LOVE IT.

These things are currently making me very happy:
1. The Campo Gorilla Reserve is finished and open at the LA Zoo! I've been peering through the construction walls at this for the last three years I've been going to the zoo regularly. Mac & I have donated money with specific hopes that it helps fund this project. The old habitat was sad, y'all. In fact, on our first trip to the LA Zoo, we found a lot of it to be a little sad. But we also saw how many animals they've rescued, bred, and returned to the wild if possible, and we saw little construction sites all over the grounds, just waiting to flourish and become proper habitats for our beloved animals. And this one is done.

YAY.

2. This candle, purchased at Anthropologie for $15, smells just like Autumn.

LOVE IT.

3. Thanksgiving is coming. In fact, Mac & I get TWO this year, and one of them is tomorrow. For those of you thinking it might be delightful to have the McLeans over for Thanksgiving, or perhaps celebrate at our house one year, let me tell you--it IS delightful. And delicious, for I am in charge of Dill Bread, cranberry sauce (with orange & ginger), and apple pie with homemade crust. I made a practice pie this past weekend for my friend Mikey in DC.

PERFECT.

"Where did you get that darling thing?"

I find I have a hard time putting a finger on my style. Is it California casual chic? Or does it adhere more to Seattle's "rock 'n roll professional" aesthetic? Certainly my draw to boots, chunky belts and stylish coats is a holdover from my Colorado days. Or is it regional at all?

Whatever it is, I've been having fun shopping lately. Color is back! I remember roaming into stores over the last couple years thinking, "Beige and gray? Are they serious? I'm an autumn, dammit!!" But now, man, you roll into these joints and they're all Red! Royal blue! Emerald Green! Mustard Yellow! Rich earthy colors and jewel tones as far as your wallet will take you! Hurrah!

More than clothes, though, I love accessories. I found a shop that carries really cute shoes in wide sizes, as well as an affordable shoe repair shop near my house, so I'm finally getting excited about shoes. My collection of beautiful necklaces & pendants is an abundance of pretty, and I love dressing up coats and jackets with a fun brooch.

The whole reason for this post, though, is that I have two items that never fail to draw compliments and get people asking, "Where did you get that darling thing?" And since I do not fancy myself too original to copy, I'll just tell you.

1. The Pretty Silver Necklace: I can not take credit for picking this out, as it was a birthday present from my friend Erica. Her taste in clothes is almost exactly like mine (only better), and her taste in jewelry is impeccable. Anyway, this necklace is absolutely beautiful, and never fails to receive compliments.

Where to find it: On Robson St. in Vancouver, if you're lucky enough to go, at a store called Blue Ruby. They also have a website. Go through the Mimi & Marge collection until you find the "Soda Dot Necklace." There are also matching earrings and a matching cuff if you're into the matchy-chatchy thing.

2. The Groovy Printed Clutch: I found this prize in Austin, at a store that specializes in Austin designers. When I got home, people kind of freaked out over its retro-like fabric and clever design. I mean, I went to get my teeth cleaned, and even the front desk staff and my hygenist were all, "Oooh, so cute! Want!"

Where to find it: the Kailo Chic web site. The name of my purse is "The Mocca," but you can find it in a whole variety of cute, vintage-y fabrics. The real draw with this clutch is the little strap on the side that you slip your hand through to help hold onto the bag.

So, there you go, the two most-complimented components of my wardrobe, available for appropriation at reasonable prices. Plus, now you have a couple sites to bookmark for the women in your life who appreciate artistic, well-made things.

It's not voyeurism, it's Art

Last Sunday night I went to an event for Found Magazine, a publication that collects found notes, photos and other random items and publishes them. It was a cool event and between mAc, Amanda and me we walked out with the coffee table book, a CD from the founder's brother's band and a t-shirt that says, "The Booty Don't Stop." (Long story.) I could wax philosophical about why looking at found notes and letters meant for someone else is so compelling, but the truth is it's just one notch up from watching reality television, really. And, as Amanda whispered to me during one of the readings, "We like voyeurism because it makes us feel better about our lives." So simple, so true.

In other news, I saw Closer this week. Good movie, very interesting. And Clive Owen? Totally rocked that part. Earned himself a big fat Oscar nod he did, mark my puffy words.

Co-opt this

If you, like Gwen, find that the Harajuku Girls have the wicked style and would like to be the first co-opt that shit, check it:
Funky t-shirts & housewares from Japan
The latest runway from Yohji Yamamoto and Comme des Garcons
The hard-to-find tees of Hysteric Glamour
Now mix your coutour with a couple funky items from your local thrift store and voila. You're ready to head on down to Melrose/Haight/Broadway/1st Ave/Capitol Hill/East Village and look.... just like everybody else.