Moose in the Closet

Strangely Enough, It Doesn't Keep Your Hands Warm

2007-11-10T10:07:00.000-08:00

When you feel a little down, do you ever sit around in your bathrobe and wonder what might make you happy again? Well, anything called a mitten dress makes me very, very happy.

Hooray for Clutches

2007-11-06T09:29:00.000-08:00

Borne Woods clutch at In Lieu in San Francisco.

Return of the Sweater Dress

2007-11-03T22:38:00.001-07:00

I'm enjoying this new layered sweater dress thing that Max Studio has going on.

See them all here.

I Own Lime Green Sneakers

2007-10-26T10:16:00.000-07:00

My color palette could best be defined as "muppet." As such, these please me:

Sleeveless mini dress from Chloe and leather tote from Miu Miu.

Inexplicably Drawn to the Plaid

2007-10-23T12:04:00.000-07:00

Plaid dress from SOC.

Inexplicably Drawn to the Tweed

2007-10-22T22:49:00.000-07:00

BCBG Maxazria fitted blazer, $176.

Impractical Monday

2007-10-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

What I would be wearing in a parallel universe. One where it's spring time.

Nicole Miller ruched silk dress $213 and Furla white leather tote $126

Sling-back Flats (On Sale! Hurray!)

2007-10-21T20:51:00.000-07:00

Max Studio juliet flat, on sale for $45 (down from $130). Or try the round-toe sling in red, on sale for $30.

Comfy Shoes for Sunday

2007-10-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

If you get out of bed on Sunday, it should only be to put on a pair of squishy sneakers so the brunch people will serve you waffles. Simple Sugar Creeper, on sale for $22.

Playing Nice with the Karmic Wheel

2007-10-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

Make up for that burger you ate this afternoon by using a recycled leather handbag.

Lagoon and Candy Apple. Both from Ashley Watson.

Straight to the Top of the Weekly Rotation

2007-10-19T05:37:00.001-07:00

I just love her stuff. Flattering, comfortable and original. Can't ask for more. Hemp ruffled skirt ($65) and 3/4 sleeve top ($60). Visit her Etsy shop here.

Happy Dance

2007-10-19T05:26:00.000-07:00

If you live in San Francisco and want to shop on Saturday (Oct. 20), check out Dylan Boutique. Designers like Anna Sui, Generra, Joie, Mike & Chris, and See by Chloe are 15 percent off. Go give your credit card a workout.

2146 Chestnut Street, San Francisco

No Sands of Time Here

2007-10-18T21:20:00.000-07:00

My figure is less "hour glass" and more "well padded in the hip area". Which means I need this dress. Obviously.

Karen Walker Hour Glass Dress from Le Train Bleu.

Shameless Plug

2007-10-18T10:03:00.000-07:00

Broke? Or just sick of all your fancy Sephora products? (I'd be happy to give them a good home.) I wrote a piece for Vital Juice Daily about natural masks you can make simply by opening up your refrigerator door. Read it here.

Bamboo Dress

2007-10-17T15:09:00.000-07:00

Eco Citizen just opened up in all its organic, sweatshop-free glory. I can support a store that denounces the use of big-eyed waifs in clothing production.

Shift dress in entirely waif-free bamboo jersey ($160).

More Fall Colors (Or Lackthereof)

2007-10-16T15:12:00.000-07:00

Even better than dark tweed in the fall is dark tweed on sale in the fall.

Nanette Lepore bubble coat, $300 on sale.

Toasty Fall

2007-10-16T11:12:00.001-07:00

Oh, fall. You make me want to wear dark colors and maybe pout a bit.

Joie sweater (top) and Vince leather car coat (bottom), both from Rellik.

Unexpected Office Shoes

2007-10-10T12:05:00.000-07:00

Perfect shoes to wear to the office under a sleek black suit. (This cunning plan would be better implemented if I had a sleek black suit. Or a job.) Yellow heels from Bettye Muller, on sale for $48 (down from $389).

Handbag a Day

2007-10-09T07:39:00.000-07:00

I don't think I've ever won anything - not a cake from an elementary school cakewalk or a five dollar gift certificate from Arby's. Perhaps my luck will change.

Win a handbag a day (until October 31) from Shopbop - enter here.

Bargain Frocks

2007-10-07T14:44:00.001-07:00

Frock is such a charming word, isn't it? Calls to mind debutantes sipping tea. Or gin.

Capsleeve dress ($20) from Forever 21. Try with deep purple tights and high-heel maryjanes.

Open back knit dress ($18 ) also from Forever 21. Would look nice with a long, multi-color scarf.

Bowling Ball Optional

2007-10-07T13:17:00.000-07:00

Soft leather in funky shapes (like this porto dagger bag from Jocasi) make me happy. Very happy.

Sale Whore

2007-10-03T12:39:00.000-07:00

I am very fond of sales. In fact, I'll spend a lot more money at sales than I do anywhere else. Which is somehow wrong. So I try not to think about it that hard. I'm currently the San Francisco boutique editor over at Judy's Book. So I will be posting a lot more San Francisco boutiques and designers over here. Because the research is already done and I am lazy.

Erica Tanov (2408 Fillmore St.) is having a sale right now. Go. I'll wait.

