreaming about coffee table books, because there are so many good ones coming out soon! Unfortunately my coffee table is always bigger than my book budget, but here's what's on my wish list...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1HbblGOffrJ8HtkLQq2mdK8KW5Sz3hraUGMTVficA_VTLGbd_NBhuo8oJ-ZhEycBr61fxtUDvKbYq0_JUxsUiSgSP4Jar8-joouoTEdE2h8bZsJ0X0_lq1FlQMVZvWFP8WtlDHBeYtE/s1600/isaacmiz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1HbblGOffrJ8HtkLQq2mdK8KW5Sz3hraUGMTVficA_VTLGbd_NBhuo8oJ-ZhEycBr61fxtUDvKbYq0_JUxsUiSgSP4Jar8-joouoTEdE2h8bZsJ0X0_lq1FlQMVZvWFP8WtlDHBeYtE/s640/isaacmiz.jpg" width="491" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0300212143/ref=s9_simh_gw_g14_i8_r?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-3&pf_rd_r=047EV94XBCSDV7G8HXAJ&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2084660942&pf_rd_i=desktop" target="_blank">Isaac Mizrahi</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This gorgeous book is being released in conjunction with the <i>Isaac Mizrahi: An Unruly Life</i> exhibit opening at The Jewish Museum next week. I can't say how exactly, but my job has involved working on this exhibit in a small way and it looks AMAZING. I've always loved Isaac's style and have a soft spot for him as he really blazed the trail for the modern high/low designer collaboration (RIP, Isaac Mizrahi for Target).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWS_gpoDwRDRFebwe6x3jcABWAj7qMjykbfkpb-2Dy76rk-cUSBtPVHvfhrIV-xYjzHzxuPEDGwvon-RYtxqle5tB3LV0H8NqVp5zVK9aWAPRQlo33gfbyrjjpdny0zE83xGmwzA0XSw/s1600/organized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWS_gpoDwRDRFebwe6x3jcABWAj7qMjykbfkpb-2Dy76rk-cUSBtPVHvfhrIV-xYjzHzxuPEDGwvon-RYtxqle5tB3LV0H8NqVp5zVK9aWAPRQlo33gfbyrjjpdny0zE83xGmwzA0XSw/s640/organized.jpg" width="489" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Things-Organized-Neatly-Arranging-Everyday/dp/0789331136/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_img_13?ie=UTF8&refRID=1946CNJK8PAXT4MA8G6W" target="_blank">Things Neatly Organized</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A fun read for those type-A obsessives who love keeping things tidy and organizing by color. The cover is sort of mesmerizing, isn't it?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDK3DLO6EO4JTdW5tDh-jJEsWAZy9aEl3uQUToTgsl7J3fHLXyxj1K4DLxwOM2v2rvkoazJdGT21eTF8A1tf6-HRDJ2GuEibwzKZLmD9Sn3MR8qOLBl5bpHmSM5MZy5B4sUnDRkwJQrw/s1600/beaches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDK3DLO6EO4JTdW5tDh-jJEsWAZy9aEl3uQUToTgsl7J3fHLXyxj1K4DLxwOM2v2rvkoazJdGT21eTF8A1tf6-HRDJ2GuEibwzKZLmD9Sn3MR8qOLBl5bpHmSM5MZy5B4sUnDRkwJQrw/s640/beaches.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beaches-Inc-Gray-Malin-Enterprises/dp/1419720899/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_img_14?ie=UTF8&refRID=1H520GZYFBEH0ASENHSQ" target="_blank">Beaches</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The colorful, wanderlust-inspiring photographs of Gray Malin collected in one lovely place. I'd never thought about changing my coffee table books seasonally, but this would be a great one for the top of the pile once May rolls around (or for my beach house, definitely #4 on my list of things to spend my lottery winnings on).<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0YFDzQ8c3FTOLkv2mV29uQ1YQZyKxrMaFQYjuaBvR9fXU1pM424us01JMdxhoA6C-bS9Uehyphenhyphena3y2ylA7HbdjXx9q1A7Mf7qxoaKYrLRhQdWVH9pDxVSY0L6abOmd0P72VWglGkyEMAs/s1600/hamilton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0YFDzQ8c3FTOLkv2mV29uQ1YQZyKxrMaFQYjuaBvR9fXU1pM424us01JMdxhoA6C-bS9Uehyphenhyphena3y2ylA7HbdjXx9q1A7Mf7qxoaKYrLRhQdWVH9pDxVSY0L6abOmd0P72VWglGkyEMAs/s640/hamilton.jpg" width="536" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-The-Revolution-Lin-Manuel-Miranda/dp/1455539740/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_img_6?ie=UTF8&refRID=112QJESS4CM34H7EJD3P" target="_blank">Hamilton: The Revolution</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have known about <i>Hamilton: The Musical</i> for years, and I knew it would be great but never could have predicted this level of hysteria (why, why, why didn't I buy tickets months ago??). Until I finally get to see the show, this behind-the-scenes look will have to hold me over.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9hfcdac9-4P1Dgy2cUJSsbYt3zuHcQ76KWqr_jAcQbC3g6KopMXqdD4T4rhhg22YA9rOum9ALqCmv4EvPpfpmlrMLzikmBDxfCH-sWEwD67vKscdXBKFy_q9uFL0Fy8gMDBS1hqcQ_4/s1600/botticelli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9hfcdac9-4P1Dgy2cUJSsbYt3zuHcQ76KWqr_jAcQbC3g6KopMXqdD4T4rhhg22YA9rOum9ALqCmv4EvPpfpmlrMLzikmBDxfCH-sWEwD67vKscdXBKFy_q9uFL0Fy8gMDBS1hqcQ_4/s640/botticelli.jpg" width="548" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Botticelli-Reimagined-Mark-Evans/dp/1851778705/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_img_6?ie=UTF8&refRID=1HMY38FV7ZCDFG9GMWBW" target="_blank">Botticelli Reimagined</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm not necessarily a huge Botticelli fan, but l love the idea of looking at the way one great artist has influenced some of my favorite contemporary artists, musicians, and designers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGoc2BPGt1dSDC31r264biDECiPFHnp6gUqV4QMW0b1YF0-ueTiylrG_NWSc7klqk0EfJcVnd9cD89R-E8mWCj_YCSDQlyWhS4GVD07T40XQ6699KF9g95fBJlwghA_PTpH-b-FHMhvk/s1600/centralpark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGoc2BPGt1dSDC31r264biDECiPFHnp6gUqV4QMW0b1YF0-ueTiylrG_NWSc7klqk0EfJcVnd9cD89R-E8mWCj_YCSDQlyWhS4GVD07T40XQ6699KF9g95fBJlwghA_PTpH-b-FHMhvk/s640/centralpark.jpg" width="484" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Painting-Central-Park-Roger-Pasquier/dp/0865653143/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_img_11?ie=UTF8&refRID=091EKR59V9QJ59G4T939" target="_blank">Painting Central Park</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I spotted this sweet looking book in the gift shop last time I was at The Met. Central Park has always been a bit of a mystery to me (I always, always, always get lost), but I'd like to know it better. Maybe there's a pretty little map in here somewhere...<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VSBhfbpR8twF9izrJrmKBAUwC7aq4EmGmC0TTkXR3pupl-Mk_7D4TLDISRoxaWoZWv5g4l9_f0W57yGKNf-VaZ8DNfXGtkJKdBJ8Wf1HTNLgoWSzohVQ9Kou7ylXcARpuKR_GRXNrwI/s1600/lovestylelife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VSBhfbpR8twF9izrJrmKBAUwC7aq4EmGmC0TTkXR3pupl-Mk_7D4TLDISRoxaWoZWv5g4l9_f0W57yGKNf-VaZ8DNfXGtkJKdBJ8Wf1HTNLgoWSzohVQ9Kou7ylXcARpuKR_GRXNrwI/s640/lovestylelife.jpg" width="481" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Love-Style-Life-Garance-Dore/dp/0812996372/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_img_8?ie=UTF8&refRID=1Y6J4B0S2J0P9NTRV66W" target="_blank">Love Style Life</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This has been out for a few months, but I'm dying to read it and dying to display it. Blush, black, and gold - is there a more perfect color palette?Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304250493557258574.post-19247776226685625442016-03-10T21:25:00.000-08:002016-03-10T21:25:39.585-08:00tgifWe made it through another week (some of us -- me -- just barely). On this Friday, I am feeling some cool, fresh colors and a skirt that might raise a few eyebrows around the office but will definitely take you to happy hour, dinner, and beyond.<br />
<br />
This won't be a frivolous spending month for me, but it is were, I'd pick this skirt up in a heartbeat. Does anyone need a silver metallic pencil skirt? Probably not, but it's pretty cool and it's the kind of thing you'd have in your closet for-<i>ever</i> (like, in 20 years your teenage daughter will be begging to borrow it).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjk1R1wfDF_yZxtLmlPtnL674ywWRYZDYKiCbOrEtrd7rVf7oc-1Yq-1SZFV3ExXJwU0PZhh6u4xxuvKRb2bzcyhb41TdJL5IIK1CLU7P_YoZUh71Xc1DfkEymlYP7CKDkFl4ZAyuir5QlODRm3Ew0b6wRlCD4P8R0lrZtdC9LTLfHhTIY-F253kYy1DVbLV2c4LeDT6LLRpUpoVehPMf84cU3iKF-8VPKjlXfi4sYOjZgEudimMFazHOf3Qg=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjk1R1wfDF_yZxtLmlPtnL674ywWRYZDYKiCbOrEtrd7rVf7oc-1Yq-1SZFV3ExXJwU0PZhh6u4xxuvKRb2bzcyhb41TdJL5IIK1CLU7P_YoZUh71Xc1DfkEymlYP7CKDkFl4ZAyuir5QlODRm3Ew0b6wRlCD4P8R0lrZtdC9LTLfHhTIY-F253kYy1DVbLV2c4LeDT6LLRpUpoVehPMf84cU3iKF-8VPKjlXfi4sYOjZgEudimMFazHOf3Qg=" width="539" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
lavender is the perfect cool shade to tie this look together, and I think these <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/baublebar-leather-tassel-drop-earrings/4130974?cm_mmc=polyvorecpcdesktop-_-datafeed-_-women%3Ajewelry%3Aearring-_-5005923&mr%3AreferralID=9e7b1f68-e744-11e5-9a09-005056947d48" target="_blank">sweet tassel earrings</a> are fun but not too over the top for the workday // I love a <a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/93004?article=93004-A" target="_blank">classic white button</a> down to balance a much fancier skirt // that <a href="https://www.theoutnet.com/en-US/product/Maje/Gallium-metallic-leather-pencil-skirt/658110" target="_blank">silver leather pencil skirt</a> you never knew you needed in your life // a soft, <a href="http://www.narscosmetics.com/USA/born-this-way-larger-than-life-lip-gloss/0607845013303.html" target="_blank">slightly purplish lip gloss</a> is flattering on a lot of skin tones // a <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/bags/view-all/leather-tote-c719532p3153807.html" target="_blank">creamy leather tote</a> is on my wishlist for spring // <a href="https://www.jcrew.com/womens_sale_events/25OffSpringReadyStyles_sm/shoes/PRDOVR~E7257/E7257.jsp?srcCode=AFFIMPOLYVORE_pumps" target="_blank">crazy floral pumps</a> are so much more versatile than they seem (pops of yellow work in almost every look)</div>
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcfc.polyvoreimg.com%2Fcgi%2Fimg-set%2F.sig%2FCT5QFtIJ23aOyJ6f9NX4UQ%2Fcid%2F193180850%2Fid%2FojNUYkXn5RGGmBAGyXa90g%2Fsize%2Fc600x710.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjk1R1wfDF_yZxtLmlPtnL674ywWRYZDYKiCbOrEtrd7rVf7oc-1Yq-1SZFV3ExXJwU0PZhh6u4xxuvKRb2bzcyhb41TdJL5IIK1CLU7P_YoZUh71Xc1DfkEymlYP7CKDkFl4ZAyuir5QlODRm3Ew0b6wRlCD4P8R0lrZtdC9LTLfHhTIY-F253kYy1DVbLV2c4LeDT6LLRpUpoVehPMf84cU3iKF-8VPKjlXfi4sYOjZgEudimMFazHOf3Qg=" -->Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304250493557258574.post-89764409067679527642016-03-10T20:25:00.000-08:002016-03-10T21:30:55.134-08:00the good stuff, vol. 5On my list this week...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNm5mdiD285EvV73DkfS2llcQ0x0tmNWKns0YP56E-jxKm2GsW85uC2O8Zrw2y3cQcBZIZHkWXlIi4GB9wvf62MYmGm0fIAfwn6-lZ_BLBEWXwaGNeBCkeVC9eBb2DffTplMkSDxWFGH4/s1600/good+stuff+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNm5mdiD285EvV73DkfS2llcQ0x0tmNWKns0YP56E-jxKm2GsW85uC2O8Zrw2y3cQcBZIZHkWXlIi4GB9wvf62MYmGm0fIAfwn6-lZ_BLBEWXwaGNeBCkeVC9eBb2DffTplMkSDxWFGH4/s640/good+stuff+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>reading</b></span><br />
