Word

It's almost Friday guys! This weekend I'm chillaxing, nothing big planned. I'm looking forward to 1). Sleeping in on Saturday, 2). Organzing my closet (yes, this makes me happy. Insanely happy actually. Order is good), 3). Enjoying the last dregs of warmth the summer has to offer.

Enjoy life's simple pleasures! Have a good weekend.

Steal

I came across a really pretty vintage magazine rack on a well known vintage/antique store's website but I was taken aback by the price....$550 for a rack! Shucks. That's too rich for my blood. Here's a snapshot of the page listing the rack:

So what's a girl to do? Ebay it up peeps! Take a looky:

Why- that looks remarkably similar. In fact- it's the same vintage rack!

I got this bad boy for $50 bucks including shipping today. Jack assembled it together and let me tell you it's identical. I'm never that person that gets the good steal, deal or free meal so this is big guys!

Side view taken by the seller. I puffy heart my new magazine rack. It's almost too pretty to use:)

Game Face

What a busy day! I got up bright and early so I could get first dibs on some vintage goodies at the Randolph Street Market Festival. It was blazing hot but I had my game face on and I was ready to duke it out with anyone who got in my way (hehe!!). No fighting occurred- promise. I did manage to find some cute stuff. Here we go:

Vintage goodies

Really pretty mother of pearl knives. I was this close to getting them, along with the tray.

Sweets tray

And last but not least vintage frames. The two front frames are mine baby!!! Woo-Hoo! Pretty huh? My sister and I plan on making a DIY chalkboard mirrors the next time she comes to visit (we have been both pining for one for a while now). Today has been a good day! Now I'm off to pick Jack up from the airport. I hope everyone had a good weekend.

Kirribilla

Feast your eyes on these beauties from Kirribilla, a clothing brand I just discovered recently. I'm trying to wipe off the drool here guys- Kirribilla's dresses are so fantastically pretty! Perfect for a summertime soire, no?

Favorite Sunscreens

Since it is summer and given that I'm in a skincare kick I thought I would do a post on sunscreens and perhaps get some feedback on what works for the readers out there. I'm in the sun allot these days; I run outdoors 4 times a week, I go sailing (going tonight actually) and we occasionally hit up the "beach" here in Chicago. For me, finding a good sunscreen is like trying to find the perfect pair of jeans... in general my biggest issues with sunscreens are 1). they make me break out, 2) my face gets really oily, 3) depending on the sunscreen I get a white cast, 4). or the sunscreen doesn't offer enough protection. I have tried many sunscreen brands, from low end to high end, and I have come to realize that yes, sometimes you get what you pay for but sometimes drug store brands really will give you a lovely surprise. Here are my favs:

Low End: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Sunblock is my favorite drugstore brand. It goes on very sheer, it absorbs quickly, and works well under makeup. It's a great bargain for $14. Cons: It does smell like your average sunscreen which I hate and I do get a greasy feel on my face. So, I usually use this sunscreen on my chest, shoulders, and the tops of my hands when I go out running.

Mid End: Anthelios XL Fluide Extreme Face SPF 50+: This stuff is great but I'm kicking myself for not buying it in bulk when we were in Paris because it's double the price here in the States ($35). Also, the European version is much better than the American formulation. It has all the positives of Neutrogena and it has a high PPD, it's lightweight, non greasy and it leaves a nice matte finish. It comes highly recommended by Dermatologists, especially for skin cancer patients. Cons: it doesn't come off as easy as other sunscreens.

High End: Dior Capture Totale UV Protect SPF 35: I love this sunscreen but the price tag ($52) kills me! Granted, it doesn't offer the same level of protection of Anthelios (that's my heavy hitter sunscreen) but for the face it's absolutely perfect (well my foundation and powders come with SPF so I have several layers of protection). It has a beautiful smell, doesn't streak and it doesn't make me break out at all. It's sheer, lightweight, doesn't ball up under make-up and it leaves a matte finish. It has all the pluses of Anthelios except it only comes in SPF 35 and it lacks Mexoryl. I only use this on my face and neck because it's so dammed expensive.

For me it's not just about protecting my face from wrinkles. My dad went through a bout of skin cancer several years ago and it put the fear of God in me to protect my skin at all costs. I would love to hear what works for you!

Fountain of Youth

Holy shine batman! Someone get me some face blotters ASAP. Here I am with Jack on my b-day. Jack is truly happy inside, he's just not smiling because he thinks he smiles goofy. I disagree.