Nouveau Donna Reed

2007-10-02T23:16:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fan of vintage. But vintage is tricky - delicate cloth, mini sizes, pawing through racks and racks of elderly duds. Here are a few dresses that look vintage, minus the frayed seams.

Wee bolero jacket and full skirt - '50s with a modern edge. Myth and Ritual dress from San Francisco's In Lieu.

Another full skirt. For extra points, wear with a cardigan buttoned at the top. She-bible cathedral dress from Doe in San Francisco.

Magnolia Trench

2007-10-01T18:11:00.001-07:00

Magnolia trench. Also works as a dress. Crafty.

My Laptop Needs New Clothes

2007-09-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

Ever since I started working from home - and by "working from home" I mean "carting my laptop anywhere that ISN'T home so I can get some damn work done already" - I have been craving a new laptop bag. My old laptop bag was purchased back when laptops were an entirely different shape (hint: it closely resembled a brick) and hence it is dust bedecked and lurking in the basement somewhere. Possibly covered in mold. So I've been carting my work life around with me in a nylon bag with itchy straps that I got free at BlogHer. (Free! Free is good!) But if I was going to actually purchase a bag for my precious, this would top the list:

J Tote's Melania ($255). Oh, how I want you. Check out the other choices here.

Wendy Darling

2007-09-25T14:27:00.001-07:00

Peter Pan jacket dress from plum & pear ($389). Wear as a dress with high brown riding boots, wear as a coat with dark jeans. Just don't assume it will make you fly.

Gray's Anatomy

2007-09-24T18:49:00.000-07:00

Gray is the new black. Sorry, it just had to be said. As the prime neutral for fall, gray is best paired with bright blues and yellows. Or maybe a pair of the red ballet flats I will lust after until the day I die. Then someone will have to go out and and buy me a pair so I can be buried in them.

Structured army jacket from Forever 21 ($35). It will never see battle, aside from the daily commute, but the wide collar and belt are to die for. (Sorry. Cliches feed my weary soul. Not unlike Snickers bars. You know they're bad, but you just want one. )

Lovely gray thermal knit dress from Alice Temperley for Target ($25). I'm thinking bright tights and tall boots.

Porcelain Bottles

2007-09-24T08:40:00.000-07:00

Porcelain jars with fern leaves and silver centipedes. Perfect for a windowsill.

For lots of other beautiful pieces, check out Coe and Waito.

Little Black Pumps

2007-09-21T13:05:00.000-07:00

Look in my closet and you'll see approximately 70 pairs of shoes - most of which I never wear. Make the mistake of adding up the money spent on all these unworn shoes and one may end up teary eyed, because you realize you could have gotten a pair of Christian Louboutin pumps instead:

Which, believe you me, I would wear.

(Others after which I lust: Maria peep toes and Simple 85 pumps.)

Tasty Soap

2007-09-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

Eschewing chemicals for eco-friendly ingredients, Sum Body's soaps and bath products are made from the salt of the earth. Quite literally. Beeswax and clary sage, almond and carrot, cinnamon and dead sea salt - everything on the menu is 100 percent pure. The result is a soap requiring great restraint, lest you take a bite out of it.

(Starry starry night soap. Smells like black licorice on Halloween. May or may not taste that way.)

Lela Rose

2007-09-20T08:02:00.001-07:00

I adore the belted gray trench. Makes me want to go comb Target for a gray jacket and yellow belt.

(via Fifi)

Badgley Mischka for Spring

2007-09-19T12:54:00.000-07:00

As the air crisps and our thoughts turn to boozy hot chocolate, the fashion world turns its collective eye toward spring. Badgley Mischka does it right.

(via love made visible)

I'm Back, If Ever So Briefly

2007-09-01T15:38:00.000-07:00

I have been neglecting you shamefully, dear readers. I think there were originally about 30 of you, now I suspect that number is a lot more like zero. And who could blame you? But I still lurk on the internet - I've been blogging regularly here and I've recently been contributing to Her Fab Life.

Today, I wrote about the ever-popular Superhero necklaces (read it here). Last week was Five and Diamond, a new leather and bloomer shop on Valencia St. (more here). And, if you don't mind busting right out of those new bloomers, you can read about SF's new restaurant, Spruce (over here).

Clover Dress

2007-07-08T20:56:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but this dress was made for me. Flirty (well, I'm not, but the dress is), a-line skirt, contrasting accents, pleating at the bust. June Cleaver meets Alice in Wonderland.

Blog Break

2007-06-22T20:13:00.000-07:00

Judging from the impressive silence here, I am on shopping sabbatical. I also need to decide what to do with this blog, if anything. Perhaps I will return. Perhaps I won't. YOU JUST DON'T KNOW.

Spring Coats

2007-05-16T20:33:00.000-07:00

(Mike and Chris)

And Maybe World Peace

2007-05-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

Little would make me happier than a red bag. Specifically, THIS red bag:

(via Bag Snob)

Because I'm a Freak About Red Shoes

2007-05-11T10:22:00.000-07:00

(red patent t-straps)

Scrooge Approves

2007-05-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

Half men's dress shirt, half Dickensian nightgown, this stripe tunic shirt dress is all awesome.

Empire Strikes Back

2007-05-07T11:29:00.000-07:00

I think it's awesome to pretend you have no waist. Especially if you do so with a bubble skirt and a fetching pixie haircut.

