Work in progress...

Hello all. There are some changes coming to the blog design (did you notice it's a dot com now?) so if it looks a little funky for a bit I do apologize. I'm hoping to get it all cleaned up and fancy as soon as I can.

Also, be sure to bookmark the new addy minus the blogspot, www.iwasthegoldengirl.com


Just for fun- here is a pic, from how I kicked off the spring/summer season last year - urban "hiking" in the Oakland Hills. I love this town.



Going hiking this weekend in Point Reyes, but no outfit photos will be taken. It's pretty hardcore out there, and the trails are no place for cute threads and pretty shoes.

Midnight in Paris

I loved Midnight in Paris, it was funny and whimsical - magical. It's hard not have magic involved when your film is set in Paris.

Gil Pender (Owen Wilson) is a screenwriter that wants to be a novelist. He finds himself in Paris with his fiance and future in-laws. From the beginning, it's easy to see that Gil is a dreamer and a romantic. He doesn't feel that he belongs in the present and he feels an affinity for what he feels was a golden page in our history - Paris in the 1920's.

Gil and I would get on very well. I too am a romantic who believes Paris is most beautiful in the rain.

Watching the film, it was hard not to feel nostalgic. When I studied in London I tried to make the trip to Paris as many weekends as I could. Like Gil ,I too lost my way wandering around the city- only to end up sharing a bottle of wine with some young Parisians huddled under an entry way waiting for the rain to subside. I had so many memorable conversations with people I met there. Oh the Cafes, bookshops, pastry shops, people, parks... I loved it all!

On one occasion I traveled there with a grumpy ex during Christmas time, he constantly complained that his feet hurt, and I stubbornly refused to take a cab or the metro. I wanted to walk every inch of the city and not miss a thing it was all so beautiful decorated in lights. I ended up walking along the city alone, but not caring one bit. Again, I met some amazing people and while I did not end up traveling back in time to the Jazz age, I did live an almost fairytale moment.

I wish that I were going to Paris again this year as I'd hoped - but school takes priority and maybe just maybe, I'll make it there in the Spring.

In the meantime there are films like Midnight in Paris to tide me over. The scenes shot around the city really brought me back. It was all well done. I fell in love with the costume and set design throughout the film, but it was the costumes from Paris in the 20's that really caught my attention.



Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald.



Adriana and Gil.



Don't you love this dress?

Have you seen the film?

Things to daydream about...

Sometimes your life can be perfectly summarized in song lyrics. Many years ago as a young tween/teen in Boston I used to listen to Letters to Cleo (yeah I know - but Kay Hanley was so cool!) anyway as I'm sitting at my desk day dreaming about things on my wish list I remembered this song...

"Just living on a Sunday morning, got my toast and tea and I'm warm and I just thought I'd think about. All the things to get and keep getting, never enough not enough and never ending. I just thought I'd think about."

Even though I have many many other things to be worrying/thinking about this is where I'm at these days - making mental shopping lists over breakfast - Partly because I'm trying not to spend (I'm paying my school tuition) and, it seems that the more I need to do something (like save) the harder it is to do it.

It makes it more difficult that these things are oh-so-tempting.

10. Feral Childe Olivetti Tunic - at Kaight Shop
Yes please, I'd like to be a little Mod Sailor-ette for my next beach outing or picnic.




9. Cupcake Carriers - from Green Party Goods
To use to give cupcakes as gifts and for summer picnics.




8. Olo Fragrance Sample kit - from Summerland
I've been trying to find a new signature scent since Burberry discontinued Babytouch.
I have a feeling one of these hand blended scents may be it... Violet/Leather, Dafne, Victory Wolf and Lightning Paw. Don't they sound lovely?





7. For Strange Women Absinthe Lip balm
The little tin is really lovely. All the For Strange Women products have lovely Victorian inspired packaging. Besides, I think this Absinthe lip balm will remind me of my starving aspiring literary fiction writer/student days in France and Spain.




6. These lovely Olsen Haus flats.
I'm imagining running around the city in them and of course they would be perfect for getting around campus.


But, which color?


