Mimi

Hello Friends!

 This beautiful woman is my grandmother, Mimi. Her real name is Dorothy Louise or "Dotty" for short. She is my mother's mother and my last living grandparent. She is one of the most special people in my life. From her I inherited my love of fashion, food, drinking, and laughing (and probably some stubbornness, too). My grandpa, Poppop, took this picture outside their apartment in Hollywood where they lived in the 1950s. 

This weekend I will visit her along with my brothers and dear friends Katherine and Sandy. The time I spend with my Mimi is so precious and of course limited by geography, budgets, and time. This trip we are going to sort through her massive collection of gorgeous vintage clothing, and I will be selling some of it on Etsy. Sorting through her memories, whether in the form of photographs, clothing, or words reminds me that who I am today started long ago. 

Happy Weekend!

Wednesday Night at Zoe

Hello!

what

Jeans, Paige Denim via Nordstroms

Tee, Banana Republic

Jacket, Hand me down from Lori (thank you!)

Shoes, Enzo Angiolini  via Nordstroms

Watch, Fossil via Nordstroms

Necklace, Made by me from African Sea glass and Midori Dupioni Silk Ribbon

Bag, Balenciaga via Ebay

why

I've had these jeans for a VERY long time and haven't worn them. I had seen the combo of grey jeans and a motorcycle jacket somewhere earlier this spring, and I have been really wanting to try it out. Mara and I were celebrating her final week in Seattle and also Seattle restaurant week. So I wanted something fun but with enough room for the delicious food and drinks I'd be consuming!

the scoop

When Jeff from Midori sent me the ribbon to make the belt for their blog, he also sent me several other amazing ribbons! I am particularly in love with the grey Dupioni silk ribbon! For some reason this week I had the idea to use it with my pink African glass beads. I like the finished product. The knots turned out to be abut the same size as the beads. I think I will try using ribbon in other jewelry pieces as well. 

Happy almost weekend!

 

Guest Blog for Midori

Hi there!

I wanted to let you all know I was guest blogging over at the Midori Ribbon Blog this week! Jeff from Midori had seen a ribbon belt I made using one of their luscious ribbons. We teamed up to share the "how to" Midori's and my readers! Their website is a treasure trove of beautiful pictures and ideas for how to use ribbon and paper in creative ways! Check them out!

Happy Wednesday!

Black and Blue and Brown

Hi Friends!

Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

what:

Top, Target

Trousers, Vintage, thrifted

Belt, Thrifted

Shoes, Vintage, thrifted

Earrings, Made by me

Clutch, Vintage Eel Skin

why:

After a long night of taking care of a sick puppy and a boring day of watching him sleep and recover, Nate and I needed to get out. We had dinner, saw a movie, and met up with friends for a drink. I am loving the high waisted, pleated trousers lately. Something comfortable that is easy to throw a sweater over in a cold theater is perfect in my mind!

the scoop:

I have been thrifting up a storm recently! I love it when I find a pair of pants just like the ones I almost bought at Nordstroms for $5.99! It feels good to know that I am buying something that's "recycled." I have also decided that it is high time I started making some of my own jewelry. I am hoping to learn more of the basics ASAP.

Happy Monday!

Hi Friends!

what:

Blouse, Dockers, thrifted

Lace Top, Old Navy

Jeggings, Joes via Anthropologie

Sandals, Thrifted, Mexican

Necklace, Made by me from African Sea Glass and Coral

why:

As the days get warmer, I find myself running around and spending more time outside with the kids (students, not my own). I want to wear something that allows me to move, take off a layer if I get to warm,  but still looks cute. Today, I also wanted to wear something that shows off this new necklace!

the scoop:

I am still having a love affair with my jeggings. I can't get over how comfortable they are! Really this outfit is about the accessories. The shoes are woven wedges originally from Mexico. The lace hem of the top underneath adds length and detail to an otherwise boring blouse. They necklace was a crafty project I have been meaning to make for over a year! I had seen these amazing African sea glass beads at a bead store. I finally decided that adding some coral beads I have been eying would be perfect et voila! This was my first homemade piece of jewelery, and I am happy enough with the result to wear it with pride!

Happy almost weekend!

Copy Cat

Trying something new . . . 

what: 

Jacket, Target (super old)

Necklace, Banana Republic

Pants, Vintage, thrifted

Shoes, Old Navy

Glasses, Kate Spade via Nordstroms

why:

I (and probably all of you, too) love to rip out outfits and inspiration from magazines. Some get pinned up, others adorn my nightstand in piles sorted by day, night, skirt, pants, etc. Well today, I busted one out from Instyle. I loved the combo of Navy pants, a light jacket, pretty necklace, and pink shoes. Their  outfit was a bit more polished, but since I am a teacher, I can get away with less than polished. 

the scoop:

Honestly, these pants are the kind I'd, until recently, avoid like the plague. High waist, tapered leg, partial elastic waist band, not back pockets, eek! But I am crossing over as I find pairs here and there in thrift shops. I like them on a pair by pair basis. The sandals are a bit much, but I bought them on a whim. In true cheap shoe fashion, they are already breaking . . . that's what happens when you pay $15 for footwear.

Have a lovely Wednesday!