(luau dress from Julie Haus and jersey dress from Joie)

Pointy Elfin Toes

2007-05-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

Do elves even have pointy toes? Inquiring minds want to know. Either way, I love these shoes - especially the name: Lolita.

Until otherwise informed, we shall assume that Lolita is not an elf. (Via Manolo.)

I Just Continue to Top Myself

2007-05-03T14:35:00.000-07:00

You thought I couldn't get any more girly, didn't you? You thought fizzy almond wine and multiple variations on the frothy sundress was the worst of it, I can tell. WELL, GET A LOAD OF THESE:

Ah, pink patent mary janes. With the double strap. Oh, double strap, how I love thee. I willfully ignore the internet as it shakes its head in dismay.

Good Morning, Pockets

2007-05-02T12:28:00.000-07:00

I love this pocket skirt. Possibly because I am under the delusion that it would hide rather than accentuate my well-fed thighs. I enjoy my delusions, especially when they come with a lovely bubbled hem and plenty of space for wheels of cheese. Hey, a girl gets hungry when wearing a skirt.

Another Spring Coat Without Commentary

2007-05-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

(cropped trench coat, $35 from Target)

Multi-Stitch Trench

2007-04-30T14:35:00.000-07:00

A nice spring coat.

Spring Dresses, Part III

2007-04-27T10:43:00.000-07:00

Having been somewhat indulgent in the sparkling wine arena last night (there's nothing girlier than sparkling wine - except almond sparkling wine), I'm feeling somewhat fuzzy. Were I to indulge again this weekend, maybe on a lawnchair with my bare feet in the grass and a margarita in my hand, I would want to wear one of these dresses. And that's all the commentary you get because FUZZY.

(twigs and branches dress and river of grass dress, both from Anthropologie)

Spring Dresses, Part II

2007-04-26T10:53:00.000-07:00

Alternate title: Spring Dresses if You're Attending a Funeral.

All right, this one might be a bit short in the skirt to be funeral appropriate, but it's quite sweet in a black sort of way. My mistake! It claims to be a polka dot chiffon dress. My computer monitor is a bit dim. If there are polka dots I'm not seeing then you really don't want to wear it to a funeral. Unless the deceased is Irish; I hear the Irish have themselves quite a party when someone kicks it. In which case, polka dots and thigh display might be fully warranted.

Gray is quite popular recently, and I encourage it. For both its durability and its red shoe options. (I think gray dresses look awesome with red shoes. If I'm wrong, don't tell me. Because it's way too late now.) Rosette cami dress.

Spring Dresses, Part I

2007-04-25T17:43:00.000-07:00

Part one because I am lazy and can eke several days worth of posts out of one tired topic by not showing them all at once. It's called building suspense, people! Actually, it's not. But what screams "spring" higher and screechier than a strapless, stripey dress? Nothing! That's what! (Please note, dress will not actually shriek at you. But your roommate might if she sees you've bought another dress but not yet paid the phone bill. Not that any of you would do that. Just saying.)

How about a dress that reminds me of a butterfly for some inexplicable reason? Yes, I like it too.

And that's all you get for today. OOH, THE SUSPENSE.

Announcing the Ferris Bueller Tag

2007-04-24T10:16:00.000-07:00

"It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."

Ferris was referring to a Ferrari, but this dress is so much better than a Ferrari. Especially if you don't know how to drive a stick. Silk color block dress by Chloe.

Inexplicably Loving the Heart

2007-04-23T08:14:00.000-07:00

Of the three main design elements on this jumper, I'm not usually a fan of two of them. Farmer overalls: no. Hearts: no. Skirt pleat: yes. If you do the math, I'd have to say I don't like it. And yet, I do like it. It works. Kate Hurst's denim pinafore obviously defies mathematical logic.

Her ruffle dress is swingy and cute and features no design element that gives me even a moment's pause. Lovely.

Check out the rest of Kate Hurst's designs here.

When Asymmetrical Works

2007-04-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you need a break from the little black dress. The LBD (and the LWD) certainly has its place. Unfortunately, that place is often on every third woman in the room. Instead pull out your LBP (little black pants) and top with this humdinger. The Hortensia one-sleeved tunic is made of handloomed Tussar silk, with beading on the bodice and contrasting silk fuscia lining.

Check out the glass bead strap:

Women in LBDs will be flocking to your side all night, hoping you'll drop shopping tips. Not to mention petting your sleeve. (Check out the rest of Tarsian & Blinkley's socially conscious line.)

I Promised Cheap White Bags, Didn't I?

2007-04-20T15:07:00.000-07:00

Yes, I do believe I did. Therefore. White bags that don't require the sale of your first-born:

It's vinyl, which accounts for the price and also allows you to casually wipe off the hollandaise sauce while continuing your conversation, rather than panicking and maybe shrieking incoherently because LEATHER, OH MY EXPENSIVE LEATHER! Quilted start tote, $22.50 from Delia's.

I really like the design details on this one. In fact, I may have to go out and buy it. Hell, my library fines are more expensive than this bag. Accent handbag, $25 from Isaac Mizrahi for Target.