<br />
Lanvin's F/W2016 show <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2016/03/04/this-is-what-can-happen-when-a-fashion-house-loses-its-designer-and-voice-sad-drab-clothes/" target="_blank">looked like the collection of Project Runway's second runner-up</a> (i.e., Alber Elbaz might be feeling some pretty good schadenfreude right now).<br />
<br />
I love Jezebel <a href="http://jezebel.com/j-crew-wants-to-sell-you-a-wardrobe-of-picnic-table-cov-1763509546" target="_blank">calling out J. Crew</a> for shoving a metric (fuck) ton of gingham down our throats this season (I'm no fan of gingham, unless I'm dressing a picnic table).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/refinery29.com/the-latest-greatest-beaut_b_9368862.html" target="_blank">Fun new buys in store at Sephora this spring</a> (those Derek Lam fragrances look so chic).<br />
<br />
A <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/amy-schumer-daily-mail-ham-sandwich_us_56d9b6b7e4b03a40567859a2" target="_blank">woman eats a sandwich</a>, and somehow this is news.<br />
<br />
Adding this <a href="http://mentalfloss.com/article/76787/tiny-california-cottage-airbnbs-all-time-most-popular-rental" target="_blank">tiny but super popular Airbnb rental</a> to my travel bucket list.<br />
<br />
Wherever your political allegiances lie, can we just agree that it is completely embarrassing that <a href="http://jezebel.com/trumps-wall-between-the-u-s-and-mexico-showed-up-at-hi-1763087438" target="_blank">someone dressed up as a <i>Mexican border wall</i> for a Trump rally</a>? Bad even for Orlando standards...<br />
<br />
Jennifer Garner <a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/02/jennifer-garner-talks-kids-career-ben-affleck" target="_blank">reminds us that she is a delight</a>, even if she sometimes has questionable taste in movies and husbands (bonus points for dropping one of the greatest burns in recent history -- bless his heart, indeed).<br />
<br />
Anthropologie's housewares section is awesome, and <a href="http://www.racked.com/2016/3/8/11180470/anthropologie-home-goods" target="_blank">may one day surpass</a> their clothing business.<br />
<br />
Oprah cleaned her closet! And <a href="http://www.ebay.com/rpp/oprah-closet/oprah-closet" target="_blank">you can buy her castoffs</a> -- I'm scoping out the shoes, cause O and I wear the same unfortunate size.<br />
<br />
J. Crew has given it's <a href="http://www.racked.com/2015/7/1/8877167/jcrew-tilly-sweater" target="_blank">maligned Tilly sweater</a> the <i>Mean Girls </i>treatment -- are all of their problems solved? We shall see...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://fashionista.com/2016/03/urban-outfitters-2015" target="_blank">Fashion is boring and everyone's sales are down</a> (but people are buying lingerie, so that's good?)<br />
<br />
If <i>Mad Men </i>was ultimately the story of Peggy Olson, <i>Downton Abbey</i> ended up being much more about <a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/03/downton-abbey-finale-edith" target="_blank">Lady Edith's story</a> than we ever could have expected (warning: ALL THE SPOILERS)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>watching</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Spike Jonze had a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wfhu5Gv6e8Y" target="_blank">very different vision for the opening</a> of <i>The Late Show with Stephen Colbert</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I can't keep up with all of the great late night TV -- we are living in the golden age of talk shows! -- but I find myself staying awake too late to watch <i>@Midnight</i> most nights. Hashtag Wars is, of course, the best game and I loved this <a href="http://www.cc.com/video-clips/u2zr5t/-midnight-with-chris-hardwick-extended----hashtagwars----floridaamovie---uncensored" target="_blank">Florida-themed edition</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304250493557258574.post-44146258812204953662016-03-07T20:08:00.000-08:002016-03-10T20:29:18.373-08:00field trip: key west, flOn the work front, this year has proven to be one of the most hectic and exhausting of my career (and it's just March). A few weeks ago I had friends in town, and after their time in Orlando they headed down to Key West for some true R&R...and on a whim, I tagged along. It wasn't a vacation exactly (since I work remotely anyway it was easy enough to just take my laptop and cell phone to stay connected), but it was a nice change of scenery.<br />
<br />
I'd never been to Key West before, but I knew I would love it -- a sleepy beach town with a vibrant history and aesthetic. The spot where Jimmy Buffett and Ernest Hemingway intersect. Cool, but not too cool. It was just what I needed.<br />
<br />
A few highlights and tips from my trip:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">to pack</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgxhgOUgD5L-b_im9bXW2kiijHfmtJZF9vgIAbO2GVS_9_vVHrvQXjIyeEh1HLCzpCc0PThK3Kaziw5lntAX4aelFIC8g3ksMccJneLrnwMRFr9mhUjJcsA-nhhTkUXLcJSmNPLPx8nH_JiRf9znqVhNHGn-yYR88kBon79KVoW2tAw-7e_MoPAoigKRNFGgbuKcwGZnvA2xFnce-3tOleKEl1AhPPZy6wa2e7IMrvSn_Njeetbzo8DGow=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgxhgOUgD5L-b_im9bXW2kiijHfmtJZF9vgIAbO2GVS_9_vVHrvQXjIyeEh1HLCzpCc0PThK3Kaziw5lntAX4aelFIC8g3ksMccJneLrnwMRFr9mhUjJcsA-nhhTkUXLcJSmNPLPx8nH_JiRf9znqVhNHGn-yYR88kBon79KVoW2tAw-7e_MoPAoigKRNFGgbuKcwGZnvA2xFnce-3tOleKEl1AhPPZy6wa2e7IMrvSn_Njeetbzo8DGow=" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Most trips I take involve lots of advance shopping/wardrobe planning and elaborate packing lists (that I save for years, because I am a weirdo), but this was really a "drag out a suitcase and throw things in like a madwoman" situation. Surprisingly, it worked. Here's what I took for a quick and casual tropical vacation:<br />
<br />
Basics: a pair of jeans // my favorite pair of print shorts // a white button down // one or two good tee shirts // cute sneakers<br />
<br />
Good stuff: an <a href="http://us.asos.com/Vila-Voluminous-Maxi-Dress/19bupb/?iid=6176086&pubref=%7Baffiliate_id%7D&affId=14329&r=1&mk=VOID&mporgp=L1ZpbGEvVmlsYS1Wb2x1bWlub3VzLU1heGktRHJlc3MvUHJvZC8." target="_blank">easy maxi dress</a> // a <a href="http://us.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?searchTermScope=3&searchType=ALL&viewAllFlag=false&beginIndex=1&langId=-1&productId=22901671&pageSize=20&searchTerm=TS03D11JMNT&catalogId=33060&productIdentifierproduct=product&geoip=search&x=25&searchTermOperator=LIKE&sort_field=Relevance&y=11&storeId=13052&qubitRefinements=siteId%3DTopShopUS" target="_blank">not-boring bathing suit</a> (a departure from my usual black tank suit) // a comfy <a href="https://www.net-a-porter.com/us/en/product/664990?cm_mmc=polyvore-desktop-_-cpc-_-day%20dresses-_-https://www.net-a-porter.com/us/en/product/664990" target="_blank">t-shirt dress</a> that doubles as a coverup at the pool // a <a href="https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/sweaters.jsp" target="_blank">lightweight sweater</a> for cool mornings and evenings // a romper, the easiest warm weather outfit (I wore my trusty black one, but I wish I had picked up this <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lace-up-front-playsuit/4295418?cm_mmc=PolyvoreExplore-_-datafeed-_-women%3Ajumpsuits_coveralls%3Ajumpsuit_romper-_-5123649" target="_blank">chic white one</a> or this <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/adelyn-rae-print-skort-romper/4263148?cm_mmc=polyvorecpcdesktop-_-datafeed-_-women%3Ajumpsuits_coveralls%3Ajumpsuit_romper-_-5101456&mr%3AreferralID=412fff3c-e41f-11e5-8e98-0050569406b5" target="_blank">super-cheery printed option</a>) // cool <a href="http://www.stellamccartney.com/item/index?cod10=95000567FT&siteCode=STELLAMCCARTNEY_GB&tp=107023" target="_blank">shades</a> // very <a href="https://www.shopbop.com/zenobia-sandal-ancient-greek-sandals/vp/v=1/1563645422.htm?currencyCode=USD&extid=AFFPRG_Polyvore_CPC_SB_USD&cvo_campaign=polyvore_sb_us&cvosrc=affiliate_cpc.polyvore_us.sandals" target="_blank">walkable sandals</a> // a <a href="http://www.fwrd.com/product-truss-large-sunset-tote-in-black-white/TRUF-WY4/?d=Womens&utm_source=polyvore-us_cpc&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Handbags&source=polyvore&device=desktop" target="_blank">tote</a> that works for day and night<br />
<br />
Travel essentials: a <a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/diane-von-furstenberg-adieu-hardside-spinner-luggage?ID=1661775&cm_mmc=Polyvore-_-Polyvore_Home_PLA-_-n-_-n" target="_blank">suitcase</a> that holds a ton (and looks so chic as you're schlepping through the hotel lobby or airport) // a <a href="http://www.ebags.com/product/oilily/travel-folded-cosmetic-bag/294308?productid=10363398&couponid=94790994&sourceID=CSEPVORE&CAWELAID=120011660001591989" target="_blank">cheery bag</a> to hold all of your beauty essentials // the cutest portable <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sonicety-Electric-Toothbrush-HI-923-Portable/dp/B00T0SX52I/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_img_10?ie=UTF8&refRID=1ZDFCE1Q75K8JH1DP210&tag=polyvore006-20" target="_blank">electric toothbrush</a> // a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Yes-Please-Amy-Poehler/dp/006226835X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1457326388&sr=1-1&keywords=yes+please" target="_blank">great read</a> for lounging poolside (loved this one -- lots of laughs and some really great advice)<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">to stay</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CYY3-S1gCp7DGXtyRtHjuQXzrhbb4hVnEMmplEm5NO6KRWgWALyZE8SfoPBl8u_p8tPpfhwFpo3bZcMnDvkvhqbJAPqA_0G9InE9FK7ctYMdFlPrs3flZXN0bTl53SHQ4FzeKrr9OdQ/s1600/gates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CYY3-S1gCp7DGXtyRtHjuQXzrhbb4hVnEMmplEm5NO6KRWgWALyZE8SfoPBl8u_p8tPpfhwFpo3bZcMnDvkvhqbJAPqA_0G9InE9FK7ctYMdFlPrs3flZXN0bTl53SHQ4FzeKrr9OdQ/s640/gates.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://andathousandwords.com/2015/04/10/the-gates-hotel-is-a-perfect-gateway-to-key-west/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My friends had the good sense to book a room at the <a href="http://www.gateshotelkeywest.com/" target="_blank">Gates Hotel</a>, a modern and stylish hotel that offers a lovely spot for a peaceful retreat while still being pretty close to the action. I absolutely loved it here. In another city this hotel might be a bit of a scene, but there's really no room for pretension in Key West so I didn't have to worry about trying to compete with the cool kids. I enjoyed several leisurely afternoons lounging by the pool with a tasty cocktail or two (love a good cabana...and a good cabana boy). There's no restaurant, but the on-site food truck serves really tasty bites for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even late-night snacks. PS -- this hotel is <a href="http://www.gateshotelkeywest.com/gates-hotel-key-west-hotel-partnerships/barkbox/" target="_blank">pet-friendly</a>!<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">to do</span><br />
