Friday, October 30, 2009

My Costume is BUH-NANAS.....

Bonjour!


I'm extrememly high on caffeine right now, so if I ramble, please forgive. I'm a huge tea drinker, but this morning I was feeling adventurous and made a pot of coffee...needless to say, I'm literally bouncing off the freaking walls. I've taken the dog on a long walk, cleaned (swept, mopped, organized, re-shelved, stacked, folded, and stored),  cleaned out 4 purses (which is a task in itself, I have HUGE purses that are bottomless)...SO, I'm taking a break to tell you how proud I am of my Halloween costume!!


I'M NOT GONNA BE A SLUT!!!! WOOOOOOOO! I was shopping yesterday, looking everywhere with disdain...I had my head hung low, realizing that I was going to have to give in and be a skanky Snow White..I picked up the plastic bag the costume came in with a look of defeat and walked towards the dressing room. I thought all had been lost, but no my friends, I had a brilliant epiphany. 


I was wandering through my favorite re-sale and vintage stores, when I saw it. A white fur/mink vest. And then it came to me. Who's my favorite BRAVO queen?? Who is the person who has one of my dream jobs??  The answer is RACHEL ZOE. So, my dears, this year, I will be the one and only Rachel Zoe. No, I am not teeny tiny like she is, and I'm not blonde, but I have light brown hair that curls like hers, and my costume is PRICELESS. I have some skinny leggings, a hot black top, the crucial fur vest, a Venti Starbucks cup, HUGE "sunnies", HUGE black suede platforms, and a HUGE gorgeous black Cole Haan Hobo...it's BUH-NANAS...I DIE...lit-rilly. I'm now scouting for anyone to be Taylor, Brad or Rodger, because I KNOW I'm going to have to explain myself hundreds of times, but I don't care, I escaped the slut kingdom! 


This is the costume:
(I'll post real pics later)



I had to include one with the huge sunnies. Mine look pretty much exactly like that, I got SO lucky finding exact components of her wardrobe! It was meant to be....


So, I hope you all had wonderful luck with your costumes! Have fun, be safe, and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!


ps. I don't dislike people who wear slutty costumes, I've been a skanky princess before, it's just that I'm weird and I take Halloween too seriously because it's probably one of my favorite holidays, so don't feel like I'm hatin' on the slutty costumes, they're great if you can pull it off!! 

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Start Your Engines....

So, I'll be writing more later on, but I just wanted to let you know:



  • I'm about to brave the streets and look for a Halloween costume
  • I'm not excited about this.
  • I wish I was a kid again so my Mom could concoct my costume.
I'll let you know how it goes.....ahhhhh

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Why Not Wednesday

Bonjour!

So Houston has AGAIN thrown a weather curve-ball. It's 80 degrees...double-you-tee-eff Space City? I'm getting annoyed at the fact that I'm having to go back and forth between warm and cold weather outfits! I'm trying to stay true to fall, but it's hard when the sun is beating down and the humidity is OOC (outta control).


Some Random Morning Occurrences:


  • I burned my mouth while sipping my daily Earl Grey in the morning...I hate that feeling. You're so excited for that first taste of morning goodness, then OUCH...no good.
  • My throat is still feeling weird. It's like my body is warning me to get sleep or else...
  • Last night, in an attempt to wind down, I watched "I'm Not There" a film that kind of chronicles the life of Bob Dylan through six different actors, it was pretty interesting. Random Sidenote: Cate Blanchett plays a young Dylan...she did an amazing job! I ended up feeling very "wound-down" but I think that may have to do with the Merlot...Hey, whatever works!
  • To The Girl Walking and Texting Today: WATCH WHERE YOU ARE WALKING...I swear, this girl was completely oblivious to the fact that she was about to walk STRAIGHT into me, and I, being the stubborn individual that I am (sometimes), stayed on my path. I was walking normally, I deserved my piece of sidewalk, reckless texter girl DID NOT. So, I let her experience the embarrassment of tripping over her ugly furry boots once she realized she almost had a head on collision with someone (me) carrying hot tea (disaster in the making...she probably would've tried to sue me for burning her...ugh people these days).
  • Tomorrow is the day. The day I have to finalize my Halloween costume. I'm not happy about it. I'd much rather go shopping for something other than what will undoubtedly wind up being a "slutty" version of some Disney princess. I love Disney, but as I've said in previous posts....I appreciate more creativity. Last minute suggestions are very much welcome!
Later today, I will be indulging you with the Tale of the Trial Skinny Jeans....this story has left me scarred...literally, just take a look at my right ankle...it will haunt me forever!


Musique Du Jour:


Forever Young- Jay-Z
You Got Yr Cherry Bomb- Spoon
Steady, As She Goes- The Raconteurs
Umbrella- Marie Digby
Montserrat- Gotan Project
African Pirates- Nightmares on Wax
Dream Machine- Mark Farina on Hotel Costes Vol.8... I like the downtempo mix
Photobooth- Death Cab for Cutie
Giving Up- Ingrid Michaelson
Flightless Bird- Iron&Wine


Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Just Because...

My friend and I are google-chatting and shopping online....so I figured I'd show you some of my favorite looks/fashion wish list items, since today is a "wish-list" kind of day. They're all linked, for smoother browsing, just right click over the link, and choose "open link in new tab"! Hope you love!



A Menagerie of Things...

Bonjour Mes Amis!

I'm halfway coming down with a cold, but I'm fighting it as hard as I can! I know it's because I spent 94% of my day in soaking wet pants (see yesterday's post about the Monsoon rains we had) and as long as I get enough sleep tonight, hopefully this awkward itchy, scratchy throat/nose business will go away. Anywho, today is reasonably "fall-like" so I'm happy I get to wear some of the fall wardrobe, it's been much too long. Outfit: DKNY Jeans Dark Wash denim Shirt/Dress, black leggings, Steve Madden metallic flats (light silvery/gold), black pashmina, light patterned leopard headband (matches the shoes!)


Random Tidbit....

Usually, I'm really bad about timing my Christmas shopping. I love doing it, but I usually wait a liiiiiittle too long to get started. So, being the compulsive list maker that I am, I started my Christmas list early this year. Really, you should see my blackberry, I have approximately 20-25 lists of random things....it's a bit much, but it keeps me sane. The reason I made my personal list so early this year is because I usually have NO wish list, and wind up realizing what I wanted AFTER Christmas...well that doesn't do me much good now does it? So here goes....