If vinyl isn't for you, but neither is a $1400 price tag, try the Seaport market tote, $248 from J Crew. Luxury leather and antiqued brass hardware at one fourth of the price of these babies.

Bags of White

2007-04-18T15:27:00.000-07:00

I couldn't own a white bag, simply because my bags tend to attract unseemly amounts of ketchup and, strangely, blue dye from my favorite teal Old Navy hoodie. But white bags are a big thing this spring. Here are a few fancy-shmancy ones. I'll do another post with cheaper versions, so no one feels the need to become an investment banker or sell their soul to afford a damn purse.

(Ostrich bag from Loro Piana, caribou satchel from Prada, ray bag from Etro.)

Knees: Covered

2007-04-16T16:33:00.000-07:00

I rail against shorts on a regular basis. Which makes me look stupid, now that I've decided to buy a pair. To be clear, these shorts hit just below the knee instead of above it. This makes all the difference. Ahem.

My search has begun. And possibly ended, as these cropped pants from Delia's are both cute and cheap.

Pocahontas Earrings

2007-04-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

I haven't worn big earrings since I graduated from the eighth grade. I would make an exception for these beauties. But I will never wear bike shorts again. (Large drop earrings from Shopbop)

Spa Week

2007-04-12T10:44:00.000-07:00

My favorite holiday has arrived. Spa Week, April 16-22, offers spa-y things (that's the scientific term for facials and massages and scrubs and such) for 50 bucks. Check the web site for participants.

Monumental

2007-04-12T10:43:00.000-07:00

"C.J., your necklace is a monument to bourgeois taste."

One of my all-time favorite quotes from The West Wing, immortalized by a snooty Brit who may or may not have actually been snooty and British, but he certainly had the best bit part this side of Hollywood.

I'm not entirely sure what this is, but I'm thinking it's not bourgeois.

In the Fridge: Part I

2007-04-11T18:25:00.000-07:00

I just paid my credit card bill. On it was a trip to Sephora that equaled the rough equivalent of two nice meals (with alcohol) in San Francisco. In other words, only slightly less than the gross domestic product of Lithuania. In a good goat year. What did I buy on this pricey excursion? Not a hell of a lot, to be frank. Some lip balm, sunscreen, and a wee bottle of face wash. This just makes me feel stupid and, people, I don't like to feel stupid. Hence, rethinking the skincare approach. This makes me very female doesn't it? To have a skincare approach. To even use the word "skincare." Yes.

Instead of spending piles of cash at Sephora or Kiehl's or any of my other usual haunts that somehow don't include Walgreens because I am a product snob (no one in my tax bracket should be allowed to apply the phrase "product snob", by the way), I turned to my fridge. Everyone has read these articles in blogs and magazines, these "Save time and money by washing your face with ketchup!" kinds of articles, but rarely have I found one that explains why it's a good idea to wash your face in ketchup. (It's not, by the way. Don't use ketchup.)

Honey

Honey rocks. It tastes good and apparently does everything but scrub the bath tub. Impressive results from what is essentially bee vomit. Honey is, according to my internet research, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Which means it will clear up existing infections and help skin heal while preventing new messes. It also draws moisture, which we all love, especially when it comes in a $5 squeeze bottle rather than a $45 pot that could also be used to store pennies. Two of them.

You can mix honey with brown sugar or oatmeal for a scrub or mask, or just use it plain as a dual cleanser and moisturizer. Here's what I do, if you care:

I rinse a washcloth with warm water open up my pores and loosen whatever is in there. Which usually doesn't bear thinking about. Then I smear the honey on my face and rub it in. Rinse off with the warm wash cloth and splash on cold water to close the pores again.

For a straight honey mask you do the exact same thing, only, after applying the honey, let it sit for 15 minutes. I've never actually done this because it requires me to sit still for that long.

Here's a whole host of other honey uses.

Citrus

Original source for alpha-hydroxy acids. It's much cheaper to go to the source, my friends. Grapefruit and lemon are best, as I'm not sure you'd want to deal with orange juice. Lemon is a bit harsh, so unless you have a few layers that need removing, use it sparingly on the face. It is good for elbows, knees and hair. Grapefruit is gentle so I use it on my tender, blushing skin. If I've eaten a grapefruit for breakfast, I'll take the rinds with the extra grapefruit flesh into the shower with me. After washing my face, I'll massage in the grapefruit - face, neck, chest. Rinse it off and voila. No mess, no painful credit card bills.

Part II will be coming soon. In the meantime, here are things in your refridgerator you shouldn't put on your face: tabasco sauce, mustard, cheddar cheese. You're welcome.

Soft Dresses

2007-04-10T18:26:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just want to wear a dress that looks like a long t-shirt. Though perhaps the word "long" shouldn't be applied to the garment below. New favorite for such purpose: Susan Monaco. I posted one of her dresses last week and made the mistake of finding more. My love is now official.

Here's a crew neck dress that appears to be identical to this one. Except if it wasn't exactly the same, it probably wouldn't have a different name and web page. Online retailers, thou art confusing. I swear, they look the same to me.

Yum. Gather string halter dress. Now that looks cozy. As cozy as one can be in a halter that some punk could slip up behind you and untie.

Slinky Suit

2007-04-07T18:02:00.000-07:00

Not exactly a weekend look, but I love this cropped jacket and lace-up skirt from Nanette Lepore. I imagine this is what Jessica Rabbit would wear if she got a job.

