The dress of the Spring is...

Hi, Friday. Thank you for coming, so glad you're here. Let's talk a little fashion to get us into the mood for Spring, which is upon us in leaps and bounds.

If you've been reading this blog for a while, you may remember last Spring when I picked the black and white, vertical striped Givenchy blazer as the most coveted item of the season, and predicted it would be "repurposed" by more mainstream retailers like Zara, Forever 21, and H&M. I did end up seeing this piece, in various iterations and reinterpretations, all over our American version of the High Street (the mall), so I wanted to zero in on a dress I thought was "copy" worthy as well.

I give you yet another striped number, from Prada's Spring 2011 collection. I've already sighted the long version of this by young Hailee Steinfeld  at one of the various awards shows this season, but it's this shorter, sassier number I'm a bit agog over. I have a feeling this pattern, color palette, and silhouette will be the dress of the season, with retailers clamoring to think of ways to redo it. I'm a huge fan of this litle number and wouldn't mind my own little version of this dreamy dress, at my price point, of course. I myself would prefer a more a line version, perhaps with a short sleeve.

Oh and don't count out the jewel toned, YSL inspired looks by Gucci (pictured above) that are all the hell over the place, too. In love with those, so many others may be too, including smart retailers. And that's what's up this retooled Friday in the MIA. Big kisses and enjoy your weekend. XO

 

Vert...je vous aime beaucoup...

 

Hiya, Thursday. It seems odd to profess my love for the color green today in French, this being St. Patrick's Day and all. But if you are a regular reader of this blog, you know my intense obsession with all things verte- green is the color for me and that's that. I have always loved thee- you conjure up images of lushness, fertility, the Sherwood forest, and sensuality. I am your biggest fan, dear green. And I suppose on St. Patrick's Day, I turn a bit Irish, though my liver does not (only so much green beer I can drink).

I remember the first time I went to Scotland and spent time in the Highlands (yes I know Scotland is not so much a fan of St. Patty's Day but bear with me). I felt like I was home. There before me was field after green field, thickets of trees surrounded by green wherever I looked, with ruins of medieval castles on heaths to boot. I'm not sure I have ever been so smitten by terrain, but there I was,  happier than happy to be somewhere so uniquely linked to my sense. I suppose that's why I love Jamaica too- it's insanely lush and green and takes me to the good place.Not to mention my affection for all things mint hued- mint chocolate chip ice cream, key lime pie, pistachio ice cream, and the elusive Shamrock Shake from Mickey D's that I used to slurp down every St. Patty's Day back in the day.

And though I'm in jeans and basic black today,  I thought I would share some lovely images I found of ladies in green dresses as well as a few that capture that feeling of splendor in the grass- we're talking instant g-ddess here- that's how powerful green is. I am a huge fan of wearing green as a way to lift the mood and celebrate a sort of fertile chic. I hope you love these pictures as much as I do, and wherever you are, Happy St. Patrick's Day- enjoy the festivities and celebrate the best color in the whole damn wheel.Erin Go Bragh.

And that's what's up this verdant Thursday in the MIA. XO

Thinking of going blonde...again.

Greetings, Wednesday. I'm bored with being a redheard. I want blonde. Let's see what happens...not sure blondes have more fun, but I'm feeling in the mood for rock and roll blonde a la Sienna...perhaps, children. Perhaps.

Cause that's what's up this flaxen Wednesday in the 305. XO

Between Peace and Happiness...

Is a tangerine sun.

I was up super early- the morning is when I am at my best and I adore getting up early and greeting the sun. I feel so vital, I love the quiet of the morning, and love those few precious hours before I have to hop to it. The sky was radiating orange light, and it made me feel warm and somewhere between peaceful and happy. I heart the mornings-  it's the most energetic time of the day for me (my husband is not of this persuasion, PS. I live with a high school boy in terms of how many times he hits the snooze button, while I chirp around). I love making coffee, sitting on my balcony, and taking some deep breaths to welcome the day.

To illustrate my point, here are some images to get you inspired today...I love the title of this post, there's a blog of the same name (http://betweenpeaceandhappiness.blogspot.com/) that has lots of fun stuff, but the title of the blog is what really gets me.  I'm not much of a midline girl, but to be sandwiched between peace and happiness would not suck. And here are some pics of what that might look like, you dig?

