The Non-Definitive Guide To Life

If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with rain" - Dolly Parton

Posts for fashion

Add To Cart: Anine Bing, Marc Jacobs, and House of Harlow

BEAUTY & STYLE - April 17, 2021

Sarah Connor, Trinity, Laura Croft, Buffy Summers – I have a thing for badass women who are unapologetic and lethal. It might be my Mars in Aries placement or watching Terminator 2 at an incredibly impressionable age, but I desperately wish I could snap my fingers and automatically be able to know how to take someone down in hand-to-hand combat and hit a target while somersaulting into my getaway vehicle. However, the truth of the matter is, I’m more Jessica Day than Jessica Jones. Despite thinking that my final form is that of a tortured female heroine with trust issues and the stamina to run for miles in chunky boots with a slight heel, the reality is those characters are a fantasy. And if my destiny was meant to be that of a true ass-kicker, I’d be writing case reports for the FBI instead of Facebook analytics. So the next best thing in embodying that boss energy is through my fashion choices. Leather pants have always been a part of my mental closet, yet I’ve never purchased any, and it’s an item I frequently window shop. The latest pair of leather pants I’ve set my heart on is from Anine Bing, which then lead to me perusing the rest of her site and finding more items that inform my heroine’s day to night transformation.

One day I’ll have leather pants. I have a signature leather jacket that needs an upgrade as it was purchased from Forever 21 over 15 years ago and is finally starting to show that it’s from Forever 21. But until I’m able to have the full leather pant and jacket combo, I’ll abandon my add-to carts until I can justify the extravagant purchase

Here are some recent add to carts (didn’t buy):

  1. Tourmaline Double Crystal Ring (House of Harlow 1960) – $75.00
  2. The Vanity Leather Crossbody Bag (Marc Jacobs) – $495.00
  3. Rey Top (Anine Bing) – $399.00
  4. Eleanor Trouser (Anine Bing) – $349.00
  5. Jagger Pant (Anine Bing) – $899.00
  6. Carla Pant (Anine Bing) – $249.00
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Love the Looks in ‘The Parent Trap’ (1961)

BEAUTY & STYLE, WATCH - May 17, 2020

One of my favorite podcasts, Fishnet Flix, dissects the fashion looks of different films and taking a page out of their book, I’d like to start sharing the looks I love from various movies I enjoy too — whenever the mood may strike.

Yesterday, I was in the mood for watching a film that had a dreamy stylized aesthetic and an uplifting storyline. Surprisingly, I find that combination is hard to come by unless you watch movies from the sixties or fifties. And that is how I landed on re-watching the 1961 classic ‘The Parent Trap’ on Disney+. I remember loving the looks in the film as a kid and always liked the original better than the Lindsay Lohan remake.

So without further ado, here are ripped copyrighted moments from ‘The Parent Trap’ all rights reserved to Buena Vista Films and Disney. Hopefully, this post will land in the realm of educational use.

Can we all agree that vintage bathing suits are just SO MUCH more stylish than today’s scantily clad looks!? I love this gingham print suit on Sharon, and although it’s a look for a modest teen, this modest thirty-something would rock it in a heartbeat.

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DREAM CASTING: SOMEDAY CLOSET – VINTAGE INSPIRATION

BEAUTY & STYLE - November 6, 2017

I have expensive taste. I always have. Ever since I was a child and didn’t understand what monetary value was, I would go straight for the most expensive item on the menu or want the fanciest toy in the store. My instincts point to the finer things in life; so I really enjoy looking at Net-a-Porter.  This habit of mine is one part dream casting/manifesting and one part just plain window shopping – here are a few of the items I’ve saved for my someday closet.

