a history of architecture

not-quite-spring

2012-02-07T16:53:00.000-05:00

current/elliott stiletto jeans in tiny polka dots

FWK engineered garments for women, bedford jacket, at bow+arrow

yesterday it was in the mid 40s, but it's supposed to snow this weekend. i'm going to pretend it's almost spring and dress accordingly.

time to start thinking about layers in lighter fabrics and knits. this lauren moffatt crochet pullover in cotton would look so cheerful with the current/elliott polka-dotted jeans. i'm seriously obsessed with these jeans. i spent my morning walk to the office scheming ways to get them across the border for the least amount of money. i'm also starting to think i need a spring jacket that is polished enough to wear to class without sacrificing my love of casual comfort. i'd probably be better off getting the SA annette blazer in navy (on sale at conifer), but i know myself too well at this point.

happy friday

2012-02-03T14:43:00.001-05:00

new dress by rennes

of course i missed out on jenny's valentine dress yesterday. i happened to be in a meeting for the two hours when it was uploaded. there were only three, so the odds were against me, but still--drats!

at least there's more eye-candy on its way from julia. i am loving the dropped waist and all those crazy subtle stripes.

here's to a spring-like weekend, wherever you may be in the northern hemisphere!

speaking of steven alan....

2012-02-02T11:46:00.001-05:00

i've been following the expansion of SA's collection with a lot of interest, but have yet to really invest in any non-shirting items because all i seem to buy these days are button-down shirts. as intrigued as i am by the references to alex katz's paintings for their spring 2012 collection, i am having a hard time finding pieces that really resonate with me. i do, however, like the clean modern lines of many of the pieces. the collection reminds me of the early 90s, and A.P.C. in particular. i am very curious about the quality of their shoes, especially the new mary jane sandals, which are the sandal version of a pair of much coveted A.P.C. mary janes from many years ago.

regardless, i will definitely be purchasing at least 2-3 new SA button-downs in the coming months. you can't really go wrong with their shirts. add a pair of slouchy Current/Elliott jeans in a fun color and a new pair of sandals for my ever-growing feet, plus my old stand-bys, Surface To Air boyfriend jeans, and i'll be ready for spring.

on trust and expectations

2012-02-01T09:55:00.002-05:00

is A.P.C.'s quality consistent?

amanda recently raised an important question about declining quality in many of the brands that we love and save our pennies for. maybe they were trustworthy in the past, but perhaps quality control has fallen by the wayside in recent seasons. many of us shop online and rely on fit and quality reviews, but even trying on and purchasing a much coveted piece in a brick and mortar store can lead to regret later on.

it has been a while since i've bought anything besides hand-made clothing, so i can't attest to the current quality of my go-to brands. i try not to post items that are all looks and no substance, but it's hard to know which brands to trust without trying them on and living with them for a while. for example:

my no. 6 clog boots recently fell apart. the staples came undone. it's easily fixed, but i'm a little annoyed.
i never buy knits from jcrew. i also will not buy anything from jcrew unless it's at least 50% off, because that's what i think it's worth. most of their pants don't fit me. i find that madewell's quality is worse than jcrew's.
in the past 5 years i haven't had a single issue with Steven Alan shirts.
i have a corduroy A.P.C. dress that keeps coming apart at the seams, but the rest of my A.P.C. pieces are fine.
hand-made clothing is typically better made, but you may end up more disappointed if the fit isn't perfect on you.
my mom gave me her new LV bag, and after a few months of infrequent use, the surface coating on the handles has rubbed off in patches.
a longchamp bag developed holes in the bottom corners in less than 6 months.
i've never had an issue with my frye paige riding boots in the past 3 years.

in general, i buy fewer things these days. i don't really know what the investment pieces and brands are anymore. maybe that's why i've been focusing on sturdy basics that aren't necessarily the prettiest or most interesting things out there. i used to be more cavalier about shopping, but these days i really hate the idea of wasting my money on clothing that disappoints after a few wears, or even after a year or two.

which brands do you trust? or do you believe that nothing is guaranteed when it comes to quality, regardless of the price point? how long should an article of clothing last, anyway?

in love with linen--pip squeak chapeau button down shirts and wiksten dresses

2012-01-31T11:01:00.000-05:00

my closet is looking quite barren these days. i guess i was a little too strict when i started wardrobe purging a couple of years ago. my shopping list post-baby grows ever longer...oversized linen button down shirts from pip-squeak chapeau, mark mcnairy boots (i swear my feet are going to go up another half-size), current/elliott roller jeans in pastel shades and a denim shirt, and if i'm lucky, this wiksten valentine dress. i'm normally not a tie-dye person, but i do love how it turned out on linen. i guess there will only be 3 available, and the upload will probably happen during my lunch meeting this thursday, so i'll just have to admire from afar.

more printed denim

2012-01-27T13:58:00.000-05:00

remember these patrick ervell printed jeans (now on sale, still super pricey)? why not add these polka-dotted current/elliott jeans to my post-baby wish list...

Current/Elliott pin dot stiletto in lake at Metier

shoes on sale at lambs ear

2012-01-26T17:06:00.000-05:00

forget Hunter, Aigle Parcours are the most comfortable rainboots around for anyone who has to walk a lot in the rain, slush, and mud.

rachel comey nisou sandals for summer. these have been around for a while, but they've been marked down to $170 and would look equally nice with dressy and casual outfits.

stripes and blues

2012-01-24T10:35:00.001-05:00

my birthday came and went without much fuss, which i guess is what happens as you get older. i'm still hoping to do a bit of celebrating after a big deadline in early february, but for now we're contending with daycare eye infections and stubborn colds as well the usual teaching load and trying to write an article. oof.

spring wish list (all from conifer shop):

current elliott perfect shirt also in this cozy imaginary outfit

organic by john patrick chambray pullover


organic by john patrick merino striped pullover

current elliott roller jeans colorful jeans in a slouchy shape!

more thoughts on uniforms

2012-01-18T11:14:00.000-05:00

from more & co's blog, photo by mav (?)

i saw this photo on more & co's inspiring blog and wondered how many of us wear a similar type of uniform. oversized button-down shirt, skinny jeans, and a messy bun. even though i'm at my office every day, i don't have to dress up unless i'm teaching. i've been struggling to find button-down shirts that cover the belly but aren't too huge in the sleeves, but after seeing this photo, maybe loose all over isn't necessarily a bad thing. i guess it helps to roll up the sleeves.

for those of you who wear oversized button-downs, do you buy men's shirts? or are there specific brands or styles for women that offer the right combination of slouch and flattering details? i suspect i'm over thinking something that is really quite simple, but finding the perfect fit isn't always easy with basic pieces.

birthday wish list

2012-01-17T14:24:00.002-05:00


UZI disko kimono top. because i'm only going to get bigger in the next 3 months.


