The Milky Way

Morning emails are out of the way, and I have my coffee by my side. I drink my coffee black (something that for some reason gets me odd looks around the office) Yeah, I don't do milk (er, soy milk) in my coffee, is that really so strange? Even before the vegan transition I never drank the stuff. I am just not a fan of anything milk- until I saw these...

Milk from a Thistle




Linda Loudermilk Spring '11





Animal prints, stripes, tree prints? Yes please.

Okay, back to work.

Web Vacation

Thanksgiving was awesome - I really hope that you all had a good one and that you spent lots of time with family and friends. It's now back to work and today may be a hard day as I am having internet withdrawals. You see, lately I have been hogging the hubs laptop whenever I needed to use a computer since my ye olde ibook (yes, ibook) decided to finally stop working as a computer should. It is now just a cranky piece of machinery, but we have our history together- the college days - the early beginnings of blogging etc. Anyway, hubs needed to use his laptop (read the working computer we have) for a project he's working on so - I have been unable to browse the web at will, to look up the filming locations of a movie - whilst watching said movie, to catch up on blog reading - to post anything at all. So, it will be difficult now that I'm back at work to resist the draw of the interwebs- but I shall remain strong. The good news is that I am now getting a shiny new macbook! It's on it's way and should be delivered into my lil'hands within a week, but until then- my internet usage will be sporadic. But, I will try my best to keep up on blog reading.

The Best Worst Fashion.

Recently I've been watching a lot of bad movies, on purpose. Yeah, I kind of have a thing for the oddball, the outrageous, the things that make you go hmm...( for a 90's reference). I like cheesy - you have to admit sometimes, things are so bad they're good. So, what have I been watching? We started out watching the documentary about Troll 2, aptly titled The Best Worst Movie.

We also went to the midnight screening of The Room, at the Piedmont theater - there is nothing like watching a bad b movie in a theater- it's like MST3k (for another 90's reference) times 10. The audience really gets into it.

Then we watched Troll 2 - again. I still can't decide which one is worse -or as I like to put it which one is more hilarity inducing.

Then I started thinking about my/our/ er, fashion's preoccupation with quirky (let's face it oddball, wacked-out trends) . If you haven't read it yet check out The Man Repeller blog. Hilariously true.

I know I've tried my share of oddball looks - so I showed the hubs the blog. His response,"... you must have desensitized me, because I don't think anything she was wearing was that bad."

Huh. Had I desensitized him to man-repelling looks?

Here are some of the Best Worst Fashion looks I've tried throughout my time documenting outfits on the interwebs.

The High Waist - the hubs hates these. HATES. Endearingly referred to as mom jeans - high waisted jeans started making a comeback in 2007 - I have to say I don't think I can ever go back to those super low slung thong exposing jeans of yesteryear.



The Romper - Infantalizing fashion. Why do I love wearing these ode to the diaper days pieces so?




My Harems - Hammer pants had their hey day - wait wait they're back! I was hesitant to try this look but was won over- they are so comfy. Hubs does not agree with me about their awesome factor.




Oxfords - I have several pairs of these shoes in different colors and heel heights- but I tend to wear these a lot. How many times can you spot them on my feet?



Boy Trousers - It's official I'm boy-trouser- crazy. I'm cheating on jeans (my first love) with the boy fit trouser.






And then there is this...



Shoulder pads ( eat your heart out Norma, for an 80's reference) Draped - er, ruched skirt - bow head piece AND hipster 80's booties. Fun.

I'm on board - Smashion online re-sale fashion!

Every once in a while I am approached by companies wanting to advertise on this blog- and up until now I have always said no. I do talk-up, and share about my favorite products, designers, and foods - but I do so because I like them and/or use them. I feel that for me to take on advertising, or to trade services for blog promotion- I really need to stand behind said product or service.

Enter Smashion. I received an email asking if I would be interested in learning more about them and in sharing about the site on my blog - and they asked if I would like to do an interview. After looking into their site, I had to say yes. I can't believe I didn't hear about them sooner. Smashion is an online re-sale site, that unlike ebay or etsy is very fashion focused as it's specifically for the re-sale of clothing and accessories. The best thing is that they don't charge fees to sell. It is also a fashion networking site with a style gallery, forum, and blog.