Hi there!

This outfit is a typical Saturday afternoon outfit. We were headed south to have dinner with my parents at a restaurant where throwing food (peanut shells) on the floor is appropriate! While I love to get dressed up and put together more elaborate ensembles, I love a simple sweater and button up with jeans. It feels so fresh and relaxed to me! 

What do you like to wear on the weekends? 

Does it tend to be more simple, or do you make your weekend wear fancier that during the week?

Sweater, JCrew

Blouse, Thrifted

Jeans, Seven for all Mankind, Nordstroms

Shoes, Kenneth Cole

Necklace, 31Bits

Bracelets, ?

Bag, Hobo

All Photographs by Nathaniel Paull

Ravish

Hello Friends!

This weekend was lovely here in Seattle! The sun was finally shining and it was actually kind of hot! Lots of eating, drinking, gardening, and dog walking happened! I managed to cross off most of my "to-do list," and still see friends and family! I love when that happens!

On Friday I had the joy of eating at Ravish in our little neighborhood of Eastlake. It started as a happy hour with some favorite girl friends and some how turned into late night dining with my favorite husband. If you are in Seattle and you haven;t had a chance to grab one of the many delicious, seasonal plates ravish has to offer, you need to get over there! Monica said it was "very Kate Spade like" in the restaurant. Cute place, great food, great wine, what's not to love?

Take Me to the Park!

Hi there!

Well the sun is shining, people are out on Lake Union, and I am pining for a picnic - summer must be coming!

Today was they the first day all year I have wanted to have a picnic. Nate and I often pack some yummy food and beer and sit at Gasworks Park to watch the city lights come on. It is one of my favorite things to do when the weather is warm.  As much as I have been yearning for the sun and warm weather, today was overshadowed by a horrid event at work. Working for someone there is no possible way you can respect and has been called "toxic" by her peers makes my stomach ache. Needless to say I came home and took a giant bite out of a brownie! Chocolate is my drug of choice! Then Nate and I ate amazing burgers at The Counter and called it a night!

But in the name of cheeriness, here is my little outfit for the day. I am secretly falling for my jeggings. It is am embarassed. But they really are so comfortable!

Hat, Gap
Blouse, JCrew via Goodwill
Jeggings, Joes via Anthropologie clearance rack
Shoes, Spain?
Sunnies, Kate Spade via Nordstroms


All photos property of Nathaniel Paull :) 

Hi Friends!

Today started with rain and ended sunny and warm! I did not wear this outfit today, but I am going to wear it for a special dinner this weekend. I might add some tights if it gets chilly again (no!!) . . .

This is a great example of High-Low. The skirt is Marc Jacobs(albeit thrifted), but the rest is no name and thrifted or from Old Navy. As much as I would love to wear coordinating designer pieces, it is fun and refreshing to see how uber pricey and uber cheap can mix comfortably. 

How do you mix expensive and cheaper clothing? 

Do you try on clothes days in advance for a special event? or is this just my OCD self?

 

Skirt, Marc Jacobs via Buffalo Exchange

Blouse, Vintage and thrfited

Wedges, Old Navy

Scarf, Thrifted

PS My lovely Nate would like me to credit his photography "skills."

Milkmaids and Jeggings

Hi there!

Today I am admitting to purchasing jean leggings otherwise known as "jeggings." I did not come about the decision to purchase these "jeggings" easily. Many a time I was seconds away from purchasing the Hue version in a smattering of colors. However, each and every time I put them back on the rack. Well as some of you might know, Anthropologie was having a sale on the Joe's version. They are thicker and more jean-like that their cheaper counterparts. I managed to find them in my size and in the color I coveted! I did not try them on in the store. I was too afraid of humiliation. I wanted to be home in case these "jeggings" made me legs look like sausages and the muffin top look like something from Costco. If this were the case, I could swiftly replace them with my most comfortable and camouflaging sweatpants. Luckily, my thighs are not too sausage-esque and my self image is still intact. I was reminded today why, as a third grader, "jeggings" were my pants of choice. Although I am pretty sure those were of the acid washed variety . . . 

What do you think of the "jegging" trend/craze?

If you are already sporting them, what is you favorite way to wear them for spring?

Sweater and Blouse, JCrew

Jeggings, Joe's via Anthropologie

Boots, Corso Como

Aviators, Kate Spade via Nordstroms

More Black and Blue

Hi Friends!

Such a lovely weekend we have had here in Seattle! I love it when you remember why you live in your city or town. I love how the nice weather makes all Seattle-ites come out to enjoy the sunshine! With that said, I did go see a movie yesterday. BUT I took the bus just so I could spend more time walking around in the sun! Today I have been gardening on out deck and spent a few hours wandering around the shops with Nate. So wonderful!

Yesterday, it was sunny, but still quite chilly, so I was not really feeling the bright spring colors that are in every window. I feel like black is a good basic when you are between seasons. I know we are not technically between seasons, but it still feels that way to me!

Jacket, thrifted, vintage

Tee, Gap

Demin Button Up, Old Navy

 Skirt, Sears

Tights, Anne Klien via DSW

Shoes, Coconuts via DSW

Hat, thrifted

Shades, Walgreens