  • 80 gig Ipod, because my Nano is FULL, and although I use it for running/workouts (I made my old 32 gig die because you're not supposed to work out with it frequently due to "moving parts"), and in the car, I've decided to cave in and go for the big enchilada. A practical gift, since my music library is ginormously large.
  • This Burberry jacket. I can wear it forever, and it's the perfect weight for Houston weather.
  • This Laptop. I need something light and portable, this is practical, tiny, and useful!
  • Bracelets. It's kind of my trademark, I've always worn lots of bangles/bracelets at once, I've acquired the nickname "windchimes" from jingling so much sometimes! Bracelets like this, this, this , this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this and this work!
  • This watch. I need a big man watch, I have a classic Tag, but I want something fresh.
  • These speakers for my pod. My current speakers are dying a slow death...so sad, because they're so amazing.
OK, so that's a LOT, and obviously I will not be receiving all, or any of that, that's why it's called a WISH list.... I'm usually satisfied with some delicious new sleepwear and of course, a new bathrobe/robe to add to the collection! Some of those items are long term wishes, but a girl can dream right?

In other news, I STILL haven't decided what to wear on Halloween....grrrr. I wanted to find two brunette friends and be the Kardashians, but everyone else has their costume selections finalized...sad.


Music Du Jour:


Talk Show Host- Radiohead
Weekend Wars- MGMT
The Persuaded- Faded Paper Figure
January Rain- David Gray
My Heart With You- The Rescues
Lay It On Me- The Rescues
Dogs- Damien Rice
Young Folks- Peter Bjorn and John
Bad Things- Jace Everett (this is the "True Blood" theme song)
L.E.S. Artistes- Santigold
Normandie- Shout out Louds
Gravity- Sarah Bareilles
Courtship Dating- Crystal Castles
Shadows- Au Revoir Simone



Monday, October 26, 2009

Stormy Weather

Hello Loves,

I'm writing to you from what feels like Antarctica, but is just my office...oh and the fact that my pants are COMPLETELY soaked...drenched doesn't help me feel much warmer. Houston decided that after a lovely weekend, it would unleash hurricane/monsoon-like rain upon us this morning, leaving me looking like a sewer rat...it's attractive...I mean I had on Wellies, a raincoat, and a golf umbrella and STILL managed to get completely soaked.

Yesterday was the most amazing productive day! I took the puppy to the dog park, where hilarity ensued...

I'm afraid my puppy is a snob. She loves humans, but could care less about her fellow canines. Dogs of all shapes and sizes would run up for the normal "sniff", and Sushi would primly sit, and literally turn her nose up in the air, thus leading the "sniffer" to pad off in shame. Another priceless reaction was when they would go in for the "sniff", and she'd spastically jerk, give the offender a "who the hell do you think you are" death stare, and trot away, once again, nose pointed high in the air. However, we still had an amazing time driving around the city with the windows down, running many errands I've been behind on, washing the car, cleaning it, organizing winter clothes (yay!) and making a pile of clothes to give away/sell.

Now, onto more important things...In the Spirit of Halloween, allow me to share this:

I'm a scaredy cat. You know when they say, "oh, she's afraid of her own shadow"? That's me. As much as I try to act like I'm tough and can handle anything thrown my way, when it comes to spooky sounds, shapes, movies, etc, I'm a complete wuss. For example, I can't watch scary movies. The "Gremlins", a movie that was released like a million years ago, haunts me to this day, and I haven't even seen it. How am I still so scared of a movie I've never even seen? Ask my first grade teacher. Being the avid bookworm that I've always been, I was perusing the bookshelf in our 1st grade classroom seeing if there were any books I haven't read already. So, I see "Gremlins" written on the spine of a book, pull it out, and see furry little creatures on the front. No biggie. I love animals. So then, I open the book....I drop the book. I run away.quickly.heart is racing. What did I see my friends? THIS:


Terrified does not even begin to describe it. I'm still horrified by this miniature demon, so imagine my terror at age SEVEN. I think I'm even nervous just having this image on my blog, but I'm trying to face my fears. Literally, to this day, I am TERRIFIED of anything and everything "Gremlin" related. Even the "Furby" pets that came out a few years ago petrify me. I know guys love watching scary movies with girls, because they feel strong and mighty while the girl is squeezing on his arm for dear life, but for a guy watching a scary movie with ME is a different experience (although it could pan out in their favor, but they have to prove themselves mighty enough to protect me from forces of evil)... I literally hide my face for most of the movie, and after it's over, I usually cannot go ANYWHERE alone, especially if it's after sundown. I have to sleep with someone who can kick some ghoul/gremlin/possessed person/zombie ass, I'm being dead serious. However, one time, I had watched the movie "Seven" (which I will admit, is actually pretty good), and I was convinced that my boyfriend was going to turn on me and kill me....this is not a joke. Finally, after about 30 minutes of him laughing hysterically at me, I calmed down and realized it was...a movie.

In other news, I still have no clue what to be or what to do for Halloween this year, I have several options, but I can't decide. I'm running out of time and creativity, so I might have to break my cardinal rule and go buy a stupid costume. I'm thinking Snow White....trust me, I 'm not happy about this either.


Music Du Jour:
PDA- Interpol
Crazy Ever After- The Rescues
Almost Lover- A Fine Frenzy
Never Bloom Again- The Perishers
Taylor- Jack Johnson
Fool- Marie Digby

I hope you all stay reasonably dry today! Happy Monday! (is that an oxymoron?)


Friday, October 23, 2009

FINALLY!

It's HERE! IT'S HERE!!!! What is it you ask? FALL WEATHER!!! It has FINALLY arrived my dear friends, and I am about to burst with excitement! The weather in Nashville was such a tease last weekend, and my fall wardrobe has been chomping at the bit, waiting for its chance to come out and wow the world with all of its textured, colorful, soft, warm, shiny, sleek, deep rich toned beauty!





So, in honor of this GORGEOUS weather that will allow me to wear my fall clothes this evening, I'd like to share with you a Tale From The Hanger that involves a beautiful item from my fall wardrobe...

