Hopelessly Devoted to You

Back in 2008, when I was a sophomore in college, there was nothing more that I wanted than these Chloe Susan boots. However, I ran into a small problem when not only were they far beyond my budget but they sold out. I kept thinking about these boots,  looking at the fakes hoping something would match them but nothing came close. When Chloe decided to rerelease them I was ecstatic, finally they could be mine. Yet there was still the problem of price. I decided to consign a bunch of my clothing in hopes of raising money to finally be able to buy them, in black of course.

x Sea

Happy (belated) Birthday

Happy Birthday to the beautiful, talented, and creative Song! You are the best co-blogger a girl could ask for!

x Sea

Downton Abbey

One of the only shows that I watch, Downton Abbey is nothing short of beautiful. Whether it's the lush backdrop of English country, the buttery leather of Matthew's riding boots, or the Dowager Countess' one-liners, Downton Abbey is one glittering manor of Edwardian beauty. 

While I mostly watch the show for Maggie Smith, I cannot help but weep with jealousy over the beautiful clothing featured on both the women and the men. (Note: Sybil's harem pants in Season One.) Apparently, I am not the only one to take note of the Edwardian fashion, with designers like Ralph Lauren, Burberry Prorsum, and Bottega Veneta taking a page from the show.

x Song

Dresses from Bottega Veneta and Ralph Lauren featured in the Downton ladies' Vogue shoot. 

Ralph Lauren FA '12 collection

Oli + Me Lace Ring

I came across Oli + Me sometime last year after reading about it in a couple of blogs. The company was started by Grace Lee, who created effortless fine jewelry when she could not find any to purchase. I really like that she only uses 14 and 18 karat gold, especially since I am allergic to silver. However, one of the pieces that I can't seem to get out of my head is this amazing lace ring. It would be mine if only the price tag wasn't a little too high. If your budget is a bit looser than mine you can buy this beautiful piece here.

x Sea

The One That Got Away

 

One of my top ten things in life ever: soft things. 

("Things" being my favorite sherpa throw, my mother's cashmere shawl, your dog, and the mink collar hanging in my grandmother's closet that I only touch sometimes because it scares me a little.) Given enough time and heavy petting, I could probably wear a bald spot on all of your favorite fuzz. And even though it is still technically the summer, I have already been on the hunt for a new fuzzy companion.

I absolutely love the peachy bulky angora and the loose-fit, slouch of the purple knit. Since last winter, I was looking for a lavender sweater, myself-- preferably one with a mid-sleeve to wear in the in-between seasons. After searching high and low, east and west, over the river and through the woods, I finally found the perfect sweater at COS for only €55! 

But then, the inevitable wahwah moment:

 they don't ship to the US.  

x Song

Mulberry Small Bayswater

In direct contrast to my previous posts on stopping spending and regrets I am now posting on one of my happiest purchases. On a whim I splurged on a Mulberry Small Bayswater in Khaki, which was on super sale on LaGarconne. This whiplash decision made me wonder what the heck I had just done a mere five minutes later and gave me anxiety for a couple of days about what a huge mistake this could be. However, as soon as the package arrived, I was at ease. The beautiful but unusual green made the perfect neutral, offset by the soft gold hardware. The bag size is perfect where it isn't too big but can fit a book and my large headphones. And while I have loved the Bayswater shape for years and years the added strap on the Small Bayswater makes it so much more city friendly.

x Sea

Elle Fanning

As you all know, Song wrote a post admiring Kiernan Shipka the twelve-year old wunderkind. And while it may be sad to be jealous of a 12 year old, I have to say I am jealous too. Not only of Kiernan Shipka but also of Elle Fanning. I think her zany style is so cute from the on going parade of quirky glasses to beautiful dresses. It is at once so age appropriate while still being fashionable.

x Sea

Missed Connections: The One That Got Away

No not that Katy Perry song. Sometimes I think back about items that I missed out on, yearning for year after year. My cousin told me of the time that she chose to pass on a McQueen Bag. She has spent every year after that thinking about it and how no bag can live up to it, much to her boyfriend's chagrin. For me there is no case as extreme as that but I do wish I got this Lover dress a few years ago. It would be perfect in summer with leather brown sandals or ballet flats. It would have also been in winter with thick tights, ankle boots, and a sweater. Sigh. Is there anything you regret not buying?

x Sea

Quinn Morgendorffer: The Original Fashion Blogger?