Bag of the Day

2007-04-06T13:46:00.001-07:00

Clearly, every day needs a new bag. Or maybe I just couldn't think of a better title.

(Large Meredith bag from Kooba.)

Spring Shouldn't Make You Groan in Agony

2007-04-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

I pulled up some nice things with reasonable price tags. For once. But don't get too excited. My blogging theory is that since I can't buy any of this stuff anyway, I may as well go big rather than small. So I will continue to post shoes that no one in a normal tax bracket gets to buy. But for now: spring clothes that won't make you wince and grab your wallet to stroke it sympathetically.

Just made for those wedges and ballerina flats and kitten heels. Or flip flops. Yeah, definitely go with the flip flops. Spring is for hopping joyously, not tottering precariously. Tropical flower dress, $30 from Forever 21.

White pants = appearing impossibly OCD as you spread a handkerchief over you seat before sitting on it or getting chocolate stains on your butt. But they're cute. BCBG Max Azria white twill capris, $38 from Bluefly.

I confess a weakness for polka dots. And those rope wedge heels are very now. I now confess that I have no idea what that means, but I heard someone say it on Legally Blonde and those girls knew their clothes. Polka dot espadrilles, $39 from American Eagle Outfitters.

Now, that's spring. Nice with those white pants above. Acrobat peach linen henley, $25 from Bluefly.

No Rocket Science Necessary

2007-04-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

Like Spanish, neutrals are supposed to be easy. Spanish was not easy. But that, my friends, is because I am neither linguistically blessed nor prone to paying attention in class. Neutrals in the shoe and bag department have typically been brown or black and, sadly for those of us who claim to be smart, not as straightforward as one might assume. No, we're not talking rocket science but there is always that moment when you're dashing to and fro getting ready, your mind is otherwise occupied, you throw on your black coat on your way out the door and realize your brown boots now clash. You don't change because you don't have time and you figure that in the great scheme of things it doesn't matter. At all. And then you spend the entire day cringing when you pass reflective surfaces.

Don't do that. Do this instead:

(patent d'Orsay pump from Manolo Blahnik)

Apparently, This Is Greek

2007-03-31T20:30:00.000-07:00

Commentary on this blog hasn't been very interesting lately. Mostly variations on "Pretty!" and "Hey, look! I can download a picture!" I'm fine with this. Because in my mind I am really well-dressed.

(Greek wool shirt dress)

Hi, Thighs

2007-03-28T21:41:00.001-07:00

Work appropriate with skinny wool pants; for the bar after work, just take off the pants.

(Kate strap dress)

Big

2007-03-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

Big diamonds: gaudy. Big costume rings: awesome.

(discovery ring by Rachel Leigh)

Wishful Thinking, Part 376

2007-03-27T21:20:00.000-07:00

Occasionally, when I pass some flawlessly dressed woman on the street, I wish that my blue hoodie and green sneakers would magically morph into this:

(Field day coat from Anthropologie and Chloe circle buckle shoes from net-a-porter.)

I Like Yellow

2007-03-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

(mini carlota bag)

Shoe Porn

2007-03-25T14:24:00.000-07:00

(from Bluefly)

Wishful Thinking. Fine.

2007-03-23T15:57:00.000-07:00

Two points of consideration: 1. I am going out tonight and 2. I am in denial about my clothing budget. Gleefully embracing said denial (which conveniently negates pesky considerations like money, delivery options, and weather), I have decided that this might be the perfect outfit.

Jersey and ruffles. Girly is good. Let no one tell you otherwise. Development racer back dress:

Madras plaid silk louise clutch (note the pleats):

Yes, I still need shoes and maybe some decoration for this to be an actual outfit, but whatever. It's wishful thinking and I'm hungry. My chances of getting this dress are significantly lower than my chances of getting a ham sandwich. So please excuse me while I get some ham.

Avast, Ye Sensible Wretch

2007-03-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

Because practicality is boring and I don't encourage it: mother-of-pearl mosaic clutch. (And, no, I'm not entirely sure what "avast" means.)

(via Bag Snob)

Thursday Bag

2007-03-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

My purse currently holds a day planner, two books, lunch, about four different lipglosses (amazing, since I never actually seem to have glossy lips), and a whole mess of other necessary stuff like loose change and bits of paper. Sometimes I even try to stuff in dance or yoga clothes, often with little luck. A roomy canvas Thursday bag might be my answer.

Collared Petals

2007-03-20T17:19:00.000-07:00

I like this. It's kind of funky. It's got a good name (curious collared petal dress). It looks comfy. I would probably wear it over pants because it looks less dress and more tunic to me. But then I also don't like having to think about how I bend over to retrieve my keys. I drop my keys a lot. Meaning: short dresses are out.

(From Etsy.)

Swamp Grass

2007-03-19T13:20:00.000-07:00

Going to work on a beautiful Monday morn is painful enough without the added insult of shoving your recalcitrant limbs into unforgiving work clothes. So I don't. This is not to say I'm trotting around downtown San Francisco naked, it is to say I am currently garbed in a striped shirt and hoodie. I am classy. I am professional. I should be wearing this swamp grass t-shirt instead:

Doesn't that look cozy? All nice and jersey with some swamp grass to add appeal? I mean, what isn't appealing about swamp grass?