DREAM CASTING - someday closet 1
Dodo Bar Or | Metallic fil coupé organza maxi dress | $455

DREAM CASTING - someday closet 7

Vilshenko | Anais floral-print silk-georgette maxi dress | $601.50

DREAM CASTING - someday closet 3

GUCCI | Pleated printed silk crepe de chine midi dress | $3,200

DREAM CASTING - someday closet 6

GUCCI | Printed silk crepe de chine midi dress | $3,900

DREAM CASTING - someday closet 2

GUCCI | Lace and plissé-georgette dress | $5,150

 

I love the vintage look of all these dresses. One of my goals for 2018 is the wear a vintage dress at every Thinkspace Gallery opening for a year. It’s a fun creative way to express my style, and I have somewhere to go to rock my finds. Obviously, these dresses aren’t vintage, but they inspire what I’ll be on the hunt for.

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PROGRESS REPORT: WEEK 23

BEAUTY & STYLE, WATCH - June 9, 2017

It’s been a really gloomy gray week in Southern California. But this morning the sun is out, and golden rays are flooding my office. I love the crisp cold air of the morning and the unique glow only fresh sun rays bestow on the earth. I feel like a sunflower waking up. Oh, no more floral metaphors. Anyways, this new day is invigorating, and as I watched May Favorite YouTube videos while eating some homemade granola, I really wanted to share some of my own favorites or just stuff I came across recently. This lead me to go “F* it,” it’s time to do weekly check-in’s / progress reports. So if you’re down, here are a few things I’ve been loving, liking, thinking about, and generally want to share.

SHOW & TELL

I have four different colors as my primary color inspiration for my wedding. Each bridesmaid get’s to choose her own color, fuchsia pink, turquoise, marigold, or poppy orange. My sister has been designated with poppy orange, but as she has three kids, a full-time job, and our writing project – I decided to do some bridesmaid dress research for her. I didn’t find the dress, but I did find these, that I’m in love with!! ONE TWO

 

Recently a friend posed the question how someone can still choose to be Catholic after she’d watched The Keepers. I engaged in the conversation slightly, but Facebook really isn’t the place to have an in-depth theological discussion. Since I wanted to know where she was coming from, I watched the docuseries sooner than I had anticipated. It’s heartbreaking and the retelling of the acts of a truly EVIL man. It was disturbing, and my heart breaks for all the victims involved in this story. This also led me to watch Spotlight. The acts of the Archdiocese is appalling and inexcusable, and I pray that the church is exorcising its demons. I still feel the internet is not the best place for that conversation, but my position is that you can have faith in Catholicism and still oppose the acts of the Catholic Church, they are not one in the same. It’s spirituality versus a system. Anywho, The Keepers and Spotlight are both fantastic watches, and I commend the work of the Bulldogs exposing the corruption in the church. [[and you have every right to disagree with my thought process, and think I’m deplorable – whatevs. oh, and watching these films was NOT the first time i learned of the church’s corruption. ]]

Lighter note! Music – I discovered Rubblebucket this week and their EP “If U C My Enemies” makes me so damn happy.

Jessica Murnane of “One Part Plant” is my favorite human this week. I’ve been listening to her podcast, One Part Podcast for the last month and love her interview style. I also just finished her second podcast, The Cookbook Deal where she documented the process of creating a cookbook during the weirdest year of her life. And it was an intense year, basically, after listening to it all, I was like here have all my money and immediately bought her book on Amazon. Yesterday I made the granola from the book, it was super easy and with a few of my favorite spices (cinnamon & cardamom) super delicious. Definitely, listen to her podcast, here are a few of my favorite episode.

Episode 62: Creating Your Wellness Toolbox + Understanding Lyme Disease With Ally Hilfiger
Episode 53: Turning A Dead End Into A U-turn With Jensen Karp Of Kanye West Owes Me Three Hundred Dollars
Episode 52: Why Healthy Eating Doesn’t Solve All Your Problems + Being An Introvert + Hustling Hard With Laura Miller Of Raw. Vegan. Not Gross.

Hope you enjoyed my progress report & have a wonderous weekend!

