Hoarding

I have always been a magazine saver. As a teenager, I'd hoard piles and piles and piles of magazines, and was irrationally protective of them. I even stored certain special ones that I really liked in plastic Ziploc bags. In the past year or so, I performed a major clean up of all my stuff - including these mags, and I got rid of probably 4 good sized boxes of old dusty magazines - from Tiger Beat to Vogue. Why hold on to these things?? I guess there were different reasons along the years; at the age of 14, I was keeping them because Justin Timberlake was on the cover. At 17, I was keeping them because there was some article in it that I felt spoke to me and my "tortured" soul. Now, at 23, I mostly find myself holding on to the ones that have exceptionally creative or beautiful pictorials. As a result, I have become less of a hoarder and more of a harvester. I've become a magazine-page-ripper-outter. Anything that looks nice to me, or that grabs my attention, I rip that page out. The result of this, of course, is simply more piles - this time not of entire magazines, but of pages and pages of colorful and glossy paper with torn, perfectly messy edges.

My all time favorite magazine, though, that I cannot part with nor can I imagine ripping anything out of for fear I might slip and ruin a part of the beauty, is Harper's Bazaar June 2007 with Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie on the cover. Something about the two of them paired together is so perfect to me; I can't help but love them as a classic BFF coupling. Back in '07 when they were still partying together, there was something so relateable about them, yet still so untouchable. The pictorials accompanying their article aren't extraordinarily unexpected or clever, but they are beautiful nonetheless.

It's not just them about this specific issue that gets me. There's also a spread called "24 Hour Couture" with Gisele modeling gorgeous Versace and Lagerfeld gowns. And the photographer? Karl Lagerfeld himself. Glorious perfection.

So, anyway, what I've begun to do is chronicle all of these inspiring images into one place - a blank book. I haven't delved as deeply into this as I imagine I will in the near future, but here's what I mean:

Will I ever delve into 07/07's Harper's Bazaar? Or should I keep it wrapped up safely in a Ziploc bag forever?

Aviator Lens

I have always wanted to be able to pull off aviator sunglasses. Somehow they never seem to work on my face because I just have these cheeks that get in their way any time I smile. But, I love the classic shape and instant cool factor they provide to any outfit. I need some aviators. Celebrities all around can be seen in these lenses in their every day life.

{image via olsensanonymous.blogspot.com}

It's no secret Ray Ban is the go-to designer of the best pilot shades around, and I think I've found a pair from them that I just may be able to wear without my chimpmunk cheeks ruining them. The bulge on them isn't very severe, but they still have the lightweight, casual and unmistakable look of the classic shape.

{Image via SunglassHut.com}

....And at $179, I don't think it'll be long before I give these a try.

FINAL Sale!

Usually the words "This sale is FINAL." Scare me away from buying anything. Final? You mean if this top unravels and falls apart, I can't return it? What about if I get it home and go to wear it and realize it's hideous?

Neither of these situations appear to me in any form often enough for me to actually consider before I make a purchase, but committment isn't exactly one of my favorite things.

Somehow, though, JCrew is usually one place where "FINAL SALE" doesn't make me run away screaming. Maybe it's the fact that the stuff is only $19.99, so even if it falls apart or I never wear it...Whatever, it was only 20 bucks, right?

T-shirts are something I can never seem to have enough of. I love wearing a plain white tee, some dark jeans, and a really cool necklace. So, last night I scored a bunch of stuff on JCrew.com, including these two adorable t-shirts:

This one is a peice of jewelry by itself!

A super-enlarged pendant design off center. So pretty.

Both images via www.jcrew.com

Homebody

My Friday night is consisting of blog reading, magazine browsing, TV, and champagne in a stemless wine glass. After my insane weekend last week, and the workweek I had, hibernation mode is entirely necessary.
Happy MLK weekend!

Small Obessions

I know I am not alone in my sincere love and appreciation for Anthropologie. I first discovered this gem of a retail establishment in college, and wondered how I'd ever lived without it. I found myself visiting the store even when I knew for a fact I had less than $50 to my name. That's because I have always had a knack for torturing myself, but also because the store's allure comes from their gorgeous visuals and merchandising, not just from the beautiful clothes and accessories and home decor and kitchenware they sell. I'd go in and just browse, loving the feeling that the rustic and crooked wooden floors gave my feet through the soles of my shoes. My heart would melt when I inevitably found a navy sweater blazer or a perfect yellow embroidered cardigan that I knew I couldn't live another second without, but also knew I had no way of paying for other than my natural charisma (I have that, right?) or my mediocre looks.