The Tale of the Keith Urban Concert and the Grey Boots....

I own these miraculous boots. They are a light grey suede that hit just below the knee. Round toe, with a subdued yet perfectly conspicuous metallic leather accent stripe that runs up the outer seam. A 3.5 inch heel, and a tiny platform make for the perfect height. They're gorgeous, AND comfortable, what more could a girl ask for in a winter boot?

I was living in Nashville at the time, and me and a few girlfriends were itching for some excitement in our lives. I knew that Keith Urban was touring, and he was putting on a show in Nashville in the near future. We called to inquire about tickets, and it turned out that a guy friend of ours was ordering some, so we asked if he could order ours along with his order, just to save time and ensure that we got seats. He asked if we didn't mind getting "cheaper" seats, and we agreed that dishing the cash for front row pit seats wasn't going to jive with our college sized budgets. Little did we know what "cheaper seats" meant....

The night of the concert rolled around, and here we were, so excited to see Mr. Urban live and in person. The weather was insanely amazing, perfect late fall weather, perfect for pairing my gorgeous boots with a teal sweater dress. A few glasses of wine later, the girls were ready to rock!

We arrive at the "Sommet Center" in Nashville for the concert, flash our tickets, and are ushered in. The venue is also a sporting venue, so imagine a basketball court seating arrangement, with a pit in the middle for those brave enough to be trampled by psycho fans surrounding the stage. So, we begin our ascent....higher....higher....ok really? HIGHER?! Ladies and gentlemen, we had found our seats....the last row. THE.LAST.ROW. We literally could've changed the light bulbs if it tickled our fancy. I was livid....and then a familiar feeling washed over me. oh.no.

You see, dear readers, I have a nasty little case of something we call vertigo when extremely high up. So as we sit in our seats, I am overcome with extreme dizziness, so much so that I immediately turn to the group and murmur "this isn't gonna work for me ladies...."

So what's a girl to do? I had gotten dressed up, promising my boots some heel tapping action, and I literally could NOT sit in the "cheap seats".....So I work my magic.....

Readers: Please promise me that if you read any further, you will NOT steal my tactics. I actually DO have vertigo, and was only trying to enjoy the show from the comfort of a seat where I wouldn't feel like fainting. Ok, so on with my tale.

I wobble over to the ticket-booth just as the crowds are thinning out and everyone has taken their respective seats. The girls are calling and texting me, wondering where I've run off to, and I reassure them that I'll be fine. Emma had come down with me to make sure I didn't pass out on anyone or fall down a rafter.....fun times I know.

An elderly woman was working the ticket booth, and I smiled, explained my situation, and asked if there was ANY way we could move to some empty seats that hadn't been claimed, since my vertigo was so bad I wouldn't be able to sit in our original seats. The woman must've taken an enormous liking to me, because she launched into a terribly long story about how her friend Mildred suffered from terrible vertigo and couldn't ride airplanes. I grinned and sympathized, saying, "Well, the concert's about to start, so I guess I'll take a cab home and the girls can just stay in our seats....such as shame..." when she said the magic words...

"Let me see what I can do honey...."

BINGO. The kind woman shuffled back into the depths of the ticketing booth, turned back to ask "how many of you are there" to which is sweetly responded "oh, just five!", and prayed the ticket gods would do me right. She shuffled back, holding an envelope in her hand, and said, "Well sweetheart, this is all I could find, but I hope it's better than what you've got!" I thanked her profusely and called the girls down from the highest layer of the stratosphere back down to oxygen producing levels of the earth. They clambered down minutes later looking fuzzy from the wine, and probably a bit oxygen deprived to be honest. I was sporting my best Cheshire Cat grin as I looked at them and said...

"Ladies....prepare to be floored....literally"....When little miss ticket booth had said "this is the best I can do sweetheart" she literally meant...."this is the best", because she had given us 5 tickets, IN.THE.FRONT.ROW.DIRECTLY.OFF.THE.FLOOR.

We literally had the best seats in the house. We directly faced the stage, first row off the floor, so we were spared the hysterical mob of fans running amock in the pit area. We realized that the seats we were given were worth close to 300 dollars or more....and we paid "cheap seat" prices. So we sat in our amazing seats, and I tapped my beautiful boots to the lovely sound of Mr. Keith Urban.

Thanks to my "condition" we enjoyed the concert from a bird's eye view. My boots had gotten the dancing they deserved, and 5 friends made some amazing memories at an amazing show. I wish I could bake that sweet little old woman a cake, because what started as a disaster, ended in absolute perfection....just ask the boots, 2.5 hours of dancing said it all.

Happy Friday Loves! Enjoy the weekend and the AMAZING weather!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

I Can't NOT Tell You This...

Ok, so consider this a "semi" Tale From The Hanger, a compilation of "Morsels of Knowledge", "Tidbits", and random occurrences.

As you probably don't know, I'm in graduate school. This is my last year, and as far as I'm concerned, graduate school is where fun and dreams go to DIE. My program has literally been draining me mentally and creatively, so my graduation in May CANNOT come any sooner. My real passion is writing. My dream would be to have a column, and do some fashion edits/styling. With graduation somewhat quickly approaching, I've been slowly trying to cultivate this dream. However, writing term papers and studying for midterms while trying to maintain sanity has impeded my job search and made me just a little bitter. Nevertheless, I am trying to stay positive and tell myself that in the end, it will work itself out.

Now, to my story. I love to shop vintage stores. I also like to shop around consignment stores for the rare treats one may find. Houston has some true gems when it comes to vintage/consignment stores, but it's all about patience and the hunt. Vintage/consignment shopping is a true art, because among the fashion atrocities and disgusting pit stains you see, there is usually some true miracle of the cloth waiting to be picked up and loved again. This rare moment happened to me a few weeks ago. As I've mentioned before, I love coats. All shapes, colors and sizes; they make me weak in the knees. Bear this in mind.

So I'm on the "hunt" through one of these aforementioned establishments, looking through some winter options.

Then I see it. Peeking out among a rack of ungodly winter disasters. A flawless diamond in the rough.