Share your progress report in the comments, what’s something you’ve been watching, liking, or loving this week?

LOVE & LIGHT

 

 

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Fashion & Fear : Festival Edition

BEAUTY & STYLE - May 1, 2016

I cringe at the words Festival Fashion. It’s cheesy and tired. Not that I don’t love bohemian inspired looks, give me some fringe and a Fleetwood Mac* album and I’m a happy lady. But the fast fashion regurgitation of desert and free spirit styles is boring to me. After weekend 1 of Coachella where I spotted some seriously awesome #ootd from a few select people, I decided I would challenge myself to document my favorite festival styles on Weekend 2. Festival fashion that is unique and fresh, that expresses individuality without the blatant “hey look at me” written across their chest – I’m looking at you red Power Ranger.

Sadly, on Day 1 of Coachella Weekend 2 I didn’t rise to my festival fashion challenge. I let fear and stress stand in my way. So on Day 2, I really tried to motivate myself. I let a few outfits pass me by before I had a serious talk with the fear stricken part of my brain and said, “what if every time you let someone amazing pass you by you were setting $100 on fire?” Or better yet, “what if every time you took a photo you made $100?” With my new mind trick, I set the goal of making a metaphorical grand over the next few days.

I grabbed my zombie* point and shoot camera from the record store office and kept it in my pocket. Waiting for well-dressed festival goers to walk into the record store until I could really go on a hunt during my break.  And know what I discovered!? When you start searching for unique style that stands out in a crowd of people, it’s REALLY HARD to find those people. Especially with my standards – I’m not a fashion blogger but I do have an aversion to conformity.

Aside from one tall man with amazing black and white layered style who I let my fear stop me from snapping; I only found two people on my break! By my next break, the sun was down and so was my window of opportunity. I had no luck on Day 3 and realized I will leave the fashion reporting to the fashion bloggers. My eye is a little too demanding and unsatisfied by repetition. I think that’s why I’ve never been a huge fan of Warhol art, I don’t LOVE repetition although I can respect the art of quantity, I am just one for quality.

Here are the people who inspired me with their festival fashion!

Alien Backpack to hold all your Festival must haves

I thought this see-through alien backpack was awesome! Perfect for all the festival must-haves like sunscreen and portable phone charger, plus it exudes a sense of fun that a musical festival should have.

angelyne ootd festival fashion

This fab #ootd is from Tawny (@ladamademente), one of my record store co-workers. I was obsessed with her Angelyne t-shirt and how she styled her look. Angelyne is a cult icon in Los Angeles. If you’re not familiar with Angelyne, imagine a John Waters character in real life – I wouldn’t be surprised if the two of them were best friends or at least have been at the same after-hours party. Anyways, I loved how Tawny paired the shirt with floral leggings and a lacey fringe cover up. The outfit had just the right amount of edge, camp, and totally feminine – plus it was comfortable from her head down to her toes.

Gold Metallic skirt and rainbow hair

I spotted this stylish festival goer (@jomillie) while watching Run The Jewels and I literally ran after her. Her gold skirt shimmering in the sun and the way she styled her outfit was on point. As I snapped her picture I noticed she had rainbow glittering thread throughout her braids – beautiful! She looked cool and unique amongst a sea of earth tones.  

Red Dress Cool Girl

Apparently I have a thing for pleats and outfits that flow.

The last fashionable festival goer was this stylish lady in red while headed to Bat fo Lashes. She was exiting the tent and I loved her effortless cool-girl style. A comfortable bold pleated dress with a high neckline and black sneakers. I also noticed the army jacket in her arms that I knew when the sun went down would only amplify her look. Her minimalist but far from boring style was finished with a simple necklace, delicate cross-body, and stylish sunnies. She rocked an outfit I wish I owned. 

I hope you enjoyed my first street style post. If you liked it and think I should push through my fear more often and document the styles that excite me, leave me an encouraging comment below. I do love my gold stars.

