• Here’s to starting off a new week that won’t try to kill me like last week did! There are no words for how every day managed to take a giant crap on my mood. I got all my days mixed up and forgot Photo Friday and here it is Sunday and I’m posting +&-. I think I’m going to take a few days off. All of you are enjoying your long weekend anyways so, whatever.
• Rumors were abound that Lanvin would be doing a capsule line for H&M and it finally was confirmed that it will be released on November 20th. If it’s anything like the Comme des Garcons collection for H&M, it will probably be way out of my budget and quickly sold out. I’m still excited to see what kind of drapey goodness they’ll have! Previews will be revealed and flooding the interwebs on November 2nd.

a few pieces from the Spring 2010 Lanvin/Acne denim colab

• This post from Style Bubble of Susie’s trip to Istanbul… just go look at the pictures!
• really long but very interesting article on linguistics

When your language routinely obliges you to specify certain types of information, it forces you to be attentive to certain details in the world and to certain aspects of experience that speakers of other languages may not be required to think about all the time. And since such habits of speech are cultivated from the earliest age, it is only natural that they can settle into habits of mind that go beyond language itself, affecting your experiences, perceptions, associations, feelings, memories and orientation in the world.

• From a 1940s issue of Varsity Magazine, are you a good roommate? (via)

• METAL ART CLAY!!! I had never heard of this stuff before but holy cow it sounds awesome! It’s tiny bits of metal mixed with a clay compound. Like clay, you can mold it into anything you want. Once it’s fired, the binding agent burns off leaving you with your metal piece. Learn all about it here. The silver kind can be fired on a gas stove top or with a butane torch! Kinda pricey though.

• Every Labor Day weekend, my dad drives to Hillsville. VA, where the entire town turns into an antique show. I used to go with both of my parents when I was a kid. Now I stay at my parents’ house to take care of my mom. This weekend we ordered her a new memory foam mattress. This means I had to get the hydraulic lift out of the basement, put her in a harness, strap her onto the lift and crank her ass out of her old bed, carefully push her into the other bedroom hanging like a slab of beef, lower her onto the other bed and wait for the delivery. I got the new bed ready and hauled her back to her fresh happy bed. Totally ridiculous. She’s loving the new mattress though. Another glamorous day in the life.

• I wanted to clear something up… an addendum if you will. You know all that lovey dovey stuff I said about relationships last week? Well it totally doesn’t count when you’re PMSing, irritable, and hormonal as hell. I’m trying. Really. I truly hate cashing in on exceptions made for women but my god have I been a ball of hormones. This little article on how to make your marriage divorce-proof was pretty cute though. It still didn’t cheer me up.

• Who knew that when you get renter’s insurance, it won’t cover your damaged goods from a roof leak or the ceiling falling in, or a toilet backing up? I sure as shit didn’t know this! Our claim for the bf’s water damaged TV was denied because ALL renter’s insurance policies (at least in the state of Virginia) don’t cover damage from occurrences that could’ve been prevented by proper maintenance on the part of your landlord. I find this to be ridiculous because how can anyone be expected to constantly do preemptive maintenance? The reasoning behind it is that why would a landlord ever do maintenance if insurance will always pay for damage? My answer to this is, no one would rent from crappy landlords! Oh well, we’re screwed and the policy did indeed state this in a way that a true weasel would be proud of. Now, if a gust of wind blows off our roof, a meteor engulfs the property in flames, or an escaped elephant crashes into our building… totally covered. Natural and freak disasters? No problem. Good to know. Now, we tread lightly in taking this up with the landlord… or we look into the statute of limitations and deal with him after we move to another place. As much trouble as our place was in the beginning, we finally have it just the way we want it, it’s such a deal and dammit, I don’t want to move again any time soon!
• I like to consider myself a girl’s girl, meaning I pride myself in being the type of woman that other women can trust and who will make them feel comfortable, because I am no threat. Example: say a dear male friend of mine introduces me to his girlfriend. I will probably end up talking to her more than him, and definitely look at both of them when talking, trying to make her feel included and not threatened. Out of respect for their relationship and her own femaleness, I want her to trust me and not cause insecurity problems for my friend. I would also always expect  her to be involved in hangouts and would extend the invite to her. I absolutely hate women who flirt with married/taken men. I completely cut off a close friend of years who drunkenly made a pass at my bf ( because when you’re drunk, you still know what you’re doing when you’re doing it and it’s been a year and she never once called to apologize so she can go to hell). I also don’t respond well to my bf’s female friends who don’t include me, are intrusive and even rude. I can spot a woman who isn’t a “girl’s girl” a mile away and this elephant never forgets. That’s all I have to say about that.

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This post has been over a month in the making. First, the eBay sellers were on vacation so I didn’t get the boots for weeks after I paid for them then, my cobbler went on vacation and I had to wait weeks to get them fixed.

