Another Zoe Day

Random Sunday

2012-01-21T11:15:00.005-05:00

VENICE BEACH, Calif.—A sunglasses street vendor, 1982.

Yes!

2012-01-20T11:01:00.001-05:00

He can give speeches and sing! Still love.

If They Could Get Cooler...

2012-01-18T09:44:00.003-05:00

And I thought I was a hipster Frida. Well not really, but I did love seeing these portraits of a modern and oh so cool Frida, Dali and Che by Chilean artist Fab Ciraolo on this busy morning....

Via Flavorwire.

Random Sunday

2012-01-15T11:57:00.002-05:00

ATLANTA—President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., 1961.

Jason Wu for Target = Yes!

2012-01-10T15:29:00.019-05:00

* *

* * *

I've never been so into the high-end/high street fashion collabs. Not that I don't think they are a good idea, I'm all for bringing affordable yet chic style to the masses, I just haven't really liked any that much. Wait, that is not true: I did buy these Swedish Hasbeens for H&M earlier this year and I love them. But as for clothes, Lanvin and Versace for H&M weren't my thing, nor was Missoni or some of the other Target partnerships. But today the Jason Wu for Target Lookbook was leaked and I'm totally into it. It's quirky and girly and quite adorable.

I've been on a mission to find some better work attire (it's so much harder in the winter) and I think some of these fit the bill. I love the feminine dresses, the button all-the-way up collars, the little bow ties, and hello, shorts and stripes, I can never have enough. Let alone the socks and shoe styling, my fave. The collection hits stores and the web on Feb 5th and I think I might actually bike over to the Atlantic Mall and try to score a few. I've starred the ones I want for your perusing pleasure or maybe just to worn you to keep your hands off :) Are you feeling the collection?

Images via Stylite.

Burn 2011 Away

2012-01-09T19:02:00.015-05:00

A litte late for New Year's blog posts I know, but it's been a busy week on the working and playing front and I haven't had much time in front of my own computer. The week before last (last year) I was a little gloomy — a little not-home-for-the-holidays feeling sorry for myself combined with some good ol' beginning of winter depression. But things have picked up in the New Year, starting with a New Year's Eve Eve celebration where a friend made us all burn the past away. Maybe this little ritual is what started my upswing?

So Terese had us over for wine and an amazing cheese plate, but most importantly to write what we wanted to leave in 2011 on a little piece of paper and kiss it goodbye into a burning bucket of sage. Not exactly a New Year's resolution, more like a last year's good riddance. Sounds a little esoteric and hippy dippy, I know. But despite my sometime New York cynicism, I am a Northern California girl at heart and this little cathartic witchy ritual made me feel better as I watched my insecurities of 2011 burn away into the night.

Not to say last year was a bad year, in fact it was quite a big one for me with lots of life-changing decisions, amazing travels and special people. But we can always make more changes and better ourselves. So such a little ritual could never be bad, even after a good year and especially after a bad week. And to think I almost let my mopey behavior keep me home that night, but thank God for friends who would never allow such things. And thank God for ones who throw silly New Year's Eve Eve burn parties. Maybe this will become an annual tradition? But next year we will have to try and keep the smoke a little more under control. You'll see what I mean...

Random Sunday

2012-01-08T20:50:00.000-05:00

NEW YORK CITY—Times Square. A clothing shop advertisement, 1950.

Random Sunday

2012-01-01T11:05:00.007-05:00

PARIS—1952.

A Christmas Feast

2011-12-30T14:08:00.003-05:00

For having to stay in NYC for Christmas, I think my friends who also couldn't afford the $600 tickets to California and I, did a pretty good job of making it something special. Christmas Eve that is, Christmas Day was a wash that I do not even need to get into here. So at first we decided we were going to do a gift exchange where you pick a name out of a hat and get one gift for someone — but then in the giving spirit of the season we decided, what the heck, why don't we each get everyone a present. I mean there were only four of us (and one added last minute surprise guest). And with the gift giving we would have a proper feast.

I got really into cooking when I was living in Germany last year, but since I have been back in New York it's been harder to keep up for various reasons. But I got back into it for Xmas Eve and decided to make something I had never cooked before. A little risky for a special day, but I wanted to make something festive that looked amazing (or maybe a little scary for some) and hopefully tasted the same. So I bought each of us a whole trout and kept the heads for dramatic effect and made this recipe, along with some seared scallops. With the side dishes the girls made, it all turned out pretty delicious.

But back to the presents: I had never really exchanged gifts like this with friends before but I'll tell you it was a good idea. We hang out with each other pretty much everyday, so I guess it was no surprise that we all ended up with perfect gifts that suited all our likes and styles. No faking an "Oh I love it" when opening a Christmas sweater from your Grandma this year. It was sweet and fun and we all felt like Christmas even though we were far away from our families.

I took a bunch of photos while we cooked (look all the girls wore purple!) but my camera died right before dinner so the rest of the night went undocumented, maybe for the best as we may have been a little overindulgent with the wine. Naturally. Hope you had a special holiday too! Here's ours:

An England Day Trip: Bolton Abbey

2011-12-29T12:47:00.005-05:00

I told you a little about my UK holiday already here and here but there was one lovely little day trip out of Manchester that I wanted to share as well, and I might have another up my sleeve for later. But anyway, Manchester itself is a fun city with cute little cafes and funky bars, but sadly it is not the prettiest of places. Trees and parks are not its forte, but just outside the city (and unlike NYC there was actually a car to get into) is everything a nature lover is looking for from rolling hills, rivers, lakes and that British countryside greenery. I'd been wanting to explore the outer areas the whole time I was there but the usual laziness, city and travel plans got in the way. But the last day we made it out and despite the pretty frigid temperatures, Manchester decided to give us clear blue skies and sun. Lovely.

We drove about 45 minutes to Bolton Abbey, a beautiful old church and cemetery on a river surrounded by hiking trails. I got a little obsessed with watching the British TV series "The Trip" while I was there (that and "Frozen Planet" {I do miss having a TV, I'll admit]} and the Abbey was one of the many places Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon visited on their culinary expedition. Unfortunately the river was too high to reenact Coogan crossing it on the slippery rock path. The dude even almost brought a change of clothes incase he fell in the freezing water in his attempt, but thought it would seal his cold and wet fate if he did. But we did get to go on a lovely little hike, breath some amazing fresh air and talk to the little old man that ran the church. Have you ever noticed how little old men that run churches in England love to chat? I love little old men. Here are some pics:

Song on Repeat: "King Rides By"

2011-12-27T14:17:00.009-05:00

The woman I spent my younger years listening to in all her (and mine) melancholic glory is back. Meow. Well kind of. This track is a remix of Cat Power's 1996 song "Kings Ride By" with Filipino boxer and politician Manny Pacquiao mesmerizingly getting into it with a punching bag for the video. Giovanni Ribisi directed it, did you know he and Chan Marshall (AKA Cat Power) are going out? I didn't until today. I also found out she is working on a new album.