I'm still in my 20's but barely. My attitude on aging has changed just a bit... I have to admit that I have become obsessed with sunscreen and I'm using anti-aging creams like it's my lifeline (yes, I even use them on my laugh lines). I can't stop the clock, nor am I freaked out about getting older but dammit I can try to look the best I can! According to my mom, looking good only involves the following (here is her fountain of youth recipe in no particular order):

-anti-aging creams
-exercise
-lots of good quality sex
-a good nights sleep
-laughter

She looks amazing for being almost 60 (sorry Mom- I divulged your age) so I think she is on to something.

Anyway, my parents sent me flowers (roses of course!) and I got a beautiful bouquet of hydrangeas and peonies from Jack. He left work early and commuted across the ctiy picking up some of my favorite things (cupcakes, flowers, chocolates, Colombian food) and surprised me at home. He is so incredibly thoughtful! Later that evening we went to Frontera Grill, my favorite restaurant in Chicago. Ever heard of Rick Bayless? Top Chef Masters? It's his baby and his food is amazing. You have to make reservations months in advance but boy is it worth it. It was a great birthday and my entire family made me feel very special indeed.

Father's Day

My first bouquet of flowers wasn't from a teenage lovestruck beau or Jack for that matter. It was from my Dad many, many years ago on the day that I was born. He brought in a giant bouquet of pale pink roses for his little girl and to this day I still get roses from him on my birthday. Only my Dad can gift me roses (I'm a bit territorial with my Dad that way). The rose is the birth flower for the month of June and pale pink roses symbolize gentility, femininity, elegance, refinement, admiration and happiness. He set the tone for all the things I wanted to live up to in life from the minute I opened my eyes to the world.

It's that kind of thoughtfulness and gentleness that makes my Dad a wonderful father. I always...always.... get inspired to be a better person, to take better care of myself, to reach my potential when I am around my Dad. He has that go get em attitude that is infectious to be around and he sets the bar high for himself and for those around him. He still wants to hold my hand despite the fact that his girls are all grown up. He loves to belt out opera tunes in the kitchen and still manages to beat his kids at backgammon and tennis. He is a man of many gifts and always gives everything he tries his best shot.

When I was little he seemed like a great big cuddly giant...which he still is. But he is also a man with a giant heart and intellect; a man of character who exudes honesty, integrity and kindness. He is my everyday hero and the best father a girl could ask for.

I love you Dad and happy father's day!

I want..

Um... yeah. I want those sunglasses and that shade of lipstick (although I don't know if coral will look good on me but it's worth a shot). Jcrew slays me with their advertising. Check out moodboard for some more Jcrew goodies.

My weekend will be filled watching the world cup, some light shopping/going to the bookstore and if the weather cooperates we might go to the park for some sun and picnic fun. Ok- I'm off to a session of pilates and a late afternoon run with Jack. I hope you have a great weekend and don't forget Father's Day!!!

LBD

The Kate Spade Sample Sale is in full force guys! I have been lusting after this pretty black number since last year...no joke. I just couldn't justify paying almost $400 for it and it never went down enough for me to feel ok buying it. Well, it's on sale right now for $129!! It fits like a dream- it is the most flattering black dress I own. Very Audrey Hepburnesque. It runs a little big in case you are thinking of buying it. Here's a detail shot of my favorite part of the dress... the neckline.

Pearls, red nails....perfection. I would wear this dress with these heels (that is if I can manage to walk in them!)

Pretty Lockets

I recently came across these lockets and I think they are absolutely gorgeous. I wee bit out of my price range (cough, ok- by allot) but I thought I'd post them because they are so beautiful. I love the idea of having a pretty locket on a nice long chain with miniature portraits of my loved ones safely locked away inside. Thomas Sully does some amazing work...his miniatures are absolutely exquisite. Lockets are from Doyle & Doyle, Three Graces and 1stdibs.

Affordable Goodies

Arn't these Eugenia Kim for Target hats great?!? If it weren't for my gigantic sized head I would buy these in a heartbeat. They are sold out online but you may still find them at one of your local Target stores. Price is between $14-$25 bucks!

I'm always on the lookout for some pretty shoes that don't break the bank. I gotta say I'm kicking myself for not discovering the Lela Rose line at Payless sooner. These Layla Rose flats are only $29.99! So pretty. They also come in silver.

It's raining babies!

Jack and I recently took a trip to Portland/Seattle (well, I was sent on a work conference and I invited Jack along) and we got a chance to see Jack's best friend's beautiful baby boy Russell. Isn't he adorable? Here he is giving me the stink eye (oh, and yes I have bangs now. I can't style them to save my life!)