It's such a fantastic idea- how could I not support this? I mean it's really cool that many a like minded stylish lady can sell items, purchase items, and share outfits and tips - all in one place. The one thing that I would like to see on Smashion is a trade section or option - where you can trade some items, rather than sell or purchase. But, overall I'm excited about the possibilities . And, they were lovely enough to do a little interview which will be posted in their lounge soon, but for now you can read interviews with other bloggers. I'm really excited to start selling my non-vintage wears on Smashion as well- though it may have to wait until after the holidays.

Speaking of which, I just finished the last bit of grocery shopping for our Thanksgiving dinner. It's coming. I can't wait to start cooking and of course eating. Are you excited yet?

Shades of Red, Orange, Pink...

I usually don't wear make-up, but lately I've been finding myself drawn to lipstick. And, I went a little bit gaga over Nars lipstick in Heat Wave. Orange-red- is not a color I would have ever tried but I got a bit adventurous at the Sephora (I'm wearing it in the photo above) - I wore it most everyday of my NYC trip. And, I'm really loving it for the holidays.

And, I've added a few more shades to my lipstick wish list.

Aveda Lip Tint in Poppy - a lovely shade of pink bordering on red.
Aveda Lip Gloss in Juneberry - for just a splash of pink color.

And, Tarte's Lipsurgence in Amused - it's really pink! *** HEY guys thanks to the awesome Jesse.Anne.O - I was alererted to the fact that Tarte's Lipsurgence is not Vegan. Good thing I didn't buy any! SO FYI if you're looking for vegan lip product.***


There is also this from the YUM Universe blog. An easy way to make your own lip tints and blush from beets! I'm thinking that I need to try this at home. But, I am very messy and I know that I'm making the hubs very nervous by bringing up things like dyes, and tints, and stains.

Have you ever tried making your own make-up?

Friday Fun

It's Friday! Hurrah! And it's the Friday before Thanksgiving no less. Have you all got plans for the holiday? We are taking it easy at home this Thanksgiving- but I am planning on cooking up a Vegan Feast- sans Tofurky (thank you very much) because, Tofurky is just gross. I'm making Enchiladas or Tamales, and pumpkin Empanadas.

Since it's Friday, I thought I share some fun/funny links.

Time to start shredding those t-shirts and practicing poses, Refinery 29 just posted this Guide to Becoming a Star Style Blogger.

Also, Anthropolgie just put up on their site a super cute style story- Traveling through an Accessorized Landscape- it's a map of a fantasy world using miniatures - eat your heart out Gulliver.

And, The 20 Most Bizarre Craigslist Ads of All Time, Though I'm not sure any of them top one I saw about a guy willing to trade electronics for iguanas, lots of iguanas. Scary!

For the art and design lover - check out the student projects at Central Saint Martins in London.

What are your clothes made of?

The J Brands in question.

Whenever and wherever I shop (be it thrift, vintage, consignment, Zara, Barney's) I read labels. There are more and more 'fabric' contents being listed on clothing labels these days. But, it can be like reading the hard to pronounce ingredients on processed food packaging at a grocery store. Just what is all this synthetic stuff? What exactly is polyester, what is nylon? And- what are viscose, acetate, tri-acetate, rayon, modal, elastene, etc. - are they all man made, or are some natural?

I looked at some items in my closet.

I looked at a pair of my J brand skinny jeans and their fabric makeup is 72% cotton and 28% Elasterall. What is Elasterall? It's actually just another name/subcategory of polyester. Elasterall is a more flexible 'stretchy' elastic incarnation of poly fibers. Most jeans are now a blend of cotton and elasterall or lycra, or elastene, or spandex. My pair of Cheap Monday jeans are 98% cotton and 2% elastene. These poly fibers are what give denim stretch and shape, and what makes them a bit more easy to wear than their 100% cotton counterparts.