I'm mildly excited for that — but you know it is true, sadly, the older I get the less exciting new music is and the less likely it is to really change my life the way You Are Free did back in the day. But anyway, no need for any of that negativity. I really did love her, probably why it's the song on repeat for this grey wintery afternoon. I loved her for her beautiful raspy voice, depressing lyrics, classic cool girl grunge style and her insane onstage antics. Were you at the show where she hid behind the curtain for half of the concert or the one where she lip-synched rap songs the whole time to a booing audience? She is a nutter, or apparently was. Gotta love her for it though.

The Young Boss

2011-12-27T12:42:00.000-05:00

Been seeing pictures of a young Bruce Springsteen allover lately. Although I always knew he was a hottie, I am finding him irresistibly dreamy at the moment. Irresistibly dreamy.

Party Time!

2011-12-23T17:12:00.002-05:00

My favorite thing about New York is my friends. Sure I love that there is something to do (maybe a little too many things) every night, different kinds of people every where you look and a bustling all around you like no other place I've ever been. Yes I love these things, but if I left it all behind for greener and maybe easier pastures, the hardest thing to live without would be my friends. And I've done it once before, so I know. In this hectic city, they are what keeps me sane, well somewhat.

And last weekend we all got together — not that we don't pretty much every other weekend — to celebrate the holiday season. As we expected, the original guest list dwindled down with last minute cancellations and competing Christmas parties, to pretty much just the normal crew plus a few. But we didn't let that stop us from getting all fancy and dancing around the Christmas tree all night long. Who needs a massive crowd to make it a party, right? Just as long as you are surrounded by the people you love — that's the recipe for a great night in my book. And it was:

Random Sunday

2011-12-18T11:50:00.000-05:00

NEW YORK CITY—Santa drinking, 1968.

Fun in Manchester and Glasgow

2011-12-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

I haven't told you much about my time in Manchester and Glasgow as a lot of it was spent simply hanging out, catching up, drinking tea by the fire, going on walks, watching man TV, taking baths, eating pasta, working on the little children's book I wrote (more on that later) and hanging out with a little child. Just time with people who are so close to me but live so far away. Amazing yes, but not too much to report on there. But then again, what a good time we had just being us and being silly. Going out and having fun, staying in and having fun, from evenings jumping on the bed with my niece to late nights in the Northern Corner wearing hats and being ridiculous with new friends. Oh and there was my brother channeling Elton John, Nick eating a really big fish and two year old Sadie cooking us all dinner. I do seem to have a few photos of that:

Gimme Some Skin

2011-12-14T14:04:00.006-05:00

I wore a sheer top with only a bra underneath out one night last weekend. More provocative then my usual attire yes, but it was black and my skirt underneath was high-waisted and ultra-long so only a bit of skin showed and it was covered. My girlfriends thought it was cute or didn't even notice but my friend that's a guy thought it was crazy I would wear such a thing. But you know, the sheer trend has been around for awhile now and my attempt at it was pretty subtle compared to some. Ahem:

At least she didn't forget her socks...But anyway, I don't actually want to discuss the fact that this Italian fashionista (who has been popping up around the blogs for awhile now) wore such a get-up to an afternoon lunch in NYC. I want to talk about skin in general. It's everywhere! I posted about my obsession with but fear of wearing cutout dresses a bit ago and since then the trend has skyrocketed. Bits of skin, whether shoulders, rib cages, stomachs or backs are peaking out all over the place. And just in time for winter. I almost bought one in Manchester but I chickened out at the last minute. But maybe by the time spring rolls around I will own and feel confident enough to wear such a thing. I did just join the gym and this might actually just be a blog post to motivate me to go there this afternoon. :)

via T Magazine

via Nobody Knows Marc

via Harper's Bazaar

via Facehunter

via Cupcakes and Cashmere

via What Is Reality Anyway?

via The Sartorialist

via Mr Newton (same with sheer on at the top)

A Night In a Different World

2011-12-12T22:05:00.008-05:00

So as you might know, I did not get to celebrate Halloween this year. But I think I may have made up for it last night and, not to brag or anything, I also think maybe I should go into the last minute costume business. I pulled this Addams family quartet together out of nothing at the final hour in Berlin a few years ago, did a pretty good job for my girls the morning of this one and then it was Frida.

My friend Rachael invited me to the Come As You Art Ball a few days ago as her aunt had gotten the couple hundred a head tickets somehow for free through her work. I thought it sounded like a fun and totally out-of-our-ordinary thing to do, so I said I'd join her even though I had no idea what piece of art I had the means to dress up as. Rach borrowed this Magritte costume from a friend and I still had no idea what I was going to wear when I woke up Sunday morning. But after scouring my closet, my roommate and friend's jewelry boxes and buying two bouquets and some eyebrow pencil, a little Frida Kahlo came to life inside of me. And boy was she a hit.

Not only was it fun to dress up and get in touch with my mustached unibrowed side, the event itself was quite an experience. We spent the evening in high-ceiling rooms full of intricate moldings and velvet couches, off of wooden staircases and long hallways, in what could have once been a Greenwich Village mansion but was now a mysterious members only club. We nibbled on mini sandwiches, drank gin cocktails, ogled at the art on the walls while rubbing elbows with an echelon of people who wouldn't usually mosey into our Brooklyn dives but could definitely give any of the wannabe hipster artists that frequent them a lesson in cool. The kind of cool New York you may think about, but never really see outside of the movies or the pages of a certain Patti Smith novel.

They were writers, artists, photographers and professors who all seemed to have inhabited Manhattan since before we were born and will probably still be here attending art parties and chatting with new faces like ours about their openings, book releases and lectures until way after we are all long gone back to California. Maybe I am wrong and building up a Woody Allen fantasy in my head, or maybe I was able to have such intriguing conversations with these intellectuals because I was dressed up as an artist, but either way I have been smiling about my little Frida New York moment all day.

Random Sunday

2011-12-11T16:37:00.000-05:00

CARLISLE, England—Cumberland Agricultural Society Show, 1978.

Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?

2011-12-08T17:06:00.001-05:00

I am loving this Amy Winehouse version, sad on so many levels...

A Lot of Spark

2011-12-06T11:36:00.006-05:00

Sparkles are everywhere this season. Have you not noticed the massive amounts of sequins and glitter on everything from shoes to shorts and of course party dresses? They're everywhere! I do like it — I mean I am a girl and all. One of my personal favorite party dresses is a sequin backless number I wore a few seasons ago that I might just have to break out again this year if I can find some more holiday parties to go to. Anyone want to invite me please?

But my favorite item outside of my closet comes to us from the woman who designed those sparkly Miu Miu booties that started this whole glitter trend to begin with. I mean isn't this Prada sequin tote amazing? I want it in all its impractical insanely overpriced ($3,695) glory. What sparkly thing do you like the best?

Photo via Refinery29.

Something Nice About Coming Home...