Nothing like a good tickle to get baby Russell to laugh:) He also likes goofy faces. And if he really likes you he'll give you a good head butt (nose is still smarting..yikes!)

Speaking of babies....my lovely internet buddy Lindsay is expecting! We met on the knot and her wedding was such an inspiration when I was planning from afar. I have loved following her journey post-wedding and now into parenthood! Exciting times:)

P.S. Lindsay- I'm glad you liked the chocolates!!

Mother's Day Lullaby:Clare and the Reasons: Wake Up (You Sleepy Head)

My mom is far, far way in the Land of Oz and I miss her greatly. I miss our talks over coffee first thing in the morning, snuggling in bed watching telenovelas, gossiping, laughing over silly things. I miss her soft hands touching my face reassuring me everything will be ok. I miss her beautiful green eyes that don't miss a thing; my every nuance, gesture, sigh is understood. She knows me better than I know myself. I miss her most on days like these because I wish I could see her in person to tell her how much I appreciate every word of encouragement, every I love you, every hug and kiss.

I found this lullaby today that made me think of her. This goes out to all the hard working moms, the soon to be moms and those that are trying to be moms but are having a hard time at it. You are appreciated and loved!!

Best Friends Are We

La petite cherie (aka little sister) is arriving today! We are two peas in a pod despite the galling age difference. Whatever... I still get a kick that people think she's older than I am. Or perhaps that's not such a compliment afterall (stares down at outfit)...hmmm......

We have some fun things planned; a visit to the Driehaus Decorative Arts Museum, shopping on Oak Street, afternoon high tea at The Peninsula, and lots of baking and cooking galore planned for Easter! Michelle handles the baking and I do the cooking. And Jack gets to relax:)

Weekend Getaway

Jack and I went on a nice long trip to Napa/San Francisco this past weekend (hence the hiatus) and we forgot our camera! I have no photos of this memorable weekend. This makes me sad because this trip was planned to celebrate Jack's 30th birthday (it was sort of a surprise). The birthday boy was truly wined and dined and...well...so was I! Now that it's not such a surprise I can post on all the lovely things we saw and experienced.

I truly feel at home when I visit San Fran (or as my Mom likes to call it... San Pacho). I'm a third generation Californian and I have been itching to move back some day. The only other place I consider to be like "home" is New Orleans. Despite the fact that I don't have an ounce of Southern blood running through me I'm always treated like family when we go back. In fact both cities have many similarities; both are European in feel, they have taken food, music and drink and elevated all three to the highest of art forms and both welcome all kinds of eccentricity. Anyway, it truly was relaxing to get away; sometimes the mind, heart and soul need a little TLC. This was Jack's first time to San Fran and I'm so glad he enjoyed it! Weekend getaways are a must!

10 Fashion Basics

I'm a huge fan of Garance Dore's blog. She recently posted her top 10 fashion basics and she challenged her readers to do the same. It got me thinking.....what items encapsulate how I express myself and what makes my look authentic? I mean, I could list a pair of Louboutins as the quintessential wardrobe basic but who am I kidding?!? Alas, that is not "me". Shit- I can barely walk in my 2 inch heels! There is wishful thinking and there is being authentic.

Speaking of authenticity, I really appreciated reading one comment from Dore's post, who said:

"What I get from Alt’s list (and Garance’s as well), is an idea of how to be at ease and oneself in clothes, rather than a list of stuff per se. Perhaps this reflects the fact that I’m forty and so not a very young woman. I think of the basics as things that put a person at ease in the role that they play in life, and in the purpose that they set out to fulfill each day."

Well put. So I set out to list the things that make me feel...well...like me. Well tailored clothing that reflected my love of craftsmanship and quality with accessories that have panache and color. And I reminded myself that less is more. So here it goes:

1. Button-down Shirt:


I like mine tailored with a slim fit and I always try to keep mine crisp and pressed. Tucked in or worn out, black or white- either way I'm game. Sometimes I roll the sleeves up for a sporty look. Now that I have lost some weight (I went down a whole cup size), I can wear these nicely without the buttons looking like they are about to pop off. Anne Fontaine makes the prettiest white button down shirts in the market.

2. The Perfect Jeans:
One commenter on Dore's blog said it perfectly: "No muffin top, no bell bottom, not “skinny”, not wide. Dark, simple, lean and long. This is a never ending quest." Yes, yes, yes! I'm partial to Hudson Jeans boot cut- they give me that nice long lean look.