I have a top that is a cotton modal blend. I had always thought that modal was treated cotton, but it is not. I did some reading and it is made from the cellulose of the beechwood tree. Yet, it is not considered a natural fiber because it is so heavily treated. Instead, it is considered to be bio-based. But wait, isn't that natural? It can get pretty hairy looking up a lot of these fabrics, as so many factors are applied to defining them. And they are all used in many different ways - not just for clothing. Acetate, for example, is another heavily treated cellulose based fiber, and while it is mostly used in clothing, acetate fibers are also used in cigarette filters, and in adhesive compounds. And, it was used in film and photography. Acetate is a part of the rayon family of fibers that are cellulose based and not to be confused with nylon which is petroleum based.

Nylon, "was developed in the 1930s as an alternative to silk, Nylon, like many synthetics, was developed by Wallace Carothers at the Dupont company, which continues to manufacture it today.It is the second most used fiber in the United States, since it is so versatile and relatively easy to make. Like most petroleum products, it has a very slow decay rate, which unfortunately results in the accumulation of exhausted nylon products in landfills around the world."

Polyester and nylon do not biodegrade easily- which accounts for the many things polyester in thrift shops. Oh yes, your aunt's multi-colored double knit poly jumpsuit will live on and on.
It's practically indestructible.


The last item I looked at in my closet was an old Topshop coat that is acrylic with a nylon lining. Acrylic is pretty scary stuff. While it breaks down more easily than nylon, or poly, and can be said to be more environmentally friendly - it is chemically developed and can be toxic. It also doesn't help to know that Monsanto has a hand in acrylic fabric developments.

What's a girl who loves clothes to do? While I do prefer to buy cotton, and strive to buy organic cotton, the manufacturing of natural fabrics still has significant environmental impact. I maintain that it is best to know what you are buying, and to not be wasteful - and buying re-sale is always best.

Do you look at the fabric content of your clothes?

Epic Fail

Yesterday's get-up was an utter failure, so much in fact that I didn't take a photo. We woke up, had our coffee, and started out on our day. I got dressed up in my chambray trousers and brown boots and the floral Trovata top, only to have the hubs say I looked like a character from Fable. I was not deterred. I thought it all looked quite cute-and equestrian- and it would have been too, had the weather actually been cold and fall like. But, it was hot. I didn't bother to really check the weather before heading out, and I looked ridiculous in boots and buttoned up garb, when everyone else was in t-shirts and flip flops. (Not that I wear flip-flops but...) WE walked a lot yesterday, and by the time we got home I was a melty mess. Fall, where did you go? It's hot out, yet dark at 5 pm? This is too much for a New England girl. California is strange land - you'd think that I'd have adjusted, but no.

We walked over to Lakeshore , and I browsed in the little consignment shop there. We then trekked back to pick up a movie to watch, and swung by the grocery store to pick up some stuff to make an Indian Sampler Plate. Oh yeah! I'm very excited about this as I just got in the mail the Candle Cafe Cookbook. Now we can have a little bit of our NYC trip at home.

I'm off to make the Chutney now so that I'll have one less thing to cook come dinner time.

Hope that you have all had a good weekend so far!

30 for 30 Thursday

Quickie post - since I had the day off for Veteran's Day here - I had time to take an outdoor photo- so, here is an outfit from my 30 for 30 challenge picks:



The top is a vintage find that I really love. The cut and the ikat/paisley print reminds me a lot of older A.P.C collections. It's also an easy top to pair with jeans for a cute casual look. Or, at least I think so!

I'm getting pretty ready for the weekend. Though I have no set plans. I may try my hand at pumpkin pancakes and watch a movie or two.

Getting Home After Dark

I took on the 30 for 30 Challenge, but I didn't count on one big obstacle to actually posting photos- it now is dark by the time I get home from work. And, since I don't have time to take a quick snapshot in the morning- I'll only be able to post photos on weekends and days off.

I can always just tell you what I've thrown together for the day, but that's not really all that fun.
Oh winter, dang you!

While I don't have to contend with mounds of snow and freezing temperatures, this time of the year still can be a downer. It's tough to go the day without taking in any fresh air or sunlight. Plus, the early nightfall really gets me feeling tired and unmotivated. I start to drink a lot of tea and coffee to get by.

How do you cope with the winter blahs?

