Closet Editing Challenge

Since moving to a much smaller space, I've been on a roll paring down belongings and really trying to achieve that perfect minimalist lifestyle. Ok - so it's the goal, but I am am far from it.


But after reading this about blogger Emily Wall's (of DC Here Now) style philosophy, and seeing photos of her perfectly edited closet - I've been inspired to really tackle my closet. I've attempted this before - in the sense that I weeded out stuff that didn't fit and stuff that I hardly ever wore - but, I've never attempted to try to get down to just one closet. (She actually has just one rack).

In the following weeks I'll be listing items on ebay, consigning, gifting and what-not. I'm curious to know if anyone has tried to list items on Poshmark?

I'll be documenting my wardrobe overhaul in a sort of "Closet Visit". I may even turn to you to ask for advice on what to keep and what to let go.

Solidifying my all-things-1920's obsession

It all started with the Korakia. When we were in Palm Springs last winter we came across the lovely Korakia Pensione. The Property has two main villas the Moroccan Villa and the Mediterranean Via. The second I saw the entry way to the pensione I pictured Valentino. I later learned that he had in fact frequented the villa along with many other stars of the time. I've talked about the Korakia here before. I can't help but go a little overboard when I find something I like. I started watching silent films Clara Bow, Valentino, Louise Brooks.


After seasons and seasons of being atomic prints and Madmen-esque silhouettes. It's exciting to try new sleek shapes and hair.

I'm just getting into Boardwalk Empire. I'm a sucker for a costume drama.




I think that the writers really just had Kelly MacDonald's character work in a dress shop just to show off the beautiful clothes of the era.

Now it seems that the whole world is talking about all things 1920's with the success of Boardwalk Empire and the fantastic attention that film The Artist has received.




so it's no surprise that many of the designer collections for Spring 2012 are 20's inspired.

I'm working on a few different inspiration boards that I'll share here soon.


Have you seen The Artist yet?

Keep It Short

So I cut my hair.



I'm also contemplating doing something really bold and dying it strawberry blond.

It's January. The weather here has been warm and sunny and I've been spending a lot of quiet time at home reading, watching French films, and listening to music like the Department of Eagles. I picked up my guitar again and I'm searching about for a used Ukulele.




How has your year started out?

Bring in the New Year

It has been one crazy year. So much filled the time marked from last December 31 to today and there is already so much set for 2012. Including a move to NYC. More on that later.

For now, I am taking a break after a long semester. I'm spending my time arranging the little apartment we moved into, watching French films, and drinking lots of tea and coffee.

I've seen many bloggers make lists of things that occurred in 2011. It seems to have been a very busy year for everyone. Since I tend to always think in terms of what lies ahead, here is a list of the top 5 things I want to happen in 2012.

1. Paris
2. Palm Springs
3. Finding a cute space in NYC
4. Finally put a song up on YouTube.
5. Grow my hair long again (I just got it bobbed)


What are you hoping for in 2012?

The Korakia

Sometimes a place just inspires you. Last year on our trip to Palm Springs (which I've decided should be an annual trip every February) we came across the Korakia Pensione. We were just down the street at an amazing Mid- century hotel. I packed up retro-atomic prints and 60's garb to wear to the poolside happy hours- but with just one look at the Korakia I was longing to wear slinky dresses and bob my hair. I am hoping that we get to make that day-dream possible this winter.

Just look at this place! And they show old movies at night in their courtyard. I want to wander around in it and pretend to be a silent film star...I mean a Candlelit orchard? That's the stuff of dreams.












Now to start planning the perfect things to pack...

TEETH

Have you noticed how homogeneous teeth have become? I mean all across the board in Hollywood on TV etc. Impossibly white Chic-let teeth prevail. I happen to think it's boring and well, unrealistic.

In October my dentist told me that I would need braces. I have one tooth that's ever so slightly snaggled. It never bothered me until people started pointing it out. I actually had one bold *dude* tell me that I would have such a pretty smile if it wasn't for my snaggle. I have endured family telling me to smile with my mouth closed. Really? Because of all this I have become so self-conscious about my smile. And, I'm not so sure about the prospect of dropping thousands on teeth straighteners.

I understand that for some there are jaw and bite issues/reasons for braces. But, it seems to me that more and more dentists are pushing cosmetic dentistry these days. Don't get me wrong I actually LOVE my dentist. But I'm talking about dentistry in general. Everywhere you go there are billboards for whitening procedures and bonding procedures - and more and more dentists are taking out healthy (albeit a bit crooked teeth) and replacing them with implants.

Here is some info. on tooth whitening procedures from Topdentists.com

Teeth whitening procedures are performed to reduce the discoloration and staining of teeth and have become the most popular cosmetic dental procedures today according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).

The demand for teeth whitening products has increased by more than 300% over the past 5 years. Women are more likely to have a teeth whitening procedure, but men are quickly realizing the advantages of seeking a brighter smile. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, between 1/4 to 1/3 of teeth whitening patients are men.

Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure among patients between the ages of 20-50. This age group represents a majority of the American workforce. People in this age group have become increasingly interested not only in looking and feeling better, but also in using cosmetic procedures to enhance their careers by presenting a more attractive image.

What really frightens me is not so much the whitening, but that dental implants are being marketed as being cosmetic. And it is a pretty painful procedure. You can read about what it involves at the Dental Implant Procedure Site here.

While I was in Southern California this past Thanksgiving holiday - I noticed how many young women I saw had uber white perfectly straight Stepford-smile teeth. (Yes I am referring to the Stepford Wives). It's a bit creepy to be bombarded with homogenized smiles.

So, I really want to celebrate women and men in show biz that have kept their unique and interesting smiles. After all, boring is not beautiful.









There are other out there. I'd love to know what you think about this type of über-cosmetic care. I shudder thinking about chic-let teeth, and don't get me started on fake-tans...

"See my vest..."

Somethings things out there in the fashion world prompt me to question designer's... um, and consumer's sanity. I'm sure you've seen these Louboutin "beauts".




I get humor & Tongue in Cheek fashion - but this is ridiculous. I mean unless you're going on your dream date with the cowardly lion. It reminds me so much of that Simpson's episode where Mr. Burn's want to make a coat out of Santa's Little Helper's puppies...and he sings that song wearing a monkey vest, and elephant boots made from elephant feet. You can listen to the song here.

I just don't find these shoes at all fun or attractive. And, don't get me started on those fuzzy Yak boots ladies wear in winter. I don't see the appeal. It's a bit gross to be wearing animal parts.

But, maybe I'm wrong. Let me know if you disagree - or if you feel there is a time and place for this kind of thing.