Could it be? Could it REALLY be? Is this the Holy Grail of coats that has found its way into my arms? YES. and YES. I had found the coat of coats, the most delicious miracle of the cloth yet, it even beats my beautiful bright orange Michael Kors knee length wool coat.....this, my friends, is one of those rare moments in fashion, where you KNOW that this article of clothing was made for YOU, and that its previous owner must have been beckoned by some higher power to put this miracle of the cloth back into the universe for you to find each other. Well, it happened that day.

Let me tell you about this beauty. It's a winter white (not quite cream, not quite white) cashmere/wool blend mid-thigh coat. It's the softest, smoothest thing you've even seen/felt. Wait...it gets better. It has a tie/sash in the middle (which, knowing about my love of robes, you can clearly see why I love this coat even more), and THEN the cake-topper. It's got gorgeous white rabbit cuffs, and a regal looking white rabbit collar that when turned up, literally gives me goosebumps. In the words of Rachel Zoe, "I DIE."

So, dear readers, I then try the coat on, wondering if it could really be.....and yes. It fit. LIKE.A.GLOVE.

Now, I'm really terrified, because I have to look at the price tag. The sales woman is literally fawning over me in this coat, so I KNOW it has to be a pricey one. I take the tag between my fingers, hold my breath, close my eyes praying I don't pass out, and..... I GASP.

There is NO way. NONE. The fashion gods MUST know that I'm a graduate student and that my funds are not exactly what they have been in the past, because, ladies and gentlemen, this coat was MEANT to be mine. I honestly have NO idea how this coat was still in the store...It just goes to prove that some things are meant for each other. And me and my gorgeous white coat are just that. Meant to be.

When I got home, I tried it on....didn't take it off.....we're in love.

Now if only the weather would cooperate and get COLD! However, I do have a free flight to use, and I'm seriously considering taking a trip to the mountains this Christmas to finally give the coat of my dreams the proper wearing it deserves!

Moral of the Story: Never lose hope in fashion. If you think that "clothes just don't fit me right", or "I'll never be able to pull that off", don't speak too soon, because moments like the one me and the white coat had DO exist, and when they happen....it's inevitable, indescribable and perfect.

Songs Du Jour: ENJOY
Fiery Crash- Andrew Bird
I Will Follow You Into the Dark- Deathcab for Cutie
Close to Me- The Getup Kids
Midnight Runner- Cut Copy
Impossible (Studio Version)- Shout Out Loud
Up Against the Wall- Peter Bjorn and John
To Kingdom Come- Passion Pit
Mansard Roof- Vampire Weekend
Sad Song- Au Revoir Simone
This Modern Love- Bloc Party
West Coast- Coconut Records
The Funeral- Band of Horses
Closer- Kings of Leon
anything by Rodrigo & Gabriela



This coat doesn't even begin to come close...but it's the same color as mine. This coat is by Kevin Allwood, it's beautiful, but just imagine cuffs in fur, and no buttons down the front. The collar is pretty much the same. BE-A-U-TI-FUL.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

I Have to Vent

We all have our pet peeves, I have a few, but those select few annoy me to no end.

I just got back from fetching myself a Diet Coke on campus, and was affronted by just about every pet peeve I could think of. I also have a pounding headache, so that helps...not.

First of all, who dyes a fountain RED? I know it's school spirit, but it looks like a scene out of a gory horror movie, and it really grosses me out and scares me; especially when they don't turn the fountain on, which leaves it to be a standing pool of dark red water...that's disgusting/creepy/I don't care how close it is to Halloween.


at least this fountain is ON....imagine it OFF...that's GROSS

List of Pet Peeves I Just Experienced:

1.) The awkward elevator talker. I was on the elevator in the library, and not only did this gentleman stand as close as possible to me (we were the only people in the elevator), but he proceeded to make awkward conversation which I did not find amusing, especially when the elevator squealed, made a grinding noise, and literally DROPPED us down the chute. (Plus, the library didn't have the book I needed, even though the online catalogue SAID SO..)

2.) The close walker. You know when someone is hot on your heels, and they step on the back of your shoe? That just happened to me. Mind you, I've been told by many people that I'm an extremely fast walker, so I don't know who the hell was walking faster than me, but they stepped on the back of my shoe, almost launching me facefirst into the sidewalk, and they didn't even apologize. and they smelled. ew.

3.) The cologne dousers. Ok men: I love cologne. There are a few brands of men's cologne that literally make me swoon; HOWEVER this does not mean that because you think it smells good (or you're trying to mask the fact that you haven't showered) you should BATHE yourself in it. I literally walk through CLOUDS of nasty cologne every day. And it's not good cologne, it's the kind you see in the drugstore "If you like Polo Sport, you'll like 'Nolo Athletic'"...disgusting...blech

4.) The awkward starers. I was in line, ordering my Diet Coke, and my wallet has a clear space for my ID to peek out. I see this random dude STARING at my driver's license...that's creepy. I don't know how else to describe it other than I feel like I might have to change my name/number/address...immediately...creep

In other news, I now have PROOF that I'm an animal whisperer. While on my miserable trip to the library/to get a Diet Coke, there was a girl with a baby Beagle.(This momentarily made me very happy) She clearly is awkward with animals and shouldn't own a pet. The poor thing was choking on its collar, and she was letting it continue to choke itself (your pet's windpipe can actually collapse from doing this, especially with baby puppies)...so I'm walking towards her, and the dog LEAPS forward, pawing at my leg trying to climb up and love me. I know, it's amazing, you're jealous. I can't help it that animals love me :)


I am so.so.so. excited

Good morning loves,

FALL is here!!! Well...kinda. Houston has this thing, it loves to tease its residents by showing us the beautiful weather it's capable of, and then snatching it back and throwing some nasty humidity and heat back in our hopeful faces. Another Morsel of Knowledge: I love fall. I love.love.love.fall. I love the clothes, the crisp air, the fact that I can now drink my hot tea and not feel gross carrying it in the heat, I love Halloween (but you already knew that because you read the Sarah Palin Tale from the Hanger) and I love the leaves turning. Granted, leaves don't really "turn" in Houston, but in my mind they do. I have to work with what I have here!