Here is what I wore on Sunday, this is a pre-challenge outfit. I love this Hoodie, it's warm and snug, absolutely perfect for a Bay Area winter. It doesn't usually get much colder than in the 50's, but it's this weird foggy wet cold that dampens and chills your bones. It's hard to really describe it. The weather can be like that in the summer sometimes too, but at least it doesn't get dark at 5!



From My Closet: Dress - Mer via Le Train Bleu, Hoodie Coat - Mike & Chris, Tights - most likely Target, Boots - old Frye.

A co-worker directed me to this:



It may only be funny if you live in San Francisco. But, I think people everywhere can relate to coffee culture, and the importance people place on finding that perfect brew.

30 for 30

Don't you just love rainy Sunday mornings? Sleeping in - drinking coffee - breakfast toast with Pumpkin Butter - lounging in Jammies and petting the kittehs. I wish more mornings were lazy. When I was in college on days like this I would put on my best Lou Reed look- black boots, black jeans and striped tee- and head the door, my short bob-do tucked behind my ears, to read at the local coffee shop, sit by the window and just listen to the rain. I wish I could do that for today.

But, there are chores to be done, and work to catch up on.

Also, I am participating in the Fall 30 for 30 Challenge

We'll see how this goes as I notoriously fall off the wagon in these challenges. I'm easily seduced by the other clothing hanging in my closet, and it's hard to be faithful to a challenge. Let alone one that is for 30 days- yikes! Not mention that those 30 days include holiday gatherings to attend. But, I'm going for it with gusto, and hoping for the best.

I tried to take some quick snap shots of my picks for the challenge but the lighting in our bedroom is pretty dim when there is no sun coming through the windows. I have links to where I've worn items before- and to some of the pictures I took this morning that looked okay.

Shoes:
1. Tall Brown Boots
2. Tall Black Boots
3. Vintage Brown Booties
4. Vintage Black Oxfords
5. Black Target Flats

Shirts:
6. Vintage Paisley Button up
7. Trovata Floral Button up
8. Suzabelle Ivory Blouse
9. Vintage Gap Floral Button up
10. J Crew Chambray Button up
11. F 21 Chambray Flouncy Top
12. Eskell Bunny Blouse

Skirts
13. Black Generra Mini
14. Zara High Waist Khaki Skirt

Dresses
15. UO Animal Print Dress
16. Crispin & Basilio Dress
17. APC Navy Button Down Dress

Trousers
18. Top Shop High Waist Black Jeans
19. Vintage Green High Waist Trousers
20. Brown Zara Trousers
21. Genetic Denim Chambray Trousers
22. Ankle Zip J Brand Jeans
23. Black Trousers

Sweaters
24. Gap Grandpa Cardigan
25. Black Splendid Cardigan
26. Brown Wrap/Cardi

Tees
27. Long Sleeved Dusty Pink Tee
28. Grey Antler Tee
29. Black and White Stripe Alexander Wang Tee
30. APC striped long sleeved tee

Some Rainy Day Music

NYC in four days or less...the final installment

Sunday, our last full day in the city, I had the great pleasure of meeting bloggers What I Wore, and the Brooklyn contingency of The Cohabiting Closet. Both are real class acts. I'm generally pretty shy but these ladies made me feel right at ease and both have interesting things to say - so thank you both for the great Brunch! And, for all your NYC tips!

After brunch (which was at a place called Boneshakers- yum!) We made our way to the Guggenheim.





You can't take photos inside - by design this museum really lets you get close to the art- so you can only imagine what allowing photographs would do to the art.

The special exhibit was quite interesting:Chaos and Classicism: Art in France, Italy, and Germany, 1918–1936.

If you live in the area I would highly recommend going to see it.


We then spent the rest of the afternoon in Central Park walking, discussing, planning, and hand holding.











Our last night (Halloween night) we hung out in Williamsburg - where we grabbed a tasty vegan slice of Pizza at Vinnie's, and ate it true NYC style (um, yes there I go again with the movie & tv stereotyping) standing outside on the side walk - pizza slice folded in half (for easy handling)- watching the many costumes go by.

We really had a great time, we saw some great art, cool scenery, ate delicious food, and hung out with friends. We'll be back before you know it New York! I'd really like to thank all my NYC blog amigos for your wonderful tips on things to do and where to eat!