2011-12-05T11:53:00.005-05:00

I took a week off from blogging after returning to NYC after six weeks away and per usual the transition back into city life was not such a pleasant one. Amazing to see my friends yes, but I came back to a room left in disarray by my subletter, missing clothing including a special Paris purchase that I adore, a house with mice in it (my absolute and yes, most irrational fear) and the anxiety that comes with having to search for a job once again. Oh and that whole missing someone thing doesn't really help either. So yeah, coming back has not been the easiest. But things are looking up and it is even pretty nice and warm in good old Brooklyn, especially compared to freezing Manchester. And despite the non-wintery weather another nice thing about coming home is the holiday season that has erupted around me. Everywhere I go there is Christmas music playing (on Sat night on our way out the other Megan asked our cab driver to turn his Xmas tunes up as we drove to Williamsburg, and of course he obliged, it was all very cute), Christmas trees are being sold on the sides of the road and every time I leave my apartment I get to walk past this house with its massive amount of lights, glowing angels and the Christmas music they are playing for the neighborhood to hear, naturally. This all makes me happy.

Random Sunday

2011-12-04T19:58:00.001-05:00

BEMENT, Illinois—Marilyn Monroe resting, 1955.

Random Sunday

2011-11-27T11:42:00.000-05:00

PARIS—The Golden Age Club in the 15th arrondissement, 1980.

The Denim Tee

2011-11-25T08:09:00.001-05:00

Denim has invaded all of our closets and gone way beyond just jeans with dresses, jackets, skirts and jumpers getting all up in the mix. But if you thought denim had done it all, think again, there's more. I've been noticing a little trend a brewing: the denim shirt. And I am not talking about the button-up that we have all been wearing for a few seasons now, but an actual denim t-shirt. I first saw Joanna Hillman wearing one (hers is Stella McCartney and I am thinking the others are as well) at this show during New York Fashion Week and have noticed them popping up on the street style blogs since.

Part of me loves it and part of me thinks it looks like something an early 90s housewife would wear paired with khakis to pick up the kids from school in her minivan. Hmmm, maybe I am into that look. I personally like the way Joanna wore it the best, even though it was styled with denim pants (or are those shorts?) at the actual Stella show. I like the contrast of the feminine cream pleated skirt against the more masculine almost square top. I think the girl with the camera is adorable too, but I am not sure if I could pull that off quite so easily. So, what do you think of the denim tee?

via Bazaar

via Vanessa Jackman

via The Sartorialist

At Stella McCartney via Bazaar

Pie Update

2011-11-25T06:49:00.001-05:00

So all that worrying was for nothing (me? never.) The dough defrosted and the pie was in and out of the oven before dinner with time to spare. The ironic part? We never even ate the pie! It is sitting untouched, just as in that photo, in the fridge. Our dinner (which I wore one of my new shirts too) here was lovely and turned into drinks and a night that ended in ways that did not involve whipping up fresh cream and eating a slice of pie. So silly after all that fuss about tasting pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, I know. But in the end I did have a very special evening that made me feel quite thankful for what/who I have in my life. And tonight we will eat that pie, if I can restrain myself from eating it for lunch.

My Shopping Addiction May Have Ruined Thanksgiving….

2011-11-24T11:43:00.008-05:00

Well that could be a bit of an exaggeration, as sadly I am not even in the States (and I might love Thanksgiving even more than I love Halloween. Boo.), so there is not much to ruin. But still I had a little something special planned here in Manchester: I was going to make a pumpkin pie for the first time and the boy was going to taste a pumpkin pie for the first time. And knowing that I'm sad to be missing Thanksgiving and that a lone pie doesn't necessarily cut it, he made a reservation at a special restaurant for tonight at eight.

But back to the pie. Since I just got back from my second trip to Glasgow (still no baby!) last night, there was no time to grocery shop until today. My only possession was the hardest to obtain ingredient, a can of Libby's pumpkin, which I found at a little Mexican/American specialty shop in Glasgow. An amazing find, as pumpkin pie is solely an American dessert, but little did I know it would be the easiest.

So today, which was actually quite beautiful, I headed out to get the rest of what I needed. Maybe it was the blue skies that were distracting me, but more likely it was all the little shops in Manchester's Northern Quarter. There are so many cute little places around here, and I feel like every time I leave the house I notice a new one. So I wandered in and out of some and spent too much time at a certain terrible/wonderful place where I was really just looking for a pie dish, I swear. And before I new it, it was well into the afternoon. This is why stores should be closed on Thanksgiving even outside the US, right?

But I still thought I was fine, if I was home by 3 that would give me more than enough time to bake a pie before our dinner reservation. But then I picked up the pastry dough and to my great horror it was frozen! In no way did I factor defrosting time into the equation (maybe that is what I get for not making the dough from scratch or knowing absolutely nothing about pie making?). Shit.

So I hurried home and now as I write, I am waiting and staring at this piece of dough on the counter hoping all that ice will melt away before it is too late. But you know, at least I am the proud owner of a hot little leather (maybe fake [probably fake {definitely fake}]) dress, a beaded top and a little polka dot Alexa Chung-esque number that will never make me as happy as the taste of pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving. Waah.

Well I have certainly learned my lesson and hopefully it will all work out in the end. Melt little guy melt! But either way, I want to wish you all a very very Happy Thanksgiving from abroad. Hopefully you are surrounded by plenty of loved ones, plenty of food and wine, and plenty of comfy couches. Oh triptafen.

Song on Repeat: "You Know What I Mean"

2011-11-21T10:02:00.006-05:00

Sometimes you can find home sickness remedies in the strangest of places. Mine came on Saturday in the form of putting on my new lipstick and listening to this song over and over again as I tried on clothes for the evening out. Superficial I know, but a simple solution. It's something I do at home, a little routine (not always with this song of course) that I haven't really done since I have been in England. Not that we haven't been going out (there has been far too much of that maybe), but it's just not the same getting ready process with a boy around. But Saturday it was just me and I was able to try on a bunch of outfits and blast this girly song over and over again as I danced around. It's also nice to rediscover a band.

Random Sunday

2011-11-20T22:56:00.000-05:00

PARIS—Boulevard Diderot, 1969.

New York, New York

2011-11-19T05:39:00.005-05:00

I have been feeling a bit homesick for NYC the last couple days. Not that I am not having a great time in the UK, but I do miss my little big apple, my friends and yes, my clothes. Silly I know, especially because it's a guarantee I will be so sad to leave in just over a week, but a dinner out with the girls in an outfit not packed in that suitcase would be so fun right about now. Or what about a night out at one of Manhattan's most beautiful places, the New York Public Library for its Fall Benefit Gala? Not that my friends and I would ever be invited to such an event, but doesn't the party held earlier this month look amazing? I just love that building. To be in it, surrounded by books, food and fabulously dressed New Yorkers, maybe one day...

Photos via Vogue.com.

Random Sunday

2011-11-13T16:41:00.000-05:00

NEW YORK CITY—Felix, Gladys, and Rover, 1974.