I really do not think anyone does it better than Anthro. I love anything that touts a lifestyle well - whether it's a store, a magazine or a skincare company -and stores like Anthropologie, Abercrombie & Fitch, and JCrew do it well. But Anthro does it best. Their catalogs tell a story, their stores suck you in with perfectly executed ambiance and never boring displays. Maybe you'll find a life size ostritch with feathers made of pages of books, or a chandelier made out of faux cotton blossoms; one never knows. What you do know is that when you're in these stores, you're not just shopping, you're solidifying an idea you have in your head about the life you lead. It's comforting and exciting and endlessly satisfying.

Here are two of my favorite pages out of Jan 2010's catalog:

Both images www.anthopologie.com

And last week I fell in love with these bowls, though I had to have a serious talk with myself about not having any need for them until I have my own kitchen to use them in. Right? There's just something about the idea of eating casual cold cereal out of a shiny bowl with an opulent gold rim that makes me need this.

Ikat Bowls $14 each. Anthropologie.com

Up up and away

Ever since I was little, I've wondered where the people in the other cars on the road were going. Or where the person walking down the sidewalk in 30 degree weather was headed. Or who that guy sitting on the bench on the phone is talking to. I just wonder about other people. Am I nosy? I don't think so.

There are so many people everywhere. Going somewhere. Thinking something. With someone. Or alone. Carrying something, or nothing. I wonder are they happy or sad? Are they successful or struggling? Are they in love? Are they excited about where they're trekking, or are they dreading getting where they're going? Sometimes, I must admit - it's weird - I make up stories about them. That middle aged lady walking down the street with a big expensive hangbag, a floral scarf, disguising sunglasses and no makeup...I think she's going to see someone she loves. She has a pretty scarf and a nice handbag, so to me she's not the type of woman who would let someone she didn't love see her sans makeup. I think maybe she's going to see her best friend for a cozy lunch or something. Her best friend of 15 years. She's probably made her favorite minestrone soup and invited her for lunch, like she has a hundred thousand times before.

It's funny, somehow I never imagine that anyone is doing or thinking anything negative. I never think: I wonder if that person is on their way to break up with their girlfriend. Why would I, really? Just natural optimism, I guess. It's unrealistic that everyone I see in a day's time is on their way to do something positive or exciting or happy, but I don't like to think otherwise. However, I've never been the most realistic person.

So, all this rambling brings me to one place: airports. Everyone is definitely going somewhere in an airport.

I love airports. They are emotional. There's energy in them. Hellos and goodbyes and I can't wait to see you agains. And really, what people wear to the airport is so telling. Obviously someone in a business suit is going to a convention. Or a big interview that they've been prepping for months. Or maybe to pitch a huge idea that will revolutionize the popcorn industry. Who knows.

Someone in sweatpants and a "Cornell" sweatshirt is probably going back to school from a break, which I miss the feeling of so much.

That girl with shiny hair, a diamond necklace, perfectly madeup face and jeans? Her boyfriend is probably picking her up at baggage claim.

And that family with mickey mouse backpacks and Birkenstocks? Yep, Disney.

Ashley Olsen in this picture is beautiful: casual, perfectly disheveled and bored. I think she's coming back from Paris - she had an amazing time filled with work and friends and late nights, but is not excited about the prospect of being at the airport solely because she's done it a million times before. She's got thousands and thousands of dollars worth of luggage in her hands and is so casual about it, it stings me with jealousy. I imagine she has some of the most covetable clothing and/or beauty products you could think of in those bags, and the look on her face tells you it's nothing new. It's so chic I can't stand it.

The cinch around the waist and the heel on the boots? Tells you that she cares what she looks like and she wore that very deliberately. She's got something to do when she gets to where she's going. That's my story for her.

Gorgeous.

Loving

Right now I'm LOVING this dress

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Ruffle Front Dress

And it's a gorgeous Saturday evening. I'm spending it in front of the TV. :)