*Fleetwood Mac – The record store had misplaced a box of Fleetwood Mac Rumor albums that had been set aside for Weekend 2 of Coachella. I was the bounty hunter that found the treasured vinyl and by Saturday afternoon, the people had their Rumors.

*Zombie Camera – A week before we went to Coachella my broken point and shoot camera I usually use for vlogging came back to life. Yay for zombie camera but I need to invest in a new point and shoot.

*Oh yeah I worked at the Coachella Record Store and that is why I have been M.I.A for the last month.

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MODCLOTH STYLE – VALENTINES EDITION

BEAUTY & STYLE - February 1, 2016

I just joined ModCloth’s affiliate program. What that means for you and I is that this post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links.

I created this post because Modcloth is having an awesome site-wide gift with purchase promotion for a FREE makeup palette by The Balm with any purchase of $150 or more. Modcloth is seriously one of my favorite places to online window shop, so here are a few of my favorite items and the fantasy that would go along with it.

1. Poodles of Fun Sweater: I’d pair this top with black ankle skinny pants and black ballet flats to channel my romantic Francophile. In my Parisian-inspired outfit, I’d enjoy a latte at an outdoor cafe and catch the eye of a handsome writer getting off work at the local market. He’d recognize the obscure book I’m reading and make a remark about the brooding protagonist; we’d chat and later walk around the city to then end the day with a sunset kiss standing on a bridge.

2. Push the Env-Elope Earrings: Working as a shop girl, I would be coming into work on Valentines day. I’m dusting and organizing inventory in the back when I hear the bell to the shop door ring. Quickly, I run to the front of the store to only see the back of a stylish fella dash around the corner. Afraid he’s shoplifted something, I scan the store for something out of place and see a small box has been left on the counter. A note with my name on the front is attached and the note reads, “I’m not great with words, so here are my love letters.” I open the box to find a set of sweet earrings.

3. Viva La Velvet Skirt in Merlot: I’m at a dive bar located somewhere in the Pacific Northwest and have paired this skirt with a Bikini Kill t-shirt and thrifted combat boots. I have no plans but not opposed to meeting someone new, I pay for my own drinks and will be at the front of the stage by the end of the night.

4. Wonder for the Record Books Dress in Magenta: Chocolate chip cookies in the oven and a pot roast in the crock-pot, I’m channeling my inner Stepford Wife to surprise my love with a homed cooked meal! Everything is perfect down to the centerpiece, my secret to the cookies is Pillsbury dough and the wine is two-buck chuck.

5.  Colorblock Your World Coat: It’s raining and a-la Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s I’m trying to race off to the airport. Black umbrella in hand, I’m fumbling through my purse to double check my passport is inside. The passport still misplaced, I drop the umbrella and myself to the ground in a desperate search to find it as quickly as possible. A yellow taxi has just pulled up and as I’ve finally found the passport, I look up to see an attractive person about to steal my taxi but instead waits and asks if I’d like to share the cab ride.

Modcloth has been adding a lot of new items to their Sweetheart Shop, but this promotion can be applied to any purchase – no code necessary. I don’t know about you, but free makeup is a solid incentive to stimulate the economy.

modcloth long banner
FINE PRINT:
Deal: Valentine’s Gift With Purchase For Orders of $150+
Start: Monday 2/1 at 9 am PT, 12 pm ET
End: While supplies last

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WINDOW SHOPPING ONLINE

BEAUTY & STYLE - January 9, 2016

 

The following post includes affiliate links to Society 6, for my full disclosure statement please click here.  

I love window shopping. Bowerbird and I both enjoy perusing a cute a store for interesting knick knacks and cool clothes. Now that I’ve vowed to eat only brown rice and beans during January, attempting to save up every dime I can for the wedding, my window shopping has gone into overdrive. And not only has my desire to purchase ever cute thing in site increase, there is soo much cute stuff to buy. I am a consumer whore! Since I can’t click add to cart, I figured I’d start a window shopping series so I could share all my adorable finds with my internet friends. Maybe someone can benefit from the savers conundrum, “need to save money, finds everything on the planet worth spending money on.”

