For the Birds

Not my usual post today, but I just saw the new Google homepage logo for the day and got all a-twitter! (pun intended, I couldn't help it).

In (what seems like) a former life as a student curatorial assistant, I did research on John James Audubon and his work. Recording birds through paintings doesn't seem very revolutionary, but he painted them accurately and with the foliage/fruit that was their habitat and/or sustenance. If I remember correctly, he identified approx 25 species of birds! Audubon also painted animals, but badgers just aren't as pleasant to look at as bluebirds, so I have just gathered his feather-related works for your viewing pleasure:





I love the vintage appeal of these paintings-- how perfect would these prints be in a traditional library/conservatory setting set amongst bookshelves and leather chairs?

What or who is inspiring your interior design themes lately?

Lavish Layers

I am taking a break from packing to browse the web and I have layers on the brain! I love layering and I think my affinity will come in handy very soon, (here is 80 degrees and sunny, there it is 60 and raining...aka-winter! hehe). I was looking for inspiration and realized that Jenna Lyons (JCrew Creative Director) is one of my layering icons: leopard-print, menswear and heels are just some of what she blends together to create unique looks (some of the actually look like they might be effective in keeping her warm, too).... and anyone who loves sequins-for-day is my hero ;)






Remember Domino?! I wish I had kept all my copies, but I would probably pass out if I re-read this JLyons spread ;)

Images via the web (same photos on many websites, so the original sources = ?)

Any favorite tips for layering that is functional and flattering? Who/what is inspiring you as the seasons change?

Not-So-Intellectual Pursuits...?

Did anyone read the article, Art Snobs Divided Over Whether Fashion Exhibits Belong in Museums (here) on The Cut? Though the article is centered around the upcoming annual Costume Institute Gala at the Met, it was surprisingly relevant for me because last week a good friend of mine suggested we see the Fashion Independent exhibit at the Phoenix Art Museum and after the visit, I was truly inspired.

Fashion Independent: The Original Style of Ann Bonfoey Taylor is not only a fantastic collection of haute couture, (Taylor had buckets of Balenciaga, Madame Gres, Charles James, Givenchy and other greats of her time and all time), but it was also a great reminder to be true to your style and tastes, no matter what is "in" at the moment. I wish I could have met Taylor because she seems insanely cool, (an Olympic skier/WWII flight instructor/fashion designer/world traveler is probably not a boring person), and because I would have loved to delve into her closets when she was present to explain her tastes in person.

I only found two little pictures of her collection online to share....
...but check out the short video (here) for more images (and to see Hamish Bowles' mustache dance when he talks). If you live anywhere near Phoenix, you need to see the exhibit. We're talking cherry red Mongolian sheepskin coats, a vintage collection of LV monogrammed luggage, and exquisite couture that is a statement of its time, but still relevant for a modern fashion enthusiast. Oh, and Hermes scarves-- Sigh. If you aren't near Phx, but live in a metropolitan area, keep an eye out because I am sure the collection will be traveling to fashion-friendly areas ;)

Anyway, do you think it is acceptable for fashion to be displayed in museums or should display space in our cultural showcases be reserved for more traditional, scholarly works of art?

I'm Going to Need a New Wardrobe...

I need scarves and mittens and gloves and long underwear and layers and sweaters made of fabrics more substantial than cotton.....

I am moving to Michigan. From Arizona. On May 1st. What am I doing?!?!

I feel remiss concerning my lack of posting, but I have been a bit occupied with lots of freaking out, deciding what to pack, freaking out, making lists, freaking out, getting nostalgic, and a little more freaking out. I am excited to live somewhere new...but does it have to be so...new?

The Bf got a promotion, so we are headed to the Detroit area for about 2 yrs.... after which, anything could happen, so there are about a million plans running through my head at any given moment. Most of them concerning wardrobe issues, naturally ;) Anyway, enough of my disjointed sentences, on to the good stuff- pictures! (hehe). Here are a few snaps from my recent visit to the balmy, glamorous town of Detroit:

The view of the Detroit River and Canada from my hotel room


The Renaissance Center (everyone calls it the RenCen)


The Detroit River Walk offered me a brisk jaunt to look at icy waters and the Ambassador Bridge (Hi again, Canada)


Ice? I thought that stuff comes out of the freezer....?


I found some greenery, too, don't worry!


While driving around Royal Oak, I stumbled upon a grilled cheese sandwich at Cafe Muse. Apparently, the peeps at the Oprah Show liked it as much as I did (read here)?

No trip would be complete without shopping (for me anyway) and I found this adorable bee brooch at a vintage shop called Lost and Found.

So there's my news. I should probably get back to packing, but I have some of my favorite blogs to read! Happy Friday to everyone-- have a great weekend!

A Visual Feast!!

I have not been posting lately for reasons that will be explained later, but in the interim, check out this new music video directed by an awesome director (and great dad, loving husband and witty friend).....