Kaico Enamel Milk Pan at Anaise. for hot chocolate

etoile isabel marant qimi shirtdress. for later when i don't have time to fuss with my outfits.

apc forest green crochet sweater

2012-01-12T16:19:00.001-05:00

today is a black and forest green kind of day. rain and fog with snow in the forecast for tomorrow. i wish i had this sweater in my closet.

marked down to $105 at arrow & arrow in a medium and large.

denim on denim

2012-01-11T09:07:00.000-05:00

i love arrow & arrow's blog. the styling is always makes me want to move back west. and i think i need a pair of boots like these mark mcnairy's.

dressing for warmth

2012-01-10T14:41:00.001-05:00

leon insists on being in all of my photos. he also insists on holding my hand.

as you can see, i've been wearing pretty much my regular clothing aside from my new jbrand mama j jeans and a primoeza cardigan. i'm one of those people who can't stand belly panels, so the jbrands work perfectly for me. i ordered them online, but i highly recommend trying them on because i think i probably could have gone down one size. i usually wear long underwear if it's colder than 30F, but the waistband isn't very comfortable for long periods of time.

one of the things i struggle with is footwear because my feet went up half a size after the first pregnancy--and never went back. i can still wear most of my shoes with thin socks because i always buy shoes that are too big for me. however, my No. 6 buckle ankle boots are the only things that comfortably fit with heavier wool socks, but as i get wobblier, they'll probably have to be replaced. thankfully there hasn't been much snow or ice, so far! if i weren't pregnant--or if i could be guaranteed an ice-free winter--i would order these No. 6 shearling lined lace-up boots in an instant.

maternity friendly coat

2012-01-06T16:25:00.000-05:00

even at $718 i don't think i can justify this pringle of scotland swing coat at la garconne (20% off sale items until saturday, "GARCONNE20").

after a lot of thought, i think that a roomy knee-length swing coat that can accommodate a lightweight down coat (i have a fiona from patagonia) would be my best bet. i own two swing coats--one was butchered by a tailor in harvard square, the other is a short-sleeve opening ceremony flare coat better suited to temps above 40F. if i had the energy and time, i could probably find something just as serviceable at the many used clothing shops in toronto.

i think the narrow shoulders and tailored yet roomy fit are what draw me to this particular coat. for now, i'm wearing a barbour bedale sans lining with my alpaca primoeza cardigan, j brand mama j denim, and a virginia johnson shawl draped over my belly because the jacket doesn't button all the way. when it gets below 0F, i have to wear an old ginormous parka that makes me feel heavy and sad.

a new semester

2012-01-04T15:26:00.000-05:00

a few things on sale at frances may....

steven alan annette jacket

mociun leggings in my favorite print
beautiful brown shade of acne pistol boots

and i wish there were a womens' version of this pendleton ranch coat

looking forward to the totokaelo end of season sale that starts on saturday. i just submitted grades for the fall semester and have 10 days before class starts up again. i finally joined a gym because outdoor winter jogging just isn't happening this year. am i crazy for wanting the sisii fishtail parka? it's much much colder than i imagined it would be in toronto. i don't mind snow and slush, but -15F windchill on tuesday had me ready to book a flight home to california. i have a very warm maternity friendly parka, but it is so heavy and difficult to move in.

speaking of which, once i find my camera cord, i'm going to do a couple of posts on the challenges of maternity dressing when it's colder than 20F during the final trimester. it's not for the faint of heart!

a dress for new year's day brunch

2011-12-29T09:13:00.000-05:00

stine goya bloom dress

day after christmas shopping

2011-12-28T11:44:00.000-05:00

my dear upstairs neighbors decided to have a party at 2.30 am. after trying to go back to sleep for a few hours, i gave up and started ordering things from stella mccartney kids. it seems the only thing i can buy these days is kids clothing. i still can't make up my mind about a maternity-friendly winter coat or new boots, so i'm wearing a ratty patagonia fleece under a down coat that no longer fits around the middle and a pair of 13-year old uggs that look their age.

holt renfrews was a zoo on boxing day, and i couldn't deal with the crowds. i ended up buying a few pairs of oeuf alpaca leggings for baby and leon at kolkid on queen street west. i was desperate to go to gaspard, which looks beautiful, but it interfered with leon's lunch and nap. maybe this afternoon if i finish my syllabus and make a head start on a cover letter. it was so nice having 4 days off to loaf around, read 'persuasion' and 'a moveable feast,' and bake sugar cookies.

p.s. i'm in love with these punto pigro boots that stephanie posted at unruly things.why is it so hard to find slush-appropriate boots that are relatively nice-looking, light-weight with a flexible sole? the ice from last night's snowfall is making me anxious.

barneys sale

2011-12-22T16:49:00.000-05:00

i just spent 30 minutes waiting in line at anthropologie in order to buy holiday cards (as always, i'm way behind), all the while wishing there were a barney's in toronto.

bodkin kelvin sweater, $179 (marked down from $460) in x-small, small, and medium

boy by band of outsiders grey flannel blazer, $409 (marked down from $1030) in a 2. i would definitely get this if there were a 6 left.

isabel marant grunge jacket, $329 (marked down from $825) in a 2. oversized fit, but more structured.

