12.5.09

It was a day to take Jackson to swimming lessons then run around a bit.  I had to be comfortable.  Good news:  Jackson is getting over his fear of getting his hair wet.

12.4.09

LUELLA TARGET DRESS BIRDIE NECKLACE

Luella for Target dress, Urban Outfitters scarf bought at garage sale, vintage necklace, cut off tights, Forever 21 bracelet, Gap ballet flats

12.2.09

From yesterday. I swear I'll catch up some day! McQ for Target dress, vintage 80s members only style jacket, vintage disc pendant, vintage skinny animal skin belt, Go Jane wedgies.

THE VEST EVERYONE WANTS TO TOUCH

I forgot to add the pics of my outfit yesterday...

I'm wearing: a thrifted vintage Diane Freis dress that someone hacked off the bottom and I hemmed badly, but somewhat charming none-the-less, Gharani Strok faux fur chubby, vintage heart double locket necklace, vintage wood chandelier earrings, American Apparel leggings, open toe wedges: Go Jane.

ABBOT KINNEY SIGHTS

Some great spots: Michele Sommerlath - French 50's 60's, Mystic Journey Bookstore, Linus bikes, Abbot Kinney Pizza, Intelligentisia Coffee Venice

BIKING TO ABBOT KINNEY

Yesterday, Mike and I rode our bikes to Abbot Kinney. We took the Venice route and I almost got myself hit by a car when I forgot about the turning arrow and ignored the little white walking guy. Not to worry, we ended up at Gjelina just in time for a shared lunch at one of the awesome reclaimed wood communal tables. Everything about this place is pretty great. Just look at my smile...then look at the food and you'll see why I'm so happy.

Mike looked pretty spiffy in his new fedora from The Man's Hat Shop in Albuquerque N.M.- a place he said was pretty classic. Apparently the owner has no qualms about telling you what to do and what not to do with the hats.

We started with a heirloom tomato, burrata, arugula, pesto and balsamic salad, which was unbelievable! We chose one of the terrific thin crunchy crust pizzas, with shaved asparagus, shallot confit, gruyere and a farmers market egg on top as a shared main course. I had a delicious house made Italian soda with crushed mini oranges, basil and lime. I'll have to try this one at home!

After lunch, we took a walk down to Intelligentsia Coffee for one of their divine coffees made to perfection by a handsome waistcoat clad barrista. We sipped our coffees while window shopping and taking in the sights that are pure Venice.

Gjelina - 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd. 310-450-1429

DRIES UPSIDE DOWN

So while looking at one of my new favorite websites: Stylelikeu where I got the idea to wear my amazing Dries Van Noten Nordic oversize cardigan upside down. Soooo genius. I'm going to do it with all of my jackets and sweaters.

Speaking of Dries.  He is without a doubt my favorite go to designer and I would wear little else if I had the dough.  Since I don't always, this book might suffice:Dries Van Noten: Deconstructing Fashion (Cutting Edge).

Check out stylelikeu.com if you are a fashionfile. It is so completely addictive. I was up until midnight one night and didn't know where the hours went. I get so excited and inspired by this site.

Dries Van Noten Nordic knit, Jovovich-Hawk for Target top, Chan Luu cream silk skirt.

INSPIRED

I really got inspired today by checking out all of the other terrific fashion blogs out there. I thought, "Why don't I do that?" I'm not sure what "that" is yet, but we'll see what form it takes. I guess my objective would be: To share things that excite me with others and connect in the arenas of fashion, art, design, music, etc. I'll have a diary of what I'm finding exciting clothing wise and highlight some of the things I'm selling or going to be selling on Ebay.

Here's a fabulous bedazzled denim dress I found thrift shopping the other day. It is incredibly Balmain crossed with Chanel! Note the trompe l'oeil bedazzled belt. It is so tacky and cute at the same time! I would wear it with some black fishnet or flowered tights and shooties. Unfortunately the dress is super duper small and won't fit me. I plan on listing it today on my Ebay store: Dorothy Francis Vintage Clothing, so someone else can benefit.