<br />
My goal for the trip was to do as little as possible, but I did manage a few fun excursions:<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hVDxP3Or3CZbI8VDGzOMfqc1WseXhov0wqeskj9ftdOPdGrT0TdTM4Z5cRSBFv8m8sjJvuQb21ZWUZ-_OeoyVZK95bxFigmOuOkOJC09Zwcl9y2HPwV4ITQ_eDcdsfTvW1iNfdFjB28/s1600/southernmost_point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hVDxP3Or3CZbI8VDGzOMfqc1WseXhov0wqeskj9ftdOPdGrT0TdTM4Z5cRSBFv8m8sjJvuQb21ZWUZ-_OeoyVZK95bxFigmOuOkOJC09Zwcl9y2HPwV4ITQ_eDcdsfTvW1iNfdFjB28/s640/southernmost_point.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g34345-d274104-i172530091-Southernmost_Point-Key_West_Florida_Keys_Florida.html" target="_blank">source</a></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34345-d274104-Reviews-Southernmost_Point-Key_West_Florida_Keys_Florida.html" target="_blank">Southernmost Point</a> is <i>the </i>photo op in Key West. A great spot to gaze upon the clear blue waters (and daydream about a trip to Havana, high on my travel bucket list right now).<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-E9W7ev-ZntpHqgXFPpS01atIIJfJiaRxHZa2rr7Fvg7EXA-tcMfnlERR3Yr81tLrkYzGWe5UND_8wuATqtvwnU0vnx3nhDdZ0aVjIcEc7UES86s-i_eMsJklHnque1Hve3aJBOLa_k/s1600/hemingway+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-E9W7ev-ZntpHqgXFPpS01atIIJfJiaRxHZa2rr7Fvg7EXA-tcMfnlERR3Yr81tLrkYzGWe5UND_8wuATqtvwnU0vnx3nhDdZ0aVjIcEc7UES86s-i_eMsJklHnque1Hve3aJBOLa_k/s640/hemingway+house.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://blaineharrington.photoshelter.com/image/I0000L2DwbdHPPIw" target="_blank">source</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hemingwayhome.com/" target="_blank">Ernest Hemingway House and Museum</a> is a great place to spend an hour or two exploring the legacy of one of Key West's most famous residents. I loved strolling around the gardens and hanging with the current residents, lots and lots of six-toed cats (many of whom are descendants of Hemingway's polydactyl cat Snow White).<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFA8dUo3vnN4rUcaCNupGoeONCMCGQNUnY138oDqeeUTGj9XXs0zS8MswPxd3TUzUER8kKmPtiY9YkG4XccdHWE6AvWAGj9hBZKryLhJX7YbV4hf-zW_CHC79vHGlfkHgyQMTBFW6cz2k/s1600/sunset-from-mallory-square-breath-taking-key-west-united-states%252B1152_12977501134-tpfil02aw-22290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFA8dUo3vnN4rUcaCNupGoeONCMCGQNUnY138oDqeeUTGj9XXs0zS8MswPxd3TUzUER8kKmPtiY9YkG4XccdHWE6AvWAGj9hBZKryLhJX7YbV4hf-zW_CHC79vHGlfkHgyQMTBFW6cz2k/s640/sunset-from-mallory-square-breath-taking-key-west-united-states%252B1152_12977501134-tpfil02aw-22290.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/slideshow-photo/sunset-from-mallory-square-breath-taking-key-west-united-states.html?sid=15022102&fid=upload_12977501134-tpfil02aw-22290" target="_blank">source</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Sunsets are a big deal in Key West, and <a href="https://www.mallorysquare.com/" target="_blank">Mallory Square</a> is a great place to watch them. You'll have a great view of the main event and enjoy a carnival-like atmosphere including street performers, tasty food, and lots of cocktails.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-imC5_CJ3O9gpCnhCZkZ-5-LEROVJVsr7ftX4ZsZg-Bzz8KU1LgMDqfi5P1Zi_wZHm55yIezxZhn6vsAY1uZ9iTqmxnZt1vASX_OQ-N4QgJqFLWL3WP9tsZvjc1AeHAiFr9aWgSC95U/s1600/chicken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-imC5_CJ3O9gpCnhCZkZ-5-LEROVJVsr7ftX4ZsZg-Bzz8KU1LgMDqfi5P1Zi_wZHm55yIezxZhn6vsAY1uZ9iTqmxnZt1vASX_OQ-N4QgJqFLWL3WP9tsZvjc1AeHAiFr9aWgSC95U/s640/chicken.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.travellogs.us/2010%20Logs/Florida%202010/10-6%20Key%20West%20Signs/10-06%20Key%20West%20Sights%20.htm" target="_blank">source</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I came away from this trip with a new favorite phrase: nuisance chicken. There are chickens everywhere in Key West! I kind of liked seeing them strut around (and I may or may not have done a bit of chicken dancing down Duvall Street after a few rum-based beverages), but <a href="http://www.floridarambler.com/funky-florida/key-west-chickens-key-west-roosters/" target="_blank">not everyone is a fan</a>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">to eat</span><br />
<br />
This wasn't a particularly foodie-centric vacation (we bought some groceries on the way and did a lot of snacking in the room, by the pool, etc.), but I can recommend a few good spots:<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglK2PGHavapr3w3AdOqUyQGz-IGkqMYGKdM5Nmx9IUiURpg_DPBI7nlOaELZQUDqlbKC3WwT8jkDIxqMUpGuGMGd2Le_FHY3ldr4LIFp-tE6KmhkDQSAV6M0hbQ5bxQH5VboU5RRKiKc/s1600/coffeequeen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglK2PGHavapr3w3AdOqUyQGz-IGkqMYGKdM5Nmx9IUiURpg_DPBI7nlOaELZQUDqlbKC3WwT8jkDIxqMUpGuGMGd2Le_FHY3ldr4LIFp-tE6KmhkDQSAV6M0hbQ5bxQH5VboU5RRKiKc/s640/coffeequeen2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.10best.com/destinations/florida/key-west/historic-seaport/restaurants/cuban-coffee-queen/" target="_blank">source</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cubancoffeequeen.com/" target="_blank">Cuban Coffee Queen</a> is a fairly tiny food stand that serves up a lot of good Cuban comfort food, great coffee, and another good photo op.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJESEwZDxdrBPZ1musjV-jonUOv1TYdYBWW1vJmej5VH-yyWeoewSwUqHCr1ov-rjBFDA3uHdO9iaokGNpI26RM7Jw-QOJE1sy8bS09Uux7ldber9dNRVZOrnYuAwTRfiPo8ZYWzC8ww/s1600/santiago.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJESEwZDxdrBPZ1musjV-jonUOv1TYdYBWW1vJmej5VH-yyWeoewSwUqHCr1ov-rjBFDA3uHdO9iaokGNpI26RM7Jw-QOJE1sy8bS09Uux7ldber9dNRVZOrnYuAwTRfiPo8ZYWzC8ww/s640/santiago.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Filed under "it's a small world" is <a href="http://www.santiagosbodega.com/menu/" target="_blank">Santiago's Bodega</a>, a great little tapas spot where we grabbed lunch after our visit to Hemingway House. Several people recommended it, and the menu of lots of tasty sharing plates sounded perfect. When we arrived I noticed that this restaurant has a few outposts, including one in Orlando, and I realized it happens to be right across the street from my hair salon -- my hairdresser raves about it! Crazy that I had to drive to the end of the world to try it, but totally worth it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIeKolJhk3c49CoYJhOgv0L8X-YUpq3BSlx79VQH0kcSOZwlvNWqkjJmQDMZUmFiPVhsRt5MZ3GANzaNqsRQNFn894e9vLexRqxke4hkpSFO7MS-oZXrMv5OCtr5MeSdlrXMUyG-dTG8/s1600/bull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIeKolJhk3c49CoYJhOgv0L8X-YUpq3BSlx79VQH0kcSOZwlvNWqkjJmQDMZUmFiPVhsRt5MZ3GANzaNqsRQNFn894e9vLexRqxke4hkpSFO7MS-oZXrMv5OCtr5MeSdlrXMUyG-dTG8/s640/bull.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.panoramio.com/photo/34852593" target="_blank">source</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are LOTS of great bars in Key West, and I don't think we ever encountered a bad one. <a href="http://www.speakeasyinn.com/" target="_blank">The Rum Bar </a>was small but charming, with all of the rum-based drinks you could want. <a href="http://www.bullkeywest.com/index.asp" target="_blank">The Bull and Whistle</a> is one of the better looking dive bars I've been in (and for the adventurous, offers a clothing-optional Garden of Eden roofdeck). <a href="http://www.greenparrot.com/" target="_blank">The Green Parrot</a> is a Key West institution, patronized by locals and tourists alike. Key West is a good time kind of town, so don't be afraid to do a bit of exploring. You'll have a good time for sure.<br />
<br />
<br />
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcfc.polyvoreimg.com%2Fcgi%2Fimg-set%2F.sig%2FuJ2lv6xEhqwvkKYveYmg%2Fcid%2F192853952%2Fid%2FJqlxuSDk5RGPH-2eihlwOg%2Fsize%2Fc600x379.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgxhgOUgD5L-b_im9bXW2kiijHfmtJZF9vgIAbO2GVS_9_vVHrvQXjIyeEh1HLCzpCc0PThK3Kaziw5lntAX4aelFIC8g3ksMccJneLrnwMRFr9mhUjJcsA-nhhTkUXLcJSmNPLPx8nH_JiRf9znqVhNHGn-yYR88kBon79KVoW2tAw-7e_MoPAoigKRNFGgbuKcwGZnvA2xFnce-3tOleKEl1AhPPZy6wa2e7IMrvSn_Njeetbzo8DGow=" -->Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304250493557258574.post-84447195874446644682016-03-05T15:55:00.000-08:002016-03-07T20:31:44.083-08:00saturday night superheroSometimes the best part of going out is getting dressed for it. You never know what a big night out is going to bring, so it doesn't hurt to work a bit of a superhero vibe to get yourself in the right mindset: ready for anything, not taking any shit.<br />
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/saturday_night_superhero/set?.embedder=2415172&.src=share_desktop&.svc=blogger&id=192682596" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="saturday night superhero" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/M2TqSlTrHl70h6inpdHfA/cid/192682596/id/bpQ5ZAPj5RGDW2HvPZs4zA/size/c600x649.jpg" height="400" title="saturday night superhero" width="368" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
