Denial, It Can Work.

Late last week I almost missed the bloody hopped on a plane to visit my family for Canada day. It was one of the best trips ever: days at the zoo, parades, fireworks, and most of all just having quality time with each other. Coming back is never easy, so I made the return trip in time for the 4th of July to ease the pain. More fireworks! Barbecues! Hot days! Uh, cancel that last part.

Instead it was totally cloudy and cool so we loaded up on groceries, grilled and spent 5 hours watching the Dallas marathon.  JR Ewing always did know how to get my mind off things. 

Cut to scene and I spent yesterday in the fetal feeling kind of sad. Homesick. Stuffing my mouth with ketchup chips. God bless the Old Dutch brand and very large carry on bags. 

In an effort to lift my spirits and not be a total buzzkill SEEING AS IT IS FRIDAY AND ALL,  I spent this morning outside lying around reading a book helping Chris build a planter. Seeing as the only thing I failed to bring back from Canada was the camera charger, here are some bright and sunny instagram lunch pics from a couple weeks ago instead of other instagram pics of a presently empty raised planter. 

Speaking of bright and sunny, if you're in the Huntington Beach area we'd love to see you this Sunday July 8th at The Corner for the Painted Bird Trunk Show. Personally, I cannot wait to pick up a couple pairs of these rad crochet shoes. They're handmade in India and the epitome of summer chic! Details are one post back or click here. Mimosas will be served. 

~Outfit: M2F-denim vest (back in stock and seriously the best summer layering piece), J.Crew-tank and sunwashed skirt (old), Dolce Vita-shoes (on sale!), Brandy & Melville-bag~

Semi-scandalous mermaid on the wall outside Roe Fish Market.

Orange crush--my idea of the perfect summer drink. 

Well, after the Don Julio margarita.

And, of course, a quick Painted Bird enlightener. Seriously, how to choose?? Hope to see you Sunday!

What Goes Around Comes Around

Last week I got serious about getting rid of some stuff and started a pretty significant purge.  It's not entirely over, but is definitely underway.  As I was sorting through clothes I came across a few pieces saved from my early days at Gap in the 90's.  Man those were the days: leather pants, tencel-blend skirts and dresses, and the best basic jeans and t's. I wish I would have saved a few more things because I had quite the arsenal back in the day. Employee discount anyone?

This red tank dress has travelled with me from Canada for the past 15 years. It was one of my all-time favorites from a summer collection Gap did not long before I left, and I've never been able to part with it.  Sunday was super warm and we were heading to the flea market, so I took a chance and slipped the dress on over a little tank top. Holy mother of pearl this baby still fits! God bless the inventors of the Whole 30. And the hoarder in me.

~Dress: Old school Gap, Vest: M2F, Booties: Joie, 

Jewelry: Vanessa Mooney, Bag: Brandy & Melville~

Rifling through the fake LV's to get to the vintage crossbody bags. 

Eye of the Tiger after spotting the coolest vintage table for my kitchen or herb garden.

Woot! Will post some pics after I get it situated.

In the meantime, sweet dress right??

And why didn't I buy more than one pair of these boots last year?

Twisted

Last month I lost the camera.

Okay I didn't really lose lose the camera as much as, say, misplaced the camera. But hey, I didn't really know where it was so as far as I was concerned it was lost. How's that for a rabbit trail?

Anyway I found the camera over the weekend. Pretty relieving to see it there, amidst the folded laundry, nestled in the sheepskin rug.  Even more relieving to see a couple of legit outfits on it. I'm not so sure the sequin sweater is still appropriate, but I might give that one a whirl next week because it IS in front of a vintage VW bus and you know how that magic takes hold of me. 

In the meantime I can only say I probably need to put myself on Madewell restrictions seeing as if I get anywhere near the store I can't seem to keep from leaving without a bag. It does happen, but not that often due to a pretty stellar sale section. This skirt falls into the category of 'sporadic purchase turned regular rotation'.  It was one of those moments when my fave shopgirl (who used to work at Martin+Osa so we go way back) employed her mind reading tactics and tossed me into a fitting room with the skirt. 'Just try it,' is her favorite line and she has got it down. In her defense, summer's around the corner and the skirt is a decent price so it came home and is earning its keep in the versatility department. Here's to warmer days ahead! 

~Outfit details: Shirt & Skirt -Madewell, Tanks-Gap, Boots-Jeffrey Campbell~ 

~Vanessa Mooney--Bracelets, Poison Necklace, Keepsake Necklace~

~Brandy & Melville-Fringe Bag, Erin Wasson-Ring, Motif56-Leather Bracelet, 

Vanessa Mooney-Metal Bracelet~

Now if I can just find a couple of maxi skirts....suggestions welcome!