Summery Goodness

2007-03-16T13:08:00.000-07:00

I pounce on anything that can be worn outside without socks. Or arm covering. Or any type of practicality at all. Because the breeze is warm, the blossoms are, um, blossoming, and anyone who doesn't live in the Bay Area is hating me right now. It's the perfect time for this dress:

Important Topic that I Totally Ignore

2007-03-15T12:23:00.000-07:00

I have often wanted to address the rampant consumerism that populates this blog. But is it really consumerism if I don't actually buy anything? If I mostly just like it because it's pretty? Hard to say. Especially as my greedy little heart would have spasms if any of this just appeared in my closet. Without the resulting credit card bills.

Because I am a slothful lump who would rather eat almonds and read the Fug girls than explain this for myself, I refer you to this post over at Bunnyshop. She is quite witty and erudite in the explication of the fashion/shopping blog.

And, because the last post was abysmally picture poor, here is a photo of a lovely Nancy Gonzalez bag. I admit to not quite understanding these bags (why is the skin of a large lizard luxurious? discuss), but are stunning nonetheless.

Bagaways

2007-03-14T17:05:00.000-07:00

Damn bluefly and its teasing ways! My chances of winning the bluefly bag of the day are far less than my chances of breaking a leg in the next 17 seconds. I insist on trying anyway. You should try too.

Bluefly's latest bag giveaway is here.

Dresses of the Day

2007-03-13T00:32:00.000-07:00

In honor of our blushing, spring-imitating weather, I give you my favorite sorts of dresses: short ones.

I'm quite enamored of this Rebecca Taylor jumper ($284 from shopbop) and its cozy pockets.

I would wear this constantly, as I am lazy and black is easy. None of that 'Can I wear lime green sneakers with a red t-shirt?' nonsense. Egyptian cotton boatneck dress ($98 at J Crew) .

Pleats: Not the Source of All Evil

2007-03-08T15:44:00.000-08:00

Pleats on skirts: Eh. Pleats on pants: May as well lease a minivan and mark out some time in your day planner to cry when your teenager mocks both car and pants. Pleats on purses: Yes. Especially in orange.

Miu Miu's knotted leather hobo is quite, forgive the word, kicky. Hey, David Sedaris used the word "kicky" once and I aim to emulate David Sedaris in every way. Except for the fussy gay man thing.

More Miu Miu, as my love for Miuccia remains strong. The napa soft satchel is a bit more sedate. Certainly less orange.

I'm All A-Tingle

2007-03-08T10:30:00.000-08:00

I have a special fondness for arm warmers. Perhaps it's their utilitarian awesomeness, that which allows me to wear my favorite t-shirts in highly inappropriate weather. Now that I have found these, I can't imagine not owning them. I feel I need these. And they need me. We are meant for each other.

But...I could be wrong. It has happened before, hard as this is to believe. Perhaps I need these instead. Perhaps WE are meant for each other.

I am torn.

Also in this lovely shirred cotton are shirts. Shirts I also must own. Oh, dear. The grocery money is just flying out the door today. Perhaps in burgundy?

Or maybe in grey?

Find all sorts of other good things at treehouse 28's Etsy shop.

Too Cutesy?

2007-03-07T11:27:00.000-08:00

Perhaps. I find I don't care. Peter Pan collar reminiscent of Catholic uniforms: yes! Mini skirt reminscent of those naughty Catholic school girl Halloween costumes that really just aren't that daring anymore: yes! Really, really skinny legs: perhaps not. Especially given recent cookie consumption. (Alice + Olivia '60s dress)

Marc Jacobs, Again

2007-03-06T08:17:00.000-08:00

I recently waxed philosophical about Marc Jacobs. Or, as philosophical as one can really get over pieces of cloth whose only real function is to keep you warm and decent. Is that blasphemy? That may actually be fashion blogging blasphemy. Not that I'm a fashion blogger. Fashion bloggers know trends from 1983, who designed those trends, and how those trends are applicable today. The extent of my fashion exposition can be encompassed in "Ooh! Pretty!"

Anyway. More Marc Jacobs. Because I'm loving the layers and the red shoes. Hey, look! Layers and red shoes! Awesome. I'm even enjoying the shorts. It's been a long, hard slog, getting me to appreciate the shorts.

Less on the layering, more on the pseudo-safari, mostly urban, kind of military look. That's really quite a look - and more fully explicates my inability to do much in the way of fashion commentary. Sateen jacquard jacket and faille skirt - I also feel uneasy about my inability to define either jacquard or faille. Perhaps I need to take cloth less seriously. Especially as cloth is unlikely to ever hire me and give me dental.

My Mother Just Disowned Me

2007-03-05T08:15:00.000-08:00

I recently paid upwards $20 for lip balm. ($22.50, to be exact.) In my (rather weak) defense, Fresh Sugar lip balm is the lip balm of the gods. Seriously. Hera endorses it. Zeus sneaks into her makeup bag, looks furtively both ways, then slathers it on so his lips are moist and plump before dining on ambrosia in the God Hall.