every superhero needs a cape -- this <a href="http://us.asos.com/Lavish-Alice-Sequin-Collarless-Cape-Blazer/17wqhr/?iid=5840457&transaction_id=102ec9c9f3872b10dcf8e2610c8f84&affid=14329&pubref=1015&istCompanyId=467dd896-9a62-42c2-84d9-be2d13921f66&istItemId=mlqamtiap&istBid=t" target="_blank">sequin jacket cape</a> is very sleek and fab, a great nighttime outerwear option (because wearing your daytime coat never feels right) // a <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/leith-cutout-jumpsuit/4125043?cm_mmc=polyvorecpcdesktop-_-datafeed-_-women%3Adresses%3Ajumper-_-5000850&mr%3AreferralID=6e3f71c0-e32c-11e5-9a09-005056947d48" target="_blank">black jumpsuit</a> is the easiest when you literally need to suit up // an all-black canvas, including a <a href="https://www.shopbop.com/leo-clutch-rebecca-minkoff/vp/v=1/1540243012.htm?currencyCode=USD&extid=AFFPRG_Polyvore_CPC_SB_USD&cvo_campaign=polyvore_sb_us&cvosrc=affiliate_cpc.polyvore_us.clutches" target="_blank">simple clutch</a>, makes your rad accessories pop // I love the idea of one of these <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/triple-stack-stone-bracelet/4257711?cm_mmc=polyvorecpcdesktop-_-datafeed-_-women%3Ajewelry%3Abracelet-_-5097748&mr%3AreferralID=fa221b22-e31f-11e5-9a09-005056947d48" target="_blank">chunky bracelets</a> on each wrist, Wonder Woman-style // <a href="http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/salvatore-ferragamo-edgardo-osorio-collection-amber-rainbow-stripe-mesh-lace-up-booties?ID=1606433&cm_mmc=Polyvore-_-Women%27s%20Shoes-_-Salvatore%20Ferragamo-8058698111784USA-_-shoes&CAWELAID=120156070002616890" target="_blank">rainbow lace-up booties</a> definitely say kickass<br />
<br />
ETA: and now the jumpsuit is sold out. Super bummer. A few more to try: ads for <a href="http://www.olivergrace.com/products/the-sabrina-jumpsuit?variant=1151209128&gclid=CNfxi7OfsMsCFZMWHwodbjwLAw" target="_blank">this jumpsuit</a> have made a permanent home on my Facebook feed (being retargeted like whoa), but I do like it. This <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-button-detail-jumpsuit-regular-petite/4119748?origin=coordinating-4119748-0-1-PP_3-Data_Lab_Recommendo_V2-also_viewed2&recs_type=coordinating&recs_productId=4119748&recs_categoryId=0&recs_productOrder=1&recs_placementId=PP_3&recs_source=Data_Lab_Recommendo_V2&recs_strategy=also_viewed2&recs_referringPageType=item_page" target="_blank">cropped one</a> would be even better for showing off those badass boots. And <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/adelyn-rae-wide-leg-jumpsuit/4263252?cm_mmc=polyvorecpcdesktop-_-datafeed-_-women%3Ajumpsuits_coveralls%3Ajumpsuit_romper-_-5101442&mr%3AreferralID=7d174a82-e4e6-11e5-bde5-005056941669" target="_blank">this one</a> looks super comfy.</div>
</div>
Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304250493557258574.post-2505624242461393312016-03-02T21:03:00.000-08:002016-03-02T21:03:08.824-08:00the good stuff, vol. 4Some things I'm digging this week, presented for your entertainment...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVQaS0pctc8lw9HP5jyTgoP9qmn5MSuTdATf82ll9QSJ1Vc3T2TziPnFBhxk-GDBfvUDHICduXLR0ruqwyphEjhyphenhyphenSlrHeHdGbrEJUxmeDxiavgu2EpDtvecBcuMtv2Ogm9Mc4YbePuzA/s1600/good+stuff4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVQaS0pctc8lw9HP5jyTgoP9qmn5MSuTdATf82ll9QSJ1Vc3T2TziPnFBhxk-GDBfvUDHICduXLR0ruqwyphEjhyphenhyphenSlrHeHdGbrEJUxmeDxiavgu2EpDtvecBcuMtv2Ogm9Mc4YbePuzA/s640/good+stuff4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">reading</span><br />
<br />
Another <a href="http://www.timeout.com/usa/restaurants/best-donut-shops-in-america" target="_blank">donut bucket list</a> (note to self: good intel for a donut-based cross-country road trip).<br />
<br />
I'm still settling into a new job that came with a lot more responsibility, and my daily task list is a little insane -- I thought this article about the <a href="http://www.mydomaine.com/female-leaders-work-routine/slide8" target="_blank">morning routines of seven ladies with cool jobs</a> was interesting.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://tinybuddha.com/blog/how-our-unused-stuff-keeps-us-emotionally-stuck/" target="_blank">negative power of our unused stuff</a> -- a good quick read that is as much about knowing yourself as it is about possessions.<br />
<br />
I'd never heard of <a href="http://jezebel.com/bad-ass-miss-america-yolande-betbeze-fox-dies-at-87-1761685637" target="_blank">Yolanda Betbeze</a>, a former Miss America who was a bit of a disruptor, until I read this obituary but I think I'd like her.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.racked.com/2015/1/8/7562101/prada-sales-decline" target="_blank">What's the matter with Prada</a>? An interesting look at the cycle of demand for luxury brands, and how and why they fall out of favor.<br />
<br />
Cate Blanchett was my pick for best dressed at the Oscars, and in almost every other situation. I devoured this <a href="http://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/red-carpet-dresses/a14044/celebrity-stylist-secrets-0316/" target="_blank">profile of her stylist Elizabeth Stewart</a>, because the world of celeb styling is weird but fascinating (I want someone to make me a PDF with all of my outfit combos when I travel!).<br />
<br />
There are a lot of really stellar makeup tutorials, but you need to see the <a href="http://www.revelist.com/makeup/hijab-disney-princesses/591" target="_blank">Instagram account</a> of a woman who uses her hajib to transform herself into your favorite Disney princesses.<br />
<br />
A <a href="http://www.marieclaire.com/food-cocktails/news/g3436/the-cocktail-you-should-be-drinking-based-on-your-zodiac-sign/" target="_blank">handy chart</a> for letting the stars help guide you to get your drink on.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.inc.com/cynthia-than/the-mexican-janitor-who-invented-flamin-hot-cheetos.html" target="_blank">origin of Flamin' Hot Cheetos </a>-- quite a charming story!<br />
<br />
Goop, Glossier, and how G became <a href="http://www.racked.com/2016/2/29/11134798/goop-glossier-typeface-packaging" target="_blank">the It Letter in the beauty world</a>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">watching</span><br />
<br />
I had to work for most of Sunday afternoon and I was feeling sorry for myself, so I decided to catch up on some mindless TV and watched the first episode of <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Portfolio-Submissions/dp/B01B6LVLRW/ref=sr_1_1?s=instant-video&ie=UTF8&qid=1456973808&sr=1-1&keywords=cfda+fashion+fund" target="_blank">The Fashion Fund</a></i>, a documentary/reality-style show about the process of choosing the winner of the very cool CFDA Fashion Fund (previous winners include Public School and Alexander Wang). It's like a lighter, but more important, <i>Project Runway.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
God bless John Oliver for this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnpO_RTSNmQ" target="_blank">piece on Donald Trump</a>, who is awful #makedonalddrumfagain<br />
<br />
<br />Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304250493557258574.post-89858026628728446152016-03-01T10:31:00.000-08:002016-03-01T10:31:09.776-08:00no regretsI think a morning routine is important. Some people meditate. Many take time to write. Others go straight for a big cup of coffee and some breakfast. I open my laptop, surf over to jcrew.com and type the words "bow embellished" in the search bar. Super normal, right?<br />
<br />
I try not to live with regrets, but every so often a sartorial conquest slips away and I can't quite move on. While I'm waiting for a sale or waffling about a purchase, my beloved sells out and I'm crushed. This happens pretty much every season, and so I've developed a habit of starting my day by checking various websites to see if new stock has popped up. Sometimes I also hit up eBay and Poshmark, because I am thorough. And obsessed. And I don't meditate.<br />
<br />
Here's what I'm pining over right now:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxr_d9VdZOnVa4iraJJEtzc_YctMPvWNzeCYjXLfbYBMfmgzWej1FDm-Qk1TZDXFSisCyM4dEEdpW2RTNUw6bc2r4ftkK9uPVEbSwwTw0PtE-yZGJ6NsqGT5ExsmqZKZpZqJa1F602Ak/s1600/jcrewbow.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxr_d9VdZOnVa4iraJJEtzc_YctMPvWNzeCYjXLfbYBMfmgzWej1FDm-Qk1TZDXFSisCyM4dEEdpW2RTNUw6bc2r4ftkK9uPVEbSwwTw0PtE-yZGJ6NsqGT5ExsmqZKZpZqJa1F602Ak/s320/jcrewbow.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I ordered this sweet <a href="https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/Tshirtsandtanktops/longsleevetshirts/PRD~E4454/E4454.jsp?Nbrd=J&Nloc=en_US&Nrpp=48&Npge=1&Ntrm=bow-embellished&isSaleItem=false&color_name=BLACK%20IVORY&isFromSearch=true&isNewSearch=true&hash=row0" target="_blank">little bow-embellished</a> (hey, remember that term? From way back at the start of this post?) top after Christmas. Scored a sweeeet deal. Sadly, I didn't open the box for about 3 weeks (was an insanely busy time) and when I did, I was so bummed to see that I'd accidentally received the wrong color and the shirt was almost completely sold out. Sadly it's the tiny sizes that seem to pop back into stock (and I know this top runs a little small), but I'm still hoping I'll catch one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZSqt23p_5Rx4FNo39HnDfeVj5Pm7A8msSqF5JK2DHagTIQFwgUOunmCXYt4JafD4nMR9dSp3WsUgmJeYcMB5LNmRAPWqRy79Vrwe0vsNSLfqBLi-tXaATNbth1ovremvVsY7jATUi8I/s1600/mockcroc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZSqt23p_5Rx4FNo39HnDfeVj5Pm7A8msSqF5JK2DHagTIQFwgUOunmCXYt4JafD4nMR9dSp3WsUgmJeYcMB5LNmRAPWqRy79Vrwe0vsNSLfqBLi-tXaATNbth1ovremvVsY7jATUi8I/s320/mockcroc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn't see <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/new-in/mock-croc-city-bag-c363021p2774946.html" target="_blank">this bag</a> until after it had been marked way down (and of course, sold out), but I can't help but hope I get a little lucky. So great, right? It's very fancy and proper, but I think it has a bit of a wild side that wants to come out and play.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Lw0BMjDXjzNLokc3Bn-qPn61w6sMdvr5sw-WC1WkKPzKE7FhUCk2BYiXG9tuMVXdxGc0ZSQnYqCyiUFSI-3Brb08t8cy-oJk-GXf9cc5XdW6GmVAOGtAME1t_qK-EhRGSXACz3B3dm4/s1600/tortoise+flats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Lw0BMjDXjzNLokc3Bn-qPn61w6sMdvr5sw-WC1WkKPzKE7FhUCk2BYiXG9tuMVXdxGc0ZSQnYqCyiUFSI-3Brb08t8cy-oJk-GXf9cc5XdW6GmVAOGtAME1t_qK-EhRGSXACz3B3dm4/s320/tortoise+flats.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been looking for a pair of tortoiseshell shoes forever, and <a href="http://us.asos.com/ASOS-LIFE-STORY-Pointed-Ballet-Flats/16tevi/?iid=5266077&mporgp=L0FTT1MvQVNPUy1MSUZFLVNUT1JZLVBvaW50ZWQtQmFsbGV0LUZsYXRzL1Byb2Qv&WT.ac=rec_viewed&CTAref=Recently+Viewed" target="_blank">these</a> were perfectly sweet and totally affordable. I put off placing an order until it was way too late. Dumb.