You know I’ve been dying for some brown leather boots. Well I got outbid about 5 times on a pair on eBay and ultimately reached my limit for a pair of used boots. I also had my eye on this horribly beat up pair of buy-it-now Kenneth Coles for about a week. No one was biting because they looked like crap. I decided to take a chance for $20 because they have a great worn-in vintage feel and the repairs they needed weren’t above what I was willing to pay my awesome shoe repair man. He’s re-heeled and re-soled a bunch of shoes for me already so I knew this was doable. The leather needed to be cleaned and conditioned plus new heel caps and treads were put on. Here are the scary before pics:

My bf thinks it’s gross to buy used shoes but women buy vintage and used stuff all the time. Of course, you can launder clothing so I understand shoes being a little weird for some. A lot of funk goes on in shoes. I used to buy vintage mary janes during my Courtney Love grunge phase all the time. (God, I wish I still had them!) I thoroughly de-germed the insides with Lysol and aired them out in the sun for a day, with salt inside. I also added new insoles. $55 total later, here are my lovely new-ish boots!

And here are the rest of my Fall boot steals:

Thanks to Poochie, I was alerted to these steals at Charlotte Russe. They’re not leather (all the better for bad weather) and were discounted to $20!! The laces are a bit too thick and too long so, I’m getting some different ones.

I also scored these Blowfish Hichi ankle boots at DSW for $10 after finding them on the clearance rack and using an almost expired coupon. They are the most comfortable things in the world!

I’m not getting these grey over-the-knee wedge boots until x-mas, as they will be a gift from my mom. I had to order them ASAP since I knew they would sell out fast. 2 days after they went online, mine were already on back-order. Other than not being real suede, at $46 they’re a dream. GREY! Considering my wardrobe has a ton of black in it, grey is a softer addition and goes with everything. They have a comfortable rubbery wedge heel and lug sole for really getting around. I also picked up some camel skinny pants so those, these and cozy sweaters will be my uniform this winter. I don’t know if I can stand waiting until Christmas!

There! Fall/Winter boot search is done! (I still want some riding boots without laces… but they will have to be a serious deal as well or a serious investment that may just have to wait until next year. I’m just about shopped out!

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I barely follow models these days. They just don’t compare and they have all started to look the same to me when I check out runway photos – uninteresting clothes hangers. I have never been a Kate Moss fan. She really bores me. Of course, I loved all the “supermodels” of our time. Okay as far as newer models go, I love token redhead Karen Elson. That’s about it.

Growing up looking at fashion magazines in the 80s and 90s, I had a few favorite models: Kristen McMennamy, Stella Tennant, Kristy Hume (they have been making a major comeback lately), Nadja Auerman, and Meghan Douglas (all mentioned here). Douglas often gets overlooked for the buxom powerhouse she is. So, here are a few pics to get you feeling nostalgic.

(I tried to cite as many as I could so if you have any credits, please send them my way!)

Meghan Douglas – Vogue Dec 1991 – ahhh, the end of the 80s!

I had this picture on my bedroom wall.

Pretty Women - Vogue UK February 1995 Photo – Mario Testino

Harper’s Bazaar

W April 1995 Photo – Michael Thompson

with Kristen McMennamy – Harper’s Bazaar Feb 1993 Photo: Patrick Demarchelier

in Vivienne Westwood Photo – Andrew MacPherson

Did you have any favorite models growing up? Jen, you’re going to say Stephanie Seymour, right? :)

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This dress, oh man. Straight off the runway and sold out on Net-a-Porter.

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I didn’t watch the show but I did check out the pics online after the red carpet was over.

Here are my favorites (via):

Kelly Osbourne in Tony Ward, so so pretty

Maura Tierney in vintage, love that it’s vintage, love that she blends in and everything is so simple

Eva Longoria Parker in Robert Rodriguez

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I used to keep a journal full of cut out pictures of things I saw in magazines and I’ve shared a ton with you in the past. So, what does a grown woman do on a Wednesday night? Well this grown ass woman sat with her September issues spread out, a pair of scissors, a glue stick, paper and a pen. In all the magazines, I honestly didn’t see too many things that I fell in love with. I enjoyed concepts and styling ideas but not many individual items, except for these.

Oh, and I totally ordered the DKNY Pure perfume. I rubbed every last microbe of scent on my wrist off that magazine strip and couldn’t stop smelling myself. So cozy and comforting and sexy. The bf loves it. Part of the profit goes to a microfinance program for vanilla farmers in Uganda as well. I haven’t given up on my beloved Kenzo Amour… it just needs a little rest.