Sister Act

2011-11-11T10:16:00.006-05:00

I don't have a sister, but I like the idea of them, I especially like the idea of a whole magazine of them, especially one with my faves Mary-Kate and Ashley on the cover. I mean who else would it be for Vogue's Best Dressed Sister Edition? Such a good idea, right? I mean sisters are so hot right now! They've also got the Knowles sisters (cool), the Clarins sisters (creepy), the Middleton sisters (boring) and the Fanning sisters (adorable) up in the mix, as well as some models, Frenchies and other rightfully fashionable siblings. I got to get my hands on a copy.

Sometimes I do wish I knew what it was like to have a sister, that unbreakable bond, that other closet to raid, boyfriends to steal (JK). But in the last years, I actually have gotten a little taste of sisterdom — I have become really close with my two sister-in-laws and my oldest brother has two little girls who I get to watch grow up as sisters just two years apart. And I'm not done yet: in just a few hours I am driving up to Glasgow to see my other brother, my other niece and the earlier said sister-in-law who in fact is pretty much nine months pregnant (she is due next Thursday) with another girl! Sisters all around! So exciting.

Here's some of my sister photos for you, can't wait for the new one to be added to the bunch. I'll keep you posted from Scotland...

My nieces Maisie and India and sister-in-law Deanna in NYC by Daniel.

Sisters in Stripes: My sister-in-law Catherine, Deanna, my bro's GF Nicole, me and my mom at Stinson Beach.

Cath and soon-to-be-big-sister Sadie in Scotland.

Sisters India and Maisie in California.

Me and Deanna in NYC.

Cath and Deanna in Italy.

Barcelona Weekend Roundup

2011-11-09T08:25:00.008-05:00

Last weekend I went to Spain for the first time in about eight years and it felt just as amazing as it always did. I was born there and studied abroad there as well, so the country has always held a place in my heart and it made it even more special to be there with someone who does also.

We managed to pack a lot into our three days in the city and even though it rained a bit, it was still so much warmer than back in England or NYC. One day I got to wear a skirt without tights and always just my light military jacket. Amazing. So anyway, my dear friend Rachael used to lived in Barcelona and sent us off with a detailed email of where we should go according to her life there. So we followed her lead from Gaudí's Park Güell to an authentic Catalan restaurant on a tiny street to the "cafe" she used to work at. So nice to see the city from a local point of view, I only wished she was the one serving us our late night cervezas.

We also managed to discover some places on our own and with the help of the Internet of course (well I pretty much just followed along as he researched and lead the way) including an amazing tapas restaurant where we ended up eating two nights in a row because it was so delish (I've never done that before), a bar called Wow!, a pool table where you paid for a half an hour and played for how ever long (love Spanish rules) and an American-esque brunch spot (sometimes you just need a break from jamon y queso, no?). And of course we walked on tiny cobble stone streets, ducked into churches, drank cafe con leche at outside tables, strolled along the deserted beach and drank massive amounts of vino. What else do you do in Spain?

Here are some pics. I know disclaimers are annoying, but I wish they were better. Granted it rained a lot (hence the weird frizzy hair) and I just wasn't in my normal excessive photo taking vacation mode, maybe I was simply too distracted with all the things above:

Outfit: Skirt (Primark), cropped black tee (H&M), military jacket (Gap), booties (ASOS) and vintage bag (Beacon's Closet)

Outfit: Shirt (Primark), vintage Levi shorts (thrift Berlin), military jacket (Gap), booties (ASOS) and vintage bag (Beacon's Closet)

Quiet (and Funny) Ryan

2011-11-07T13:07:00.002-05:00

Quiet Ryan - watch more funny videos

He's so nice to look at, he doesn't have to say a thing.

via That Kind of Woman.

Random Sunday

2011-11-06T23:00:00.003-05:00

NEVADA—1957.

Adios!!!

2011-11-02T06:21:00.002-04:00

I'm off to Spain, my favorite country and the place I was born, in a few minutes and I am so excited. I'll have a night in Valencia and the next few days in Barcelona. I can't wait to eat tapas, drink vino tinto and feel like I am home. Maybe I won't even have to wear a jacket, I'm certainly leaving my coat in the UK. Yay! Okay then, see you when I get back!

Photo via Flickr.

Happy Halloween from Afar

2011-10-31T14:27:00.006-04:00

This is the third Halloween in a row that I have been out of the United States and the first year that I have not dressed up at all. And even though I am used to it, and really Halloween can't be that big of a deal (right?), I still can't help being jealous. Especially with all those weekend party pics plastered all over the Facebook. Dressing up is one of my favorite things to do and Halloween in the States is the ultimate. Nothing beats getting ready with your friends, taking photos and stuffing your face with candy. Mmmm.

Last year and the year before in Germany we put together some last minute costumes and managed to find parties where at least some people were dressed up, but it will never compare to being in NYC where an entire subway car is filled with people trying to outdo each other with the cleverest costumes — and clever costumes there are. Anyway, it's fine, I'm cool with it, I am going to sushi in England, and that's not so bad.

But I did manage to find some pics of the last time I was in the Sates for Halloween, when Sarah and I dressed up as beauty queens — Miss New Jersey and Miss Alabama — with orange tans, fake fingernails, accents and all. It was pretty fun. I'll also throw in a photo I just received of my niece in California and her pumpkin collection. So cute. So yes, have a Happy Halloween for me! I'll have some sashimi for you.

Random Sunday

2011-10-30T14:27:00.000-04:00

PARIS—An Yves Saint Laurent fashion show, 2007.

A House and a Dog?

2011-10-27T08:53:00.000-04:00

First it was this, now this. Am I growing a slight obsession with big dogs and comfy lived-in spaces? Hmmm.

via Clever Nettle

The New Polka Dot

2011-10-26T12:59:00.002-04:00

We all know I love a polka dot dress and have many many of them, but this polka dot obsession has moved beyond the PDD with a recent sweater and a flowing polka dot pant purchase. I kinda want to wear them together, but maybe that is a little much? I think these ladies are doing it right. Maybe next I can do the polka dot pantsuit. Not too much at all.

via All the Pretty Birds

via Russh

via Mr. Newton

via Bazaar

Oh Just Some World Champions

2011-10-25T09:04:00.008-04:00

Life is weird, I always say that. Pretty much because I often end up in situations that I never thought I would experience and in places I never thought I would be — last weekend was a pretty good example of that. Although I do like sports — I have three older brothers, I played soccer my whole life etc — until Sunday I had never seen, or even thought to see, a rugby game. And Sunday was the ultimate rugby game. It was the World Cup Finals, New Zealand was playing France, and I was in a bar (at 9 am) surrounded by more Kiwis then I even knew existed in London. It was a scene from the beginning, and I always knew it was a big deal, but I started to realize just how important this all really was as the game went on. Each of their faces got more and more wracked with nerves as the really close game continued, you could feel the intensity, until finally the time wore down and New Zealand won by just one point and the bar exploded with screams, tears, popping bottles of champagne, boys and, one girl, drinking out of a shoe (later I was told it was a French shoe) and pretty much total celebratory debauchery. It was a pretty amazing thing to see, just complete happiness all around, which turned into one of the most fun days I have had in awhile. Take a look at the craziness:

Random Smiles

2011-10-20T09:58:00.005-04:00

I have a little more time on my hands these days and the opportunity to regularly blog again and work on some writing projects I have going. It feels good. So anyway, like most bloggers I think, I have a folder on my desktop where I put images I come across that cause some sort of reaction. With my new freedom, I had the time to look through the folder, and thought I would share a few photos that were obviously saved because they made me smile.