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfMN4zf3eGYcxn04qTpPF5WlbrZsawlDdYExGiCx5sgdMcHLTBJpK7n10C2UcUARF-0CgZ2UuQy1lfyfw4WCEUzu-o1sibvq0m5L2S3En5jdOJqYhgaJU71cS0lpQNj26mbIHu-amHcE/s1600/zarastripe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfMN4zf3eGYcxn04qTpPF5WlbrZsawlDdYExGiCx5sgdMcHLTBJpK7n10C2UcUARF-0CgZ2UuQy1lfyfw4WCEUzu-o1sibvq0m5L2S3En5jdOJqYhgaJU71cS0lpQNj26mbIHu-amHcE/s320/zarastripe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This one is long sold out, but I'm crossing my fingers for a resale option. I had passed it up last year because I told myself I had too many striped shirts, but that shoulder detail is really great. And what's sad is that sometimes when I'm trying to decide what to wear in the morning, this shirt pops into my head. Even though I don't own it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWZM_UXhveqXclvwVzJhFrG0y73gsnvdJXMf7FPICC9YQ8da3OltGHqOfK63O3Rjts3dK7-atuWLJNRuyBdvM5yoBbiqXEObs_9eOdljq6RxGy6xql777OkFUM-msxw_Bt3NfKDKloXQ/s1600/tippi+candy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWZM_UXhveqXclvwVzJhFrG0y73gsnvdJXMf7FPICC9YQ8da3OltGHqOfK63O3Rjts3dK7-atuWLJNRuyBdvM5yoBbiqXEObs_9eOdljq6RxGy6xql777OkFUM-msxw_Bt3NfKDKloXQ/s320/tippi+candy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Finally, an oldie but goodie -- I don't know where I was when this candy stripe Tippi was out, but I should have been in line at J. Crew buying the happiest sweater ever. Sigh.<br />
<br />
Have you ever missed out on something and regretted it later? Do you keep chasing, or just...let it go?Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304250493557258574.post-48623380312803511632016-02-28T21:16:00.000-08:002016-02-29T05:28:59.383-08:00february budget Last year I started tracking my spending on clothing -- it seemed like a kind of a smart, grown-up thing to do. Around the same time I did a major closet clean-out/purge and discovered too many flammable looking Forever 21 pieces, pilled Target cardigans, and regrettable impulse purchases that were all gathering dust. I liked the idea of having some accountability to curb some of my mindless buying, so at the end of each month I survey my purchases and make sure that I'm sticking to my budget and making smart decisions. And here we are.<br />
<br />
February was supposed to be a <a href="http://jolie-x-laide.blogspot.com/2016/02/resolved.html" target="_blank">no shopping month</a> for me, so how'd I do? Ehhhh...<br />
<br />
I didn't make it. All was fine until about a week ago when I decided to make an exception and buy <a href="http://us.asos.com/adidas-Originals-Superstar-00s-Rose-Gold-Metal-Toe-Cap-Sneakers/18spix/?iid=5942396&mporgp=L0FkaWRhcy9hZGlkYXMtT3JpZ2luYWxzLVN1cGVyc3Rhci04MHMtUm9zZS1Hb2xkLU1ldGFsLVRvZS1DYXAtVHJhaW5lcnMvUHJvZC8.&CTARef=Recently%20Viewed&CTARef=Recently%20Viewed&CTARef=Recently%20Viewed&WT.ac=rec_viewed&CTAref=Recently+Viewed" target="_blank">these sneakers</a> that I fell madly in lurve with. I was planning to just wait until March, but all of a sudden they were selling out everywhere and I realized they wouldn't be around that long. I also realized I'd really be bummed to miss out on them. I mean, they're just sneakers, but I do have a habit of obsessing over the ones that got away. I spotted my size back in stock and a nice little President's Day promo code and just went for it. When I got to the checkout, there was also a pair of sunglasses in my cart from a previous session but I pretended not to notice and placed my order. So my purchases for this month are as follows:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhrFQs9hfObymgUQfLxk2rGzEx9kBqjBolQ3g_2QnfkMtJ6XXjPAePz6bYfG1O9OTgGnw8q9cun9ohluYx9dt5cj95QHyvcC8EJKcuQuHpbW0gQxMPCq0LzgxOjHMQ2kU-_rbjRFKqwXx0Xd-h-QhqicRACjgH_vyZhDJaYusitZXiW3KB6whXjUsTtTNU3114nwneq2kGBS46cTDsXHSDz1nCy96bJs4pq1Y2x1W9cv2SEOzT8l8YlkCv5=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhrFQs9hfObymgUQfLxk2rGzEx9kBqjBolQ3g_2QnfkMtJ6XXjPAePz6bYfG1O9OTgGnw8q9cun9ohluYx9dt5cj95QHyvcC8EJKcuQuHpbW0gQxMPCq0LzgxOjHMQ2kU-_rbjRFKqwXx0Xd-h-QhqicRACjgH_vyZhDJaYusitZXiW3KB6whXjUsTtTNU3114nwneq2kGBS46cTDsXHSDz1nCy96bJs4pq1Y2x1W9cv2SEOzT8l8YlkCv5=" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://us.asos.com/adidas-Originals-Superstar-00s-Rose-Gold-Metal-Toe-Cap-Sneakers/18spix/?iid=5942396&mporgp=L0FkaWRhcy9hZGlkYXMtT3JpZ2luYWxzLVN1cGVyc3Rhci04MHMtUm9zZS1Hb2xkLU1ldGFsLVRvZS1DYXAtVHJhaW5lcnMvUHJvZC8.&CTARef=Recently%20Viewed&CTARef=Recently%20Viewed&CTARef=Recently%20Viewed&WT.ac=rec_viewed&CTAref=Recently+Viewed" target="_blank">Adidas Originals</a> ($101) // <a href="http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Oversized-00s-sunglasses/18vwld/?iid=5938495&clr=Black&SearchQuery=oversized+70s+sunglasses&pgesize=9&pge=0&totalstyles=9&gridsize=3&gridrow=3&gridcolumn=2&mporgp=L2Fzb3MvYXNvcy1vdmVyc2l6ZWQtNzBzLXN1bmdsYXNzZXMvcHJvZC8." target="_blank">Oversized Retro Sunglasses</a> ($14)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
<b>monthly budget: </b>$200 ($0 in February)<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>total:</b> $115 ($85 under budget/$115 over budget)<br />
<br />
The good news is that I love both purchases and know I will wear them both often (practically daily), so I'll consider it a success for thoughtful, mindful shopping. Small victories.<br />
<br />
When you're not shopping for (most of) a month, you have lots of time for window shopping, which I did plenty of. All kinds of spring goodies are showing up in stores, and I have my eye on a few:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjHemx-UccPVNiGuFNdNrEmWGrnw765Cw72uie8tSzYWNYrhvlNRu1Ein7h2HWGLhIGrqWwpFioWnXtOhdpd3BUjqL7rBgtL3RKsuiTIuEUz_sSkVJEkiEFT9NeY5JWDsr9HUA_WJA6XrueMvpHFKV8iMd16SSIR1OEZ8qsnYaxEV9Q641IhYqE0aMYqbNG02UFfJkgXq8M-iYj5T-cwR1TmCyXSQ3Jcn1draDAjeRdoKrs83wgVzVGLlylGA=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjHemx-UccPVNiGuFNdNrEmWGrnw765Cw72uie8tSzYWNYrhvlNRu1Ein7h2HWGLhIGrqWwpFioWnXtOhdpd3BUjqL7rBgtL3RKsuiTIuEUz_sSkVJEkiEFT9NeY5JWDsr9HUA_WJA6XrueMvpHFKV8iMd16SSIR1OEZ8qsnYaxEV9Q641IhYqE0aMYqbNG02UFfJkgXq8M-iYj5T-cwR1TmCyXSQ3Jcn1draDAjeRdoKrs83wgVzVGLlylGA=" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
this <a href="https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shirtsandtops/topsblouses/PRDOVR~E8857/E8857.jsp?srcCode=AFFIMPOLYVORE_one%20piece%20swimsuits" target="_blank">lace shirt</a> is a little off-beat but has some interesting potential // still digging the <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/new-in/woman/view-all/cropped-wide-leg-trousers-c811528p3302576.html" target="_blank">crazy pants</a> // this <a href="http://www.uniqlo.com/uniqloandlemaire/us/itemlineup/women/" target="_blank">perfect looking sweater</a> is from the upcoming Lemaire collab with Uniqlo (love the half sleeves) // I love this <a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=185296002&vid=2&tid=brsh000004" target="_blank">inkblot floral</a>, which seems less twee than most spring-y prints // <a href="https://www.shopbop.com/linds-platform-espadrille-kate-spade/vp/v=1/1591260384.htm?currencyCode=USD&extid=AFFPRG_Polyvore_CPC_SB_USD&cvo_campaign=polyvore_sb_us&cvosrc=affiliate_cpc.polyvore_us.sandals" target="_blank">black and white striped espadrilles</a> with a little platform? sold // I've been a little wary of the cropped wide-leg jeans thing, but I'm digging this <a href="https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/denim/other/PRDOVR~E7700/E7700.jsp" target="_blank">white pair</a> // my very excellent sunglasses in <a href="http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Oversized-00s-Sunglasses/15ux8g/?iid=4823568&mporgp=L0FTT1MvQVNPUy1PdmVyc2l6ZWQtNzBzLVN1bmdsYXNzZXMvUHJvZC8.&WT.ac=rec_viewed&CTAref=Recently+Viewed" target="_blank">tortoiseshell</a><br />
<br />
Did you buy anything good this month? What do you have your eye on right now? Let me know!<br />
<br />
I'm linking up with <a href="http://franish.blogspot.com/2016/02/february-budget.html#more" target="_blank">Fran and the budget bloggers</a>, because those ladies always find great stuff...<br />
<br />
PS -- wishing a special happy birthday to my brother (who does not read this blog) because he and all of the other leap babies get an actual birthday this year! If you are celebrating something special this Leap Day, check out the NYT's collection of <a href="http://cooking.nytimes.com/68861692/2369893-recipes-for-a-leap-year-birthday" target="_blank">treat yo self recipes</a> (and do NOT check out the movie of the same name -- the delightful Amy Adams deserved better).
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcfc.polyvoreimg.com%2Fcgi%2Fimg-set%2F.sig%2FVylVwhHwR8jBk0w0g8wk1g%2Fcid%2F192074364%2Fid%2FShjQG93d5RGl-xemO4xqOQ%2Fsize%2Fc600x440.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjHemx-UccPVNiGuFNdNrEmWGrnw765Cw72uie8tSzYWNYrhvlNRu1Ein7h2HWGLhIGrqWwpFioWnXtOhdpd3BUjqL7rBgtL3RKsuiTIuEUz_sSkVJEkiEFT9NeY5JWDsr9HUA_WJA6XrueMvpHFKV8iMd16SSIR1OEZ8qsnYaxEV9Q641IhYqE0aMYqbNG02UFfJkgXq8M-iYj5T-cwR1TmCyXSQ3Jcn1draDAjeRdoKrs83wgVzVGLlylGA=" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcfc.polyvoreimg.com%2Fcgi%2Fimg-set%2F.sig%2Foo3lOXRhV3kQkeVTAuUDQ%2Fcid%2F192166923%2Fid%2FioPkqo3e5RGwNE4QN_hFfQ%2Fsize%2Fc600x329.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhrFQs9hfObymgUQfLxk2rGzEx9kBqjBolQ3g_2QnfkMtJ6XXjPAePz6bYfG1O9OTgGnw8q9cun9ohluYx9dt5cj95QHyvcC8EJKcuQuHpbW0gQxMPCq0LzgxOjHMQ2kU-_rbjRFKqwXx0Xd-h-QhqicRACjgH_vyZhDJaYusitZXiW3KB6whXjUsTtTNU3114nwneq2kGBS46cTDsXHSDz1nCy96bJs4pq1Y2x1W9cv2SEOzT8l8YlkCv5=" -->Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304250493557258574.post-91713837588905263572016-02-27T21:20:00.000-08:002016-02-27T21:20:42.515-08:00a touch of springI don't always love Punxsutawney Phil's predictions, but it looks like that little dirt beaver was right this year -- Florida has had almost no winter to speak of, and much of the country has been seeing real signs of spring for the past week or so. It's almost March, and then there's nothing but sunshine, crisp air, and long days ahead.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There's a reason that everyone needs at least one good light spring jacket. This weather calls for loose, easy pieces you can layer and unlayer as needed. It seems like everyone has a version of a rugged field jacket lately (see <a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/33872?article=33872-B" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/outerwear/trenchesandanoraks/PRDOVR~E0945/E0945.jsp" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="https://www.shopbop.com/infantry-jacket-current-elliott/vp/v=1/845524441945898.htm?currencyCode=USD&extid=AFFPRG_Polyvore_CPC_SB_USD&cvo_campaign=polyvore_sb_us&cvosrc=affiliate_cpc.polyvore_us.jackets" target="_blank">here</a>). I wasn't initially sold on it, but it is starting to grow on me as a less fussy alternative to a trench coat. It's a perfect topper to a very easy Sunday afternoon outfit:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiyvE21oydp2A3actLGWFopOg0PJ04y3UKQsYguNGCG9g86bsK0a7j9yNWX4PPaRdrf2xEjXRBlMKwRmSA-y_-_n8zyvpdwWEBPqvvyGVhy8L10WwMr86x6rae2i7gOmAFGEiUqKvINMuPlJGUOwnTcGrdBkF6LPSRZNeUvrET95B-AVlhcEICacAjJpyhC_mrdVBapsgp3DgAQaxF_HDq_dOILe5vcuVOjw0tE-qTXqkKqZ-MCfkiNUEMT=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiyvE21oydp2A3actLGWFopOg0PJ04y3UKQsYguNGCG9g86bsK0a7j9yNWX4PPaRdrf2xEjXRBlMKwRmSA-y_-_n8zyvpdwWEBPqvvyGVhy8L10WwMr86x6rae2i7gOmAFGEiUqKvINMuPlJGUOwnTcGrdBkF6LPSRZNeUvrET95B-AVlhcEICacAjJpyhC_mrdVBapsgp3DgAQaxF_HDq_dOILe5vcuVOjw0tE-qTXqkKqZ-MCfkiNUEMT=" width="568" /></a></div>