5. BabyCakes Covers the Classics
This is really a need more than it's wish. I need to learn to make my own donuts.





4. Milk Glass Cake Stand.
For when I make my Stella Cake. I'm also hunting a set of 8 Milk Glass dessert plates.




3. Tea leaf filters - Sold Out at Shop Ruche



Where can I find more?

2. These Sunglasses at Need Supply Co.
Honestly they have so many sunglasses I can't decide -


but, I really want to wear these with...

1. This awesome dress Krysten Ritter designed for Corey Lynn Calter.




I'd throw on those sunnies, my fave green cardigan and Olsen Haus flats - and be set for a day out and about - or, throw on a blazer and heels for work. I really want to find a store here in the Bay Area/ San Francisco that carries it so I can try it on.



What's super awesome about it (other than the fact that it's amazingly cute) is that 100% of the proceeds go to Dare To Share, an organization helping special needs children. If you've been reading this blog for a while, you know that a lot of my past 9 to 5 work involves assisting non-profits and helping the under-served. These organizations really need our help to keep their work going. So even if you aren't in the market for a new dress check out their site and see if you can assist by donating, or volunteering.


What are you wishing for these days? Please tell me I'm not alone in making mental (er, now blogger) wish lists.

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What if the Goonies had Google?

While I usually tend to pay more attention to costumes and decor in film, this past weekend I got into a discussion about technology in older movies. A friend, brought up the fact that there are movies out there where outdated (by our current standards) technology is important to the plot. And, not necessarily old black & white movies either. Just think back to The Ring (either the 2002 American version or the 1998 Japanese original) a VCR and videotape were central to the film. (Does anyone still have a VCR?)

Then there is 1998's You've Got Mail - and I only saw part of this movie on TV a while ago it's pretty terrible, but... interesting in the sense that 'oh that's right everyone did use AOL in the 90's'

There are other movies out there that feature the internet like, 1995's The Net (haha) staring Sandra Bullock and 1983's War Games. Yes, the internet (even in a rudimentary form) was a scary place in those times. Capable of destroying the world even.



One movie that I remember rocked my socks as a kid was The Wizard from 1989 - with Fred Savage and Jenny Lewis. I mean do you remember when Mario Bros. was the greatest game ever? I know I begged and begged my parents for a Nintendo (no luck on that, they were anti- TV and video games).


(Beware the 80's nemesis with a Powerglove)

Is the Powerglove not cooler than the Wii U?

I really get a kick out of watching 80's movies and seeing the old 'black & green' computer screens. Because, I actually remember that that was cutting edge. Yeah I'm getting old.

But, really - just pick up any of your favorite childhood movies and pay attention to the technology - For example, what if Cher and Dionne had, had smart phones?



Hello? Shopping apps...

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Little Wren Dress

Short & Quick - I sported this lovely Wren dress (purchased at the lovely Conifer shop in San Francisco) to go to a friend's wedding.The fabric is amazing it has a sort of bark cloth feel, yet it's super silky with a little bit of a sheen. It's been my go to summer event dress. I added a little gold belt (it was my mom's from the 70's)- The shoes are Frye. Theses lil' shoes are years old and they just keep on ticking - I love that I'll probably have them around in my closet forever.

Now off to Sunday brunch, run errands, and to hit the gym. I can't believe that it's already mid-July. Many exciting things coming up.

How was your weekend?

Out with the Boho, in with the Mod.

I don't know about you but I'm really in need of a change. It seems that for most of the 'aughts the overwhelming trend on the runways and alleyways -from cites to small towns- has been a 70's inspired Boho look. Ok sure, I was down with it at first, and on some days when I've had ah a bit too many sweets or too many consecutive take out meals, slipping on a loose tunic and leg lengthening clogs seems about the most sane thing to do - yet, the whole thing is also a bit lazy... yeah I know the lovers of all things bohemian are going to come down on me for this, but lately I'm finding the whole thing uninspired, maybe it's just because I'm fickle, or maybe it's because I keep seeing it Everywhere.

This is why it's so exciting to see more streamlined, modern, bold-colored, geometric inspired looks for Fall 2011. Bring on the Mod!