i guess boxing day sales are a big deal, so i'll probably be at robber on monday. lots of last minute christmas shopping, and maybe a trip out to crate and barrel. matthew requested shortbread cookies, so i'm going to try my hand at these.

mayle on gilt today at noon

2011-12-22T09:40:00.000-05:00

i wasn't expecting to see this in my inbox, but there you go!

maryam nassir zadeh

2011-12-20T12:36:00.000-05:00

bodkin caos sweater, $282 medium (i would take this in a small)

isabel marant vertilla dress, 30% off

isabel marant jabeth dress, 30% off

lots of lovely things on sale at maryam nassir zadeh...

i'm dreaming of a thomas sires coat to ward off the imminent cold. if i'm lucky, i'll catch it on sale in january.

rennes yard sale and back from nyc

2011-12-16T15:08:00.000-05:00

photo from w magazine

after nearly 11 rainy hours on the road, i'm happy to be back home. oddly enough, i didn't do much shopping for myself while in nyc aside from muji socks, although i did fall in love with a new (to me) store, thomas sires, on elizabeth street. lots of eating and talking with good friends, which made it all worthwhile.

also, have you ever checked out julia (rennes)'s yard sale? she just added a bunch of very nice things including the isabel marant striped zita sweater. i LOVE mine, although i have to be honest, it's a bit delicate for my rough and tumble ways. at any rate, it looks great alone or paired with a button-down in the winter.

Creatures of Comfort private sale

2011-12-05T10:14:00.000-05:00

25% off with "PRIVATESALEFW11" starting today. i *think* it works for pretty much everything, but i haven't tried the code for fear of temptation!

we're heading to nyc in less 6 days, so i'm saving my pennies just in case i can't resist ABC Home and Carpet.

IM pretties on sale at Heist

2011-12-02T09:55:00.000-05:00

Kobby jacket, $495

Ina coat, $350

Vertil top, $170

Isatan jacket, $325

Heist's contact info:
310.450.6531

customerservice@shopheist.com

astier de villatte

2011-11-30T14:37:00.000-05:00

one of my greatest weaknesses is the scented candle, especially one with an unusual scent. i've been obsessed with the narratives generated by C.B. I Hate Perfume, and these scents by Astier de Villatte (at Worthwhile) seem to be in a similar spirit.

anna allen holiday 2011

2011-11-29T10:25:00.000-05:00

i've been feeling a little down in the dumps because it keeps raining here in toronto, our thirteen year old car won't start, and our nyc/cambridge plans are becoming increasingly uncertain.

but look, anna allen's latest holiday collection will actually work with my waistline! i caved in on Black Friday and ordered a pair of J Brand maternity jeans because very little in my closet has been working with this pregnancy. most days i wear my APC tunic dresses belted over tights, but as it gets colder and colder, i'm running out of ideas.

just lookin...

2011-11-25T10:53:00.000-05:00


etoile isabel marant 'xavier' coat $369 size 2 and 3 left

i already have the etoile baki, but i prefer the neater pockets on the xavier. i can wear either a 1 or 2 in the baki, but went with the 1 because it wasn't as bulky (the 2 had more room at the hips when buttoned).

happy thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T11:16:00.000-05:00

APC ski pullover at Creatures of Comfort.

oddly enough, there will be plenty of black friday sales here in canada. alas for me, i have to work today (including student meetings and a working lunch). we may end up going out for dumplings in chinatown, but it just won't be the same.

here's hoping everyone has a lovely, stress-free thanksgiving!

yes no maybe

2011-11-15T10:30:00.000-05:00

i like my dresses to be statement pieces, but when it comes to jeans, i tend to go with the more practical (boring) choice. so there isn't any colored denim in my closet, let alone prints. but these patrick ervell jeans at creatures of comfort are somehow compelling in spite of my self-imposed restrictions. i think the price alone will make them a pass, but i'm going to enjoy looking at them all the same.

steven alan dresses

2011-11-14T10:23:00.000-05:00

aside from the fact that very little i covet will fit me, i have been dreaming up shopping lists for nyc. the agnes dress reminds me of my catholic school jumper. it would be so sweet paired with a thin cashmere sweater, wool tights, and oxfords. i'm still in love with the vivian dress in the floral print. next to rachel comey, steven alan makes my favorite prints.

anyone else out there pregnant this fall and winter and feeling frustrated by the fitted waistlines this season? i need to invest in a pair of j brand maternity jeans and a down parka, but am at a loss when it comes to everything else. dressing for a long winter can be daunting, especially as every additional layer adds to your discomfort.

scenes from fall in toronto

2011-11-07T16:05:00.000-05:00

Leon's robot costume, fashioned from an old shoe box


i saw greasychickenface's pet portraits on megan's blog and knew it was time to have something done for hector and turtle. we're so pleased with the results.


after stephanie added these olsson clogs to her svpply, i ended up ordering them. it only took 2 1/2 weeks for them to arrive from sweden. i'm still patiently awaiting the arrival of my primoeza cardigan.		i'

leon became very ill right after i took these halloween photos and has spent the past week recovering. yet another reason to live close to family so you don't have to take time off from work because your baby can't go to pre-school. and now i'm sick, which marks my third illness since september. i'm off to baltimore in a week (conference), and then hopefully a nyc trip in early december. we've decided to drive because the plane tickets are so expensive after you add taxes and fees to fly in and out of toronto. i can't wait to be back in the city.

color therapy

2011-10-24T12:10:00.002-04:00

Untitled, originally uploaded by julia / rennes.

it isn't so much the gray but the rain that's getting me down. i actually love overcast skies and the occasional drizzle (my year in seattle was by far my favorite). the light gray cover really makes other colors pop.

so i was happy to see these peachy-pink leather pouches on julia's blog. i have one of her striped totes, and her attention to detail never fails to inspire me. paired with the taupe, steel blue, black, and gold, this particular pink looks especially autumnal to my color-starved eyes right now.