I like the color and the shape of this <a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=177698072&tid=gpsh000007" target="_blank">utility jacket</a>, a closet staple that you'll wear for years // a big, fabulous pair of sunglasses to protect against too much sun or too little eye makeup // I'm always on the hunt for the <a href="https://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/knits_tees/Classic_Stripes/PRDOVR~B8722/B8722.jsp?srcCode=AFFIMPOLYVORE_t-shirts" target="_blank">perfect striped shirt</a>, and this one comes pretty damn close // <a href="https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/browse/product.jsp?&productId=570148602&color=001" target="_blank">weekend pants</a> should always be comfy // a <a href="http://www.solesociety.com/chaney-cognac.html" target="_blank">good crossbody bag</a> that is surprisingly affordable // <a href="https://www.shopbop.com/braidaway-slide-stuart-weitzman/vp/v=1/1573414386.htm?currencyCode=USD&extid=AFFPRG_Polyvore_CPC_SB_USD&cvo_campaign=polyvore_sb_us&cvosrc=affiliate_cpc.polyvore_us.sandals" target="_blank">these slides</a> are perfect for showing off your new spring pedi</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcfc.polyvoreimg.com%2Fcgi%2Fimg-set%2F.sig%2FnmbpHCnNr9nZNcbdwrQdg%2Fcid%2F191967620%2Fid%2FwGfyGgbd5RGlyheyXi33Qg%2Fsize%2Fc600x676.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiyvE21oydp2A3actLGWFopOg0PJ04y3UKQsYguNGCG9g86bsK0a7j9yNWX4PPaRdrf2xEjXRBlMKwRmSA-y_-_n8zyvpdwWEBPqvvyGVhy8L10WwMr86x6rae2i7gOmAFGEiUqKvINMuPlJGUOwnTcGrdBkF6LPSRZNeUvrET95B-AVlhcEICacAjJpyhC_mrdVBapsgp3DgAQaxF_HDq_dOILe5vcuVOjw0tE-qTXqkKqZ-MCfkiNUEMT=" -->Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304250493557258574.post-33467093369082310592016-02-27T00:00:00.000-08:002016-02-27T00:00:01.602-08:00lace for less<a href="http://www.self-portrait-studio.com/" target="_blank">Self-Portrait</a> is the hot new kid on the fashion block right now -- it is hard to miss the brand's intricate and feminine lace dresses and blouses that are popping up on the red carpet, on blogs, and all over the editorial pages. I have at least a dozen dresses on my running wish list, but at $400-600 a pop they're a bit of a budgetary stretch. I'm hoping to catch one on a good sale or put away a little cash for a splurge, but until then I've been keeping an eye on budget-friendly options. Good news, there are a few!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are plenty of lace dresses out there, but there are a few key things Self-Portrait's dresses so special: modern, feminine cuts (think midi dresses, gently flared skirts), geometric patterns, sweet accents (ruffles, peter pan collars), and strategic sheerness. Here are my current favorite options:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08ISZJRejWsnfYr-iCHeWV_IX7W3UFPpKGnIB-30YiBRo-NJDM0GCWxPsMwZIgzGKhJUR9TaVL6VQFtZpbzLxIoeGlxqxA0OeErYMkyLZIkvqxXngvM_d-PHrnJBI3QzmILPmesdwNb8/s1600/zarablue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08ISZJRejWsnfYr-iCHeWV_IX7W3UFPpKGnIB-30YiBRo-NJDM0GCWxPsMwZIgzGKhJUR9TaVL6VQFtZpbzLxIoeGlxqxA0OeErYMkyLZIkvqxXngvM_d-PHrnJBI3QzmILPmesdwNb8/s400/zarablue.jpg" width="322" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/dresses/view-all/lace-dress-c719020p3185253.html" target="_blank">Zara Lace Shirtdress</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FBL4JXuCa1HlEuQL5i-bOqEgMVR-JV7P_qyOzATeutp9acPkKEv4LITpKJBF61VB_GSMUxbAgHAUJX4oD8gJwjG61VNzOl2OnAoHUTST34TjhI6FRIPRNmJa5Asrub199jyiA-EvFDY/s1600/hmlacedress.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FBL4JXuCa1HlEuQL5i-bOqEgMVR-JV7P_qyOzATeutp9acPkKEv4LITpKJBF61VB_GSMUxbAgHAUJX4oD8gJwjG61VNzOl2OnAoHUTST34TjhI6FRIPRNmJa5Asrub199jyiA-EvFDY/s400/hmlacedress.jpeg" width="341" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/42510?article=42510-A" target="_blank">H&M Lace Dress</a><br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLR2h3wIRR2SCiNfS378Yqa6VZagyoIa9vm9n6ZNQUjck8twUEpJxLx7VlTIkmZidvqva5rW6rkbcwLQo16BM-JEk5sx9i5zPoEgnyvkj8jH-IjI1ToyJgrJmv4rwstDwoXqPMshobtDM/s1600/zaradress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLR2h3wIRR2SCiNfS378Yqa6VZagyoIa9vm9n6ZNQUjck8twUEpJxLx7VlTIkmZidvqva5rW6rkbcwLQo16BM-JEk5sx9i5zPoEgnyvkj8jH-IjI1ToyJgrJmv4rwstDwoXqPMshobtDM/s400/zaradress.jpg" width="322" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/dresses/view-all/tube-dress-with-lace-top-c719020p3262128.html" target="_blank">Zara Tube Dress</a><br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGVdjJYrIp07eDEWmEzcbiBLuY4Q6A607rYk48rKBVX5ojohu6KjVAyZavSi9ZuVauvN4z36eyMIuA0pLCuGPpFlXtWk2qmGRJdzRQcnRx-f7AXwRZHgTgkTHbcScYuw4EUHFV7LHFsI/s1600/f21winedress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGVdjJYrIp07eDEWmEzcbiBLuY4Q6A607rYk48rKBVX5ojohu6KjVAyZavSi9ZuVauvN4z36eyMIuA0pLCuGPpFlXtWk2qmGRJdzRQcnRx-f7AXwRZHgTgkTHbcScYuw4EUHFV7LHFsI/s400/f21winedress.jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=dress&ProductID=2000145645&VariantID=" target="_blank">Forever 21 Crochet Midi Dress</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVOdA6sh9qNh1kVkaPDVC-T_7GVrwNaohfTkS8G8oqJvPBJI3By_fi8iJ62T1B1Uq4aIUfQO9GmlnGlp1tG6TV3RGMjhyphenhyphenM-6UeCc2n2MDnw1HQLyw8S5i3Ij5xhQYsbL58BV2adBwTiI/s1600/anthrodress.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVOdA6sh9qNh1kVkaPDVC-T_7GVrwNaohfTkS8G8oqJvPBJI3By_fi8iJ62T1B1Uq4aIUfQO9GmlnGlp1tG6TV3RGMjhyphenhyphenM-6UeCc2n2MDnw1HQLyw8S5i3Ij5xhQYsbL58BV2adBwTiI/s400/anthrodress.jpeg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/4130292541204.jsp?color=001#/" target="_blank">Anthropologie Narrante Lace Dress</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1SQLRuRblcIFyGDCZhnbgJ14zhI79z_EUvD5FV3_3Zv4IW7lG67HtI_QncpiWm5Rt8SLnWQNEm2I7CGtKkd0kdxYmyvi1J-0hnvTs6tyU0ApD5HEszU4sk2Aej7lF8zlqARoeuG-1b8/s1600/asoslace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1SQLRuRblcIFyGDCZhnbgJ14zhI79z_EUvD5FV3_3Zv4IW7lG67HtI_QncpiWm5Rt8SLnWQNEm2I7CGtKkd0kdxYmyvi1J-0hnvTs6tyU0ApD5HEszU4sk2Aej7lF8zlqARoeuG-1b8/s400/asoslace.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Premium-Occasion-Lace-Midi-Dress/18phun/?iid=5930829&transaction_id=1021741abf331c584c078c5bd69c22&affid=14329&pubref=1015&istCompanyId=467dd896-9a62-42c2-84d9-be2d13921f66&istItemId=qlimriqrt&istBid=t" target="_blank">ASOS Lace Midi Dress</a><br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304250493557258574.post-37133386362101352152016-02-23T21:20:00.000-08:002016-02-23T21:20:11.425-08:00the good stuff, vol. 3Lots of good distractions this week...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNX516iJYKTwaC8ykYlzOU6UR7BWu_30T6AnVAHkG8mPYtsmiLCah-Fnd-mDpbN9nt5QiRWV6QAuj3ZokJ33GjrmuRO9UNkbRLrfHtCnQ5njusB0BzD4_GAVJFC2W87aAas1G1hkMmV8/s1600/goodstuff3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNX516iJYKTwaC8ykYlzOU6UR7BWu_30T6AnVAHkG8mPYtsmiLCah-Fnd-mDpbN9nt5QiRWV6QAuj3ZokJ33GjrmuRO9UNkbRLrfHtCnQ5njusB0BzD4_GAVJFC2W87aAas1G1hkMmV8/s640/goodstuff3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">reading</span></b><br />
<br />
A little more running inspiration in the form of this man who has <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/general-interest/cancer-survivor-runs-seven-marathons-on-seven-continents" target="_blank">run marathons on every continent </a>(ps, he's a cancer survivor).<br />
<br />
I'm working on my Oscar ballot and was interested to see <a href="http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/fivethirtyeights-guide-to-predicting-the-oscars/" target="_blank">what the Five Thirty-Eight team is predicting</a>. It's kind of funny to see everyone ragging on Leo for being so damn thirsty. I'm really hoping they're wrong about <i>The Revenant </i>(Best Pic should definitely go to <i>Spotlight</i>).<br />
<br />
If you need to catch up on the nominees, most of them are <a href="http://lifehacker.com/how-to-catch-up-on-all-of-this-year-s-oscar-nominees-be-1760695053" target="_blank">available to stream right now</a>. We live in truly glorious times.<br />
<br />
The groovy house featured in <i>The Big Lebowski</i> has been <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/house-seen-in-the-big-lebowski-to-be-donated-to-lacma-228731" target="_blank">donated to LACMA</a>. Looks like a great place to chill with a White Russian.<br />
<br />
If you love animals and feel like crying, check out this <a href="http://brightside.me/article/how-dogs-get-older-a-fascinating-and-deeply-touching-photography-project-11005/" target="_blank">touching series of portraits of dogs</a> as they age. I adopted my Audrey when she was 2.5, and she just turned 8. She's super healthy, but it goes so fast...<br />
<br />
I love the idea behind <a href="http://www.buymeonce.com/home-usa" target="_blank">this website</a>, which is dedicated to selling housewares, clothing, toys, furniture, and more that are meant to last a lifetime. The older I get, the more I understand that there is no joy in buying and rebuying cheap crap. Investing in quality is where it's at.<br />
<br />
The Metropolitan Museum of Art <a href="http://www.wired.com/2016/02/the-met-explains-its-controversial-new-logo/" target="_blank">introduced a new logo</a> and ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE agghhhghgh!!!! Just kidding, sort of. But people do care deeply. I find that I rarely respond well to new branding immediately, but I feel like this will grow on me.<br />