(I wish I could pull off the Twiggy haircut)

While DKNY, Burberry and Bottega Ventea (among others) had Mod influenced designs in their Fall shows, my favorites are all from Céline...






How are you guys feeling about this move away from hippie late 60's/70's boho style?

Cupcakes, Flakes, and French Films

This past weekend while the hubs was away I decided to have a girls night. A few friends, vegan cupcakes, sparkling wine, and Anna and Audrey (Karnia & Hepburn of course).





I busted out the Babycakes cookbook, and spent the morning baking - running to the video store and market only to well, have it all fall through. This seems to be happening a lot lately. Plans are made and at the last minute, well "life stuff" happens, plans change - and things fall through. I'm not angry - even if spending a Saturday night alone with two dozen cupcakes and half a bottle of wine - sounds more like an after break up scenario - and less like a fun low key evening at home - I still enjoyed my 'alone time' with some of my favorite films.

I guess, I just have to wonder why this keeps happening...
I know I am guilty of flaking out now and again as well. It just seems like the older I get, the more things I have on my plate - and that leaves less time for fun and friends. I mean, I remember it was always friends first. Now well, it's work and classes, and laundry ugh! It's enough to get you down, then I read this on HelloGiggles.

Guess I'm not alone in this. Ah well, bring on the cupcakes and prosecco - and I guess you just have to really enjoy those times that you and your friends do have together.

Un Pue de Femme

A few days ago I received a link in my inbox to the new NeedSupply Co. lookbook - I really have to share this- it fits my current 'clothing mood' to a t'. The photos are so cute, with cupcakes, candy and balloons. All that's missing are kittens. Go check out the lookbook out for the full size photos.









It's uncharacteristic of me, but I've really been into pinks, peaches, and lavender lately...
So much so, that I actually picked up this little Built by Wendy number that I'm planning on wearing for my birthday (um, in October). I don't have very many soft pink/pastel colors in my wardrobe, but that may start to change a bit.

Point Lobos

This was our 4th of July weather in Carmel and Big Sur. You can see a bit of the Mission at Carmel through the fog. It was a bit chilly for July, but still amazing.

I did my big work out yesterday, so today I'm channeling Woody Allen and being just a little bit complain-y, whiny, and pessimistic about things. Why do achy muscles do that to me?

The Beach at Carmel

Ahoy! Here are some photos from our little 4th of July trip.










What I'm wearing: Dear Creatures Sailor dress, vintage loafers, Cheap Monday sunglasses.

It's been a bit of a busy week catching up at work and getting back into a workout routine. I've just started a boot camp class that I love, but I feel that my days at the gym can be a bit bland. Ideally I'd love to get my fresh air and exercise in the outdoors - but that's not always possible.

What do you gals do to change up your workout routine?

And the Winner is...

Well, we're back from our trip. I'm catching up on work, on reading blogs, and I went back to my boot camp work out class. It will be a busy next few days, so I may not have time to post many pictures from the trip just yet... but for now I just want to announce that the winner (picked the old fashioned way out of a hat) of the H&M gift card is...

Alicia. Congrats!

Again, a big that you to all my readers. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

Summer Whites

I'm feeling quite accomplished today, even though I may not have had the time to take fancy photos, or to write a long informative post, I did wake up early on a Saturday - I did go to a boot camp workout class - and with the help of my partner in crime, we did manage to pick up a few things we needed for our trip this long weekend. All this, and it's only 1pm. This NEVER happens. I'm usually in bed asleep or lazing about until 10 - making up for sleep deprivation over the week.

I have to say it feels good to get a lot done early in the day, and to get a work out in as well - It's been awhile. Even though I'll probably be exhausted by tonight (we're going to see a show in the city).


We leave for points south - Santa Cruz and Big Sur - early tomorrow, I'm extremely excited for our 4th, and for swimming and hiking and exploring the coast.

I hope you all have fantastic plans for the 4th. To those of you not in the states I hope you have great weekend plans as well.

Oh, what I wore to run my errands, and to be circled by a curious cat...a simple summery white dress (ages ago from Anthro) Vintage shoes, bag from Conifer in San Francisco, Karen Walker shades via Summerland.