So I want to share a list of my Fall Favorites, they're in no particular order:

  • chocolate chip pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, pumpkin chocolate chip muffins
  • wassail (if you don't know what it is, find out. immediately.)
  • SCARVES...I own more than I know what to do with and I can't WAIT to buy more!
  • Coats. I live in Houston. I own approximately 8-12 WINTER coats...my excuse? I lived in Nashville for 4 years so I needed the warmth...
  • Snuggling (well this is good in any season, but especially in the Fall)
  • Bonfires
  • Really good mood music ( I will soon be releasing some more playlists for your enjoyment)
  • Homemade cranberry sauce (I might be nice and share my recipe, it's TO DIE for)
  • Walking the puppy in the park and not worrying about her dying of heat-stroke
  • That "fall" feeling in the air, you know what it is, and it's AMAZING
So there you have a few of my favorite fall highlights, oh, I forgot to add making a Christmas list! Anything I missed?

I'm getting desperate because I have NO idea what I'm going to be for Halloween and it's getting close to D-day, so if anyone has any CREATIVE suggestions, please send them my way! Also, please go download the following songs immediately, you won't be sorry.

"Stay Over" - The Rescues
"Moth's Wings" -Passion Pit
"Winter Song" - Ingrid Michaelson & Sarah Bareilles
"Break Me Out" - The Rescues


Monday, October 19, 2009

I'm back and better (?) than ever...

Hello Friends,
I'm happy to say that I made it back in one piece from Homecoming weekend in Nashville! I took my own advice and didn't try to party like I was 21, thank goodness. However, I must say, three nights of marathon dancing, laughing till you cry, running around, and continuous drinking are quite exhausting! BUT, I got to wear some delicious fall outifts and see my best girlfriends from college (which is totally worth being completely fried). My abs are literally sore from laughing so hard, so often. I'm afraid we wreaked havoc on Nashville once again!
There are a fresh crop of "Tales from the Hanger" from the weekend that are thoroughly enjoyable. I'll tell you a quick one.....
The Tale of the Winter White Laundry Skirt:
It was our second night in Nashville, and we were ready to party. "Sharkie", "Gaga", "Hannibal" and I got dolled up and decided we needed a photo shoot. Hannibal's apartment building is downtown, and the 31st floor has an amazing party/lounge area with a spectacular view. When the 4 of us get together, there is NEVER a dull moment. All weekend, we joked around that we were the 4 women from "Sex and the City", but no one wanted to be Miranda....so the whole trip we kept saying "wow, you sound just like Miranda" or "man, that outfit looks like something Miranda would wear", so naturally, on our way to the photoshoot on the roof, we make raunchy Miranda jokes and I defended myself against being called Samantha Jones. I was wearing a black cashmere/wool top with adorable chiffon ruffles and a winter white Laundry skirt that has a black belt (it's super cute) with black suede platform heels. I was definitely not giving off the "Miranda" vibe.
When we arrived upstairs, there was a gentleman sitting on the couch with his back to us watching "Deadliest Catch" on the plasma TV. He had very short salt and pepper hair, was wearing baggy jeans, a t-shirt, sneakers and had his feet propped up on the table in front of him. The girls prompted me to ask him to take our picture so I wouldn't have to set the automatic timer on my camera, so I walk over and start trying to get the man's attention. His back was to me, so I just said,
"Sir?"
"Sir?.....excuse me? Sir!?"
"Sir......SIR.....excuse me....Sir!!?"
no answer.
I look back at the girls, make a "What the hell!?" face, and walk closer to the potentially deaf man. "EXCUSE ME, SIR?!"
SHE turned around and gave me the meanest look. SHE.woman.female.NOT a man. NOT a "sir".
"Can I help you?" she growled as she turned to face me.....yep...it was definitely not a man.
Mind you, the only people in the lounge were the girls, the she-man, and me. I wish I had this on camera. I have never experienced more of a "deer in headlights" moment in my life. I stuttered profusely, looked at the woman and squeaked. literally. Then, in an effort to recover my dignity, I asked if she would take our picture. She obliged, gave me another evil look, and took our picture. All four of us were trying so hard not to burst out in hysterical laughter that the picture in our "photo shoot" looks incredibly awkward. I'm stifling laughter/awkwardness and everyone else is doing the exact same. She took our picture, and we promply RAN out of the lounge, cutting our photo shoot short and unleashed the laughter in the elevator. This led to another weekend long joke, of calling women "sir", and men, "ma'am".
Stay tuned to hear about how "Hannibal" got her name this weekend, how we managed to convince two rednecks that we all spoke Swedish, "the sheet" story, the stolen guest list/clipboard story, "peanut boy", the "Hannibal body checks Julie into a cab story", the "Sharkie puts blush all over her face because she thinks its powder story", "Julie makes best friends with every cab driver in Nashville", and "Julie deflects men's advances by giving the MOST EVIL one liners" story and many more. Have a delicious Monday!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Tidbits...

Morsel of Knowledge: I secretly love surveys. Which is why I'm opening the doors of my soul here for your reading pleasure.

Are you a morning or night person? Both.

Which do you prefer, sweet or salty foods? Depends. What category do chocolate covered pretzels fall under?

Ninjas or pirates? This is a toughie. Ninjas because they're nimble and stealthy, Pirates because they're PIRATES..I mean come on!

Are you a collector of anything? Books, certain art work, prints, silver bracelets.

If you could be any animal, what would you be? Snow Leopard.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Sookie Stackhouse's ability to read minds or flying.

What is usually your first thought when you wake up? I'd love more sleep.

What do you usually think about right before falling asleep? I can't wait to be asleep.

What's your favorite color? Turquoise/varying shades of blue/aqua.

What's your favorite animal? To interact with: Dogs. To look at: dangerous ones like cheetahs.

Do you believe in extraterrestrials or life on other planets? No, only because if I allow myself to, I'll be terrified and will lose sleep.

Do you believe in ghosts? Yes. This alone scares me plenty.

Have any bad habits? Over-shopping.

Which bad habits, if any, drive you crazy? Over-shopping and still having "nothing to wear"

Any tattoos or piercings? Ears. No tats.

What's the first thing you notice in the opposite sex? Eyes, smile, sense of humor. OK that was three.

What personality traits do you look for in a partner? Honesty is the best policy.

What personality traits do you dislike in other people? Lying, and general annoying-ness

Are you mostly a clean or messy person? clean.clean.clean.

Ever been kissed in the rain? Yes.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? Paris.

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Today I think I'll say New Zealand.