lovelies at anaise

2011-10-18T11:33:00.000-04:00

aside from the fact that renee's blog is a source of inspiration, her shop anaise is a perfectly curated collection of nearly everything i could desire without feeling overwhelmed.

i don't wear heels, but the a detacher huxley buckle clogs are fun to look at anyway. i ordered these more practical clogs after seeing them on stephanie's svpply. they have yet to arrive, but hopefully they'll fit.

it's finally cold enough in toronto for knit tights. i've been wearing the same pair of kunerts for the past 10 years (the most comfortable waistband i have ever found), but a pair of alpaca tights sounds heavenly.

i'm slightly regretting my mociun wrap linen dress. it's a bit too tight in the shoulders and isn't really working as a maternity dress. i should probably just keep it because the print is awesome, and it's from the last collection. i'm still kicking myself for not having bought more of her men's tees because matthew lives in them. i probably would have been better off with a mociun blouse, but i can't have everything.

moving day

2011-10-03T12:29:00.001-04:00

finally, a place we can actually make into a home. it is such a relief to be out of an apartment where everything is falling apart and filthy. it's nice to no longer have 13 people living above and below you in a rickety house where every floorboard creaks and band practice lasts until 5 am. i can't believe how big this place is, we've never had so much space before.

now if only i could find a good hairdresser, tailor, cobbler, and facialist. any recommendations?

unhealthy obsession

2011-09-27T15:30:00.000-04:00

black velvet isn't the most practical material, but i can't help staring at this margaret howell label jacket.

the jacket

2011-09-26T12:46:00.000-04:00

week three of lecturing and it is becoming very clear that my outfits are stuck in grad student/TA mode. for my first lecture, i wore my loup charmant scallop dress and lucchese boots. last week was a denim etoile isabel marant dress and mocs.

granted, i tend to dress better when it's chillier, but in the midst of packing for next weekend's move, i realized that i had purged more things than i should have from my closet over the past 3 years. becoming a mama altered my relationship to my body and my work, and now i'm left with comfortable leggings, sweatshirts, and the occasional piece from the archives.

i think it's time to commit to a blazer, but i can't find anything i like. i tried on J.Crew's hacking jacket while in california and didn't like the fit on me. i wonder if anyone has tried on the annette jacket at Steven Alan? a little iffy on double-breasted jackets, and wool-cotton blend doesn't sounds quite right to me, yet it looks promising.

my uniform + primoeza

2011-09-15T15:49:00.000-04:00

photo by MAV

chest pocket cardigan at chelliswilson

plaid button down, pleated pants, skinny belt, cardigan. yep, that pretty much sums up my daily outfit. i try to wear dresses when i can, but i'm a creature of habit. 8 years of a school uniform, and 20 years later i'm set in my ways.

i've been waiting and waiting for the fall primoeza collection, and this cardigan fits the bill. now that i'm in a new town with a different collective aesthetic, i've become hyper conscious of just how preppy my style is. i guess you can take a girl out of cambridge, but you can't take the cambridge out of the girl.

bears

2011-09-14T11:22:00.001-04:00

because one virginia johnson shawl isn't enough.

(20% off with "APPLE" at pretty mommy)

mociun wrap dress

2011-09-13T15:35:00.000-04:00

mine.

the last clothing collection by caitlin mociun. i love this print. purchased at robber (let's not dwell on the taxes or the mark-up, it makes me sad). i thought i could order the medium from totokaelo, but when i tried it on at robber, it was much too big in the waist. thank goodness for brick and mortar stores.

southern california swallowed me whole. disneyland, sea world, laguna beach, south coast plaza, desert hills outlet, and oh yes, a marni dress to wear at my best friend's wedding. i love outlets and labor day sales.

tomorrow is my first real day lecturing. gulp. i think my brain is still somewhere on the 405.

looking forward to fall and breaking out my luccheses. i spent 2 amazing days in southern new mexico, and all i want is to go back.

many changes are afoot, not least of all a move to yet another apartment. time to start packing those books again!

thinking of fall: rachel comey

2011-08-11T10:28:00.000-04:00

Boatneck swing pullover, La Garconne

Dahlia dress, La Garconne

Cabot coat, La Garconne

rachel comey's coats never disappoint. i always love the deep forest greens and aubergines of fall, and the loose easy shapes of her fall-winter collection are just what i'm looking for. also on my radar for fall--pip-squeak chapeau.

speaking of florals

2011-08-05T11:31:00.000-04:00

i don't know how others feel about long skirts, but they remind me of the 90s, and not necessarily in a good way. maybe it's because i'm on the short side? i've seen a lot of girls wear the knife-pleated long skirt belted high with a tank with aplomb, but not too many with a bias long skirt.

Bambou skirt, $430 at Worthwhile


Baker dress, $370 at Worthwhile

i'm not sure what to think about this Isabel Marant etoile FW 11 floral skirt, but i do like the floral print quite a bit. i wonder if the dress comes in a lighter colorway...

waiting on some sign

2011-08-04T15:45:00.000-04:00

this is the month when i'm tired of seeing the same spring stock in shops but not ready to commit to any fall collections. the sticker shock of shopping in toronto has made me hold ever tighter to my purse strings, but an impending trip to CA in less than two weeks means i may be in for a mini shopping spree.

i've never thought of myself as a floral print person (stripes and more stripes, please), but these two Steven Alan Fall 2011 pieces have me intrigued. i'm still on the hunt for a dress for my friend's wedding. ermie's huipil in ave. 51 print is a top contender since comfort seems to be the theme of the season.

moving to toronto,,,and on to other things

2011-07-24T08:30:00.000-04:00

the past eight weeks were an ordeal, to put it nicely. we were lucky enough to hang out with julia one last time. i couldn't leave boston without a few photos of leon on the public garden ducks, and one final stop at stels was also in order.

our new place is still a mess. this is the first time i've moved with so much stuff. it used to be a few suitcases of clothing and a box of books. instead of selling our books or putting them in storage, we decided to bring all 50 boxes of books. eek!!