<br />
The Anthropologie effect is real, as this <a href="http://www.racked.com/2014/12/4/7566139/anthropologie-store-display-merchandising" target="_blank">fascinating piece explores</a> -- it's the reason you immediately feel the urge to buy all kinds of random, very expensive things when you walk into one of their warm, cozy stores. <br />
<br />
If you love grammar and have suffered a bad breakup, you'll appreciate <a href="http://reductress.com/post/he-left-me-for-a-woman-who-uses-two-spaces-after-a-period/" target="_blank">this piece</a>.<br />
<br />
A man <a href="http://reductress.com/post/he-left-me-for-a-woman-who-uses-two-spaces-after-a-period/" target="_blank">planted a beautiful garden</a> that his blind wife could enjoy because, love.<br />
<br />
A really interesting piece about the <a href="http://thoughtcatalog.com/bianca-sparacino/2014/11/how-to-ruin-your-life-without-even-noticing-that-you-are/" target="_blank">subtle but important mistakes people make</a> that can really derail your life -- staying with the wrong people, not learning from past mistakes, comparing yourself to others, and just being passive about your situation. Worth a read, even if you feel like things are going pretty well for you.<br />
<br />
On my travel bucket list is a nice long road trip where I spend a week driving from New York to California and another week exploring the state from one end to the other. I'm bookmarking this list of <a href="http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/southern-california/10-most-charming-small-towns-in-southern-california/" target="_blank">charming SoCal cities</a> for that very trip.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">watching</span></b><br />
<br />
I spent Sunday after the race laying around on the couch, eating everything, and watching <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWcEktio9Is" target="_blank">Difficult People</a></i> on Hulu. It is extremely enjoyable fluff, particularly if you love pop culture and NYC, and I am still quoting lines from it ("Do you know what 'understudy' is? It's a fancy word for disappointment!", shouted to children at a matinee of <i>Annie.</i> That's the first scene of the first episode.)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/news/a14258/adele-ellen-degeneres-jamba-juice-prank/" target="_blank">Adele doing her impression of a deer</a> and other awesomeness.<br />
<br />
Have you ever seen Goofy and Michael Jackson ease on down the road? You should. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8y4HaHoX1LE" target="_blank">You must</a>.Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304250493557258574.post-83458354104058427622016-02-23T16:50:00.000-08:002016-02-23T16:50:09.329-08:00mission to marsFor me, there are two things that turn a nice room into a perfect, cozy space: what's on the windows and what's on the walls. All of the gorgeous couches and rugs and duvet covers in the world won't matter if the windows aren't dressed and the art is lame (or worse, nonexistent).<br />
<br />
Good art is usually expensive and affordable art is usually dreadful, so I'm always on the hunt for interesting artwork that don't cost an arm and a leg. Sometimes you find it in the unlikeliest of places, like <a href="http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/visions-of-the-future/" target="_blank">NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory's website</a> (admit it, you've never looked there). But you should now, because you'll find a collection of vibrant and imaginative travel posters that are out of this world. They have a sort of innocent, exuberant WPA quality that I love, and the images themselves are just dreamy. You can download the poster-size images for free or, if you're lazy like me and won't actually go to Staples to print an image, you can order posters of some of the designs <a href="http://www.invisiblecreature.com/contact/#/shop/posters" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Sign me up for The Grand Tour...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyEG7W9OBUWrCfeMXDGrN21TQmoewRlZoEy7RZrSce2B6HxtYT8hQZnzBYMqLv8iG3bPJZe8FBlo8OApJDE-9urQEAlPWl5IMXAYLsV0j6aAjQ0tAxyOlFNTE-0uFopis2wNRL42-ZW4/s1600/nasaposter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyEG7W9OBUWrCfeMXDGrN21TQmoewRlZoEy7RZrSce2B6HxtYT8hQZnzBYMqLv8iG3bPJZe8FBlo8OApJDE-9urQEAlPWl5IMXAYLsV0j6aAjQ0tAxyOlFNTE-0uFopis2wNRL42-ZW4/s640/nasaposter1.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeQ6L_bdDbZKXR7P_GCBkFEy68Bki23Ml9lh3Jn8t2RXaGY8xrw8cXhr166hEkDVlGGbGCczHLlerUTQJkrR3ICDWkZMGqTzZDHFns1fz_lPcGhn02jGEoM-VCM0XJnR6f9r5QuiecLA/s1600/nasa+poster2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeQ6L_bdDbZKXR7P_GCBkFEy68Bki23Ml9lh3Jn8t2RXaGY8xrw8cXhr166hEkDVlGGbGCczHLlerUTQJkrR3ICDWkZMGqTzZDHFns1fz_lPcGhn02jGEoM-VCM0XJnR6f9r5QuiecLA/s640/nasa+poster2.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5wDLHWb5XvyLwk2erKlAfbviT4vuoihiTg_Ld3UBO6Q9UXdYGng3hqczy9SVsJHxf4P5ia1KhaxyqddUmTzgKJ29pYZXuNu_z0NPUp8RClaUApYT1RAEe5dhuWUKxNYc6Eg6fqKxxDQ/s1600/nasaposter3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5wDLHWb5XvyLwk2erKlAfbviT4vuoihiTg_Ld3UBO6Q9UXdYGng3hqczy9SVsJHxf4P5ia1KhaxyqddUmTzgKJ29pYZXuNu_z0NPUp8RClaUApYT1RAEe5dhuWUKxNYc6Eg6fqKxxDQ/s640/nasaposter3.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAyDNOfwtv0a7fEvP4zrL14pCRmttKoRT03oflfJj8DleqcATbfYBzO1BEuVsx2GPXqWxAomyEOpVuDB4Y7K7RMlRrRDlPHIPjlrEsrIBoUcF1Nz_Yz7nrDGeDy_ZZQccVEG_yVyV0Uk/s1600/nasaposter5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAyDNOfwtv0a7fEvP4zrL14pCRmttKoRT03oflfJj8DleqcATbfYBzO1BEuVsx2GPXqWxAomyEOpVuDB4Y7K7RMlRrRDlPHIPjlrEsrIBoUcF1Nz_Yz7nrDGeDy_ZZQccVEG_yVyV0Uk/s640/nasaposter5.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOM57IXWeWOVVEwhsvMMtV8uUWeDYvt1NVok2vs7gVcG3npAN2dCU2Yp1gLwv9w3VO1BZLtycxMWv3NuU-XpwA2_CZmirYHDpLgm2fi2dwq_iIZ_MXT6tC7L-VlmxPSOaFD_JFRVmkj5c/s1600/nasaposter6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOM57IXWeWOVVEwhsvMMtV8uUWeDYvt1NVok2vs7gVcG3npAN2dCU2Yp1gLwv9w3VO1BZLtycxMWv3NuU-XpwA2_CZmirYHDpLgm2fi2dwq_iIZ_MXT6tC7L-VlmxPSOaFD_JFRVmkj5c/s640/nasaposter6.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAoNL9BDsID90ZH4vVUVXHxMFAmH5Yq9ROGgKGacNYTdthbUSdT90cA7-3PzYPta3pdhaWL-TmKDweNhg9pl1WLNDLe9LAv4w-DA9-2PrjI5J7armQoCYlajTbz9DY1doS4Tr8HqA2ic/s1600/nasaposter4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAoNL9BDsID90ZH4vVUVXHxMFAmH5Yq9ROGgKGacNYTdthbUSdT90cA7-3PzYPta3pdhaWL-TmKDweNhg9pl1WLNDLe9LAv4w-DA9-2PrjI5J7armQoCYlajTbz9DY1doS4Tr8HqA2ic/s640/nasaposter4.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<br />Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304250493557258574.post-31494643153784464182016-02-22T08:10:00.000-08:002016-02-22T08:10:52.424-08:00crazypantsI hated these pants when I first saw them. I was all, "nah, you missed on this one Zara". And then I kept thinking about them, and smiled when I realized the print reminded me of the wallpaper in my childhood bedroom. And then I fell in love, as one does. You may hate them initially too, but wait a minute...they'll grow on you. So how to wear them?<br />
<br />
For weekends, they're easy. A turtleneck sweater would be good, and a white tee and <a href="http://jolie-x-laide.blogspot.com/2016/02/sneakerhead.html" target="_blank">cool sneakers</a> would be very chic and unfussy. But I think they're most fun (and unexpected) dressed up for work. You won't be able to wear these very often unless you want to encourage lame comments from your co-workers -- "Look, you're wearing your crazy pants again!"-- so pull them out sparingly and have fun building some really interesting looks.<br />
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjv0caXUV5u0e9rqVdeDnIVZi7FK9459bpjGLaNxVRwl6UCgPvjY3CURO3awjWtfF5v54bUyH3zMjjC3SrO28AFoaMec66haUo38MEBqQ5gj6yiMdkDsHSrCdXm5Qu89h5qwrZoGeqeISYxQpaVYdR-dVhvEORp6eLsL1wr7q1CXHhRR4rCp1HYkCRYUScx_pqT_Ib9_X6x5H7nHX69dS_Jtu4k9-fE6a-kOAgskCb_h3vP8LrGP0_ZEYY=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjv0caXUV5u0e9rqVdeDnIVZi7FK9459bpjGLaNxVRwl6UCgPvjY3CURO3awjWtfF5v54bUyH3zMjjC3SrO28AFoaMec66haUo38MEBqQ5gj6yiMdkDsHSrCdXm5Qu89h5qwrZoGeqeISYxQpaVYdR-dVhvEORp6eLsL1wr7q1CXHhRR4rCp1HYkCRYUScx_pqT_Ib9_X6x5H7nHX69dS_Jtu4k9-fE6a-kOAgskCb_h3vP8LrGP0_ZEYY=" width="540" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
the aforementioned <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/new-in/woman/view-all/cropped-wide-leg-trousers-c811528p3302576.html" target="_blank">crazy pants</a>, a whimsical print in a modern cut // the best match for a bold print is a subtle print, like this great <a href="http://www.uniqlo.com/us/product/women-soft-woven-short-sleeve-t-blouse-171748.html#69~/women/featured/new-arrivals/shirts-and-blouses/~?utm_source=Rakuten&utm_medium=Affiliate&siteID=J84DHJLQkR4-.2Udi1uIZ4YBfFupXtfi5w" target="_blank">windowpane blouse</a> // your favorite <a href="https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/blazers/rhodes/PRDOVR~C9131/C9131.jsp?color_name=navy" target="_blank">preppy blazer</a> pulls everything together // more pattern-mixing with a <a href="https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/product/1086976/vince-camuto-leila-leather-shoulder-bag?color=BLACK-WHITE&sid=545655&aid=20648&mid=1549257850&cm_mmc=affiliate-_-ebay-_-20648-_-2-161881&utm_source=ebay&utm_medium=nr&utm_content=affiliate&utm_campaign=20648" target="_blank">graphic handbag</a> // <a href="http://www.loefflerrandall.com/jolie-nudesilver.html" target="_blank">very tailored, very feminine heels</a> make a casual pair of pants more elegant </div>
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcfc.polyvoreimg.com%2Fcgi%2Fimg-set%2F.sig%2FGRa7GH0m8dlZLdvM1M7A%2Fcid%2F191475227%2Fid%2FNFukMw-Z5RGkCr8zBrDUMQ%2Fsize%2Fc600x707.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjv0caXUV5u0e9rqVdeDnIVZi7FK9459bpjGLaNxVRwl6UCgPvjY3CURO3awjWtfF5v54bUyH3zMjjC3SrO28AFoaMec66haUo38MEBqQ5gj6yiMdkDsHSrCdXm5Qu89h5qwrZoGeqeISYxQpaVYdR-dVhvEORp6eLsL1wr7q1CXHhRR4rCp1HYkCRYUScx_pqT_Ib9_X6x5H7nHX69dS_Jtu4k9-fE6a-kOAgskCb_h3vP8LrGP0_ZEYY=" -->Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304250493557258574.post-13775360578539060982016-02-20T08:28:00.000-08:002016-02-20T08:28:08.403-08:00in my head: runningAt any given time there are about a dozen things that I'm obsessing about. Right now it's running, specifically the half marathon I am signed up for on Sunday. In the wee hours of the morning, me and 17,000 tulle and glitter encrusted ladies (and a few dudes) will gather to torture ourselves by running thirteen-ish miles around a theme park. I'm excited because Disney races are always quite a lot of fun, and I love being part of the incredibly warm and inspiring running community. And I'll be accompanied by a friend who is running her very first half, always fun. But I'm also freaking out, just a little, because I didn't really have time to train. At all. Oops.<br />