Little Things I Love About England...

2011-10-19T10:10:00.011-04:00

...Primark. I think I am not supposed to admit that — you know with all the terribly cheap (child labor?), terribly made (fall apart in just days) clothes knocked-off of legitimate designers. But the thing is, there is a time and place for such things. Maybe? For a very long time now I have been obsessed with chunky heel, dark blue shoes: first it was these, then there was these — which I actually tried on last time I was in London, but even though they are so much less expensive than the Miu Mius, I still just couldn't bring myself to spend a couple hundred on a pair of six inch heels that, unlike Hanelli, I won't be able to wear on a daily basis...or ever, really. More recently, the idea of these fantasy shoes being done in velvet came into the picture, first with these and then with these. Yet again, Dries van Noten? I don't think so. And the Topshop pair, again cheaper, but these are boots made of velvet, not really a practical choice for wet New York winters.

So it seemed my blue shoe dreams were just not going to come true. Until yesterday that is, when I popped into Primark to buy a cheap pair of gloves and a scarf (PS. I'm in England and it's cold) and okay, maybe take a quick look around, and there they were: chunky, blue, velvet and cheap. As much as I want to own quality well-made goods that will last a lifetime, they don't have to to be my six inch velvet heels (who can tell in velvet anyway?) that may only leave the apartment on my feet two or three times in their lifetime. 18 pounds (yup) is just fine for them, and I think I feel almost as excited...

And just for fun, and scale and to show how these shoes will probably be worn most of the time, here's the whole model shot of me in them in my pajamas. Look how tall I am! So any ideas where I can wear my new favorite shoes with proper clothes?

CrazySexyCool

2011-10-17T10:06:00.001-04:00

Photos via BecauseImAddicted.

Random Sunday

2011-10-16T11:00:00.000-04:00

Manhattan. 1961.

A New York Day Trip: Governor's Island

2011-10-11T14:31:00.002-04:00

Since yesterday I shared a New York day trip with you and since I have a little free time for the first time in a couple months, I thought I would post some photos I promised I would put up a long time ago from our trip to Governor's Island this past August. It was an amazingly hot summer day (in which it was predicted to rain) and Whitney, Rachael, Megan, Julia and I got all dressed up in 20s garb and took a ferry to attend the annual Jazz Age Lawn Party. It is something I had wanted to do since seeing all the pics on the Sartorialist and other street style blogs (we spotted Bill Cunningham there snapping away) year after year, but finally found the motivation to actually do it. And oh was it worth it, everyone in attendance was decked out in costume, not a better place in the world to snap photos and people watch. And although I did spend a lot of time scoping out the scene from our blanket, watching (and critiquing) everyone that walked past as I sipped on a summery cocktail, I seemed to have only taken photos of my friends. Ooops. Next year I will make a point to branch out a bit, but for now, here was one of my favorite summer days...

And a little tragic love story acted out on the water...

A New York Day Trip: The Dia Beacon

2011-10-10T17:03:00.006-04:00

This past weekend was my last in the city for awhile, so I decided to take full advantage of it. Luckily the weather was absolutely perfect, reaching up to the 80s, and Mary, Megan and Julia were game to take the train to Beacon, a little town on the Hudson River just over an hour North of Grand Central Station and home to a beautiful light-filled museum in an old printing factory. In all my seven years of living in New York this was my first trip to the Dia Beacon and it certainly made me question why. The space is phenomenal and perfect for photography — ironically, they don't allow photos, but I managed to sneak a few good ones in and took a bunch outside and in Beacon itself, a quintessential East Coast Americana town with churches, pottery shops, people riding Harleys and hanging flags on their front porches. After a few hours in the museum, which includes work from the 1960s on, we ended the day with Mediterranean food and white wine at a little restaurant with a darling backyard filled with flowers and other people probably escaping the city. And such a nice escape it was. Actually, it wasn't really a needing to escape New York kind of day, more so the let's take advantage of all the things New York has to offer kind...

I'm wearing: Ralph Lauren T-shirt Dress (Thrifted), Military Jacket (The Gap), Black Booties (ASOS)

Random Sunday

2011-10-09T23:52:00.000-04:00

PROVENCE-ALPES-COTE D’AZUR, France—Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall, 1955.

We Never Talked About: Louis Vuitton

2011-10-07T13:29:00.005-04:00

Guess I'm still thinking about Fashion Week after all ... every time I see photos from the Louis Vuitton opener I get excited. I mean it was just two days ago, but I'm sure you've already seen them. Don't you think Marc outdid himself in what could've been his final LV show? Not only was the dramatic carousel beginning carved from what dreams are made of, the clothes themselves were plucked from every girls' fantasy land. Swoon. Oh and bonus points for finding Kate Moss in the pic above.

Ummm, Hello

2011-10-06T16:19:00.001-04:00

How amazing is this photo? Simon, Garfunkel, Lennon, Bowie. Amazing. And look, my main man Paul is tinier than Yoko. So cute.

Photo via SoMuchToTellYou.

My New Dirty Secret: The Gap

2011-10-06T11:36:00.002-04:00

When you think of the Gap don't button-up shirts and awkward sweaters you used to get for Christmas come to mind? Yeah me too. But in the last month or so I have popped into the preppy haven numerous times (explanation: there is one next door to my work) and have come out with some pretty choice items. First it was these awesome booties (that photo does not do them justice) that I have pretty much been wearing everyday. Weirdly Gap has really good and well-priced shoes, who knew? Then I got this military jacket, as my old one was missing pretty much every button, and it is a more than a worthy replacement. Both items are pretty cool, as in I feel cool when I wear them, you know a bit rock n' roll. Yeah I'll admit it, and I am admitting the not so rock n' roll place I bought them. The other two items I purchased fall more into the traditional Gap category: a pinky red cable knit sweater and the most perfect fitting, from the uber tightness to the exact no hem needed length, pair of dark denim skinny jeans (not easy to find). So kudos Gap! What a pleasant surprise.

PS They are having a huge sale now, if one happens to be next door to your office, go!

Workout!

2011-10-06T11:09:00.002-04:00

Last night was a fun night — my friend Tim premiered the music video he directed for my other friend Alex's band Workout. I will have to say I was pretty impressed. Yay Tim! You make us proud! Yay Alex! You look hot in a jumpsuit!  

Check out their website too.

This Is How...

2011-10-05T12:54:00.000-04:00

...a living room should look — including the dog. As it is the last day of Fashion Month and my time here is winding down, I look forward to a little break from fashion (we will see how long that lasts) and I wouldn't mind taking it in this space. Nice huh?

Photo via That Kind of Woman.

Everyone Wants...