Cause that's what's up this tangy and altogether tinged Tuesday in the MIA. Hope your day is full of light, orange or otherwise. XO

Maven Essentials: J. Crew Capri Sandals

Merde. It's Monday and I lost my post just now to the ether. No idea what just happened, but will try to put the pieces together for you...here's the jist:

I was talking about my bitch of a root canal, and how all weekend foudn me in pain and reaching for the Vicodin. Some of you may enjoy that, but for me, it was nausea city and a lot of crankiness. But 3 days and a few doses of antibiotic later, I'm feeling better and ready to face the week. And with the clocks moving forward, we've all got a little extra daylight to contend with, which also means warmer days on the horizon, and the need for some new shoes.

One of my favorite things about living in MIami is a sort of 24/7/365 ability to wear flip flops. Don't get me wrong- I still love wearing boots but nothing makes me happier than wearing next to nothing on my feet- if I could be barefoot all the time, I would. I love a flip flop  because at any given moment, you can pop onto a patch of grass, take your shoes off, and graze your toes along the blades for a bit of grounding. In the warm months, I don't take my flips off, for anybody.

The award for the most perfect flip flop is the J. Crew capri sandal. Just shy of $50, it's a lovely little sandal that you will surely wear as an essential- love the thin thong which makes it feel more dressed up, a bit sexier, and decidedly more glam. You can wear these with just about anything, but your best accessory will be some bare tan legs. They are that perfect in that easy, breezy summer way. So get thee a razor, some exfoliator, and a pedicure stat. And while you're at it, buy a pair of these suckers. It's time. And not a moment too soon, from what I hear from my friends up North.

Also on my hit list for spring/summer feet are two nail colors that I've been digging- OPI's San Tantonio, the loveliest beigy neutral you've ever seen, and Essie's Neo Whimsical, the sweetest pink whisper that your toes have ever encountered (both pictured here)

. I am most definitely feeling the new neutrals on the toes this season, very much suits my chilled out state of mind (or at least the one I hope to achieve).

Go on to J. Crew and buy a pair of these...they come in many flavors- I myself always buy a gold pair and one in black, natch. Also loving the luggage leather/natural pair they're featuring this year- lots to choose from. Hope you have a lovely week with thoughts of bare toes and sunshine. Cause that's what's up this tiptoe of a Monday in the MIA. XO

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_special_sizes/size512shoes/size12/PRDOVR~72868/72...

On Haircuts and Happiness

Hi, Thursday...what a difference a good haircut makes. I'll tell you WHAT. I was positively pissy yesterday and now feel so much better, all thanks to my much needed haircut. I so want to be a long hair girl, but I'm not. It all comes back to the bob, which is now a bit jagged and funky and altogether ME. Respect and admire you girls with your long, luxurious locks, but I can't go there. Loathe growing my hair and hate having too much of it. Weighs me down. I simply reach a point where I can't bear my hair another second, and then- CHOP.

And speaking of being weighed down and in need of a chop,  what's your problem? Yes, you. Maybe you are beyond and over the moon with your life, and if that's the case, well I owe you a drink- congratulations. But if you are like most of us earth dwellers, you may feel a bit hefty and need a change- a shedding, a reassessment, a check in. In case you didn't get the memo, it's your life, darlings. You simply have to do what you want. Well you don't have to, but shouldn't you?

As I left my gig to pursue more self oriented endeavors, I felt powerful, hopeful, and excited. I still feel all of those things, but guess what? I'm exhausted. It's not easy to change everything up- now that I am employed by none other than myself, I feel the need to explore every and all opportunities that come my way, and although all of these things are beyond a blessing and I am super thankful, I'm in need of a nap, some extra strength eye cream, and a few nights of mindless television. Nobody said switching it all up would be easy, and I wouldn't change a thing. Maybe I just didn't bank on how sleepy I would be, all the time. But besides being a little tired, I am open in ways that I never knew possible- just "ready" in a way I haven't been in a long time, though I am not sure what I'm ready for. And that's part of the fun. My state right now is not unlike that perfect outfit- you know the one. That little number that you feel great in, no matter where you're going- you're just right and comfortable and "ready". I'm kinda like that. And I'm not mad at it.

