no time for a thousand words

Getting back to the gym and staying focused post-triathlon has been super hard. I need another goal. The margarita I had with lunch today probably isn't helping either. *Ahem.*

When we got back from Austin I was hoping for at least a week to just work slowly and bask in my accomplishment. As it turned out, work had other plans. We've been really, really busy, but in the best possible way. Most of the time, at least. Some days are harder than others. Lots of days end with client/press functions, which is super-fun, of course, but not good for the diet, or for after-work gym time.

In other news, I have a lot of Gemini friends, evidently. I celebrated happy birthdays with Roger, Chris and Amanda this past week. I also baked my first cherry pie. And you know what? I'm tired and have no time for a thousand words, so let's do this instead:

We went to the zoo with Mac's sister and her family.


Roger's birthday was 50's-themed. I had all the clothes for an accurate ensemble just hanging in my closet.


I went dancing for the first time in ages on Saturday night. I did NOT have an outfit for this, so I bought this dress. And then tested it out. (It worked beautifully.)


I made this from scratch.

"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.

all kinds of thoughtful

Tomorrow morning we're flying to Seattle for 7 days, the longest trip we've taken there since we moved away in 2003. I find this trip has me all kinds of thoughtful--about the people we've kept in touch with, about the people we haven't kept in touch with but are hoping to see anyway, about all the changes our lives have gone through in 4 years (marriages, divorces, kids, houses, dogs, new businesses, etc etc etc) and all the changes Seattle's gone through during the same time. I don't know how it's going to be, but these two things I know for sure:

1. We're going to eat at some of the best damn restaurants in the country.

2.


I am NOT packing my new suede shoes.

happy

In no particular order, these are things that are currently making me happy:

So You Think You Can Dance

It's over, which is sad, but I still have Wade Robson's zombie dance to Roisin Murphy's Ramalama Bang Bang saved in my TiVO. And that makes me very, very happy.

The cast of the new Hairspray movie.

Depp and Burton, together again.

Tim Gunn.

Even if you don't watch Project Runway, you should read his blog every week. You should especially read this past week's because he disagrees with the judges, and makes them sound like idiots, except only because he's so suave and articulate. Beautiful. I love him because he's intelligent, incisive, critical-but-kind, and so thoughtful. He really cares about the designers, their efforts, and wants to see them succeed. Just like a really good teacher should.

The Rolling Stone Women in Rock Collection.
It's infinitely sing-a-long-able.

My horoscope.
Lately it's been totally spot on. Trippy.

Psyche.

So, so funny. Check out the "Psyche outs" on the site, if you don't believe me. Start with "Electric Avenue." I love these guys.

My dreams. Last night, I got to eat Twinkies and hang out with John Krasinski. Actually, we were in a play together ("Cat on a Hot Tin Roof"), but I woke up before the curtain went up.

This cat.

Gofugyourself.com. Every day.

And, last but not least, my sister's new research site. Go here before you Google!

this is what I did

After much deliberation over what to wear to our 1975 party last weekend, this is what I did:

It's part Stepford Wife, part super-awesome comfy outfit and rad feathered hair. And a whole lot of that goofy expression I can't seem to stop making in photos, but there you go.

I've done a lot of "decades" in my day--20's & 40's for Halloween, 50's for a birthday party, etc.--and I gotta say, the 70's might be my best decade yet. That's the way (uh-huh uh-huh) I like it!

Old Clothes

What is it about travel or meetings or conferences that make me want to shop? I have two conferences this week, back to back. I have no new clothes to wear, with the exception of this new t-shirt. It's driving me crazy. I have actually considered bailing on tonight's dinner activity just so I can hit the mall and find, like, a new pleated skirt or a cute top or a sassy jacket or SOMETHING. MAN, it's driving me crazy. I can't believe I have to go to WORK in OLD CLOTHES.

art for your feet

I don't think of myself as being particularly materialistic (although I'm probably kidding myself). That said, I saw an ad for Neiman Marcus featuring these shoes, and suddenly my mind started racing, thinking of all the ways I could possibly afford them or justify the cost. Because, seriously, they're just so beautiful. They're like art for your feet.

They're also $675. So, you know, no. But. *sigh*

Slinkies

Today, a coworker sent this out to the group:

"Some people are like Slinkies. They're really good for nothing. But they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs."

In other news, Crate and Barrel has launched a new line of mod home furnishings called CB2.

Pretty groovy, huh?

Look out!

We have a license to . . . marry. Okay, so it's not as dangerous as a license to kill (although in the wrong hands, Britney), and not as Corey as a license to drive. But we have one. Because the really fun thing about getting married is the paperwork.

In other news, I've lost 6 pounds over the last month and over an inch in the circumference of my waist, hips, butt, etc. All because I discovered a fabulous new way to reduce the mass of my ass. Goes like this: eat less crap, eat more vegetables, exercise 3 - 4 times a week. What? That's not new? Just me, then? Oh well. But hey, it works!

Finally, I desperately want these

but in a lower heel and in a less retarded price range. Still, I had to share, because looky! How pretty!

Ah, Choo.

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.

Today's must-have accessory