Coffee, First T-shirt Henn Kim on Society 6

1. Coffee, First Unisex V-neck Tshirt from Henn Kim | $24 : I’ve been a big fan of Society 6 for a long time. It’s this great website where artists can sell their designs printed on various high-quality goods, like tote-bags, t-shirts, rugs, cell phones cases, and so on and so forth. The list seriously goes on and on. I’ve been thinking about adding more adorable and unique t-shirts to my life, which are ideal for a road trip lifestyle, and wanted to see what was available at Society 6. Seriously, how on point is this t-shirt? A girl drowning in her latte. It’s ideal for when I’m sleep deprived between states, both of alertness and geographical lines.

Rock Goddess Tourmaline Necklace

2. Raw Tourmaline Necklace by The Rock Star Goddess | $32 : Right after Thanksgiving I purchased a beautiful quartz necklace from The Rock Star Goddess and I’ve worn it every day since. But the above raw tourmaline necklace still sings out to me. I had debated between the quartz or the tourmaline and settled on the more delicate choice for everyday wear. Yet, I’m still completely in love with the gorgeous crystal and gold accent this necklace has. The Rock Star Goddess has a plethora of simple but stunning crystal jewelry in her Etsy store, I highly recommend checking it our if you’re a fellow crystal loving hippie.

Society 6 Samsung Galaxy S6 Cell Phone Case Abstract Art Ames

3. Ames – Abstract painting in free style modern colors Samsung Galaxy S6 case by Charlotte Winter | $35 : I recently purchased a new phone after my old one decided to break and not want to charge anymore. Isn’t it funny how phones have their own temperant very similar to that of toddlers. Well I’ve been dropping the phone a lot, cringing upon its every descent to the ground. I need to get a case, not a Society 6 case although they are beautiful and this one is my favorite find so far, but something cheaper and more practical. The two scariest words to any creative fashionista, cheap and practical.

Sydney Crossbody Fossil

4. Sydney Crossbody by Fossil | $98 : Isn’t she adorable!?!? This perfect crossbody by Fossil is covered in colorful paper airplane, although the website says hearts, and I’m just in love! It’s an ideal size for exploring with two pockets that fit all the essentials and then some. I’m already picturing myself in this bag at festivals or on weekend road trips. Oh, I have Christmas money and it is begging me to use it to purchase this purse but I must be practical. It’s just so darn adorable.  Walk away Bekka!!

Tribeca bud vase on Fab.com

5. Tribeca Bud Vase by Shiraleah | $28 currently $19.60 on Fab.com : Today I landed on a website called Rad.com who’s branding is really similar to Fab.com and while on Rad I was wondering, “hey what’s that other website.” It finally came to me and I went window shopping on Fab.com. I love their site for unique products and occasionally fantastic deals! I purchased a Hershel backpack for $12 on that site because of timing and a coupon code. I came across this sweet vase and was instantly attracted. I also learned this week that I love soft pink in patterns and art, but apparently not in flowers – #funfact. I’d love to have this beside my bed with baby’s breath peaking out of it. Waking up to seeing a beautiful piece of ceramic art next to my bed and a bit of nature.

Well, that’s everything I’ve been lusting over this week. I have to practice so much will power not to pull out my credit card and go a little crazy. Hopefully this curbs the shopping craving or maybe in a few months when I have more money and ahead in my savings, these items will be on sale!

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“Cool Girl” Style Conspiracy

BEAUTY & STYLE - June 27, 2014

The fashion world created the “cool girl” style and I will forever be grateful. Bed-head hairstyles, or quick top knots with bold lips and an excellent hand at liquid eyeliner. The women of New York realized they needed a solution to looking chic with as minimal effort as possible, because the women of New York are exhausted!