so, i don't think i can really talk about toronto right now because much of my perception of the city is clouded by our (on-going) terrible experience with our new apartment. i'm hoping that we'll eventually get to know this city better, but right now my life is triangulated by the laundromat and the playground (and furtively looking for a different place to live). we're off to CA for 3 weeks starting in august, which brings me to my current dilemma.

my dearest childhood friend is getting married on september 4, and i have no idea what i'm supposed to wear. it's right along the Pacific Ocean in a secluded garden and library, so i'm thinking slightly formal. the last reception i went to, i wore my white Steven Alan overalls, so clearly i'm clueless about weddings!

maybe this is a contender?

goodness, it's been so long since i've blogged or done anything non-moving related, my SVPPLY clipper has disappeared from my bookmarks.

sale season

2011-06-16T15:10:00.000-04:00


nico nico jumping jumper at the monkey and the bug. regrettably not in my size.

lots of sales going on (or starting on saturday) including:
stels
worthwhile
metier
a.p.c
frances may
totokaelo

but i have to confess--maybe it's because i'm moving--nothing is calling my name. maybe i'll feel differently when i'm browsing during the wee hours of the night.

anyone else finding some goodies? i bought leon two awesome surface to air pieces from stels/the monkey and the bug, but nothing for me.

turquoise and gold mociun earrings

2011-06-12T21:45:00.000-04:00

these have been posted about everywhere, but just in case someone wants to pick up a pair of mociun mismatched triangle earrings on sale, domahoka has them. i'm in the market for a simple pair of 22k gold studs.

for weather that can't make up its mind

2011-06-07T20:02:00.000-04:00

current/elliott ice cream skirt and 3.1 philip lim antique white blouse at metier

today was hot, but i don't mind dry heat as much as the humidity. i've been wearing a lot of skirts paired with lightweight cotton blouses these days. i hear it isn't as hot and muggy in toronto during the summers.

happy friday

2011-06-03T08:28:00.000-04:00

yesterday leon and i visited julia and her bird, coco. we walked around the arboretum and had ice cream at j.p. licks. my new book bag was ready, too. i asked julia for a lightweight bag that i could wear cross-body or carry with small handles, as well as an inner pocket for a paperback or notebook...and i couldn't be more pleased with the final result! she even made a matching pocket, which will be perfect for my camera or leon's special toys.

off to rhode island to visit friends. i hope everyone has a lovely june weekend!

Huipil Dress {Ermie S/S '11}

2011-05-25T14:27:00.000-04:00

one of my favorite silhouettes, nothing says summer like a huipil.

ave. 51 dress by ermie

howdy

2011-05-24T11:55:00.000-04:00

family photos taken by janice of j.john photography
loup charmant scallop dress from chellis wilson

finished the Ph.D. last week. we're moving to toronto in four weeks....!
glad to be back on my blog again.

sale at otte

2011-03-29T13:15:00.000-04:00

a quick break from not-blogging to let you know about another sale that's too good to skip.

today's refinery 29 reserve's deal is basically fifty percent off anything ($100 for $200, $400 for $200). more details on grechen's blog.

a pair of repettos in black (which never go on sale) would only be $155.

no. 6 shearling clog boots on sale

2011-02-13T23:17:00.001-05:00

no. 6 shearling lined clog boots in aviator leather
black, 36, 37, and 40 (go up 1 full size, 1 1/2 if you're between sizes)
brown, 36, 40
170 GBP or 273 USD
Browns Fashion is offering free shipping to the US on orders over 150 GBP from now until Feb. 17, which makes these a good deal in spite of the exchange rate.

i just wanted to pass this along because winter is going to drag its feet for at least another 6 weeks. and no, this doesn't mark a full return to blogging :)

at svpply

2010-11-28T11:31:00.003-05:00

until next time....curating my life

so long.

2010-11-14T20:02:00.000-05:00

leon as the fantastic mr. fox, costume courtesy of stephanie.

it's the end of the line for me. i will be posting quite a few things on LoGE in a last ditch effort to get my house in order. i'm not sure how much longer i'll maintain LoGE, but not indefinitely. i've met so many lovely people through this blog, for which i'll always be grateful. but there are so many blogs out there now, and i need to focus on other things like applying for postdocs and finishing my PhD program.

thanks, and all my best.

the weekend

2010-11-11T17:43:00.000-05:00

rolling back the clocks means no more late afternoon hijinks in the city for a while. hoping for sunshine and maybe a little shopping to prep the apartment for the holidays. have a lovely weekend!

homemaking: john robshaw sample sale

2010-11-10T15:36:00.000-05:00

i think these gorgeous beanbags are the solution to at least half of my problems.

maybe it's the season, but i've become obsessed with making my apartment cozier, more livable. ever since we cleared out half our belongings in a failed attempt to sell our place, it's been looking too spartan for my tastes. if i were in nyc, i would jump at the chance to buy john robshaw textiles at sample sale prices.

steven alan sample sale online

2010-11-09T09:12:00.000-05:00

there are quite a few fall pieces available right now!

mayle galina for sale {sold}

2010-11-05T15:00:00.001-04:00

worn a few times while in paris two years ago, my mayle galina jacket has turned into a museum piece, just for looking. i hate being ruthless, but there's no point in owning something meant to be worn if i never wear it.

size 8, although it fits me (6).

shoulders: 15 1/2"

chest: 13 1/2" where the black jacquard meets the wool body, and 19" pit-to-pit (hard to measure because of the pleats that are both front and back)

length: 25"

pristine condition

email with any reasonable offers

shoes and boots on sale at UO

2010-11-03T12:42:00.000-04:00

these frye carson oxfords ($178) are 20% off with "WALKTHISWAY" until nov. 8. i'm not sure which size i should get. it looks like they're out of the 8 1/2 in fawn. my paige riding boots are an 8, but it's hard to know how the sizing runs in other styles.

vain and vapid silk top

2010-11-02T14:51:00.000-04:00

griffin silk blouse, $115.

