Sunday, February 28, 2010

Travel Memory

[Image: tuscan-holidays.net]
So we had a little bit of thunderstorms yesterday, which we rarely get where I live (thunderstorms still bring up a sense of fear/awe from people around here). But they reminded me of a memory from my trip to Europe a couple of years ago:
I was backpacking my way through England, Ireland, France and Italy with my cousin and uncle. We had just left Venice and were on our way to a little farm in Tuscany. I was a little bit cranky about it, since I was still of the mindset that traveling should be about as much sightseeing as you can cram in, rather than immersing yourself in the place you're in (a much better way to go about travel). We traveled for hours by train, went past our stop, went on the (one of the) craziest cab rides we had ever been on to finally arrive at the farm a little later than expected. We were hot, tired, cranky, and starving. The sweet woman who ran the place whipped us up some yummy pasta and we had a long, lingering dinner, and perhaps a little too much wine (when in Rome...). It felt like we had all let out a collective relaxed sigh. As the sun began to set, we decided to take a dip in their pool. And it was at that moment that you think to yourself "Wow...I'm swimming in a pool in Italy...my life rocks" It's the things you never think you'll enjoy that turn out to be one of your favorite memories. Oh, and in the middle of the night, we were all awakened by the loudest thunderstorm we had ever heard in our lives. (See, I told you there was a connection there somewhere). Anyways, it really made me rethink how I approach travel. Yeah, all the tourist-y stuff is great, but it's silly to ignore all the other amazing experiences/people out there.
P.S. - That pic isn't of the place we stayed, can you believe none of us took any pictures of this amazing farm?! Sigh.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Disneyland

So to say I love Disneyland would be an understatement. I go there quite a bit (it doesn't hurt that my cousin works there, and yes, I've informed her she can never quit :) )

I love all these vintage photos from the '50s and '60s. Doesn't it look like that boy is having the time of his life?




[Images: yesterland.com]

Monday, February 22, 2010

NYFW

Our internet has been in and out the past few days, so I haven't really gotten around to looking at NYFW. Here's a quick sample of what caught my eye:

[Jill Stuart]

[Isaac Mizrahi]

[Marchesa]

[Erin Fetherston]

[DVF]

[Erin Fetherston]

[Isaac Mizrahi]

[Tracy Reese]

Funny how I picked out all dresses, when I really rarely wear them. I did really like the layering going on in all the shows, especially belted scarves and knee socks peeking out from boots.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Bits and pieces

Ever feel like the weekends are flying by and the weeks are dragging on? I guess that's just a fact of life. So much I'd like to be doing, and little time to do it in.

Well I have been doing a lot of shopping lately...

A silky skirt....

Studded sandals...

A cute cardigan...

[All items pictured from forever21.com]

(doesn't this cardigan remind you of mint chocolate chip ice cream??)

I also picked up a leather mini, a couple basic shirts, and perhaps the most perfect cardi ever at H&M. Long, boyfriend-style, in grey. I may just have to run back and pick it up in black.

I'm really interested in the fact that more stores (H&M and F21, so far) are coming out with their own magazines. It's kinda cool to see. (Plus, free magazines? Hello, I'm there)

On today's shopping trip (with one of my lovely cousins), we stopped by Crumbs bakery. If you haven't been there yet, GO. I feel like I'm a on a mission to spread the gospel of Crumbs. It's by far my fav cupcake shop (which says a lot, since I love me some cupcakes). I was only slightly bummed they didn't have my fav flavor: the Elvis (banana cupcake, banana frosting, with a dab of pb on top). Mmmm.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Coney Island

[Image: the-o-ster flickr]

I've always wanted to visit Coney Island. I guess the old-school nostalgia of a beach boardwalk just appeals to me. So I was definitely bummed when I couldn't make it there during my trip to NYC a few years back. And even more bummed when I heard a lot of rides were closing down a couple years ago. But now I'm hearing they've revamped the whole boardwalk, bringing in tons of new rides. Back on the to-visit list you go!

Sunday, February 14, 2010

On a Shopping Quest

So I've been sick for the better part of this past week, and I've spent most of the weekend in bed. Needless to say, I'm getting a little bit of cabin fever. That, coupled with the extremely nice weather we're having, is giving me the shopping bug. Lucky for me, I have a shopping date tomorrow with one of my very best friends. Here's what I'm hoping I can find:

[Image: forever21.com]
A grown-up tutu.

[Image: ae.com]
A chunky necklace to add interest to any of my outfits. (I'm a sucker for big accessories)

[Image: ae.com]
A military-inspired jacket that I could throw on over a skirt and tank top.


[Image: forever21.com]
Ok, I know I'm not supposed to love the "graphic tee," but come on, how cute it this?! (And since I already have the Paris one...)

[Image: forever21.com]
A sweet, girly cardigan.

[Image: oldnavy.com]
Oddly enough, I don't own a pair of plain, black flats.



[Image: oldnavy.com]
A chambray dress that would be an easy, chic outfit.

[Image: oldnavy.com]
Ok, these are advertised as cropped jeans, but if my hunches are correct, they'll fit me as regular jeans.

Most Wanted



[Images: Harper's Bazaar]
So in love with this Bonnie and Clyde editorial from the March issue of Harper's Bazaar. I need to add this movie to my netflix list.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Alexander McQueen

[Image: fashionrat.com]
I came home today to the unfortunate news that Alexander McQueen has died. While I wasn't super familiar with his designs, I've still seen enough to know he was an amazing creative force (like seriously, how awesome is that dress?!). Very very sad.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

J'adore Dior

[Images: Dior]
Mmm these pictures are swoon-worthy. I love the '40s feel.
(ps - can you believe that model is 17!!)

Monday, February 8, 2010

Dream job

So I don't know how I missed the memo on this one, but apparently there's a show where a camera crew follows around a buyer for Anthro. You get to see him travel the globe searching for all those unique (and way-too-expensive) antiques in their stores. 50% travel show, 50% antiques roadshow = I'm 100% interested. I gotta hunt this show down. And hunt down this guy and steal his job.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

MK&A


So I'm kind of obsessed with the blog Olsens Anonymous. (I know, I know, a girl obsessed with fashion and MK&A, how original). Anywho, it's a really good blog to peruse and pick up inspiration (and it's by the same blogger who does Le Love, which you should also check out).

Friday, February 5, 2010

B-e-a-utiful

Forbes released a list of the most beautiful cities in the world. I've been to 7. But wouldn't these all be amazing places to add to your "travel list"?

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Wanderlust

My wanderlust is back BIG TIME. Everything is reminding me of far-flung places and how I'd rather be there than here. For now I'll have to settle to live vicariously through these pictures, but I'm determined to save up and go somewhere amazing soon.

These are all photos of France, a place I haven't had the chance to explore nearly enough:



[Images: Getty Images]

Monday, February 1, 2010

Brief Encounter

I love this editorial from the February issue of Vogue. It very Hitchcockian, and reminds me of the era where train travel was mysterious and romantic and a time when people actually dressed up. Aren't all of Natalia's outfits gorgeous?





[Images: Vogue]