PS- I can’t spell Gabbana obviously

Click for the large version:

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A year later, here is a new bag post. This is entirely ridiculous but I will say that I usually don’t apply make-up until I get to my folks’ house in the morning. I do it for both my mom and myself at the same time so the cosmetic bag is always with me. (If you didn’t know already, I’m her primary caregiver as she has M.S.)

Since I got this new Deux Lux bag, which only has one large interior pocket, I had to add the Nick & Nora hula girl bag (I got that thing on clearance at Target years ago). Now all the random things are contained and easier to find.

Here’s everything neat and tidy:

Here’s the product explosion:

• the old wallet finally died so here’s my new one
• pewter flower cosmetic case (a freebie from Sephora) – Hard Candy primer, Bare Minerals powder foundation, brush, liquid foundation, concealer, cream blush, tweezers, clear mascara for my brows, lash comb, mascara, liquid eyeliner, 2 eye shadow brushes, 2 shadows (Lancome, Hard Candy quad), 3 lipsticks, 2 glosses (one not shown), lip liner – oh, and since I took this pick, I switched up the eyeshadow – you haven’t seen the cosmetics I have squirreled away!
• Blackberry phone
• cigarettes and lighter (gross, I know)
• keys (in the front door)
• In the hula pouch – mini hairspray, comb, nail file, pen, mechanical pencil (+ lead and erasers – I am obsessed with quality mechanical pencils), skin serum, hair ties and clips, hand lotion, band-aids, ipod, usb stick
• (usually) a to-do or grocery list
• sometimes my camera, sometimes my laptop squeezed in

It’s amazing how much I can downsize when carrying a clutch and I still manage to stay alive!

Is this ridiculous? What’s in your bag?

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NOVICA is associated with National Geographic and for ten years, they have helped artisans from all over the world get exposure. The asked if I would be interested in reviewing some of their products. What impressed me the most was their new microfinance program. These small loans help promote entrepreneurship among poverty-stricken people who have the skills to create beautiful things but little collateral to get their business up and running. They can also help people take their business to the next level, being able to purchase supplies in bulk. A few US dollars go a long way in these regions.

Lately, small zero-interest loans have been getting more press. In fact, 2005 was declared it the International Year of Microcredit by the UN.

A press release from the UN states:

A small loan, a savings account, an affordable way to send a pay cheque home can make all the difference to a poor or low-income family. With access to microfinance, they can earn more, build up assets, and better protect themselves against unexpected setbacks and losses. They can move beyond day-to-day survival towards planning for the future. They can invest in better nutrition, housing, health, and education for their children. In short, they can break the vicious circle of poverty.

So, back to products NOVICA offers… they have clothing, home decor items, paintings, fun gifts… but I was asked to check out their handmade jewelry. There are thousands of things for both women and men. My mom and I sat for an hour perusing and didn’t even see half of it. It’s all neatly organized and the site is easy to maneuver. Rather than clicking on all the sub-categories though, I would’ve liked a “view all” feature to see all of the rings, or all of the bracelets, etc. There are also many different price points. The regional focus was bit narrow but each country had many different artists with various tribal and cultural techniques represented. You can pick from rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings…

Most of the items are sterling silver with a few gold vermeil pieces. There are also plenty of beaded items and some leather, wood, bone, horn, shell and ceramic. There are tons of gemstones and intricately carved pieces, both casual and formal. Each item has the artist’s profile where you can learn more about their story, their passion, and the meaning behind their pieces. You also get a card with the artist’s story along with each piece. This definitely gives a more personal touch to each item, something I really like.

I was allowed to pick out a few pieces. I wish I could have grabbed up each one of these:

Citrine Cocktail Ring – $42.49 – Bali

Amazonian palm bracelet – $32.95 – Brasil

Sterling cuff bracelet – $77.99 – Thailand

Bull horn long necklace – $84.95 – Peru

Sterling silver drop earrings – $28.99 – Thailand

Sterling silver and enhanced obsidian ring – $99.95 – Indonesia (also in green)

Carved gourd earrings – $29.99 – Peru

Sterling ring – $57.95 – Peru

Turquoise and peridot necklace – $124.95 – Thailand

Sterling cuff links (a great wedding or groomsman gift!) – $49.99 – Mexico

Pair of mango wood cuff bracelets – $21.49 – Thailand

Silver cuff bracelet – $101.66 – India

Huichol beaded necklace – $76.46 – Mexico

Sterling and water buffalo horn ring – $77.95 – Indonesia

Resin preserved and gold plated rose petal earrings – $37.95 – Thailand

Gold vermeil citrine ring – $53.96 – India

Leather bracelet – $19.95 – Indonesia

Pearl cuff bracelet – $319.95 – Indonesia

So, what did I get? Well, I put my order in and on August 19th, I was notified that they would be shipping directly from Bali/Java. I was really surprised when the package showed up so quickly, just 5 days later via Fed Ex!

