Sunday, January 30, 2011

What I'm reading: January


In an effort to practice more mindful eating, I picked up the Omnivore's Dilemma to learn a little bit more about food today. Pollan explores many aspects of the food market today: from industrial corn-growing, to harvesting wild mushrooms. He spends a large chunk of the book at a small farm, learning how one man strives to create food as nature designed it. Each animal and plant takes part - in turns nourishing and being nourished by the land. Animals are allowed to freely graze, plants are grown and fertilized naturally, rather than with chemicals. It's a clear example of how a small, natural farm is still able to produce bounty. It's a fairly long book, with a ton of information in it, but if the topic is interesting (as it was to me) I'd recommend it! Definitely eye-opening. (Fair warning though - might make you feel a bit squirmish in some parts.)

Saturday, January 29, 2011

THANK GOD.


This is the best news I've heard all year. 

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Paint the town red

Untitled

I'm going to meet up with my old college friends next weekend (so excited!) and we're going out to some clubs. What used to be a weekly activity for me has now become an event. (What can I say, life post-college ain't all that exciting). Dressy tanks, body-con skirts and embellished flats are cute and still easy to dance in.

Black tank - theoutnet.com, $66
Gold tank - net-a-porter.com, $400
Pink tank - lagarconne.com, $154
Gray skirt - James Perse, $135
Black skirt - James Perse, $135
Striped skirt - mytheresa.com, $110
Silver flats - J. Crew, $198
Gold bow flats - Kate Spade, $225
Cap-toe flats - Jimmy Choo, $345

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Float away

I had a busy weekend filled with wonderful things! Went out to dinner with my mom, did a little margarita-induced shopping, went to the movies (King's Speech - fantastic!), got together with some girls from college, saw another movie (No Strings Attached - cute), then did a Jillian Michaels workout from my Self magazine (wish I could find a link to this thing...it kicked my butt) and read my January Lucky magazine. This editorial made me drool. Behold: a little country, a little preppy, a multitude of grandpa cardigans, tights and knotted belts...mix well and you have an eclectic, inspiring bunch of looks. 



Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Pretty dresses

Alright, you've all seen the dresses, but here are my three fave:

 
[Images: style.com]

Monday, January 17, 2011

Bridal shower


Remember my last post when I said I would have pics of the bridal shower I threw to share? Yep, I lied. Straight up lied to you. This was one of the few pictures I took and I'm so bummed. But it was a great shower, if I do say so myself. I'll try to paint the picture. 

The decor:
I didn't do much in the way of decor, my mom and I put together some centerpieces (above), where we nestled sparkly rings in among the flowers. I also set out some sparkly balloons to add to the fun atmosphere. 


The food and drinks:
I had lunch catered (so much better than my original idea of cooking). Chicken, rolls and salad from the most delicious local restaurant ever. I picked up water and sparkling lemonade for refreshing beverages, and my aunt's mom made amazing strawberry margaritas. My aunt picked up rich red velvet cupcakes and I brought macarons. I set out bowls of ring pops as extra treats. 

The favors:
I have to admit, the favors were my favorite thing to dream up and create. I had so many ideas I had trouble making a decision! In the end, I settled on two favors. I picked up some mini champagne bottles and filled them with pastel candy, and completed them with a simple sticker. I also made some wedding cake candy lollipops. I even tied them up with shiny ribbon and two wedding rings! The pictures of them didn't turn out, but trust me they were cute. (Let's just say I am no Martha Stewart in the kitchen, so that is why I'm especially braggy about these)

Overall, I was proud of myself! I only went to my first bridal shower last year, so planning one was a little nerve-wracking. I think my cousin really enjoyed herself, and that was the most important part! (At the end, she even treated me to a thank-you present, cause she is both sweet and classy.) Hope you had fun dear!

Friday, January 14, 2011

Pretty pretty

Just some pretty pictures to inspire you this weekend...

Natalie Portman's ad for Miss Dior Cherie


Scarlett Johansson's ad for Moet & Chandon


Camilla Belle walking the runway for Alberta Ferretti



My dad also showed me this video, describing it as "the most precious thing he had ever seen." Now if you've met my dad, you know "precious" isn't part of his vocab. But I'll give him a free pass because 1. he's been sick all week, so he's hopped up on Nyquil and 2. it is pretty stinkin' cute. For reals. 

PS...Remember how I said my dearest cousin is getting married soon? The bridal shower I'm throwing for her is tomorrow! I'm excited (and a little nervous!) Pics to come. 

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

#2


Last weekend, my mom and I headed over to LACMA to check out the Fashioning Fashion exhibit (#2 on my 24x24 list). It covers European fashion from 1700 to 1915. It was amazing to see how much variety there was in fashion during that time. The exhibit was much larger than I was expecting - it covered women's, men's and children's clothes, along with accessories of that time. Everything showcased was in pristine condition. The pictures online hardly do it justice. We walked through it twice, it was that good. If you're at all interested in costumery or fashion throughout history, I highly recommend it! It runs through March. 

Sunday, January 9, 2011

WHOA.

Alright, hold the phone. I just read that a hotel is going to open up on the ground of Versailles. Versailles, people! How amazing would that be?? Yep, that's officially added to my life list. 

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Vogue

A few years ago, my cousin and I visited a FIDM campus to see if fashion is something I might want to pursue. While that is still undecided, the FIDM library alone is enough to convince me to go there. In addition to having every current fashion magazine there is available, they also had a wall-full of back issues. Vogues dating back decades! My cousin and I exchanged a look that I think conveyed "can we ditch this tour guide and just stay here all day??" (We didn't.) It's still fun to look back at vogues gone by for a little sartorial inspiration...

[1974]

[1957]

[1940]

PS...the library also had "trend books" predicting what we'd all be wearing years from now! So cool.

[Images: coverbrowser.com]

Monday, January 3, 2011

Baby, it's cold outside

Brrr. It is freezing outside! For California, anyways. I love this weather, but here are three coat choices I wish I had in my closet:



Sunday, January 2, 2011

2011

I like the start of a new year. Everyone gets a blank slate. Here's 3 of my goals for 2011 (and beyond):

1. Practice "mindful eating." Be more conscious of where my food comes from and what's in it. Hope to be more aware of what I'm putting in my body. I'd like to focus on more fresh, easily identifiable foods rather than overly processed and chemical-laden foods. 

2. Say yes. I often find myself saying no to something...for something that seems important at the time, but really isn't a good reason at all. In the spirit of "Yes Man" (check it out, it's a cute movie), I'd like to open myself up to more experiences.

3. Live by this quote (from my Women's Health magazine):

Confidence is the key to success, because every transformation starts with the belief that you can make good things happen for yourself.