the tiny collar, the polka dots, and my latest love, half length sleeves.

there goes my wallet

2010-10-29T08:37:00.000-04:00

apiece apart's wool/linen matchstick pant, at la garconne.

dusty neutrals::apiece apart

2010-10-28T07:52:00.001-04:00

apiece apart has quickly become my favorite label this season (without having tried any of the pieces on). the wide neckline of this blouse is so graceful, and i'm in love with double strap on these christophe lemare ankle boots.

as an aside, i saw a girl wearing a lovely, slightly oversized mohair pullover today and now feel like my sweater collection is sorely lacking. i always manage to come up with new things to add to my shopping list when autumn arrives.

what i wore: last week versus this week

2010-10-26T08:31:00.000-04:00

last week i wore a winter coat every day. this week promises to be warmer, at least until the weekend. i'm going to take advantage of it and enjoy my new breton top and olive merino leggings from lucy's place.

leon's costume is coming along nicely thanks to stephanie. regattas and persian spice doughnuts--all in all, a good weekend.

trousers and a coat

2010-10-21T00:34:00.001-04:00

apiece apart relaxed trouser

won hundred manga trouser

i realized the other day that i don't really have any pants to wear with the baki coat. it's amazing to me that i've managed without non-denim pants for this long. i think i need those apiece apart trousers (along with everything else from this label).

especially this apiece apart blanket coat.

snake kit

2010-10-19T14:19:00.000-04:00

just saw this snake kit on belle heir's blog. available soon here.

VPL cardigan

2010-10-18T22:07:00.000-04:00

VPL always makes such good sweaters.

looks like i'll be up all night again, working, working. october and november are probably the most stressful months of the academic year. i'm not ashamed to admit that i'm wearing a pair of 10 year old juicy couture velour pants and wool hiking socks.

and after all these years, i'm still obsessed with the united bamboo fishtail parka. i've yet to see anyone do a better version. now if only i could get one for less that $400.

as for my baki coat, i wear it pretty much every day, usually with a very short dress/tunic, tights, and my no. 6 ankle boots. will try to post photos once this wretched week is over!

mociun fall winter 2010

2010-10-16T15:20:00.000-04:00

pass blouse

topography dress

the loose over-sized silhouettes of caitlin mociun's new collection look so beautiful in fluid silk crepe. i could easily see myself wearing either of these as tunics over merino leggings. as i work my way through post-doctoral applications, it's nice to indulge in fantasies of wearing pieces like these as a professor someday soon.

via ~>O<~

want: rachel comey navigators dress on LoGE

2010-10-06T13:48:00.001-04:00

size xs (fits 2-6), $185 plus shipping, listing ends october 14.

ace&jig giveaway. {congrats tiffany j.!}

2010-10-05T08:44:00.003-04:00

i'll select a person at 9pm, e.s.t.
edit:: congrats tiffany j., comment no. 50 as selected by random.org's integer generator!

jenna and cary of ace&jig sent me this frock coat a few weeks ago. as you well know, i adore their super soft woven textiles and laid-back 70s california vibe. instead of keeping it for myself, i wanted to offer the coat to a reader. it's a size small, with many buttons down the front, a gathered loose back, side pockets, and fully lined in white cotton.

more photos of the coat at pretty mommy

leave your name and contact info in the comments if you're interested! i'll do a random draw next monday, october 11.

edit:
if you live outside of the US, i would appreciate a small contribution to cover some of the shipping. thanks!

isabel marant etoile--baki coat

2010-10-03T17:58:00.004-04:00

top photo of the ben coat, from nitty gritty
bottom photo of baki coat from Worthwhile

i dithered for too long and now the Baki coat is nowhere to be found. i've spent all day emailing and calling shops in the States, Canada, and even Australia. i even drove to NYC yesterday with leon--ostensibly to check out the Mayle pop-up shop. no luck. at least we had yummy dosas at Hampton Chutney with stephanie. well, it looks like my search was in vain. maybe i'll be able to buy it on ebay someday....

edit: got it at barneys!

les amis in seattle has it in anthracite (size 2), and the Ben coat, which is a longer version with 3 buttons. i used to go to this shop back when i lived on queen anne hill, such a lovely space.
the corner shop in paddington, australia has the baki in a size 2, also, if anyone is interested in doing a long-distance order.
J+O has the Baki in mocha.

makie outfitting ideas

2010-09-27T08:18:00.000-04:00

rain all week. speaking of prints on pants, i wish this makie outfit came in my size. i'm still obsessed with that navy plaid dress. maybe it will have to go on my shopping list instead of a toggle coat. trying to not be overly self-indulgent this season, but it's my favorite season to shop for.

work

2010-09-21T10:16:00.000-04:00


madewell trouser jeans, steven alan boyfriend shirt, bensimons

same shirt, different jeans. i haven't cut my hair in 8 months!

this week:
so grateful that i was able to keep my teaching job in spite of low enrollment
exciting news and a giveaway!

a sale at chelliswilson

2010-09-15T19:39:00.000-04:00

fog linen Elisa dress

fog linen Swany shirt

loup charmant scallop dress

le bouton gathered back dress

remember my trip to portland? chelliswilson is having a sale, 25% off shops item ("readers25").

i love the fog linen dress, such a pretty shade of blue.

happy prints at suno spring '11

2010-09-13T07:34:00.000-04:00

this is the first morning that i've woke up in a cold bed. i'm not ready for summer to leave!

loving the spring prints at suno.

alexa chung for madewell

2010-09-11T19:06:00.001-04:00

i bought the iris blouse and skinny jeans today at madewell. i'm still iffy on the blouse. the fit is very roomy except in the shoulders, and the silk wrinkles easily. the jeans fit surprisingly well, although i'm not completely comfortable wearing something with such a high waist. will post photos tomorrow to give you a sense of how they fit.

edit::
i'm wearing the small. i think i'm going to return it because of the wrinkling. the jeans don't look as high-waisted as they feel. i'm a bit ambivalent about both pieces.

