Me in Melange

what to wear while being a milkmaid...

Inevitably no matter how many clothes are in my closet I find myself staring into the abyss in the morning wondering, 'what to wear today'? If I were more together I would pick outfits out in the evening so that my morning would be a bit smoother and I wouldn't tear apart my closet trying to find something that feels right for that particular day. Alas, this will never happen... especially now with a babe to care for... unfortunately, for me, my question has now gotten even MORE complicated and has MORE stipulations. 'What's the temperature' is not the number one question anymore, now it's 'will I be able to access my boobs easily in that'?  Which is something I never thought of when buying clothes!  And well, seems like my favorite thing to wear is crewneck tees, because that's the hardest thing to nurse in, and that's about all I see in my closet. ;)  What I don't have, is a button down shirt, which I think would be the easiest to nurse in... not a single one!!  what?  So I'm left to ponder #1 how it is that I work at a fabulous clothing store and yet have no fabulous button downs and #2 what kind of tops should I get to ease my dressing stress?  I figure I'll be nursing for at least 9 more months so shopping will be 'necessary'. (when is shopping not necessary? I can always find a reason.) Do any of you have suggestions of great nursing/easy-boob-access-styles for the new mommy??  signed, me {CA}

through the looking glass...

just a few blogs back I mentioned 'the september issue'...  well now I cannot wait for this....  Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland!  The official trailer was just released and it looks like a feast for the eyes, and I'm not just talking about Mr. Depp. The big question is whether or not I could get my Lila to nap through a movie, maybe by next spring I'll be comfortable enough to have her stay with a sitter. ;) signed, me {CA}

My love/hate relationship with a summer accessory....

You can't really deny, summer's accessory is the tan.  I personally have a love/hate relationship with this particular accessory.  Love the way bronzed skin looks with white, and I ADORE white in the summer.  I love the way tanned legs instantly make you look thinner, and seem to smooth everything out.  I HATE the idea that I'm getting wrinkles in the sun, and I already have more than enough freckles/sun spots so the concept of getting more is totally unacceptable.  Without any color though, I've got veiny, blue white legs that just DO NOT work in the summer.  

So...I introduced myself to the "spray tan"....instant tan in 4-6 hours. relatively even if you make sure to cover your feet, knees, hands and elbows....and the stinky smell wears off in about 2 days.  Since the tan lasts about 7 days, that is 5 days with a stink free tan....that I kind of love.  I've tried those moisturizing tan lotions that build up gradual color, but I haven't found one yet that doesn't smell exactly like self-tanner (maybe not immediately but shortly thereafter)--and I just can't get use to the smell.   At first I found the process of getting sprayed in the shower/coffin like room, really scary.  I held my breath at the wrong time, breathed in the tanner, and practically had an anxiety attack.  This was my third go at it though, and I've gotten better.  This time I remember to wash my hands so I avoided looking like pumpkin from the wrist down, and I remember to thoroughly cover my feet with cream before I was sprayed down.  I even managed to hold my breath at the right time.   I love my summer hats, and my cool new obi belt from Ada, but my favorite accessory might just be my tan!!  Signed, ME {LV}

Why you'll love the new S & B tees!

We ordered Stewart + Brown for spring, but we didn't order their signature lengthened tee.  When I first saw it I wasn't convinced it was great enough to warrant space in our stocked tee closets.  Then a friend of mine randomly gave me a Stewart + Brown tee she had bought and it turned out to be too big for her.  Well, it actually turned out to be too big for me too (they run more generous to begin with, if you are between sizes you can size down), but I LOVE it!!  The sleeves are nice and long, the body is nice and long so the sides ruche and it becomes really flattering), the edges are surged and roll slightly.  The fabric feels great, and I've thrown it in the washer and dryer and it has survived with flying colors.   The fabric is thin enough to layer, but not see thru at all or flimsy feeling.  Definitely worthy!!  Signed, ME {lv}

 

I'm whose mother?