Each item came in it’s own adorable gift box with tiny booklets for each. The invoice was in a little envelope with a hand-signed card from Bali. Everything was presented in such a special personal way, it truly felt like you were receiving a gift from a far-away land.

I got the the sterling/citrine/bone ring and it’s gorgeous. I haven’t worn it out yet but I know people will ask about it since it’s so unusual. There’s so much personality and every detail of it is perfect.

I also picked out this pale leather adjustable bracelet. My wrists are teeny and this fits just right at the tightest of three settings. I may have to cut off the excess on the strap. It will take a bit for it to soften and conform to my wrist since it’s really thick but, I’m going to wear this constantly.

Well, this was a ton of fun! Love love love the pieces I received! Hope you’ve enjoyed checking out all these unusual items from around the globe. Find more at NOVICA.

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So, I saw this belt.

This belt is $460.

This belt is a strip of leather measuring about 8″ wide x 80″ long, sewn together at a few points.

That’s 640 square inches, which is roughly 4.5 square feet.

An average whole deerskin/cowhide yields way more than 4.5 square feet of usable leather for this project.

After emailing a few leather stores with these pics, they told me it appears to be 2-3 ounce garment leather.

An average whole deerskin/cowhide in a 2-3 oz. garment weight costs +/- $40.

With a ruler, tailor’s chalk, and scissors you can cut the strips.

You can sew garment weight leather on a regular sewing machine.

That is all.

PS – Jen, this will probably be your Christmas present.

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• I finally watched The September Issue and if you get stupid excited about the 5 pound September fashion magazines like I do, you will love it! I have always enjoyed Vogue creative director Grace Coddington‘s luxe editorials but after seeing the struggle she goes through with editor Anna Wintour, I am in awe. You can watch it instantly on Netflix.

• Ask and ye shall receive. I have slowly [finally grown up and] come to the realization that men are not mind readers. No way, right? It is soooo much easier to simply ask for what I want. Feeling overwhelmed with household duties? Ask him to wash the dishes.  Feeling frisky? Pounce. Need some alone time? Make it happen. Want a romantic evening out? Make the reservations. Instead of building up resentment and tension, living together has become a lot easier. Showing appreciation for all the little things instead of complaining, not asking him to help with chores when he’s in the middle of something, warning him ahead of time and not springing things/requests/moods on him… these little actions have made for quite the peaceful happy home. I’m getting it all in return as well! Funny how that works out. (PS – What’s with the commercials where the woman stands there holding a full trash bag while her man is watching a game? Take the damn trash out yourself!)
• Sewing machine:

• It’s all about good friends dude. Seriously. This post reminds me of when Jen’s dear cat Cleo died about 10 years ago and we buried her in a friend’s back yard. Jen and I (during the grunge days) used to say we wanted Mother Love Bone’s Chloe Dancer played at our funerals but instead we burst into CLEO Dancer as we stood by her little grave and everything was okay. (Oh and I totally started boohooing for Cleo when I heard that song again.)
• Sometimes you need a visual to imagine putting different colors together. For your wardrobe, your home, projects, anything… this little tool is a lot of fun!

• An enviable birthday gift haul. Good grief.
• More reasons why I love TJ Maxx/Marshall’s – I got this glowing blue rocks glass for the bf (last one – we keep breaking all the cool glasses), an aqua Kuhn Rikon 12″ non-stick pan (the non-stick of our old pan died), and a Kenneth Cole wallet (my old one was soooo funky) for less than $30. (Oh and an extra pair of cute pink tweezers because I have plucking problems.)

• Another great artist via My Love For You… this painting is by Kristine Moran. I have this weird habit of deconstructing everything beautiful I see to assess if I could do it myself. This is completely beyond me.

• Alas, I won’t be making it to New York Fashion Week this September. I told myself last year that I would go this year but it’s not in the cards/budget. To rub salt in the wound, I actually got invited to a few things this time around and didn’t even register for a press pass! Argh! I don’t like to make promises I don’t know if I can keep but I really really want to try harder to make it next year!
• We have been dragging ass with some weird bug for over a week now. I feel achy, slightly feverish, eyes burning, bronchial tightness. We’ve been going to bed before 10pm most nights and have wasted 2 free weekends that could’ve been filled with fun, instead laying around doing nothing. I saw this picture on Saturday when I was feeling like crap and started laughing hysterically then started sobbing uncontrollably. Sick and tired of being sick and tired.

• Dear People Who Sell Shoes Online, Please quit it with only offering whole sizes. That is so weak! I am a true-to-size 6.5. I cannot squeeze into a 6 and a size 7 will fall off my feet. You are losing out on a huge customer base and I have yet to discover what you are gaining from this nonsense. Just knock it off! Thanks, Me.

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