2011-10-04T14:22:00.001-04:00

...a Chanel party dress. I'll take this one from today's show.

Photo via NYTimes. 

Valentino Gets Historic

2011-10-04T14:15:00.003-04:00

I never considered myself a Valentino kind of girl, if I ever really went high-fashion I assumed I would go more in the Isabel Marant or Miu Miu (duh) direction. But I wasn't so into Marant this season and Miu Miu is tomorrow (exciting!) so we shall see. Maybe it's the new designers at the helm or my obsession with long girly dresses, lace and that nude neon combo that I am loving right now, but today's Valentino show took my breath away. The HB writer said the dresses had "historical silhouettes" and I'm into it, I have always been into pouffed shoulders and long delicate sleeves. You should click on the images to do them justice PS.

Photos via Nowfashion.

Random Sunday

2011-10-02T16:08:00.000-04:00

ST. TROPEZ, France—Bardot jumping in front of her villa, La Madrague, 1955.

Little Things I Love (Miss) About Berlin...

2011-09-29T17:27:00.006-04:00

...the living room bars. A friend who I lived with for a second in Berlin, who also lives in New York again, is coming over tonight and I've been trying to figure out of what we should do. This got me thinking about Berlin again and something I particularly miss about my old home. Both NYC and Berlin have more bars than one city could possibly need, but the atmosphere inside of these establishments couldn't be more different. American bars have, well, a bar, bar stools, and maybe some tables, a TV, and they usually smell like stale beer and other things depending on their level on the dive-y scale. Berlin bars are more like living rooms or old attics where your grandma is storing all her unwanted furniture from her living room. They are full of couches and ashtrays and old lady lamps, and you can sit in them for hours without really feeling like you are wasting away at a bar. And I certainly did a lot of that with my friend, and she doesn't even drink. The cozy hangouts serve coffee, tea and club mate (when is it coming to the States?) and it isn't weird if that is what you want — everyone isn't just there to get drunk and hit on each other. I do miss that. The pic above is from one of my favorites, Luzia, and here are some of the others I hung out in as well.

Fashion Week Street Style: NYC, London and Milan

2011-09-27T13:31:00.004-04:00

New York, London and Milan fashion weeks are history — we've just Paris to go. So yeah, things are winding down here in the office and I have had a moment to look at the inspiring street style shots I have been collecting off our site. When I put them all together they certainly had a common thread and fell into little categories, although in no way was I thinking about when I dragged them each to my desktop. We all just like what we like and it is pretty obvious what I am into: florals, stripes, polka dots, rose tones, pattern on pattern, buttoned-up collars, hats, long-skirts, 40s-inspired dresses, skinny waist belts, platforms and those sparkly Miu Mius. What about you? What are you seeing on the streets that you love?   

All images via Harper's Bazaar.

Random Sunday

2011-09-25T22:28:00.000-04:00

CUBA—1961.

Alexa Chung for Madewell Again!

2011-09-22T14:55:00.002-04:00

I'm thinking of making a quick pop into Madewell this evening to check out one of my (and everyone else who has a penchant for thrift stores and boys in bands) favorite fashionista's latest line that came out today. Alexa Chung has hip minimalism with a touch of tomboyish (or is it little girlish?) quirk down to a tee and her closet is probably on the top of my list of those I would love to raid. That being said, just like last time around, I would definitely wear a majority of the line but still feel weird about the high-prices for such muted reaction inducing clothing. That that being said, last time I regretted not buying the lovely polka dot dress when I saw it around on the blogs. That that that being said, I still sorta hope when I see the clothes in person (there is another polka dot dress) that my reaction continues to be somewhat lackluster cause in the end I don't want to spend $200 on a dress or $350 on a pretty dope pair of shoes. Wish me luck!

Random Sunday

2011-09-18T23:04:00.000-04:00

Sweden. 1971.

And the Oscar Goes to...

2011-09-13T20:26:00.051-04:00

I do wonder when I will buy my first real designer piece (no, Chanel perfume does not count, neither do the Miu Miu clogs I found at Beacon's Closet). I, of course, also wonder what it will be (maybe a pair of Chloe shoes or a Stella McCartney blazer or a Prada sweater?). Who knows? But I do know what it won't be: a Marchesa. The only people lucky enough to wear gorgeous Marchesa gowns — and gorgeous Marchesa gowns is all Marchesa does — are the people who make regular appearances on award show red carpets. I don't see that in my near future, but if I did fantasize about making a little witty and humble acceptance speech for a dramatic high-intensity role that I changed my whole appearance for (and then was magically back to my skinny self just in time to accept the award), I might just be wearing this little number that walked down the runway a few hours ago.

Photo via the NYTimes.

No Words

2011-09-12T18:08:00.000-04:00

This just made me laugh.

Image from The Cut.

Random Sunday: 9/11

2011-09-11T17:07:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK CITY—Young people along the East River while a huge plume of smoke rises from lower Manhattan, Sept. 11, 2001.

A Trip Down Memory/Bread Lane

2011-09-11T13:59:00.001-04:00

As I have told you before, my BFF Bryn is in town, but sadly I am working ridiculous fashion week hours. I went out her first night but there was no way I could do it again last night, so as I was home waiting for images (until 2 am!), Bryn was off galavanting in Green Point and sent me a photo she took along the way that brought back memories of her visit a few years ago where I was lucky enough to join in on the fun, if not make it. It was one of those hot summer Brooklyn nights that turns out unexpected adventure after adventure. This particular rendezvous, involving a serious bread heist, was documented in full detail by Bryn herself. Although the evening itself was hysterical, it's her amazing captions on Facebook that really make me laugh. So I thought I would put it on the blog for a little good old New York summer nostalgia as fall continues its inevitable creep in.

This is the photo she just sent me:

Remember this place? Our haven

These are the photos from a night in July 2009:

bread! delicious!

megs and I

oh jeeeeezzzz

it's bread time

nice work, megan

her little baaaaby...

...is scrumptious

i second that

the bread walk

in depth conversation about the effects of bread on american culture. it's making megan 2 nervous

get it in their, megan

preparation

the main course

bizarre digestion tactics

Cynthia Rowley

2011-09-10T21:22:00.000-04:00

By a stroke of luck I got to sit front for the Cynthia Rowley show last night (see look how close my photos are). As many shows as I have been to, I have never had the luxury of sitting in the very front. It is a little intimidating with those flashing lights and all, but certainly so much better when it comes to seeing the amazing clothes. And amazing they were, from the gold shoes, to the floral prints to the cut-out fabrics. It was definitely a show that reminded me of why I love fashion — which is an important thing to remember when you are working 13 hour days for fashion week for some reason.

Other people in the front row? A fried-platinum Lindsay Lohan and a my sparkly Miu Miu shoe wearing Alexa Chung. Not bad for a celeb sighting, eh? (Read a funny little piece about them written by the fug girls for the Cut here.) I also decided to include a couple pics of me and my BFFs since 7th grade Bryn and Mary, who I met up with after my 13 hour day — which was probably not the smartest decision I've ever made for more reason than one, but it's not too often Miss Bryn is in town, and a guarantee you have to go out on her first night in the big city if she is.

