book club

dresser revamp

Like many before us, when Will and I moved into our one bedroom (one closet) apartment there were space issues. These mostly stemmed from my excess of clothing and of course limited space. We had already filled the tiny one bedroom with one large dresser and a queen size bed, so there was only one option for where to put another dresser, stuffed in between the foot of the bed and a wall upon which the closet door opens. Needless to say, this left us with very specific dimension limits for a piece. Luckily, Portland (specifically SE Hawthorne) has a pretty amazing selection of affordably priced furniture. However, finding a dresser that's less than 30" wide was still a struggle. Then I spied this little guy in the very back of Lounge Lizard:

He was reasonably priced, in decent shape, and most importantly the perfect size. The paint job certainly wasn't wowing me (especially compared to the many amazing pieces in this amazing shop) but I figured I could make do until I came up with some paint solution (There's always the trusty high gloss black). It wasn't until we got him home that we realized the real problem:

Unfortunately, the off-white (and frankly beginning to chip) paint color seems to be that exact color that all renter's know and love. The cheap wall paint of every apartment I've ever lived in. The dresser ended up looking horrible. It looked like a built-in that wasn't built in. Something had to be done, but what? I toyed with the idea of painting it many colors, mostly ranging from slate to black (really stepping out of my comfort zone-I know), and even changing the handles. But the handles were really interesting to me and without them there was really nothing special about this dresser at all. Then, Anna from Door Sixteen swooped in with the perfect solution, accentuate the handles. How didn't I think of it? This is why I'm still a meager renter, not a home owner. So I started stripping paint and sanding, all in my tiny kitchen (where else?):

Needless to say, things got messy. So excuse this "in progress" shot. I swear the kitchen usually looks pretty good. It's one of the best features of the apartment. Just not here... But after stripping and sanding, staining and painting:

So you'll have to excuse the flash, even mid-day this time of year in Portland there's not much natural light, and it was necessary for getting an accurate color. But I have to say, I'm super proud. being that this dresser is basically the first this you say when you enter our bedroom, I'm completely pleased. I really do have to thank Anna, because looking at it now, I can't imagine it any other way. So there you go! That's my dresser revamp, and I couldn't be happier!

never mind.

Erin Fetherston Metallic Lucy dress. This is the perfect holiday dress. It was on sale at gilt, and I paused. Bummer. While it's called the "Lucy" we know it's really the Judy (Jetson) dress of my dreams. Fuck pairing metallics with a nude pump though. Snooze.

PIZZA

Okay I know this has been floating around for a couple months, but it's new to me and fucking amazing.

iconic style: nights of cabiria

In 1957, Frederico Fellini cast his wife Giulietta Massina as Cabiria, an eternally down and out free spirit. Without divulging too many plot points of the classic, Cabiria does not have it easy, and certainly isn't rich. Regardless however the elegance, ease, and excitement of her character come through in her clothes. 

The mix of stripes, furs, and well tailored pieces could easily translate to a modern look. In the final scene, Cabiria wears a plaid cape, right on trend.

And I'm pretty sure I saw a girl dressed just like this, minus the trombone (although it wouldn't surprise me), walking around Portland the other day.

holiday partying

Okay, I'll admit it. This dress is an obvious choice when talking about holiday dressing, but god damn its cute. I love the bow and the mod cut is great for the holiday binge eating that is bound to happen. I would however pair it with an edgier shoe, maybe those Gee Wa Wa's. 

Images and dress via etsy shop Nadinoo

winter dressing

Stolen Girlfriends Club

Urban Outfitters Holiday 2010

This is how I want to dress for winter; chunky knits paired with flouncy florals, layered knee socks and oversized mens coats.

Images via Knighttcat

can't stop

tomahawk

Growing up with my only sister being 16 years younger than me, there are some typical "little girl" things I missed out on. I don't know how to double dutch, I still can't successfully cartwheel (although this may be due to a complete lack of balance and coordination), and I never learned how to really braid. So today, when I got these new silver feather earrings in the mail from Etsy shop Crystal Mountain Jewelry, I knew it was time to use youtube tutorials to conquer the dreaded fishtail braid. As it turns out it's relatively simple, although probably best done on wet hair. While the overall effect of the earrings and braid together might come off a bit middle school art teacher, both of these will definitely be on high rotation in the upcoming months. I'm also thinking of wearing just one feather with a stud in the other ear, or maybe even two on the same ear... the possibilities with these are sort of endless.

Gee Wa Wa

images via oaknyc.com

I first fell in love with these Gee Wa Wa platform "Fatale" boots when I saw them on the one and only Ms. Wasson this past fashion week. Little did I know they would be so accessible that not only are they for sale at oak, but also at freepeople? And lets not even get started on how awesome this dress is.

Erin Wasson images via knight cat

safety dance

Loeffler Randall's Alice safety pin flat. I'm sensing a (super simple) DIY....

rough riders

Since getting the Edelman boots, my need for ankle boots with the slightest heel is at an all time high. The Rusty Foldover Boot from Boutique 9 are perfectly distressed for a tougher feel, but slightly more acceptable to wear in the office. Available at the always hip Need Supply.

sidelined

I just bought this ace bandage of a harness from Etsy shop Norwegian Wood (Beatles reference not lost on me). I'm hoping to pair it with light grays and browns for a very Wang Spring 2010 injured footballer sort of feel.

Alexander Wang Spring 2010 via New York Magazine

cornicello

So this Elizabeth and James Tusk Pendant isn't the most exciting design, but the idea of a modern version of the red coral Cornicello pendants I received at every birthday or baptism from Italian relatives definitely strikes a nostalgic cord. And even better, the sterling silver makes for a much better addition to my closet, which tends to veer away from red and gold.

side saddle

These Zara riding boots are perfect fall-wear. My grandmother had a pair just like them when I was growing up, and I doubt they'll ever go out of style. Classic elegance for a reasonable price point? Sign me up. Now when will they open a store in Portland?

deadbeat summer

I know we should be talking about the Spring/Summer collections, but I'm still lusting after this tote from Mara Hoffman Resort 2011.

lockhart

Went to the Solestruck pop up shop in the Pearl on Saturday. 20% off all merchandise made getting these new Sam Edelman's a non-negotiable. They weigh about 800 pounds; a better alternative to those ugly balance sneakers.