Name 1 thing you miss about being a kid: No responsibility!

Name 1 thing you love about being an adult: Doing whatever I want, whenever I want. (more or less)

What's your favorite song of the moment? "The Weight of Us" Sanders Bohlke

What's your favorite song of all time? wow. no way I'm going to be able to answer that. Maybe Tom Petty "Last Dance with Mary Jane", but I'm not fully committed to that answer.

What's your favorite thing to do on a Saturday night? Depends. Usually going out with friends.

What's your favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon? Go to the park.

Have any hidden talents? Well, I like to keep them hidden.

What would be your dream job? Writing/styling/fashion editor/columnist/zookeeper

Name 1 thing not many people know about you: I can't watch scary movies unless I know someone strong and intimidating is going to share a bed with me for the 2 weeks following.

If you HAD to change your name, what would you change it to? NO idea. At bars, I frequently use "Daisie" (with an i-e of course and a thick country accent) "Candy", "Marion", and when the mood strikes..."Misty"...but that's to make people go away.

Monday, October 12, 2009

A Quickie...

No no no, get your heads out of the gutter, I mean a quick Tale From The Hanger, not THAT...jeez

Since the majority of my day tomorrow will be spent cramming for a midterm, I figured I'd take a study break and write a quick little wardrobe tale...

This weekend, as I've mentioned below; I will be returning to my old stomping ground (where I went to college) Nashville, TN to reunite with my "besties" for Homecoming. Last year, we had the same type of reunion, and while it was such an amazing time, I definitely learned a lesson that I will not repeat again this year.

I think there is a ticking clock inside everyone that sets off an internal alarm once your liver reaches a saturation point of "enough is enough". Mine was detonated after college graduation (thank goodness). However, while I was at our little reunion last year, my mind tricked me and told me it was OK to go out and party as hard as we used to....what ensued was...painful to say the least.

The (quick!) story of the Michael Kors Mary Jane Platforms:

MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Lolita' Pump


Our first night being reunited:

We were all so stoked to be back together, naturally we sped off to the liquor store to stock our hotel room full of liquid goodies to "last the whole weekend". Of course the magnum of Grey Goose was necessary...I mean obviously.

Not only was I excited to see the girls, I was so excited to wear my brand new Michael Kors Mary Jane Platforms. They had just come in the mail and I had waited and waited to wear them, so homecoming seemed to be the perfect occasion. I paired them with some delicious jeans, a simple black top, and my miracle of the cloth leather jacket (Sheree from the Real Housewives of ATL owns said jacket except mine doesn't have the huge weird ruffle in the front.) First things first....6 girls...one hotel room...months of not catching up together...one magnum of Grey Goose. Here's the lowdown.

Basic Timeline:

9pm- everyone is dressed, primped, and the girl fest has only just begun.

9:15pm- the Grey Goose is opened...along with some tonic, soda, diet cokes, red bull, mixers of choice.

9:45pm-the Grey Goose is flowing freely along with the months and months of gossip, stories, etc. etc.

10:45pm-the Grey Goose Magnum that was "for the weekend" is gone. I repeat. GONE.

11ish- a cab is called, we all pile in and head to our favorite bar(s). A semi-awkward encounter with a bartender (really singer/songwriter) I used to have a "thing" (but not really) with is spotted and chatted up.

11ish/12ish?- we reunite with many many old friends, drinks are purchased, transactions are made, the band is amazing, holy hell it's good to be back in Nashville.

after "12ish" till around 3 am- debauchery. How did we do this for 4 years!?

9 am- me and "Louise" wake up in our shared hotel bed, both of us have receipts stuck to our faces from the bar....she seems to have ordered 12 shots Jager, and I saw her Jager with 12 shots Patron....oh.my.goodness. (we were ordering rounds for friends...clearly...not 12 apiece here otherwise we would've woken up in a hospital bed) "Sasha", "Margot", "Astrid" and "Selma" look equally confused/miserable.

9:15am- all the girls pow-wow in the dark hotel room (Ow my eyes!!) to recount the night. I feel like instead of wearing my new shoes, the shoes wore me and trampled all over my poor dehydrated body. My liver is seeking revenge, and I have now lost my voice. I sound like death and look like I belong on True Life: I'm a professional raver/ I try to emulate Amy Winehouse for a living.

Morsel of knowledge: I am terribly afraid of throwing up. I threw up once in college (my first real hangover senior year), and I literally cried. So, throwing up for me while hungover is NOT an option. I will literally lie in pain, nausea and misery, but will NOT let myself puke. It's masochistic really.

That night, I'm still feeling AWFUL. If you see pictures from that night, I'm the one ("that girl") looking rather green/ill in all the pictures with the forced smile. The MK Mary Janes had come out for a re-trial. I thought that maybe tonight they'd bring me better luck...not.at.all.

I had previously made a dinner reservation for about 12 of us at our favorite swanky/delicious restaurant. We arrived at the restaurant and I figured some "hair of the dog" would do me right. I promptly flagged down the waitress and ordered a beer. My first sip. WORSE.

I order a sprite. NOT ANY BETTER.

I finally tell the waitress to bring me some crackers in a napkin and a bitters & soda. I finally raised the white flag of surrender to my angry liver and the all-consuming hangover.

Me and my sexy Mary Janes tip-toe out of the restaurant, and I spend the rest of the dinner in the dark ALLEY next to the restaurant, feebly nibbling crackers and talking (rasping) on the phone to pass the time. Did I mention it was like 50 degrees outside? All I had on was a thin little wrap and a mini dress....so much for getting my voice back. I'm surprised people didn't start throwing loose change at me. (The shoes must've been the tip-off).

So I spent the rest of the weekend in the amazing company of old friends, amazing restaurants and bars....with a 3 day hangover from Hell that WOULD.NOT.GO.AWAY. I'm serious...I was sipping chamomile tea on the plane ride home, a whopping 2.5 days AFTER the night that will forever live in infamy.

So, while shoes are amazing creations that can make any day brighter, any outfit hotter and any calf muscle sexier...they cannot make peace with angry livers (but they sure know how to piss one off).

This year, I vow to respect my liver and make it through dinner sans crackers, but I will never vow not to wear hot shoes. I decided to switch it up and buy some amazing new riding boots, a purse and some tops and jeans for the trip as a peace offering to my liver this time around (I knew one single pair of shoes wasn't gonna cut it).

