Tripping

One of my most favorite fashion collection videos of all times. I felt the need to post this because the weather was so unseasonably warm today and all I felt like doing was breaking out the spring pastels, brightly colored sunglasses, and jumping into the car for a spur of the moment road trip! Too bad the fantasy, and the weather, were short lived. Back to work, and coldness, tomorrow.
Of course Prada never fails to life my spirits ANY time of the year :) Bring on the feuding housewife beauties of the 60's! Kill them with color ladies...

xx j

SUNdays

On the rare occasions my hair behaves calmly, I am able to form these nice, soft curls with a 1 and 1/2 inch curling iron. My hair and I have a special relationship that is, for the most part, love/hate. Most days I let it dry after washing (the amount of conditioner and leave-in conditioner I go through is truly unhealthy) and then go through it a few times with a curling iron, producing the results above. I have managed to break this biweekly routine down to around 20 minutes after many years of practice. This color is basically natural, the dark black dye has faded to around halfway down by now I guess. My hair is very slow growing, so despite the time commitment it requires, I am loving the length.

This picture was taken by my sister on a whim when I happened to have a good base for my curling. As lovely as the curls are, they only last for a short time before they fall out and become just plain wavy, no matter how much hairspray I use. I broke my favorite pair of cat eye sunglasses, so I had to dig out my emergency backup pair of aviators I got last summer from Free People. The outfit was just a casual sweatshirt from a trip, and I wasn't wearing any makeup, as is my custom on work at home Sundays.
Hope everyone had a great weekend!

xx j

Frida Love

This spread of Frida Gustavsson for the February issue of Elle Sweden, is unlike anything I have ever seen.  The daring combination of suburbia mixed with rock and roll, Bridget Bardot-esque, heavy-lashed eyes, and sharply-defined lips is slightly addictive. The high drama makeup creates a ultra sexy contrast against the more casual couture. It embodies a kind of effortless glamour which I want to explore again.  

xx i 

Le Pliage

We were given these bags as a bridesmaids gift from our now-sister-in-law a few weeks ago.  As someone who has lusted after the Longchamp bag for quite some time, this was the ultimate gift.  I had originally wanted the larger sized bag (Le Pliage Large Tote for $145) but after acquiring this Le Pliage Mini Tote for $98, I was actually happy to have the smaller size.  It is perfect for carrying my daily essentials (i.e. sunglasses, wallet, phone, eyeliner and mascara, car keys).  Even more exciting, it came personalized with our initials! These bags are just so cute!

xx i

Skin as white as snow, lips as red as blood

(J Crew shirt, Victoria's Secret bra)

This beautiful, rare light can only be produced by the perfect glint of sunlight on the first snow of winter. When the world is coated in an icy, white blanket I crave that perfect pop of color in the form of a bright red lip (or neon pink bra strap) Its days like this that gives me the courage to play up the eyes and lips against my frighteningly pale winter skin.
I hope everyone is staying warm until the snow melts,

xx j  

Ear Candy

This past weekend I went shopping with Justi at Urban Outfitters, and picked up some new things.  Left to my own devices this $100 shopping spree could have easily turned into a $400 one.  Luckily I followed my better judgment (that is to say my sister made me) and cut down significantly on the clothing and accessories I’d brought to the register, leaving the store with a modest sized, but much needed array of items.  I am particularly excited about the earrings I found, all of which were on sale for $4.99.  I have been obsessed lately with long, sometimes shoulder-grazing earrings, and their ability to enhance any look by instantly making me feel more glamourous and sophisticated.  The first pair I bought has long, dark feathers that hang from a gold chain, the second ivory looking tusks also on a gold chain, and the third are metal crosses which fade at the ends into long metal tassels.  I am especially excited about the cross earrings; they stand out so well against my black hair.  Thank you, Urban Outfitters, for providing me with yet another successful shopping venture!

xx i

Sheer delights

I have always been a fan of any piece of clothing of this material - the sheer, slightly crinkly fabric that seems to naturally create flattering silhouettes when hit by a certain type of light.  This shirt, which I found this other day on the Urban Outfitters sale rack, hangs perfectly on the body, and is so light I sometimes forget I'm even wearing it.  The subtle and feminine roses dress down the top, and keep it from limiting the shirt to only nighttime events.  I loved it paired with these fringed suede boots, also from Urban Outfitters (sale, of course), which reminded me instantly of the gorgeous boots from Isabel Marant's Fall 2011 rtw collection.

xx j