Hey Fashion Week!

2011-09-09T16:06:00.003-04:00

New York Fashion Week has started and you can feel it in the air. The office has gone back and forth from a dead quiet with all the girls out at the shows or an intense buzzing with a red lipstick covered rush before the shows. I'm going to my first of the season (Cynthia Rowley) tonight, but will mostly be at my computer getting first looks of everything hot off the runways. So I am going to try and post things that particularly catch my eye, like this amazing Jason Wu dress from this afternoon. I am loving this lime color lately and have realized I own absolutely nothing in it. Time to go shopping, per always.

Cut It Out!

2011-09-05T13:21:00.001-04:00

There is a little folder on my desktop where I have been collecting photos of cutout dresses for some time. Although I don't own one — maybe because my confidence isn't quite at the level it needs to be to pull one off or maybe just because I haven't found the right one yet — I still have a bit of an obsession. And yesterday when I saw this photo (which is certainly not helping that earlier mentioned confidence) of my dear friend Bryn (who will be arriving in NYC for a vacay next week!) on Facebook, I knew it was time to post the bunch.

Hey Brynnie, can you please wear this when you are in NYC. I can only imagine where the night will take us....

via Harper's BAZAAR

via Miss Pandora

via StyleClicker

via Lulus

via Vanessa Jackman

Random Sunday

2011-08-28T23:56:00.001-04:00

PARIS—The flooding of the Seine, February 1978.

Little Things I Love...

2011-08-26T12:30:00.001-04:00

...about my job: discovering things I would have never seen and will never have, like these amazing $985 Maison Martin Margiela booties.  

Do You Miss This Face?

2011-08-25T17:34:00.002-04:00

I sure do. 

Image via ThatKindofWoman

Another Moment For Perfection

2011-08-25T15:52:00.002-04:00

First it was for Kate and now it is for Miss Anne Hathaway in Alexander McQueen.            I have always been obsessed with white dresses and white lace and I’m loving the moment they are having in the fashion spotlight right now. This dress is pretty much my dream and a little reminiscent of a certain jazz-age era that my girls and I got dressed up in garb from for a lawn party last weekend (pics to come), love that. Nice job Rachel Zoe.     

Just Kids on the Big Screen

2011-08-22T13:07:00.001-04:00

I just read that my favorite novel of last year, Patti Smith's Just Kids, is being turned into a feature film and Smith herself is working on the screenplay. I am totally one for a biopic, especially if it has to do with rock n' roll (which they usually do), and although I am not always into movie versions of amazing books, I think this one could be up there with my fave the Virgin Suicides. It gets me excited just thinking about it, like most things having to do with Patti Smith somehow do. Who do you think they will cast as those two icons above?

Random Sunday: Happy Birthday Coco Chanel

2011-08-21T22:41:00.000-04:00

PARIS—Designer for Chanel Karl Lagerfeld being kissed by a model after the presentation of the spring/summer collection, 1986.

My New Shoe Rack

2011-08-21T19:42:00.000-04:00

It almost (not really) fits all my shoes....

I Can Take a Moment for Perfection

2011-08-19T12:38:00.001-04:00

For those of you who had anything bad to say about Kate Moss's wedding dress (I did actually hear some negative comments), I think this photo via the pages of Vogue's September issue will quiet those crazy voices. It's perfect, as was the wedding, as was the magazine spread. If by some weird reason, you haven't seen the extra photos online, then by all means you should. They made me tear up when I saw them last week. I am very emotional apparently.

So yes, this is all I have to say for now, well I have tons of things to say, just no time to say them. The last few weeks I have been working at a fashion magazine, so all day long I have been constantly inundated with beautiful imagery and inspiring ideas for my blog and of course my closet. Although I admit I have somehow found the time to go shopping, my little blog has been neglected now that I am in an office full-time — and there is no slowing down as fashion month is just around the corner. But as I get more accustomed to this fast-paced life once again, more of it will transfer over here, I promise. But now, a short moment for Kate.

Random Sunday

2011-08-14T21:36:00.001-04:00

PARIS—The Promenade Plantée, 1998.

Random Sunday

2011-08-07T23:10:00.001-04:00

CALIFORNIA—1955.

My Summer So Far...

2011-08-03T22:20:00.010-04:00

At the end of June a sad thing happened: my trusty camera broke. Completely my fault, as I left it on the deck of the beach house where my family was staying the one night it rained, ugh I know. Sadly, it was an issue that a bowl of rice could just not solve. Boo. So I am not sure if you have noticed, but there has been a lot less personal stuff on the blog as of late, well this lack of a camera is why my friend. I had my little Samsung (gifted to me at CosmoGirl) forever, so it was hard to come to terms with its demise. I know it is just a material object, but it's been with me at all times, documenting my life in NYC and Berlin and my travels and so many purchases in between.

I may not be the best photographer, but I am good at always taking photos to cherish on my own and share with you. So to spend a month plus change without that ability felt like losing a limb. Okay maybe that is a little dramatic, but it was hard. Letting go is hard, forking out dough is hard. But now that I have scored a few more gigs, last weekend I was able to buy myself a new camera and begin documenting once again. But I still felt like I lost so much time, so I decided to scour my Mom's Flickr, my friends' Facebook pages and my iPhone to see if I could illustrate just how fun this summer has been with their pics and the few I took before and after the camera debacle. So here's what I came up with from the lakes of England to the beaches of California to the rooftops of Brooklyn to the Fire Island ferry to the baby pool on the stoop and beyond...

Random Sunday

2011-07-31T23:28:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK CITY—1963.

My Answer to Miu Miu

2011-07-29T18:00:00.005-04:00

So yeah, I am obsessed with Miu Miu shoes. I don't know how many times I have blogged about these bad boys that a certain editor at a certain magazine that I start freelancing at on Tuesday (OMG I am so excited!) wears so well. Maybe she'll let me borrow them? But in the meantime I bought these babies for $15 at a thrift store. To me they are the cheap love child of my dream blue pair and the latest Miu Miu gold creations.

I am excited about my little purchase but wonder when I will actually get to wear them? I also wonder when am I going to be able to buy the real deal instead of the scuffed up thrift store version? Have you ever bought a pair of designer shoes? My biggest shoe splurge was on these beauts. Maybe one day I'll get my Miu Mius, but for now these little gold ones will do.

Versailles Envy

2011-07-27T10:26:00.002-04:00

I certainly have nothing to complain about, I will be the first to admit that with all the traveling I have done in the past couple years, I have lived a bit of a charmed life. But not as charmed as these girls! I mean, I haven't got to do any time traveling or anything. When I saw the pics of those French fashion bloggers (Louise, Alix and crew) at a party in Versailles all dressed to the nines in Marie Antoinette garb, I almost lost it. I want to do that!