Was Quinn Morgendorffer the original fashion blogger? Of course she had to overcome her fear of those IT geeks. Yet somehow she managed to approach the cutest one to help her set up this amazing blog, "Hi! I'm Quinn!". My favorite part are her categories, which are outfits, friends, recommended tv, famous sayings and wav. files, I <3 Animals, and hopes and dreams. Clearly Quinn is the godmother of fashion bloggers. What would Sandy say?

x Sea ( all screen caps by me)

Cutting Back

After years of what some might have called compulsive shopping I have constantly struggled with guilt and disgust over my habit. Do I really need that dress? Do I really need that new sweater? These would be the thoughts the logical part of my brain would tell me. Then the illogical part would go of course you need them! You are a collector! You will love them for years and years to come! ( The illogical part of my brain is very enthusiastic.) Sometimes the illogical part of my brain would be right and I have an amazing closet full of beautiful things. However, over the past couple of years I have tried to slow down only to speed up. While this attempt may be as futile as attempts in the past, one must try again. I have been trying to clear out my closet to get rid of the clutter, dividing my items between giving away and consigning. I am trying to keep only what I like and what fits well regardless of how pretty it looks on the hanger. I am going to try to start shopping my closet because who knows how much is in there. Wish me luck.

x Sea

Two-Tone Lips

When I first saw Dior send out their girls with two-toned lips, I knew I was in for trouble. As the whole color-blocking craze started to take over, it was only a matter of time before those lips would pucker off the runway and onto the streets. 

From experience, I've realized that the two-toned lips only work when using two colors that are relatively the same saturation. Unfortunately for my sixteen year old self, I would learn the hard way that not all colors make the friendliest of pairings. In fact, what I thought was Dior-chic, looked more like when Brad Pitt bit a rat in Interview with the Vampire-- I still have nightmares...

Lucky for me, I've already tried out and come up with some possible combinations that I cannot wait to try out in public. While it might look a bit bold, two-toned lips are a really great way of bringing together an otherwise bland outfit. Plus, it gives your kisser some well-deserved attention. 

For a subtle look, try a petal pink and a peachy coral. If you want to be a bit more daring, go for an orange-red and bubblegum-fuschia. If you want to mute down the saturation, try a deep crimson and a bronze-red. 

The possibilities are endless, but be remember to be careful or you might end up looking something like this:
x Song

August Floral

As much as we hate to admit it, we're halfway through August and summer's end is nigh. 

Time to grab your camera and the last handful of blooms 'cause it'll all be gone soon enough.

(Sorry, too depressing? C'est la vie, kiddos. C'est la vie...)

x Song

Delfonics Rollbahn Notebook and Pen

Today I got my new notebook and pen by Delfonics. As Song knows I love notebooks and pens. When we were both in Seoul at the same time I kept looking for new cool notebooks. When I saw that Madewell and J. Crew started carrying notebooks that I had found abroad I was heartbroken because what I saw as a special travel purchase became available to anyone. While that may sound pompous and pretentious its true. However, I got over that idea when I realized that I was part of that everyone and I too could buy them more readily. 

The Delfonics notebook and pens are available in Japan, where apparently they have a cult following, but are quite hard to find in America. Now that they are available online at Jcrew and Madewell I decided to take the dive and buy one. I have to say that the cult following is deserved. The pen writes very smoothly and the notebook has graph paper with laminated folders in the back. I liked it so much I just ordered the pen in yellow!

x Sea (photo by me)

Inspiration: How to Steal a Million

When people think of Audrey Hepburn as a style icon, they often refer to Breakfast at Tiffany's or Roman Holiday. I, however, prefer a movie slightly later in her career: How to Steal a Million. Her look is different than the Audrey we have seen in the past. She looks far more mod with exaggerated eye liner and single color outfits.

My favorite outfit is her all black, all lace outfit that she wears to convince Peter O'Toole to help her steal the Cellini Venus. So chic!
x Sea ( All Screen caps by me)

Bugs in Bloom

I don't think I would mind these pesky summer bugs as much if they looked as beautiful as these floral-inspired 'sects.

x Song

Black Heels

Heels - Miu Miu

Black heels are a classic. So classic, in fact, that if you look at any "10 Must Have Items for Any Closet," you would undoubtedly find them ranked somewhere on there. I, however, have not found a pair until now. There was always something off for me; the tow would be too weird or the heel too high. At last, I found a pair where the heel height is perfect, at 85 mm, and the heel is chunky but interesting. The two is a little weird, but I find that the bow taks away from the potential sexiness of the heel. While I don't see myself wearing these out with frequency, it is nice to know that if I need them, my black heels are there.

x Sea