This stuff has SPF 15 (I was feeling insecure about the lack of SPF on my lips) and sugar. Who knew lip balm had sugar? If you're raising your hand, DEAR GOD, WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME EARLIER? It appears to have such random ingredients as blackcurrant oil and grapeseed poly-somethings. All I know is that it heals chapped lips right up, smells awesome, and is expected to keep my lips from withering up and falling off.

Ladies Who Lunch (Don't Read this Blog)

2007-03-04T08:07:00.000-08:00

I would now like to compose an ode to shiny dresses.

...

Fine. I'm not so good with odes. I'm better at shopping than composing verse. Though I do seem to recall a poem about bell peppers that won me much coveted praise from my senior year English teacher. Yes, I am a geek. I would like to be a shiny geek wearing this silk dress:

Or a Jackie O. geek wearing this belted jacket and plisse skirt.

What, exactly, is plisse? I assume it's a type of material, probably a type of a fancier nature than polyester, given the general price of these garments. I could just look it up, but what fun would that be? No fun at all. I prefer to make up a little story about Monsieur Plisse who invented this fabric in 1725, when his small, cabbage-shaped dog peed all over the bolts of cloth lying about his tailor shop. I am assuming that plisse really has nothing to do with canine urine.

Both from Akris.

So Pretty. So Evil.

2007-03-02T11:39:00.001-08:00

Soft, shirred cotton, pastel colors, and girly appliques totally belie the don't-wear-this-home-to-grandma messages tastefully stitched onto the necks and sleeves of these truly awesome shirts.

Guess what the sleeve of this shirt says? No, really. Guess. If you said, "No time to fuck", well, you're just criminally awesome. Like these shirts. Here's the I like it rough version:

Other styles say "Insatiable little thing", "Good luck, motherfucker" and the ever-articulate "You suck." My personal favorite? "I can only please one man a day. Today is not your day, and tomorrow doesn't look good either."

I'm giddy with delight.

(via Fashiontribes)

Marilyn, Eat Your Heart Out

2007-03-01T22:54:00.000-08:00

Sometimes jersey just doesn't cut it. Especially when your thighs are currently retaining some of that lemon pound cake that is so fresh and citrus-y in the pan and so...bulky under your pants. Stars of the silver screen ate cake, my friends. That's one of the reason we like them so much. Dresses that let you eat cake (as long as you don't require too much oxygen):

Vintage 1950s evening dresses from Posh Girl: red dress, black velvet and taffeta dress, blue white stripe swing dress.

Shopbop Sale, Part 2

2007-02-28T11:04:00.000-08:00

Shopbop, how I love thee. I love your sales even more because that's the only time I can even dream about affording anything you offer. Kids, don't ever become an arts writer if you like clothes. You will be buying your jeans at Old Navy. And you will be glad, because the only other option is to run about in the altogether and 1. it's just too damn cold for such nonsense, and 2. no one wants to see that.

Gorgeous, gorgeous. Who doesn't want a cashmere skirt? I ask you. Unique style, cozy drape. Yum. Karl Lagerfeld cashmere skirt, on sale for $148.

Not everyone can pull off this look. I certainly can't and was undecided for a long while as to whether or not I would even want to. This photo proves that 1. this particular set of legs can pull it off and 2. I do like it. Very sleek. adam + eve pinstripe herringbone work pant, on sale for $82.50.

I am cringing as I look at this, thinking of the cold artic breezes that would waft up this skirt. I'm thinking that you aren't supposed to wear it any time artic breezes are a possibility. Joie lightweight gauze southside dress, on sale for $157.50.

I am Insane

2007-02-27T10:27:00.000-08:00

Seriously, people. I am three wavering steps from pitching head first into crazy. I don't know why. I don't have polio. I don't have a child who has polio. I'm not working 85 hours a week. I am just totally and completely overwhelmed - with existence, apparently. So I'm trying to return to my hippie roots. (Oh, the roots are hippie. I was almost named Sunshine. We had a dog named Freedom. Family activity when I was a wee thing often included meditation.) I rebelled and hurled my Birkenstocks out the window sometime in my teens but now that I'm on the narrow edge of crazy, I'm wondering if this yoga/meditation/mantra thing is worth revisiting.

But since one can't change one's capitalistic colors over night, I'm thinking I really need this to do the job right. Yes, folks, a $78 pillow is my ticket back to sanity.

Maybe I should just embrace the crazy. Or, you know, use a couch cushion.

Green Goop

2007-02-26T08:26:00.000-08:00

Cara Mia Skin Studio in Larkspur, California, is closing on March 25. I got the mini green herbal peel a few months ago and my conclusion, if you're wondering, is that it's quite awesome. It tingled and crackled and did nice things for my somewhat less than perfect skin. I wrote about it in more (read: paid) depth here.

Green goop on the face. No wonder men don't understand women. How can this possibly be fun? And yet, it so is.

And You Walked Uphill in the Snow! Both Ways!

2007-02-25T19:49:00.001-08:00

Back in my day, you didn't just throw on jeans and a t-shirt to run your errands. You wore stockings, gloves, lipstick, a hat and you liked it. None of this just-enough-cloth-to-cover-the-extremities nonsense. Oh, who am I kidding? My day started in 1978. But these are still quite excellent.

Vintage 1950s day dresses from Posh Girl Vintage. Yellow and white check dress, black eyelet dress, blue and white polka dot halter dress.