NYC in four days or less...Part Two

Yes, there is still more. I felt like we did so much, and yet we missed doing half of what we had planned. For instance, we never did make it to Connecticut - mostly that was due to the fact that we really didn't plan ahead, and only found out while there that Apple season ended on October 17, and that the weekend train schedule wouldn't have left us much time in CT before having to head back. So that excursion will be for next time.

Saturday we woke up and walked around Fort Greene, and we perused the Brooklyn Flea. What was a lot of fun was seeing the Halloween decorations out on the street.



Setting up stage for the Vampire Opera, which we missed.



Pumpkins on stoops.



I really loved the Fort Greene neighborhood. It's the classic architecture that you think of when you imagine 'Brooklyn' - yeah, I know I've been brainwashed by too many movies and tv shows like Bored to Death ( love this show). I could easily imagine myself living in this neighborhood with my corner cafe and local florist shop- walking in the park and having the cats laying in the sun in our two story flat. Well, you know- if the rent wasn't "too damn high."

After our morning walk in Brooklyn and wandering at the flea we headed to Washington Square.





Iconic, right? I mean this is where Harry drops off Sally when they first arrive in New York. We walked around a bit, and people 'watched'. There was a little street fair going on and we grabbed a quick bite to eat before heading off to The Met.















I swear, we saw more than the Egyptian Wing! The Met is unbelievably large, and unless we pulled a stunt like in The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, it would take ages to experience it all. We did wander through the Armor, the American Wing and the Medieval art, as well as the Greek sculpture.



We were a little too ambitious, and wore ourselves out that day! So after a quick bite at Candle Cafe - we headed back to the B&B for bed, only to get kind of lost on the way - let's just say we didn't make it back early like we'd planned.

I do have lots more pictures of the trip that I hope to get up on Flickr by Sunday. You can view those by clicking on Sights in the header. But, it may take me a few days to get them all up and sorted.

Next up the final round, Part Three...

NYC in four days or less... Part One

Our short time in NYC was fantastic. The trip was my Birthday present from my ever awesome hubby. I mean just how does one top that? And, since I did know about the gift since July (hehe) he also got me the cutest bird print scarf seen here:



And, I got the cutest owl wallet. I have a thing for bird prints.

We arrived in NYC on Thursday, my birthday day. We stayed at a friendly Brownstone B&B in Brooklyn. I honestly did not know what to expect of our accommodations- since the place was a bit far out from Manhattan- but the owners were great and they even got us Vegan breakfast foods. The stay was pleasant, I guess we just aren't used to a lot of noise (our little corner of Oakland is woodsy and quiet) in Brooklyn we were woken up at 6am by singing from a nearby mosque? At least that's what we think it was. And, there was always street noise.

I did really like the details of the room. Super cute and it was huge!





After our flight and getting freshened up, we headed out to Manhattan where we had dinner reservations at Blossom. They had this uber delicious - Lavender Creme Brulee. If you're ever in the city you have to try it!



Friday morning we headed over to the Lower East Side to get some BabyCakes cupcakes for breakfast, and I got a bang trim and blow out at Fringe Salon - All in the spirit of being decadent! Mostly I did that because my hair was an awful untamed mess, and I didn't pack my Hamadi styling cream- and, because we had dinner reservations that night at Candle 79.

After our cupcake breakfast, and my quick hair touch up, we headed over to the MOMA. I love this museum. There was just such a great span of modern works.












After the museum, and heading back to change into more formal attire, for dinner. Candle 79 was so so so good. We had an amazing table on the second floor, and a great waiter. And I ordered the most delicious Butternut Squash Wild Mushroom Risotto. Seriously, we had so much good food on our trip it's too hard to pick a favorite, but the atmosphere at Candle 79 won me over. I don't think any other city (that I've been to) does vegan fine dining like NYC.

And, after our late dinner - we thought it would be romantic to head up to the Empire State to get a view of the city. We had the place practically to ourselves.





It was pretty cold up there, but I think that just made it all the more romantic - albeit touristy and Sleepless-in Seattle-y. But you know what? Sometimes, you have to allow yourself cheese ball moments in life. I loved every second of it.