Le Carnaval de Versailles took place in all its extravagant decadence earlier this July and those lucky enough to attend the strictly enforced masked ball got dance into the wee hours of the night, drink champagne and nibble on the most delectable treats I am sure, well if their corsets allowed. I am so jeally! How amazing to party in XVIIIth century Versailles for a night? The sky-high hair! The dresses! Oh my! I love the Cherry Blossom Girl's pics below, especially the ones that have the juxtaposition of modern day devices against the Baroque backdrop. Would you want to go this party? Um, I would.

Perfection in Berlin

2011-07-26T23:39:00.003-04:00

Sometimes an over-dramatisized vintage look (I would actually venture a guess that nothing she is wearing is actually vintage, but that is not the point) doesn't work and sometimes it does — case in point. I mean, it is amazing, even the Vespa goes. Isn't she lovely? And hey, the photo is of a fraulein in Berlin. Have to admit I am missing that place a bit these days. What do you think of this Berlin beauty? Are you keen as I am?

Photo via GlamCanyon.

The Summer Dress

2011-07-25T18:01:00.020-04:00

After the hottest weekend I have ever felt (I am pretty positive I got heat stroke on Sat night), it has cooled down to a frosty 80 degrees. I know for the average person 80 is hot, but for us New Yorkers, it is refreshing and lovely and so relieving. We can still wear summer dresses, shorts and no jackets, but we don't have to be worried about feeling and looking like we just stepped out of a sauna at all times.

And speaking of summer dresses, in the last week or so I have seen at least four or five ladies sporting this little number. Like the girl above each of them wore some sort of novelty bra — either in lace or a bright color — to show in the back and the sides. A couple of the girls wore it in a larger size so it had more of a baggy look to it — or maybe it's a different cut — either way, I liked that. So after seeing it so many times I started to wonder, is this the dress of the summer? I mean I get it, it's cute and open, perfect for those earlier said intense heat days. I like that too.

With its simple design and cotton fabric I assumed it was from American Apparel, and I assumed right. Looks like AA is all about the scoop back these days, they have one in pretty much every fabric and pattern. Kinda want to get it, but kinda don't because so many people are wearing it right now. What do you think of this summer dress? Would you buy something so popular?

Photo by Mr. Newton.

Random Sunday

2011-07-24T16:48:00.000-04:00

FRENCH RIVIERA—La Garoupe beach, 1969.

ICElandic Dreaming

2011-07-22T11:55:00.003-04:00

Last night I dreamed up a little Icelandic vacation for myself in my head. Maybe because the country has the word "ice" in its name and I am in the midst of an NYC heatwave to beat all NYC heatwaves, with a weather report that reads 100 degrees with a feels like 110 underneath. Without an AC I might add, yes I am dying.

Anyway, at the moment it is a purely fictional thought, but a little Reykjavík rendezvous is not completely improbable. We do have a friend who works for a certain famous singer that lives there part-time and all the subways are plastered with adds for cheap flights on IcelandAir. So maybe a quick stopover on my way to the UK next time? I'm dying to go in one of those geothermal spas, you know?

So if I make it there, these Icelandic beauties shot by Facehunter, might just be my fashion competition. What do you think of the style in Reykjavík?

Song on Repeat: "Video Games"

2011-07-18T18:45:00.001-04:00

Does this girl really look like that? Sing like that? Write songs like that? Dress like that? Make videos like this? Wow, I am jealous or just excited to discover Lana del Rey and to play this song over and over again.

Thank SMTTY

Random Sunday

2011-07-17T14:35:00.000-04:00

UNITED STATES — Albert Einstein’s 70th birthday party, 1949.

American Psycho Ladies

2011-07-15T17:52:00.003-04:00

I was at my local bar having a glass of wine with the other Megan last night and per usual they were playing a cult classic film on silent with subtitles behind the bar — this time it was American Psycho. I haven't seen it in quite some time (although Patrick Bateman has come up when referring to people in a few conversations recently) so when I looked up from our conversation and noticed Reese Witherspoon on the screen I was a bit surprised. I totally forgot that she was in the movie, but I definitely remembered Chloe Sevigny was in it, even if she had the smaller part. I mean we all know I am a Chloe girl, and certainly not a Reese girl.

They seem like such polar-opposite celebrities to me. Even though Reese started out doing a lot of indie films (Freeway is my all-time fave), it is hard to even imagine them being in a movie together because they are so different. Tall Megan even ventured a guess that they never even talked to each other during filming. What do you think? Could they be friends? Are you a Chloe or a Reese girl?

Photos from Cinema.com

Golden Birds

2011-07-14T13:41:00.003-04:00

Although I have been a little out of the blogosphere lately and a bit behind in the web fashion world (sorry if these photos have already been everywhere) due to constant traveling (boo hoo poor me), I've had plenty of time to read fashion magazine after fashion magazine on the beach and on the plane. And one of my favorite spreads also contained one of my favorite dresses from Fall 2011 Ready to Wear. I am such a sucker for Miu Miu's whimsical patterns, and these golden birds are the epitome. Although if I wore it I think it would have to be sans fur sleeves, not that I am getting all PETA on you, I just don't think I could pull that off.

Lara Stone wore the stunning Miu Miu number while she posed all sultry-like with hottie Swedish vampire Alexander Skarsgard (oh and Frida Gustavsson) in "Spellbound" for US Vogue's July issue. Month after month I find myself drawn to the mag's iconic spreads featuring a dapper male star and model of the moment — that Grace Coddington always does such a good job of illustrating a story that exudes passion, betrayal, intrigue and all that good stuff without any actual words. Here are some of the other pics via Fashion Gone Rogue. Aren't they kind of perfect?

Family Values

2011-07-13T13:23:00.002-04:00

The Cahn Kids

I have returned to boiling hot NYC after a long stay at Stinson Beach with my family, a family that continues to grow as my brothers have more kids and as their families get added up into the mix. About 20 members came in and out of that amazing waterfront beach house (with an outdoor shower and bonfire!), among childhood friends and girlfriends here and there. Growing up I never had such big family vacations and even though I had three older brothers it never really seemed like I had that big of a family. But now there are little ones, and little ones on the way, and grannies, and aunties, and extravagant beach houses — it's pretty amazing. So many people, so much food and a bit of the stuff that comes with a bunch of family members sleeping under the same roof: drama.

Even before all this exponential growth, my family was an intense one. My bros are all competitive, intelligent and unique and when we all get together there is no shortage of sibling rivalry, whether during a game of scrabble or a conversation about music. We know each other better than anyone — the perfect recipe to get under each others' skin, but more importantly to make each other laugh and feel better after it's all said and done. At the end of the day, at the end of the trip, despite little bumps here and there (that is family, right?), I look back and feel so lucky to have the luxury of spending time with these peeps and can't wait to add my own family additions to the ever-growing bunch.

How would you feel about spending 10 days in a house with your whole fam? What about with the families below?

The Baldwin Brothers

Tent-dwelling hippie Family of the Mystic Arts commune

The Carter Family

The Jolie-Pitt Family

Samoan family bathing in a natural pool on Western Samoa

The Zoe Fam

The Obama Family

Photos from LIFE archive and EOnline.