Snazzy Coats

2007-02-24T22:40:00.000-08:00

After driving down the freeway under what appeared to be a low-grade tsunami, clutching the steering wheel, and envisioning life without limbs, I decided to retreat to the couch and shop. These mod vintage coats are awesome - except for the wool, which may smell a tad bit like wet sheep dog after a stroll through the tsunami. Lovely over those post-Factory Girl mini dresses.

Blue green and gray 1960s vintage coats from Posh Girl Vintage.

Etsy Clutches

2007-02-22T17:06:00.000-08:00

Etsy is an excellent provider of the handmade clutches of whimsy. That sounds almost menacing doesn't it? Tuck in your shirt and brush your teeth or you will be visited by the HANDMADE CLUTCHES OF WHIMSY! Cue fainting and fleeing. Anyway, Etsy is an excellent provider of handmade most anything, but I am partial to the clutches. So much more interesting than the black leather wallet I insist on carrying around.

This is an ant I actually WANT in my house. All ants should be so sweet and turquoise. Ant Clutch ($25) is felt with matching turquoise lining.

I love the Japanese printed twill with fruit trees and small pink birds. Whimsy doesn't get much better than that. Green Trees wallet pouch, ($14).

Asymmetrical denim print clutch ($19), lined with Nigerian print.

Shopbop Sale

2007-02-22T14:05:00.000-08:00

I like the way the quilting enhances the skirt's shape. Also, quilted silk just always seemed the ultimate in luxury to me. No idea why. Maybe because it's soft and pillowy? Unlike the model's abs? Note: shirt recommended with this particular look. Karl Lagerfeld skirt with quilted hem (on sale for $175).

Not quite bootie, not quite pump. Not quite out of price range. In fact, totally IN price range. Hallelujah. Dolce Vita short bootie (on sale for $54).

Could be awesome, could be awesome in how wrong it is: Marie Marie tulip skirt/cape (on sale for $161). Can be worn as a skirt or a cape. I'm not sure I'd buy it online without knowing which awesome category it lands under, but brave souls could have a real find.

Peruse the rest of the sale here.

Never Thought I'd Go For the Rib Belt

2007-02-22T12:27:00.000-08:00

I have short little legs. Or maybe they wouldn't look so short if my torso wasn't so long. Hard to say. At any rate, I like short skirts because the right hemline can make even stumpy little legs look, if not like those legs up there, at least less truncated. The rib belt adds to the general deception. I like it. Geren Ford's chambray shirt dress ($218) is just right.

(via Love Made Visible)

Everything a Book Should Be

2007-02-21T13:05:00.000-08:00

Correction: Everything I think a book should be. You may prefer incisive commentary on the global impact of Greenland's bustling egg trade, but I like relationship stories. Love Walked In twists up the typical Meeting Mr. Right tale, wrings it out, and flattens it down into a much more satisfying description of love as it is, rather than love as you want it to be.

Plus, Mr. Right turns out to be a secondary character. This pleases me.

For Your Consideration

2007-02-21T10:15:00.000-08:00

I am enamored of black, high spiky heel, peep-toe, mary jane type shoes. The only way that description could be more convoluted is if I added the cost ratio divided by the population of New Guinea and presented my findings as a scientific paper to a trio of spectacle-wearing ducks.

That's incomprehensible, isn't it? I don't start making sense until I've had three cups of coffee. (I'm holding strong at one and a half, if you're interested.)

Here is a gorgeous patent leather version (Christian Louboutin, $785):

Here is a very similar pair in black suede (on sale at Max Studio for $88):

Both are stunning shoes. Both will win you compliments on your legs (from the men folk) and on your shoe collection (from the women). One also allows you to pay your rent. Which we like, because those shoes would hurt after a few hours pushing a shopping cart full of all your worldly goods. I am all for quality and would truly, truly love a pair of Christian Louboutins one day in the far-flung future. But for those of us budgetary type people, Max Studio is a fine substitute. At least until those dreams of becoming the next Danielle Steele come to fruition.

No Takers

2007-02-16T22:49:00.000-08:00

This dress so tempts me to type a sentence like "I adore '50s-inspired daywear." The fact that I am even thinking this proves that I have sold my soul to a pixel and should be forced to spend my days in scratchy rayon. Instead of the pure cashmere with silk taffeta you get with this lovely little number. Can I sell my soul for cashmere? Anyone? Anyone? Hello? Uluru Fritzi dress on sale at Le Train Bleu.

Netherlandish Fruit

2007-02-16T22:40:00.000-08:00

Pear shirt from Marimekko.

Only Less Red

2007-02-16T11:32:00.000-08:00

Like wearing the pressed leaves of a Japanese maple. Japanese etch pendant, sterling silver threaded with green silk. $49 at Etsy.

Whimsy, Continued

2007-02-14T12:44:00.000-08:00

Threadless t-shirts consistently make me happy. That, and a nice cappuccino. Whoever said money doesn't buy happiness is LYING.

Exhibit A: Could she be more happy?

Props to the '80s goodness that is 99 Red Balloons. Here are the details of the 99 Luft Balloons shirt:

I'm also partial to the Fake Pandas Have More Fun design. Beautifully whimsical and almost Gorey-esque:

Both $17 at Threadless.