<br />
But I know that 50% of racing is mental, so I'm trying to at least get my head together and hope my legs will follow suit.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">eating</span></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2016/01/spaghetti-pie-with-pecorino-and-black-pepper/" target="_blank">Spaghetti pie</a> for dinner tomorrow night -- you a little jelly?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkTeM0ESfRK2pXZiTzJ8rtt2aIvQpMnVO3UmyAf-9Ue0ZvCTu_YrBpDIuZh39SBtoxdDGa4AfBoKcwcQgfaPrrvhKDuEplexqrzQN2lJy0L7d75EdGP3b_lw89tbcZonqpJr7a5w3RAg/s1600/spaghetti-pie-with-pecorino-and-black-pepper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkTeM0ESfRK2pXZiTzJ8rtt2aIvQpMnVO3UmyAf-9Ue0ZvCTu_YrBpDIuZh39SBtoxdDGa4AfBoKcwcQgfaPrrvhKDuEplexqrzQN2lJy0L7d75EdGP3b_lw89tbcZonqpJr7a5w3RAg/s640/spaghetti-pie-with-pecorino-and-black-pepper.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2016/01/spaghetti-pie-with-pecorino-and-black-pepper/" target="_blank">via Smitten Kitten</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Spaghetti, cheese, eggs, black pepper. Simple, perfect. I stumbled upon this recipe this week and realized it would be a lovely pre-race meal. (If you think running is hell on earth, this also seems like a good sort of recipe to whip up for dinner on a chilly Sunday night.)<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">reading</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I get weirdly emotional right before a race, and I like to lay in bed and cry and read about running and racing, succeeding and failing. Here are some of my favorites:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhm6lE4EeGzj0qac6cHsHiTdK_qtzJDV8jnsBzrDEs8uzjcrYwXzmt4c5NyWDoSgIC4Lahvbwo3G3TUXRdt3gwQv_B7-dX754WyhbwRUhlqLZVd3WeTIsVaSo-4a27Xu1ZnOQ5yZX1kLwf6gWeivkKh1Mw0alu2dKE2GQLt-GPRQcQWTfFGip61QoSZAo5a1IEX0rdCT36jVmZXfHOBj0LVs3gJMiddoA0heOmteu2BnbMKmlmBVIOeaIjXOg=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhm6lE4EeGzj0qac6cHsHiTdK_qtzJDV8jnsBzrDEs8uzjcrYwXzmt4c5NyWDoSgIC4Lahvbwo3G3TUXRdt3gwQv_B7-dX754WyhbwRUhlqLZVd3WeTIsVaSo-4a27Xu1ZnOQ5yZX1kLwf6gWeivkKh1Mw0alu2dKE2GQLt-GPRQcQWTfFGip61QoSZAo5a1IEX0rdCT36jVmZXfHOBj0LVs3gJMiddoA0heOmteu2BnbMKmlmBVIOeaIjXOg=" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Born-Run-Hidden-Superathletes-Greatest/dp/0307279189/ref=pd_sim_14_5?ie=UTF8&dpID=518epDN0NFL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR105%2C160_&refRID=1GT83PW4EAXRR4QYQVZZ" target="_blank">Born to Run</a></i> was a bit of a phenomenon and really made people think differently about distance running // John Bingham is a hero for the back of the pack runners who are only racing with themselves -- <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Courage-Start-Guide-Running-Your/dp/0684854554/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1455939042&sr=1-1&keywords=john+bingham" target="_blank">The Courage to Start </a></i>could inspire a love for running among even the couchiest of potatoes // somehow I was unaware of its existence until this week, but I just ordered <a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-About-Running-Vintage-International/dp/0307389839/ref=pd_sim_14_7?ie=UTF8&dpID=51Pa%2Bb5UEIL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR104%2C160_&refRID=0ZK319S2HZMVEV9C6RXR" target="_blank">Haruki Murakami's memoir</a> about marathon training -- a treat for myself next week when I'm recovering<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">wearing</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Never enough cute athleisure wear:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEitruZsfhAfaXfOyC0NZVzAaGUFIiDl1xG9VgdId1NEHxaVGlpqio2UAhJEQZZU9zsTsNfrpaBahB_b60EVjZZ9R5GfFhyh_HXZ3_bHd89cmugQkkWYVC6_g2fkXtg91cJ1WuYN4mn3WbKrdNZybrY3IKtm2jHdCSbwDZIRBHAzKzRRi28JV9QbQUP7yciO_2HvXGDXT-nejNkKXNJF_u4B2IxHq8Wa7fk4QD0Z8o9zU6ImWUIW2RVu6Rifzw=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEitruZsfhAfaXfOyC0NZVzAaGUFIiDl1xG9VgdId1NEHxaVGlpqio2UAhJEQZZU9zsTsNfrpaBahB_b60EVjZZ9R5GfFhyh_HXZ3_bHd89cmugQkkWYVC6_g2fkXtg91cJ1WuYN4mn3WbKrdNZybrY3IKtm2jHdCSbwDZIRBHAzKzRRi28JV9QbQUP7yciO_2HvXGDXT-nejNkKXNJF_u4B2IxHq8Wa7fk4QD0Z8o9zU6ImWUIW2RVu6Rifzw=" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
this <a href="https://www.katespade.com/products/bow-neck-jacket/KS2083KS.html?cgid=ks-clothing-activewear&dwvar_KS2083KS_color=002#start=1&cgid=ks-clothing-activewear" target="_blank">Kate Spade bow-adorned running jacket</a> is fabulous, though too precious to sweat in // <a href="http://rawthreads.com/by-category-storybook-series-princess-mantras" target="_blank">Raw Threads</a> makes all of the performance wear your inner princess could need // <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/pdp/index.jsp?&color=049&navAction=jump&id=37540473#/" target="_blank">floral leggings</a> when you want to look just a little fancy -- maybe yoga or your local neighborhood 5K // this <a href="http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1038199&vid=1&pid=214300022" target="_blank">cozy sweatshirt</a> looks dreamy for throwing on after a tough workout // a <a href="http://www.matchesfashion.com/us/products/Adidas-By-Stella-McCartney-Essentials-crocodile-print-tote-1039679" target="_blank">gym bag</a> you won't be embarrassed to carry<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">stocking</span></b><br />
<br />
I love running because it's a relatively low-maintenance sport, but there are a few items I've come to rely on for races:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjG3zRlwgRwRPWcavsZZx_bBv_t1D6SacySJABFZhc_hZoSvd5cqukesZgtj1Rsez0otidMj8A4TnagcER8rQinQXxtfqH6CX1VkfNNQz_t5CnSvX-ecRK11pm0WHj4WsLpmpeRQRLqtBo280yNxHjtJVr5p-ZulNPQ_XHuI8bARjOqPFZvrqBpdMbMY-ZRsd2ywp0Bo8Etyu4j993xqI-a0dJoSM2TWqYN9FYKx92ROIPblJ2szYTqV9U6=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjG3zRlwgRwRPWcavsZZx_bBv_t1D6SacySJABFZhc_hZoSvd5cqukesZgtj1Rsez0otidMj8A4TnagcER8rQinQXxtfqH6CX1VkfNNQz_t5CnSvX-ecRK11pm0WHj4WsLpmpeRQRLqtBo280yNxHjtJVr5p-ZulNPQ_XHuI8bARjOqPFZvrqBpdMbMY-ZRsd2ywp0Bo8Etyu4j993xqI-a0dJoSM2TWqYN9FYKx92ROIPblJ2szYTqV9U6=" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Swedish-Fish-Red-Bag-3-5-Pounds/dp/B001GB7IJI/ref=sr_1_1?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1455946987&sr=1-1&keywords=swedish+fish" target="_blank">Swedish fish</a> for a quick burst of energy mid-run // a sturdy (and cheery) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Happy-Plugs-7717--Ear-Headphones/dp/B00NNPLYCM/ref=sr_1_7?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1449170849&sr=1-7&keywords=happy+plugs&tag=polyvore006-20" target="_blank">pair of earbuds</a> // <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sundown-Naturals-Melatonin-Tablets-tablets/dp/B000GG2I9O/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_img_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=00C40478473040PHX93C" target="_blank">melatonin</a> to fight pre-race jitters // <a href="https://jet.com/product/detail/dbd7fe40f31b4963a7f0e6e87abb6cc0?jcmp=pla:ggl:jd_food_beverages_tobacco_a3:food_items_fruits_vegetables_dried_fruits_a3_other:na:na:na:na:na:2&code=PLA15&k_clickid=63cdb508-fef2-92e9-fa82-00007eb76d4a&abkId=403-170426&gclid=CNPphrTShcsCFQFkhgodYLAMRw" target="_blank">banana chips</a> stashed in my gear bag (because the post-race banana are never ripe enough) // <a href="http://shop.sparklysoul.com/SPARKLE-Green-Thin-SPARKLEGREENTHIN.htm" target="_blank">Sparkly Soul headbands</a> look great (and mostly stay in place) // a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Monistat-Soothing-Chafing-Powder-Gel-1-5-Ounce/dp/B0012ZNSWE/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_8?ie=UTF8&refRID=0PY27QPXJPYFS6DT3WCJ" target="_blank">truly amazing gel</a> for taking care of post-run ouches // your favorite <a href="http://www.sunglasshut.com/us/8053672358964?cid=cse-polyvore-new&cvosrc=cse.polyvore.15" target="_blank">pair of aviators</a> look cool and keep the sun out of your eyes // a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tribe-Flex-Eco-friendly-Collapsible-Bottle/dp/B00OWFGKV2/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_img_7?ie=UTF8&refRID=1FDDRNEVY37H50AFA977" target="_blank">flat water bottle</a> to sip from until the first water stop on very hot days (they're so cheap, I just toss in the trash when I get tired of carrying it).
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcfc.polyvoreimg.com%2Fcgi%2Fimg-set%2F.sig%2FURq7bqnCwFaVIneJlATvfg%2Fcid%2F191326680%2Fid%2F5Mp2a4fX5RGceAsAyXa90g%2Fsize%2Fc600x251.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhm6lE4EeGzj0qac6cHsHiTdK_qtzJDV8jnsBzrDEs8uzjcrYwXzmt4c5NyWDoSgIC4Lahvbwo3G3TUXRdt3gwQv_B7-dX754WyhbwRUhlqLZVd3WeTIsVaSo-4a27Xu1ZnOQ5yZX1kLwf6gWeivkKh1Mw0alu2dKE2GQLt-GPRQcQWTfFGip61QoSZAo5a1IEX0rdCT36jVmZXfHOBj0LVs3gJMiddoA0heOmteu2BnbMKmlmBVIOeaIjXOg=" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcfc.polyvoreimg.com%2Fcgi%2Fimg-set%2F.sig%2FoU49SyfqzwM4DL1KGRGdtw%2Fcid%2F191327857%2Fid%2F3vmIf_zX5RGgnbceZFZllw%2Fsize%2Fc600x225.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEitruZsfhAfaXfOyC0NZVzAaGUFIiDl1xG9VgdId1NEHxaVGlpqio2UAhJEQZZU9zsTsNfrpaBahB_b60EVjZZ9R5GfFhyh_HXZ3_bHd89cmugQkkWYVC6_g2fkXtg91cJ1WuYN4mn3WbKrdNZybrY3IKtm2jHdCSbwDZIRBHAzKzRRi28JV9QbQUP7yciO_2HvXGDXT-nejNkKXNJF_u4B2IxHq8Wa7fk4QD0Z8o9zU6ImWUIW2RVu6Rifzw=" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcfc.polyvoreimg.com%2Fcgi%2Fimg-set%2F.sig%2FcbULfSEEGn4k4F5lKanWQ%2Fcid%2F191331631%2Fid%2FhqRxvZHX5RGh81C8NuhFfQ%2Fsize%2Fc600x296.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjG3zRlwgRwRPWcavsZZx_bBv_t1D6SacySJABFZhc_hZoSvd5cqukesZgtj1Rsez0otidMj8A4TnagcER8rQinQXxtfqH6CX1VkfNNQz_t5CnSvX-ecRK11pm0WHj4WsLpmpeRQRLqtBo280yNxHjtJVr5p-ZulNPQ_XHuI8bARjOqPFZvrqBpdMbMY-ZRsd2ywp0Bo8Etyu4j993xqI-a0dJoSM2TWqYN9FYKx92ROIPblJ2szYTqV9U6=" -->Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17504673557922103766noreply@blogger.com0