olive and blues

2010-09-10T08:22:00.001-04:00

hand dyed linen top by susan cianciolo
olive corduroy pants by golden goose
at maryam nassir zadeh

when hiding in bed isn't an option

2010-09-10T01:14:00.000-04:00

a cold day.
united bamboo mohair sweater, $276, at totokaelo.

fall at stel's

2010-09-04T21:01:00.000-04:00

Rachel Comey dinner pants in peony print

Suno dress

the rachel comey silk dinner pants fit beautifully and are as comfortable as pajamas. i paired it with a T by Alexander Wang top. it's better to go with a really lightweight fabric, especially if you're tucking it in. i tried on a small, but would be more comfortable in a medium. the elastic waistband is forgiving, though.

although i love pretty much everything from rachel comey's fall collection, suno was the standout label for me. the fabric is just heavy enough to drape beautifully. the prints are so stunning, too. the dresses are $500-600, so not exactly peanuts. i'm leaning toward the blue and red print dress, which is so slouchy and easy to wear.

i also tried on the rachel comey ruse dress, which is surprisingly comfortable for such an elegant dress, and the gary graham wrap cardigan, which can be worn a million ways and is like wearing a duvet--but nicer, of course.

back to school

2010-09-02T08:15:00.002-04:00

rachel comey, linger dress in peony

rag and bone, hampton pant (on sale)

ugglebo, london peeptoe clog with woven upper, in mocha nubuc (and a custom back strap). just like the no. 6s, but with a lower heel.

ilana kohn, samet shirt

duluth pack, scout pack

sperry, chukka

sera, vee dress

first day of class. i'll start teaching in a week, so for now i get to sit and take notes.

i'm trying to figure my way to a more grown-up wardrobe for teaching while still retaining a sense of me (comfort, comfort, comfort). i desperately need new shoes and a backpack. a blazer would be lovely, as would a pair or two of trousers. and pretty much everything in rachel comey's fall collection.

carven toggle coat

2010-08-31T13:38:00.000-04:00

in spite of my vast collection of coats, i am still missing the crucial toggle coat. i nearly bought a black watch plaid one from chimala last year when it was marked down to $300 at bird, but i waited too long. i'm intrigued by the shape of this carven coat. the front doesn't really correspond to the back, and i can't tell if i like that or not. i almost feel as if the cocoon shape should be consistent throughout, although the box pleat would make it comfortable for bicycling.

found at la garconne (and much too expensive for me).

classes start on thursday. it feels strange to be teaching again after a 1.5 year hiatus.

turtle, found.

2010-08-29T23:38:00.001-04:00

distraught and heartbroken all weekend, i decided to take a bowl of food outside tonight and shake it around while calling for turtle. i had read online that after dusk is best when looking for your cat. right before i went outside, i felt compelled to check the basement one last time. with a flashlight in one hand, and food in the other, i whispered 'turtle' over and over again. i heard a faint meow and rounded the corner of the U-shaped basement, searching for the source. she meowed again, and i saw her peering at me from atop a brick wall that stopped a foot short of the ceiling. it extended through 3 storage units, all of them locked, one of them mine. she was in someone else's unit, so i ran upstairs and knocked on his door. thankfully he was there, and he unlocked the unit in order to get turtle. she ran away from him and toward my unit. i went back upstairs for the key and for matthew's help. he was then able to clamber up a few boxes and fetch her down.

a bowl of food and water and one unhappy bath later, turtle is busy licking herself clean. i cannot believe our luck. thanks for sending all those good thoughts our way.

leon is going to be so happy when he sees her tomorrow.

turtle is missing

2010-08-28T18:02:00.000-04:00

we are beside ourselves with worry.

makie fall

2010-08-20T10:21:00.000-04:00

i think it's the slanted front pockets that make me love this dress. a long chunky cardigan or knit vest, perhaps, and bookts, of course. normally i don't wear black, but i love the plaid on this dress.

rachel comey fall

2010-08-19T10:36:00.000-04:00

saw this rachel comey dealer top on frances may's blog the other day. the print and bands of grey create such an interesting optical effect, but the little details are what get me every time. in this case, the pleats in the back.

arnold arboretum

2010-08-19T09:43:00.000-04:00

yet another striped shirt

2010-08-18T11:42:00.000-04:00

yes, i know, striped shirts are ubiquitous nowadays. but i'm really fond of half-sleeves like this wood wood top.

i also think the slightly over-sized fit of this toast breton top is lovely. it's hard to tell if it would hang so perfectly on me, though! there's always saint james, too.
regarding trousers: any recommendations? something with a more fitted ankle, not too tight, not too baggy.

archetypes

2010-08-11T12:26:00.001-04:00

pour porter's recent post about archetypal style started me thinking about my own attempts to pare down the wardrobe. i'm going to be teaching in the fall, and a part of me knows this is my only opportunity to bring out my pretty frocks and skirts. but i'm hoping to give these special pieces room to breathe by interspersing them with my uniform. button down shirt, not-too-skinny trousers, and moccasins/boots.

slightly obsessed with the teeny eton collar on baron wells' shirts. now if only jcrew's pants fit me well, i would be set for fall.

more ace & jig

2010-08-10T13:57:00.000-04:00

i couldn't stop thinking about how soft and lovely the ace & jig fabric was. of course stel's and bows+arrows both sold out of the dress and tank in my size (medium) by the time i was ready to commit. i called steven alan tribeca this morning. no luck. and then i checked penelope's shop online, and there it was. they have the tank in yellow, white, and blue, too. i went with the navy version because it's august and i'm gearing up for autumn. i'm hoping to pair it with tights, boots, and a parka this winter. i may just have to get the tank, too. there's still at least five more weeks of warm weather...

sale at kick pleat

2010-08-06T07:54:00.002-04:00

kick pleat is having a 70% off sale on all sale and spring merchandise starting today until the 8th.

