I've been daydreaming a lot about taking a beach vacation and hence doing a lot of pretend online shopping (it's okay as long as I don't hit check-out) for my non-existent tropical trip. I think I might need these:


They're only $5.50. And yes, they are Chanel knock-offs which many other bloggers discovered before me. See here for example. But I have been living under a rock. Now I just have to figure out how to get this rock to the beach.

I'm not functioning at full capacity today due to a severe lack of sleep. To explain why I haven’t been sleeping, I’ll share a meme with you:


8 things I look forward to:

1. My first Chicago wedding!
2. My dear friend Candice having her first baby. Can wait to welcome Matthew!
3. More walks with Clyde and our puppies in the sun. We walked around Green Lake on Saturday and noticed that all the mallard ducks are coupled up. It’s the cutest thing! So now Clyde has taken to calling me his “little duck”.
4. Finishing Boys Before Flowers (BBF). This Korean drama has taken over my life. I can’t focus on anything or even sleep because all I want to do is find out what happens next on BBF.
5. Breaking out my summer clothes. It’s not quite warm enough yet to wear my sundresses and sandals.
6. Date nights with Clyde on Friday.
7. Tuesday evenings with my mom (and sometimes my sister). We usually watch Family Outing.
8. Having my brother home for the summer.

8 things I did yesterday:

1. Picked up pizza for Clyde because he was craving it and sometimes it’s good to indulge your husband even if you’d rather have had sushi.
2. Daydreamed about sun, ocean, and beaches prompted by this post on swim suits and episode of Boys Before Flowers where they went to New Caledonia. Had to Google New Caledonia as was not certain of exact geography. Suggested to Clyde we go to New Caledonia. Clyde responded that we could go but first he had to go to Old Caledonia. No such thing as Old Caledonia. Clyde’s way of saying no.
3. Got depressed as vision of lush vacation vanished.
4. Got peeved that I went and got Clyde pizza and he couldn't even take me to New Caledonia. The nerve!
5. Realized extravagant travel not on same level as 20 minute drive to get pizza. Gave Clyde back scratches to make it up to him even though he didn't know I was upset (I try to hide some of my crazy from him. I think it's better for our marriage).
6. Pulled puppies around the block in my attempt to walk them. They had different ideas that involved marking every single thing in their path. I think they think they're supposed to stop and pee on all the flowers as opposed to smell the flowers.
7. Watched Gossip Girl followed by a marathon session of BBF. Then told Clyde was going to bed which turned into another episode of BBF. The episodes are over an hour-long. Could feel dark under-eye circles forming. Finally Clyde came to bed at 1:30 a.m. saving me from more BBF.
8. Woke up with a start at 3 a.m. after I suddenly remembered in my sleep that I had to publish a web page which needed to be live before an 8 a.m. press release. Logged on to computer for more work. Almost watched more BBF but the little part of me that is still sane made myself resist.

8 things I wish for:

1. I wish I could lose weight so I could fit into all my cute skinny girl clothes.
2. I wish I could live in Paris.
3. I wish I could make a living off of being creative.
4. I wish my mom had a Clyde like I do. It's so nice to have someone on my side.
5. I wish I didn't want so much stuff.
6. I wish Clyde and I could afford to take a few years away from making a living to actually live. (We'd travel the world.)
7. I wish my home was more organized and decorated. That’s one of my goals which I never seem to quite get to.
8. I wish I always knew the right words to say to make everything better.

8 shows I watch

1. Lost
2. The Office
3. Real Housewives of NYC
4. Gossip Girl
5. Heroes
6. My Boys
7. Boys Before Flowers
8. Family Outing

As far as I know I'm not going anywhere or doing anything that will require me to wear a bathing suit this summer, unless I set-up a wading pool on our back patio. Which I might because I don't think we've been embarrassing ourselves enough in front of our neighbors. I've been doing my best by letting inappropriate comments escape my mouth often. And Clyde is sometimes nekkid with the windows open before I yell at him. So clearly, I need to get a kiddie pool, some new bathing suits, and a pitcher of sangria going or people might start thinking we're respectable.

Some options:

I'm lucky enough to have a body that looks just like that Victoria Secret's model's, give or take 30 or 40 pounds. Plus I'm planning on feeding everyone lots of sangria until we're all too darn happy to care.

Also this post was inspired by the (chloe) conspiracy. She's way funnier than me so you should check out her blog.

My nails are so pretty and red right now. Yesterday evening, the sister and I got a special treat at an event held by Julep Salon. We got complimentary manicures, parrafin treatments, even foot massages! Ah, heavenly. Plus it was all earth-friendly because Julp has a clean & green commitment which made me feel like I was doing my part on Earth Day.

If you haven't been to Julep, I recommend you check it out. They have a special offer currently which gets you an hour-long mani and pedi plus an umbrella drink for $52. Find out more about the aptly-named Staycation. Something about umbrella drinks always reminds me of the sun and sandy beaches! I also have coupons for new customers to Julep which will get you a free porch mani with any pedi purchase. Hit me up for the coupon and I'll send it your way.