Getting Acquainted with ABC's

I saw this on La Vie En Bleue's blog and thought it was a cute idea. Here are my answers and I hope some of you take the quiz so we can learn something new about you, too:

Age: 25 (Can I freeze it here forever?)

Bed Size: Queen

Chore you hate: Washing dishes (which does not mix well with a love of cooking)

Dogs: None (I live vicariously through people who are responsible enough to buy dog food instead of shoes.. which you will understand when you get to the bottom of this post)

Essential start of your day: More sleep!

Favorite Color: Blue is a classic favorite, but I love bright colors and chartreuse at the moment, too...

Gold or silver: Silver looks better on my, but I am mixing metals like an alchemist lately

Height: 5'10"

Instruments I play (or have played): Piano from age 5-7 (meaning I remember virtually nothing)

Job Title: Sales Associate (aka, person who loves to chat with people and not do manual labor)

Kids: Not for a while (Knock on wood!)

Live: Tempe, AZ

Mom's Name: Julie (the best mom ever)

Nickname: Don't really have one...occasionally my sister calls me "C-Money" (I'm gangstah!) and the BF calls me "Little One" (ironic bc I am tall...he thinks he's witty, sigh)

Overnight hospital stays: none yet, thank goodness

Pet Peeve: When people say outrageously hurtful things for a laugh. Get new material, idiots!

Quote from a movie: "Bring your green hat" from Old School (hehe)

Right or left handed: Right handed. I'm boring.

Siblings: 1 older sister, and 1 little (but giant) brother

Time you wake up: My work schedule varies, so sleep varies as a result

Underwear: Yes, I believe it's a good idea with most clothes ;) Unless you want to end up on a tabloid.

Vegetables you dislike: hmmmm, not really anything I can think of...

What makes you run late: Everything goes wrong/breaks/falls apart in the last 5 min before I leave for work, I swear...but usually the constant construction in AZ does the trick.

X-rays you've had done: Random back situation and SO many from the dentist/ortho (I am a former braces veteran!)

Yummy food you make: Quinoa-stuffed peppers, chili, layered brownie cakes, Oreo pudding pies, and the Bf and I are very pompous about our pizza-making skillzzzz

Zoo animal: Giraffes are some of the coolest animals ever. And I love seeing bright animals, like snakes, birds, butterflies, etc at the zoo.

In relation to my favorite color, blue, here is my recent purchase:
Poetic License heels....Completely impractical, which is why I had to have them....

Sooooo many sparkles! This is completely different from what I usually buy (metallics are usually my "funky" outlet) but I cannot wait to wear these!!!!

Feelin' Moody, But Not "Board"

Sorry, the title is terrible, but I love puns. Anyway, I have a list of things to do longer than Rapunzel's hair, but instead of being productive, cleaning and going to the gym, I have been creating moodboards on Anthro's wedding site, BHLDN. I love moodboards (I did a post on my style moodboards here) so I was immediately sucked into making not one, but two! Add to this that my bartender-in-training little brother is in the kitchen perfecting his bloody mary recipe and you know that there will be absolutely nothing accomplished today ;)

Instead of dwelling on that, dwell on my moodboards:

Bright, Fresh Details:

A Glitzy Affair:

As you can see, it's been a fun morning and I have a feeling I will be making more soon :)
Click on either moodboard to link you to the BHLDN site and check out their super easy set-up for templates and uploading images. And let me know if you make a moodboard of your own!

Being Flat is Attractive...

Sorry, I meant being a pair of flats is attractive (I'm not mean, I can say this, I am mammary-challenged). Anyway, with the weather heating up (to like a billion here in AZ and yes, that is a completely scientific assessment) I have been thinking about new flat sandals for the summer... Not the usual flip flops I see around, though I do have a pair of thin, leather soled, silver thongs that are simple and go with everything, but a dressier sandal more suitable for celebrating the weather. I feel like my enthusiasm for the summer can go two ways:

Neutral colors to lengthen the leg without competing with an outfit:
1- Stuart Weitzman "Woodland"; 2-Alaia cutout; 3-Valentino rosette; 4- Lanvin pompom

OR

Bold, bright colors to lend extra flair to any ensemble:
1- Dvf "Naomi"; 2- Bottega Veneta turquoise and blue ; 3-Delman "Serena"; 4-Jimmy Choo "Wasabi"; 5-Matiko "Zabby"

Which style of these festive kicks do you think will get more mileage this summer?

Also, did I mention that all these shoes and their respective images are from Bluefly- where there is a big shoe sale going on??!?!?!

The Weekend! Finally!

I was feeling lazy and hungry, (which makes cookie dough in those break-apart packages the best invention ever), and made myself a decadent snack in record time:
Mostly baked chocolate chunk cookies + Samoa (the best Girl Scout Cookie ever!!) ice cream.

...Layer.... Devour... Thank me later....!

I hope my weekend involves a lot of this! And yours too, if you so choose ;)
Have a great weekend everyone!