So wish me luck, and I'll be back with (hopefully) a happy liver and a fresh crop of Tales From The Hanger.

party_liver.jpg image by funkbutter
this will NOT be my motto this weekend.

A Letter/Request

Dear Human,

You're a nice person. I think one day we could be friends. But the fact that you feel the urge to play the song "She Wolf" by Shakira on REPLAY has made me rethink the aforementioned statements. Same thing goes for your cell phone. Turn it down. At least put it on vibrate, because being the jumpy person that I am; I almost fell out of my chair just now while deep in concentration because your cell phone is SO loud. And that ringtone...no words. I thought my Pandora station (www.pandora.com if you're not addicted yet) would drown out any distractions. I was sadly mistaken. Now please...please...stop playing "She Wolf" before I go insane.

Lots of love and friendly affection,

The one who literally almost lost it 5 minutes ago when you got a call on your cell.

P.S. It just started raining cats and dogs, and I've just realized I left my umbrella in the backseat of my car. I'm not excited about this. I can hear people outside shrieking because they're getting soaked. I might have found this comical had I not just realized I may have to be one of those people in a few hours. I'm wearing suede shoes...gosh I just love Mondays.

A Question....

The city I live in has had some nasty weather. Houston isn't exactly the first place you think of when you want "nice" fall weather. I'm kind of bitter about this. However, we all have to make do with what we are given. But sometimes, we fail. Miserably. This brings me to my question of the week. Cropped Lace Leggings. WHY?


I don't understand them. Really. I mean I can see how they would look good....ok maybe I don't. They kind of freak me out to be honest. I saw someone wearing them recently and I promptly became "that girl" because I was flat out staring. in horror. Maybe it was the combination of the lace tights with sneakers, a mini skirt and a forgettable top...but they scare me. I love lace, don't get me wrong, but I don't think I like having my legs encased in lace. Maybe these sentiments are a product of my experiences. Here's the real reason they scare me/freak me out. They make me think of this image from the movie "Heartbreakers" (thank you late 90's for producing such a...blockbuster).





You can't look at that and tell me it's not creepy. You just can't.


So are cropped lace leggings warm? Comfy? When you take them off, do you have lacy imprints on your legs? Do people find them attractive? When men go out, do they think to themselves, "Man, if I could only find myself a looker with a pair of those cropped lace leggings..." I mean I'm fairly certain men appreciate lace on other items (lingerie..shocker I know). I just don't see how they work. Maybe I'm in the wrong here and I've clearly missed out on an opportunity to be fashion forward, but I'm going to take my chances on this one and let this trend pass me by. I think there may be other ways to be fashionable without wearing my lingerie on my legs... Thoughts?

Sunday, October 11, 2009

What's Ahead...

I realize I've not written anything new, but I've been quite busy. Graduate school is slowly sucking the life-force out of me. I'm serious. May (when I graduate)cannot come any sooner.

So here's what's ahead. I've got a monster week ahead of me, and Thursday I will be headed to NASHVILLE, TN to reunite with my best friends from college. I'm SURE that there will be some wardrobe stories to come from this trip...stay tuned.

Quick tidbit just to keep you entertained. I spent all of Saturday agonizing (in a robe of course) because Friday night I was at an awkward open bar wedding. I knew no one, and it was just awkward... in a nutshell. I won't say more because it might've been your wedding and I don't want to piss you off/hurt your feelings.

While attempting to re-hydrate my body and taking many snaps (see the definition of snap in the first tale from the hanger), I spent too much time on Itunes and made a magical playlist. I like to make playlists. Lots of them. I literally have one for certain moods, one for "rain", one for "studying", "getting ready", "workout", "road trip", "beerfest", and other moods/events that only very lucky people will come to know about. So here are some of the songs I downloaded. It was chilly, damp and kind of nasty yesterday (and anything too upbeat would have made my headache even worse).

Enjoy. You're welcome.

Song Title-Artist-Album

Hey, Soul Sister-Train-Hey, Soul Sister (Single)

Show Me What I'm Looking For-Carolina Liar-Coming to Terms

Skinny Love-Bon Iver-For Emma, Forever Ago

I Want Something That I Want (Duet)-Grace Potter & Bethany Joy Galeotti-One Tree Hill Sessions (Single)

A Thousand Tiny Pieces-The Be Good Tanyas-Hello Love

Daughter-Loudon Wainright III-Daughter (Single)

Lovers Without Love-Joshua James-B-sides It's Dark Outside

I Love You More Than Words Can Say-Otis Redding-Dock of the Bay RANDOM

I've Been Loving You Too Long-Otis Redding-Pure Southern Soul RANDOM

Walk On The Wild Side-Lou Reed-Transformer RANDOM

Firstful of Love (with Lou Reed)-Antony & The Johnsons with Lou Reed- I Am a Bird Now This song is not so amazing...we all make mistakes.

Hey Love-Chris O'Brien-Lighthouse

All I Want-Jehro-Hotel Costes: Vol.9 by Stephane Pompougnac

Paper Aeroplane-Angus & Julia Stone-Hotel Costes X

Surround Me With Your Love (Mental Overdrive Remix)-3-11 Porter-Hotel Costes: Vol.6 by Stephane Pompougnac

Fleur Blanche-Orsten-Hotel Costes X

White Lilies (Feat. Anne Trolle)-Peder-Hotel Costes X

Closer to Love-Matt Kearney-City of Black & White (Deluxe Version)

Home to You-Po' Girl-Home to You

Crash This Train (acoustic)-Joshua James-Crash This Train/The Garden EP

Falling or Flying-Grace Potter & The Nocturnals-This Is Somewhere (Bonus Track Version)

Wisconsin (Bonus Track)-Bon Iver-For Emma, Forever Ago

Elle Et Moi-Lemongrass-Haute Couture French Lounge Session

Otherwise-Morcheeba-Charango

Dying Day-Brandi Carlile-Give Up the Ghost

Before it Breaks- Brandi Carlile-Give Up the Ghost

Pride and Joy-Brandi Carlile-Give Up the Ghost

That Year-Brandi Carlile-Give Up the Ghost

Turn to Stone-Brandi Carlile-Give Up the Ghost

The Weight of Us-Sanders Bohlke-The Weight Of Us (Single)


The ones that say RANDOM are....random. I must've "sleep downloaded" them in the middle of a snap because they are so, well....random. Yes, I like Brandi Carlile. Yes, I'm obsessed with Hotel Costes and Stephane Pompougnac. Some other bands I love at the moment are:
Vampire Weekend
Brett Dennen
Zero 7
Passion Pit
The Rescues (especially the song "Stay Over")

That's all folks. Stay tuned for some more wardrobe recounts. Hopefully none of you attended awkward weddings this weekend...it's not generally recommended.









Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Tale from the Hanger: The Hot Pink Down Vest

I'd like to tell you the tale of the hot pink down vest. It pulls at my heartstrings. It really does. I'm having a glass of pink wine right now (it's actually a merlot/cabernet sauvignon blend..quite tasty) and the color reminded me of the vest, which reminded me of this Tale from the Hanger).

So I have a hot pink, puffy down vest from the Gap with a faux fur lined hood. I love this vest. It's SO warm, and it just makes me happy. Unfortunately, the pink vest couldn't assuage my sorrow on this fateful day.

A small group of my closest friends in college would get together on Sundays and go volunteer at Happy Tales Humane. If you live near here, please go volunteer, or make a donation. Please help support no kill shelters! Ok...off the soapbox now.

I love animals. No, you don't understand. I really, really love animals. I visit the zoo frequently, I secretly think I'm part Snow White part Animal Whisperer; I have evidence to prove that animals love me too, it's a gift (Instead of being good at math, I'm good with animals; a trade-off I can definitely live with). So you can imagine my excitement when we would go volunteer.

No matter how hungover we were, we would pile on the winter clothing and go help these poor animals get adopted on "adoption Sundays". What we would do is, pick a puppy we wanted to "show", walk it, love it, and kind of show them off to the people who came in looking to adopt.

We had the option of "fostering" a puppy should he/she not be adopted, and my close friend "S" loved doing this. Remind me to tell you the story about Wobbles the blind pug later, trust me it's hysterical.

So this one particular Sunday, I remember exactly what I wore. I was slightly worse for the wear (thanks to a particularly eventful Saturday night). I had on black yoga pants, a thick sweatshirt, my hot pink down vest, and my sorority baseball hat with pigtails. I felt miserable (looked a little homeless too)...but puppies were waiting and I assumed my responsibility like a champ.

When we locked eyes, it was over. Wendell was a heart breaker, truly. A 3 week old fur ball, still not even allowed to roam outside because he hadn't been fully vaccinated. Wendell was a shepherd mix, mostly white, with some patches of brown and black. He looked a little like this:


ok now imagine that, but 100 TIMES MORE ADORABLE...is that even possible??

Wendell and I immediately bonded (see the bit about me being really good with animals). He took a nap on my shoulder as soon as I picked him up. We were very much in love. I wanted to "foster" (in this case foster=steal) him and live a long happy life together. Little did I know...

Wendell was very taken with my down vest. He must've loved its warmth, softness, and safety. I put him inside the vest, zipped it up, and let his precious little face peek out. It was priceless. I think I took 45 pictures of us together on my phone (I don't have those pics anymore..new phone :( ) Time passed....people kept walking by, asking about him. Keep in mind, as volunteers we're technically supposed to be "selling" the dog to the potential owners, helping with the adoption process...

Potential Owner (PO)

PO: "Aw....how old is he?"
Me: "Oh, he's just three weeks...man....look how BIG those paws are..he's going to be like REALLY majorly large...."
PO: "Ohhh, we're looking for an indoor dog, thanks though!"
Me: "Oh, it's ok, thanks for looking though!" (Secretly fist pumping in the air...whew, we escaped that one!)

PO: "What kind of dog is that?"
Me: "Ohh, he's kind of a mutt, he probably is part Chow, so you might need to be careful because Chows are known to be aggressive"
PO: "Ohhh...wow, so he's going to be big...yeah, thanks though!"
Me: "No problem!" (Another secret fist pump)

Then it happened.

I knew it was coming as soon as I saw them coming towards me. Wendell even submerged himself deeper into the warmth of the pink vest, he didn't want to be separated either. It was a family. A really freaking cute family. A mom, her husband, and their adorable son, who clearly had just gotten done with a soccer match, he was still in cleats. Of course, he RUNS up, and says, "'MOM! MOM! I WANT THAT ONE!" I knew I shouldn't have worn the damn hot pink vest. It was attracting potential owners....I should've worn camo...beige...taupe...WHY HOT PINK!?!?!?

Adorable mom asks if she can pick him up and right as I start to protest, she just reached into my vest and scoops him out. I can see the anguish in his face, he was napping so serenely! I fought back the urge to tackle adorable mom, but just kind of grimaced instead...trying to think of SOMETHING to say, "he has fleas" "he might be rabid" "he's not good with children, especially adorable little boys"...nothing...I was speechless.

Right then, I knew I was losing Wendell, one of the loves of my life. They signed the adoption papers, and no joke, they were walking off into the afternoon, the adorable family, now complete with their adorable puppy. I started to choke up....tear up...ok so maybe I was crying a little bit.

Later that night at dinner with friends, my friend "Ross" kept asking, "Julie what's wrong?"
I couldn't bring myself to respond...all I could do is breathily whisper..."It's just Wendell...I really miss him..." I had a certain boyfriend at the time, so "Ross" was pretty confused....
"I thought you were dating "Edward"?"
"Yeah I am...it's just...Wendell..."

Finally I had to clarify that I wasn't cheating on "Edward", that Wendell was a dog, and I loved him. (Actually more than I ever loved "Edward" for that matter). I kept thinking what I could have done to keep my precious cotton ball puppy...and I knew...That hot pink vest was too good to be true, it drew attention, and I should've kept Wendell in the corner, covered in an ugly blanket or something. Now, I can only hope that the adorable family is happy with their adorable dog....

I know the pink vest remembers those fleeting hours being snuggled by puppy perfection...

Word to the wise: Don't get attached to animals while volunteering, it's heart-wrenching and could lead to rumors of infidelity. Be warned. It happens, and if you tend to get attached...DON'T WEAR BRIGHT COLORS!!!!