This past Saturday I put myself on a month-long spending ban. No more clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc for an entire month. It's totally going to suck. I already feel myself going through heavy withdrawal symptoms - full on jitters.

So since I'm on a ban, I thought I'd at least share some of deals I'm not spending money on. And then give myself a pat on the back. And then go cry in the corner.


First up, you can save 25% on wedges with code WEDGE25 at Keds.com until May 5th. I don't actually own any Keds wedges (I spend most of my money on shoes that are too painful to wear) but I could see these have definite potential as being good shoes to walk my dogs in. My current options often result in blisters, which then result in cutting my walks short, which then result in sad puppies. And no one likes a sad puppy. (And now I have to stop because I'm convincing myself to buy, buy, buy because again, no one likes a sad puppy). More details on the offer here.

If you're in the Seattle-area, you might want check out the third annual Onlineshoes.com warehouse sale. I dragged Clyde there last year and walked away with really awesome Harley Davidson motorcycle boots for a steal. I can't go again this year because of aforementioned spending ban and because Clyde reminds me often that I have yet to wear the motorcycle boots. He doesn't understand when I explain that I haven't procured the right outfit yet.

And last, if you're in NYC, LA, or SF then you're luckier than me and I sorta hate you because you'll have a Rebecca Minkoff sample sale coming you're way soon. Please feel free to send me a MAM or Nikki to make up for the unfairness of geographic location.

See this dress? I have it and I love it. It's a lovely, figure-flattering dress so yes, I love it. But then today I saw this dress for $52 and it made me a tad bitter and maybe love my Anthropologie dress just a little less.

Even without airbrushing or make-up, Monica Bellucci looks absolutely gorgeous! Featured along with several other European celebrities on the April issue of French Elle, Monica Bellucci looks so beautiful and real. (And just yesterday I was browsing pics of myself and reaffirming my need to wear more make-up). See more of the cover looks here.

I tend to be really optimistic about winning; if there's something to be won, I have this crazy feeling that I'm going to win it. Which is why I was holding off on posting about Lauren Moffatt's beautiful Cast a Hook in Me Belle Dress. {this is glamorous} had a giveaway going for this dress and just announced the winner today. Imagine my disappointment when the winner wasn't me (I'd already made room in my closet).

Today I really must buckle down at work so I'm going to ban myself from blogging activities until the evening. Before I go, I wanted to share with you this lovely grey gucci jockey tote. If only I had an extra $2.3k just lying around. Gucci has started posting their fall collection so you check out more here.

The sister and I got complimentary hair cuts this weekend at Seven Salon in downtown Seattle. Have you been to Seven? It's definitely got its own vibe going. When we went in, the DJ was spinning 80s making it difficult for me to sit still.

I got the vouchers for the free cuts not because I am fabulous (although if anyone wants to give me anything for being fabulous, I won't object), but because Matt, our stylist du jour, is looking to build out his client list. And the giving of the voucher went something like this: Me and my friend B sitting in Pacific Place resting our feet after a marathon of wedding dress try-ons. It was also very humid so my hair was coming from frizz city. It had also been a few months since I had my hair cut or did anything with my hair. Then this hip looking boy approaches us and tells us that he's giving away free cuts and yada yada yada. My friend B gets really excited at the thought of a new cut. I get hit by immediate insecurity, go home text other friends, "Tell me the truth, how awful does my hair look? I'm getting offers of charitable haircuts. Is hair a hot mess?"

Matt did a great job on our hair and also gave me two more vouchers to share with potential new clients so if you're in the Seattle area and would like a new do, leave a comment and I'll get in touch. Offer is first come, first serve and needs to be redeemed by April 23rd.

My sister liked his work so much she's probably going to have him do her hair for upcoming bridesmaid duty. I was thinking I'd just have him do my blow-outs every morning when I win that lottery jackpot that I'm sure is coming my way soon.

I purchased this beautiful ring as part of my friend Amy's birthday gift. (I also left the price tag on the other part of her gift but that's another story). While at Banana Republic I made the mistake of trying on the fireworks ring:
Needless to say, I really really really want it. It's only $29 so I might have to pull the trigger on this one. And then I'm done, no more spending for a good long while and I mean it!

Well maybe no more spending until the Tracy Feith Target collection comes out... oh and I have to get boyfriend jeans... and I need something to wear for an upcoming wedding...

Leaving work a bit early since I have some last-minute items to take care of before heading off to a dear friend's birthday:

• Buy balloons
• Take photos with balloons
• Buy birthday gift (Have put off until now hoping inspiration would strike. Did not happen. Make panicked trip to shops).
• Find perfect outfit

I can't decide if this chair is too much or just enough whimsy. Either way I want it:

Dear Seattle peoples,

Please go here and help bring Valentino: The Last Emperor to our city. I really want to see this in a theatre with popcorn. I will bring my Valentino Couture bag with me in honor of such lovely art. Tea with BG wrote a much better and more convincing post. You can read it here.