EDIT:
anna called kick pleat, and apparently these dieppa restrepos aren't on sale. bummer.

if i were in brooklyn, i would go to stuart & wright's sale.

anyway, i'm going to stel's warehouse sale today (75% off).

a new home for my clogs::anna allen clothing

2010-08-02T13:11:00.001-04:00

i was so happy to see my clogs on anna. i cannot wait for her next shop update because her sailor top is one of the nicest i've ever seen.

sven clogs (sold!)

2010-07-27T08:43:00.001-04:00

i give up. i wore them to the playground twice. walked around the house in them every few days for three weeks. but i think i have to accept that they're too small for me. i couldn't get used to the heel, either.

size 39 (8-8 1/2)
2 3/4" heel
paid $160 in nyc
asking $85, includes shipping (i threw away the box)

email me if you're interested.

ace & jig

2010-07-26T09:49:00.012-04:00

navy tank and yellow and blue dress available at bows + arrows.

i stopped by stels the other day to check out their 50% off sale. i saw a new line called ace & jig, which uses medium-weight fabric woven in india. their designs remind me of growing up in southern california in the late 80s.

i wish i had brought my camera, because the fit is really great, especially on the tank. i tried on the top dress in the blue and yellow fabric, and the tank, which has tiny side pockets. super sweet.

jcrew + isabel marant

2010-07-22T08:34:00.000-04:00

jcrew has really been inspired by isabel marant lately. the embroidered zafrina skirt reminded me of this dress. i found it on sale for $28 at one of the stores two weeks ago.

wiksten shop update today!

leon in his niconico harem shorts, which i wish they would make in my size.

opening ceremony sale: shoes

2010-07-08T07:59:00.000-04:00

f-troupe hiking boot, size 8 ($72)

rachel comey cousins twist sandals, size 9 ($158)

antidote to the doldrums

2010-07-06T18:22:00.003-04:00

linen romper, originally uploaded by ellybeth.

the ever talented elly has made a darling linen romper for these ridiculously hot days. i used to be on the fence about rompers, but countless hours spent at the playground has made me want to replace my skirts with rompers and jumpsuits.

for the winter months just around the corner, a pair of wool overalls by chimala (at lark)

pause

2010-07-03T01:55:00.002-04:00

creatures of comfort summer sale

2010-06-25T08:41:00.000-04:00

electric feathers jumper that i'm obsessed with, $354
one of my favorite rachel comey ss10 prints, $138
rittenhouse cotton pants with an elastic waist, $112

plus, totokaelo's sale starts tomorrow!

green and navy

2010-06-24T13:30:00.000-04:00

green tank from maryam nassir zadeh, acne skirt, sven clogs.

i washed the tank once on cold with dark items and then accidentally put two white tees in the wash the second time around. whoops.

the clogs are still a little tough to wear, but i think i'm slowly breaking them in.

nyc...clogs and overalls

2010-06-14T10:14:00.000-04:00

our trip to nyc to visit friends last week was such a welcome break. we still managed to spend a few mornings at the park along riverside drive, and i didn't shop nearly as much as i wanted to, but that's how it goes when you're on leon time.

i bought an undershirt from India at Maryam Nassir Zadeh in a lovely dark forest green. apparently they cost $0.35 in India! i also bought white overalls from the Steven Alan outlet, which i've been coveting every since i saw fanny bostrom's wedding photos. they are so comfortable, and i've really enjoyed the baggier silhouette.

we went to bu and the duck finally, which is conveniently located across the street from steven alan in tribeca. the shop was filled with amazing vintage toys and furniture. i bought leon a pair of linen overalls, which he's modeling with his new shoes from sweet william.

i had less luck with shoes, although what else is new? i fell in love with these golden goose clogs, but the shop was out of my size. stephanie and i went to no. 6 (right next door to built by wendy) to try out their clog heels. my feet are so wide that i had a hard time even putting the T-strap clog on, and stephanie found them to run narrow, too. i'm guessing they'll stretch out a little, but i don't think there's much hope for me. so i ended up buying a pair of sven clogs in black, which were surprisingly sleek and minimalist for clogs. however, after a walk to the park and back, i now have blisters and aching feet. perhaps the 39s are too small, after all. or maybe it's the high heel. not sure what to do about this.

i was deciding between the svens and the boating moccasins by SeaVees, which were as comfortable as a good pair of sneakers, and now i wish i had gone with the latter. and so it goes!

something's missing

2010-06-03T09:13:00.000-04:00

i finally made cut-offs to wear with my mociun dress from last summer. but i still feel like something's missing from this outfit. maybe a necklace or two or three like this one from odette? i spend so much time focusing on the dress or sweater that i forget to accessorize. bags and jewelry (and sometimes shoes) are usually an afterthought.

hand-made love, elective affinities, and nyc

2010-06-02T09:08:00.000-04:00

leon loves his dachshund, which was made by sian keegan. i'm pretty sure it isn't intended for all the love that he wants to give it, but he has chosen it as a lovey.

i dug out my pip-squeak chapeau dress, which i thought wouldn't work for nursing. turns out i was wrong, so now i can wear it as often as i'd like. the only thing is the armholes are so big that i have to layer it with a camisole. i've yet to find one that doesn't mar the dress' neckline.

along with pip-squeak, other children's clothing designers that make lovely things for adults include:
album di famiglia
le bouton
vestiare de cle (the older sister of vestiare de jeanne)
and makie.

i like the idea of wearing hand-made linen dresses, trousers, skirts, and tops in loose simple shapes. a good pair of warm-weather pants is probably at the top of my list. if you're in portland on friday, chelliswilson has new designs by lisa dorr of le bouton available.

also, leon and i will be in nyc from monday til thursday to visit friends, try on shoes and jumpsuits, and stuff ourselves silly. i'd love to hear of new or little-known places to visit while we're there!

memorial day weekend

2010-05-29T11:14:00.000-04:00

"memdaysale" for 20% off.

a few mociun pieces, among other things, on sale at anica, if you can't make it to the sale on june 12th (i'm going to a wedding in vermont).

the other weekend sale that i've had my eye on--creatures of comfort, 30% off "PrivateSaleSS10."