And seems like a a few people are feeling the need to be ready, too. Just yesterday at my hair salon, I was talking to the lovely guy who was washing my locks, who told me he recently quit a job in academia to cut hair. Oh, and it gets better. His wife quit a high end retail management gig to do tattoos. These stories inspire me beyond belief- when people live in their truth and take the risk, I well up inside. I'm not saying it's going to be easy- maybe you'll need to cut back on some things, suffer lack of sleep, and scratch your head sometimes when the going gets rough as to why you left that cush gig, that bad relationship, or bad habit. But take it from my friend at the salon- it's so so worth it to do what makes you feel less weighed down, less sluggish, less dready on Sunday night. There is not a successful person alive (however you measure success anyway) that did not take a risk at some point on the journey- so what are you waiting for? Stop what you're doing- maybe start with a haircut. I'm telling you it's a step in the right direction, friends. I'm not saying you have to quit your job, although that may be necessary to get rid of some of the gunk. Maybe take baby steps- chop the hair, buy a red dress, ask someone out that you've been grooving on. Not sure what it is, but you too should experiene this perfect outfit feeling, tiring as it is to get there. Tomorrow I could be pissy again, but today I feel very right and knowing and happy. The haircut helped. I'm sure of it. As did the ability to take a breath and realize things are tiring, but really, really ok.

And that's what's up this little black dress of a Thursday in the 305. Go forth and live, lovelies. You only get one shot. In this life anyway...

Viva La Moss

 

Oh, Jeez Wednesday. Are you on my cloud? Get off.

I am definitely not having a stellar week, if you must know. It happens to the best of us- I can't seem to get everything done, can't seem to figure anything out, and feeling like I need a jumbo jet to take me away, somewhere else, like, right now...yes I know shitty weeks are par for the proverbial course, so I'm gonna ride this week out and chalk it up to trying too hard to fit in 6 am workouts, cooking excessively to justify the mortgage payment dollar amount I spent at Whole Foods this past weekend, and the repercussions of a nasty root canal. Yup, going with those.

Anyway, look at Kate on the runway. At Vuitton. If only I could summon the slightest iota of her inpenetrable and formidable cool. If anything, these pics made me happy this morning as I read about Cuckookhadafi and crazier than crazy Charlie Sheen. Thanks, Kate. I needed that today.

Will be back to my perky self, soon. Or else I am going to be a terror for all eternity...much love and kisses to you all..hope your day is as cool as Kate. Cause that's what's up this mossy Wednesday in the 305. XO

 

On Parallel Universes...

 

Good morning, Tuesday. I'm feeling open yet closed at the same time today, know what I mean? Have you ever felt both excited and exhausted at the same time? Just in a bit of a rut and trying not to give it too much power and channel the more excited sense of my being...so I thought I'd talk about how crazy strange life and love can be and how the possibilities are all there for you.

So my husband got a story published on CityLink yesterday- it was a story he did a reading for some time back at this Miami literary event (yes people read here- I was surprised too). It's a great tale of midsummer debauchery, once upon a time in New Jersey. It's a fun story, woven with bits of Dr. Dre throughout, the soundtrack of his adventures, with his best friend in tow, in 1998.

Now of course, I'm touting the story, plugging it even, because it's damn good and funny as hell. But as I read it for the first tme I realized how trippy it is that the person you end up spending your life with not only had a very full life before he/she met you, but was running a life concurrent to yours. I say this because I remember where I was in the summer of 1998, not very far from where David was, in New York City, working in advertising and dating someone who I was not so much into.  I myself was not so into Dre, but was definitely enjoying my own share of hip hop, more of the Biggie variety, as he'd been gunned down a year before and I was still very much a fan.I think it's fascinating how you can live somewhere, fully immersed in your life and your music and your bullshit, and never once realize that someday you are going to meet somebody that is going to change your life, change how you see, maybe even show your some stuff that you will never forget- and it will be that person that makes sense, that feels right, that you not only feel right with, but makes you feel right in your own skin. But there's no way to know when that moment's coming, so content yourself, if you are single, that in some parallel universe- across the ocean, river, or sidewalk could be the ONE. And every moment that you have lived in your life up until that chance encounter has prepared you for it- all the crappy jobs, all the demented love affairs with damaged goods, and all the nights spent wondering where in hell this person was and when they would show up.

So as you read this amazing tale of his, maybe think about how we are all existing here together, on seperate paths that may end up converging. If you're already spoken for, have your mate tell you a good story about themselves today, before they met you and before you started having exciting weekends full of runs to Target and the Container Store. And if you're single, and you're thinking about your workday, how to break up with that psycho bitch who won't leave you alone, or what time you're going for a run tonight, think of this instead- somewhere along one of those journeys/life lesssons could be your future, either in New Jersey or Namibia. You simply never know, and that's what makes life confusing and absolutely great. In the meantime though, read this story. It's brilliant and funny and a fabulous glimpse at my love before we met. Link below. And that's what's up this aligned Tuesday in the MIA. It's all happening I suppose, just maybe not here today, though I take comfort in knowing cool things are happening all around me, in the most unexpected of ways. XO

 

http://citylinkmix.com/more/lip-service-stories-chronically-dumped/