Yes, I am calling out the editors, assistants, associates, and the ambitious mothers of invention who work all-day and then network all night. Alarm clocks set to the last possible minute before being late to work, buzzing to wake up hard working individuals, desperate for at least 6 hours of sleep. There is no time for a beauty routine longer than ten minutes when you need to get ready quickly. Throw on a simple ensemble of stylish black pants, an effortless tailored top, and maybe a jacket, if the weather calls for it, and it’s out the door. Presentable, but not haggard at their day jobs, because under those stylish glasses, below the perfect cat eye, and covered by a Nars concealer are their “bags of honor.”

Puffy and dark, the bags under one’s eye indicates a lack of sleep due to the drive and determination one has to succeed, all while not giving up their social life. By Thursday, I am rocking my own “bags of honor”… with a full time job, freelance projects, passion project, and happily the supportive girlfriend of a musician, my body and beauty routine has learned to cope on 5.5 hours of sleep.

I will not look in the mirror and judge myself for not looking like a well rested teenager, my skin a little sallow and eyes possibly glazed. No, I will see my puffy, dark circles and declare them my “bags of honor”; for my week has been filled with new connections, tending to old friendships, accomplishing fabulous projects, and being an essential member of my 9-5 team.  All while running on B-vitamins, lots of coffee, water and whatever I can remember to feed myself.

New York is a city fueled by ambition, and the fashion publishing industry. With an increase in easy hairstyle and quick beauty stories, I’m happy they dubbed what was previously known as “the rushed look” the “cool girl” style. No longer does this California girl have to look polished by spending hours on her hair for an at home blow out.  All I need is dry shampoo and a good concealer. Covering my “bags of honor” only to make every one wonder… how does she do it!

cool girl style collage

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Weekday Roundup

weekday roundup friday favorites

Most call it Friday Favorites, but I’m thinking Weekday Roundup is more my thing. Sharing  my weekday finds from wandering around the web. A collection of  products, pictures, videos, etc that excite or entice me enough to share with you.

rco dry shampoo death valley

 

R+Co Dry Shampoo – Death Valley

I’m a bit of a dry shampoo snob, I’ve only used some of the best. Call it a product (small pun intended) of my day job. I stumbled across this brand as I was looking for hair care beauty tips, and I’ve completely gone gaga over the packaging. Which basically was all the articles were talking about, they love the packaging  but when it came to performance not much detail. But its made by some Rockstars of the hair care industry, so I’m thinking its a win.

beautiful opal ring gold dainty

 

Mini Arc Opal Ring

I’ve never been a massive ring person, although I’ve always admired the trend on friends. Yet now my fingers feel bare, and I’m thinking I want to get into midi rings. I have no idea how I came to find this gorgeous opal piece, but I love the unique structure of the ring. Now if only I could have $350 just magically fall into my lap I can spend on this ring. To later be pictured on instagram with me holding a shot of whiskey at some cool downtown bar.

see picture of potential manicure below

black triangle manicure

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tutti frutti flat sheet castle bedlinen

Tutti Frutti Flat Sheet – Castle and Things

I’d like to think that ones’ dreams are sweeter when they take place under really adorable sheets, case and point the above.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPT4bdo1kZw]

I’m a little late to the party, but how amazing (and on point) is this Funny or Die sketch for Sofia Coppola’s Little Mermaid!

[vimeo 69527636 w=500 h=281]

Chandelier Tree from Colin Kennedy on Vimeo.

When I first saw this tree, I thought it was staged for some sort of filming. Little did I know it is an actual fixture of the neighborhood. I try to see a bit of magic and whimsy everyday, but admittedly its easier for me on the weekends. This just reminded me that, we as people, are the greatest creators behind our own wonder and beauty. That a 9-5 should never get in the way of our art or our passions, just integrated into it somehow.

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