A traumatic, TRAUMATIC event happened to me today.  I can barely talk about it without feeling a little sick to my stomach.  I accompanied my sister today to the doctor's office.  While we were waiting, a woman (who sat there waiting too) asked if I was there with my DAUGHTER.  Am I  who, huh, what?  That is right, someone mistook ME, at 38, as the MOTHER of my 30 year old sister.  I'm forever traumatized.  The only thing that made me feel slightly better was the woman appeared to be a couple screws loose in general, but who am I kidding...her eyesight might have been just fine.  I also take a little solace in the face that my sister looks freakishly young.  But again, who am I kidding, I should just take it like a woman and stop making excuses.  I might need therapy over this one people.  No joke.  What?  Did someone just say "botox"??  Sign me up for whatever "spring chicken" procedures you have on tap please!  Signed, ME {lv} 

ps.  Clearly I'm going to need to buy myself something new...maybe a pair of those new Seven straight legs and a Stewart + Brown top from tomorrow's shipment.  Let's face it, all I have apparently is the hope of a potentially cute outfit because obviously I don't have raging youth on my side :-).

The best "little" fashionista gift!

We finally got these new Satori Rue child sized necklaces today...I've been waiting for these to come in ever since I bought  a couple for my little girls.  They are perfectly sized, and have tiny little charms with either their initial, or their age.  If it is one thing all girls love...JEWELRY!  These were a big hit, and one of my favorite new things to give as birthday gifts!  Finally, something sweet and darling for our little half pints that isn't plastic, or have the words Bratz, Hannah Montanna or Hello Kitty on it.  YAHOO!  Signed, ME {lv}

living in a JP tee...

I've often thought about this, I guess since sitting in the James Perse showroom listening to the rep boast about how her whole wardrobe was JP and how lucky that made her.  It's true, JP's tees are truly luxurious, simple, and classic.  Why wouldn't you want to live in them!?  Well, now you can my friends... James Perse has just introduced his ultra-new furniture line, bringing his California style to all parts of your home, not just your closet.  Take a peek at all four lines the Malibu, Los Angeles, NorCal, and Brentwood.  Only available at James Perse boutiques.  signed, me {CA}

little stitches...

My mom and I accomplished some craftiness while she was here for her visit, and one of my favorite projects came from this book by Amy Butler...

available here. It's a snuggle blanket... but it's the perfect size for tummy-time on the floor.  (i'll post pics later today of my finished product later today, forgot my digital camera cord at home :( ) The book is full of gorgeous pictures and wonderful projects that range from easy to difficult.  I'm looking forward to practicing my sewing skills and making more keepsakes for Lila... in my 'free time' ;)  signed, me {CA}

lila mckenzie...

I'd like to introduce you guys to my little Lila! :)  She was born on June 21st (daddy's day!!) and weighed in at 8 lbs. 7.5 oz.  She's an absolute doll and of course I'm totally infatuated with her. Today was her first day at work with mommy... she did really well, even got her to model. ;) 

 

I was lucky to have MY mom visit me for the past 2 weeks... she was awesome, totally got me organized, we introduced Lila to one of our favorite pastimes... shopping!  and we even had some fun sewing some things for baby girl.  A true summer staycation, thanks Mom!!  I'll post more pics soon... right now Lila and I are going to go enjoy some sunshine. signed, me {CA}

the september issue...

I cannot wait for this!

looks fantastic.  signed, me {CA} 

ps... I've been lost in baby-land for the past few weeks, but Lila is doing fabulous and can't wait to get work with mommy.  talk more soon!

Anni Kuan Fall 2009

I have fallen hard for the fall Anni Kuan designs.  She uses beautiful fabrics and colors (have you ever seen a lovelier dusky purple? and the fabric is SILK----so flippin' gorgeous)  Keep an eye out for her, this season is one of her best in awhile!  Signed, ME {lv}

 

 

Fall 2009 Denim...what to get excited about!

So now that all of the fall orders are in, it is time to lay out a denim plan for fall/winter 2009.  I am excited this fall, because I think there is a little something for everyone.  Slim legged jeans were still a very strong silhouette, both skinny and straight legs. For those of us who adore the wider legs and flares, we had those too.  Citizens came out with a new version of the Faye (they officially retired the Faye style.)  The boyfriend relaxed jean was front and center, and there was distressing liberally sprinkled in just like we saw in spring/summer.  Adriano Goldschmied is going to be our front runner for the distressed jean and boyfriend jeans (it keeps popping up in the magazines for a reason--they are great)!  Citizens and Sevens will be my pick for my straight leg jeans, with Citizens having the best wide leg jeans.   I liked how Citizens had the Elson high rise straight leg thrown in every month (this is such a good style), and Seven is making sure we are covered with their expansion of the petite styles.   So, in a nut shell, fall brings us a little of everything, and we are excited that all of our favorite silhouettes are front and center.  Corduroy was pretty scarce though, just a bit of here and there and grey denim (this has been a strong color) was limited too!  Signed, ME {lv}