Anything that starts with "Bette Davis Eyes" gets me:

Fashion is Spinach drew my attention to this bit of awesomeness. Seriously watch it and you won't be able to stop smiling:



I've already viewed the video four times. I really need to stop!

Turns out I totally need this dress. (Okay totally don't need but really really love and it's going cheap on ebay so far so can I have it please please please?)


I'm on a blogging streak today. I think it's the lack of sleep and plethora of allergy meds.

One of my most favorite possessions that I never let see the light of day is my YSL downtown tote. There's a long story behind this which includes feeling silly carrying around such a decadent bag and having a good friend with the same bag permanently attached to her arm (and it looks way better on her) and often being too lazy to rotate out my handbags. Oh and I even had a period when I forgot I owned it (this happens often with my clothes because I tend to wear the same stuff over and over again... and I have a tendency to be messy with my closet).

The biggest (and silliest) reason I don't use this bag is I have an awful track record with shoes and bags. I feel like I'm taking shoes and bags in for repairs constantly. As I write this I have two handbags and a huge shopping bag filled with shoes awaiting repairs. I am quite reluctant to let the same fate befall my beloved downtown.

This bag seems inspired by the downtown but done in a way that makes it stand out on its own. And it would be the perfect bag to carry so I don't sully my downtown. Which is why I'm having to convince myself that I really don't need the Dale belted hobo from Kooba (another reminder why being a responsible adult is no fun).

However if someone were to give me the Dale out of the goodness of their heart (luggage color please), you can bet I will thank you wholeheartedly and then commence with at least thirty minutes of joyful squealing and jumping. Oh it also comes in python. (Life is so rough when one is a responsible adult... or at least pretending).

Because I am obsessing over the Miss Dior Cherie ad, this caught my eye on I am Style-ish which then made me click over here, where I stumbled upon this:

Soon I will have my hands on the real-life version of the Y-mail zip clutch wallet but perhaps I need a print version for my office?

Today's theme will be to post about all the things that I heart that everyone already posted about. Add to that list the May 17 launch of the Tracy Feith collection for Target. Be still my heart.

Rumor is the cropped leather motorcycle jacket will go for $140. I'm so there. (See more pics here).

I have been tasked with bringing pink and black balloons to a birthday celebration on Friday. Even though I'm a little late to the (balloon) wagon, I'm thinking a little photoshoot may be in order. Ever since I saw the Miss Dior Cherie ads months ago, I have rekindled my childhood love for balloons. I have this dream of one day living in Paris and in those dreams, my life is exactly like this commercial:



All I need to have this dreamy Parisian life is:
Balloons
Pink frocks, lots
Vintage bicycle
Parisian apartment

Easy peasy. (I am very good at wishful thinking).

And this proposal also rocks my balloon-loving little heart.

This has made the rounds already but just in case you haven't seen it, I want to share what must have been the most awesome 3 minutes anyone has ever spent in a train station.



Just watching this clip brings the widest smile to my face. And so I'm going to start holding rehearsals in my garage for a spontaneous dance troupe. No try-outs necessary. In my world, everyone is in.

Pretty much every day I visit these shoes on Amazon and try to convince myself that I can fit into half a shoe size smaller. Luckily I haven't been successful yet. Mostly because I vaguely remembering trying these on at Barney's in the too small size and not being able to walk two steps. So I'm not sure if I should be thankful these shoes are not available in my size or pissed off that they're so much more affordable now but my stupid feet are too big.

Clyde will be out of work next week so we are trying to reduce spending where we can. This has included letting our house cleaner go (so sad!), refinancing, and making a big effort to not eat out as much.

I'm really trying hard to reign in my spending which is why I have goth hair today. I decided that getting my roots touched up every 6-8 weeks was getting too spendy. I thought a good solution would be to go back to my natural color. Of course, black hair dye never looks all that natural. It's really gloriously sunny today and I look like I should be hiding out inside. However I will be saving quite a chunk of change by not needing to go to the salon as often. I was feeling so proud of myself (for making such a sacrifice), I went and purchased three dresses at Anthropologie. This spending thing? It's like a sickness. (Note: All dresses were returned immediately. Literally, I turned right around and returned them. It was actually embarrassing enough that I think I've learned my lesson. I then begged Clyde to buy me just one of the three dresses. So see, I can be good as long as Clyde indulges me).

My punishment tonight will be to wade through our taxes. Yup, we still haven't filed. We're just too good at procrastinating.

*To be fair though maybe I should keep one? After all, it was half paid for with a gift card. So maybe I had been saving that gift card to buy a friend's birthday gift. Maybe her gift should be me showing to party in fabulous frock? (Also friend received an actual gift but not from Banana Republic. Could not find anything in my friend's taste so gift card is being stockpiled for a rainy day. I am so good!)