3. Colorful Scarves and Sunnies:


Ok- so I'm lumping two into one. But besides being accessories, they keep the elements at bay, both the sun and the cold. I wear both scarves and sunglasses year round; silk blend scarfs in the summer, cashmere during the colder months. I love my sunglasses from Oliver Peoples… not only are they stylish but they actually get the job done. I’m a photosensitive epileptic and these beauties keep my seizures at bay. Isn't the photo taken by Dore so much fun?!

4. Blazer:
I probably have a jacket for every outfit, every season and in every possible fabric out there. I admit- they are a bit of a security blanket but they just make an outfit in my opinion. I heart my jackets!

5. Red Lips and Manicured Red Nails:


Another lovely Dore photo. I honestly feel 100 x prettier when I wear my raspberry red "Romantic" lipstick from Chanel. It makes my blue eyes pop and livens my mood. And red nails? Well- I grew up around a mother who always reminded my sister and me to keep our nails manicured and hands well moisturized. And I love the color red.

6. Flats:
I almost listed boots on here but I'm starting to veer away from wearing them so often. My sister turned me on to the wonderful world of flats and I’m hooked. Flats are just more multi-functional and comfortable; you can wear them for both work and play. Tod's makes the prettiest flats and so does Miu Miu, Repetto, Tory Burch and Roger Vivier

7. Leather handbag (black or brown):



You can get a well made, long lived handbag without spending a fortune. I love the handbag I recently purchased from Country Road; the leather is buttery soft, it has all the little pockets I need to store my stuff and it goes with everything. It looks just like the Proenza Schouler PS1 bag shown above but I got it for much less:)

8. Super Soft Tees:


I love v-neck and boat necks soft tees, preferably with 3/4 length sleeves. Any color really although I'm loving the nautical stripe right now. Splendid and Alternative Apparel make great t-shirts.

9. Timeless Watch:


You will never see me without my Cartier tank watch. It is to date the best investment piece of jewelry I have ever received. Jack bought it for me years ago and I wear it every.single.day. The workmanship is exquisite and the design timeless.

10. Nude bra:
Last but not least... a great fitting nude bra. Not the prettiest undergarment, a bit plain, but it can be worn under anything and if you are fitted correctly you will have all the support you will need. Nobody likes droopy bewbs.

What are your fashion basics? I'm truly curious- I had so much fun reading other people's basics on Dore's blog:)

Pretty Gold Pieces

This pendant from Scosha cracks me up:) Thou shall not talk shit... hmm... even the best of us need this reminder. Although I'd be pretty tickled pink if I could get one that said, "Never Complain, Never Explain". I think that would suit me better!

I love these relatively affordable stackable rings from Jennifer Meyer (ok- I pretty much love everything that she does). She makes simple, elegant gold jewelry that suits me to a tee. You can get a stack of three for $375 and there is a nice selection of stones to choose from (diamond, sapphire, ruby, turquoise etc)

In case you forget who you are here's a pretty monogrammed pendant by Blanca Monros Gomez.

Again- some more pretty gold jewelry by Jennifer Meyer. Every girl needs a nice pair of gold hoops and these do the trick. I love the addition of the solitary diamond on each hoop.

Feeling Safe

It's been a little stressful with school and work (I have several workshops I'm presenting at next week) and there is nothing better than coming home to the one you love and having all the stress from your day just melt away. Jack is and always will be my safe harbor... he makes things all that much rosier for me. Here's a wonderful poem that reminds me of one of the many things I love about being married. It's written by George Eliot, one of my favorite authors:

"Oh the comfort of feeling safe
with a person;
having neither to weigh thoughts,
nor measure words,
but to pour them all out
just as they are,
chaff and grain together,
certain that a faithful hand
will take and sift them,
keeping what is worth keeping
and with a breath of kindness,
blow the rest away"

George Eliot

Kitchen Items I'm Loving

1. Anthropologie Latte Bowls, Brook Farm General Store Porcelain Canisters, Vintage Kitchen Timer, Fish's Eddy Polka Dot Handled Mug

Baggu

My cute Baggu bags arrived! I decided to get some non-disposable bags for grocery shopping as part of my effort to be a little more earth friendly. They are multi-functional--I can really use them for just about anything and they are cute and stylish to boot. The fabric is lightweight but really sturdy. As you can see these bags can hold allot!

Here I am being a big goofball- pump it!