Beer and Dumpster Diving

The title of this post sounds a lot trashier than this post actually is. You see, some girl in the my old building had impeccable taste and happened to be my size. She threw away a lot of good stuff. Now, I'm not literally going to swan dive into a dumpster, but if I pass a trash bag full of what seem to be perfectly good clothes I'm not just going to ignore it! That's where I found this Banana Republic suede skirt. The Moose Head Beer shirt was a total thrift store score. I have an affinity for Moose Head which stems from fond memories of my Daddio drinking these when I was small during neighborhood chill sessions on the driveway.

This outfit is reminiscent of the way I dressed in high school. I really don't find anything wrong with that. 

A Girl's Best Friend.

I've found in Venice long dresses and skirts are a girl's best friend. It's warm during the day with the sun, but when night falls it helps to have some fabric to cover up your legs. (Never you mind that sassy slit).  I've also found small purses are best. There's a lot of walking and bike riding to be done in our neighborhood, so I've transitioned from always having a ten pound "magical Mary Poppins" bag to having a 3 pound "I put only baby powder, lip gloss and my phone in this mofo" bag. Unless of course I'm going to a BYOB picnic or something in which case I need a bigger bag to stash a bottle of Pinot. (Or Vodka) 

Check out my 90's Meg Ryan Rom-Com glasses. You may have seen them in such films as French Kiss and IQ. 

Skirt: Buffalo Exchange, Belt, Purse and Necklace: Thrifted, Blazer: H&M, Sandals: JCP, Hat: J.Crew

Dive In

I love date night. I also love most eating establishments that utilize baskets and checkered paper. J and I had been wanting to check out Blue Plate Oysterette for a bit, so we made it there with enough time to enjoy our meal before going to see The Avengers. (We are the only two people left on this planet that haven't seen it). I say *haven't, using present tense because by the time we were through with our meal we were so stuffed we nixed the movie and went straight home to relish in our food comas. 

The food at BP Oysterette was delish. The environment disarming (picnic tables, carnival lights and woven table mats) and relaxing (it's right on the coast). I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to service. Nothing irritates me more than an aloof waiter that doesn't make eye contact. This probably stems form the extensive amount of time I spent serving and bar tending in college. The service here was great though. I only wish they had Saltines to eat with the Oysters. I've found pretty much NO WHERE in LA serves Saltines with Oysters, and am beginning to think this is a sort of white trash southern way to eat Oysters. Look at me getting all dignified on the west coast! 

But seriously give me some fucking Saltines. 

Pictured Below:

-Oysters on the half shell

-Mussels in coconut curry broth I would probably swim in if it didn't have the propensity to burn my eyes and lady parts. 

-Menu, duuuh.

-The first Lobster Roll I've ever eaten.

-Key Lime Pie I would definitely swim in even if it DID burn my eyes and lady parts.

-Prosecco. I would also swim in that.

-Date night attire. 

Bell Bottoms: UO, Bag: Vintage Coach (thrifted), Sweater, belt and Necklace: Thrifted

Rhinestones and Ropers

Stripes and Florals. One of the most trustworthy combinations in my book. Look at them together. It's tailored on top and Kelly Kapowski on bottom. Also trustworthy: Ropers. Get yourself a pair. They toughen up anything and are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time. Plus they don't discriminate based on seasons. 

On to the belt. When my NaNa passed, she left behind quite a few ridiculous rhinestone belts. Yes, these belts are gaudy... yes, these belts might be seen on such waists as cougars at your local sports bar, (NaNa wasn't a cougar) but I love them. I find the challenge of making them work with my daily outfits as opposed to making me look like a cougar rewarding. I LOVE pieces like that. Otherwise seen on douche bags, but resurrected on someone new in a completely different/non-douche way. 

NEW: Just saw the lovely lady from Atlantic-Pacific did a post on stripes and florals. She's too damn cute. Check her out.

Floral Skirt: Thrifted, Striped Shirt: Ralph Lauren/thrifted, Belt: Nana's, Boots: Dolly Python, Bulldog Necklace: China Town in NY, Scarf: F21, Hat: J.Crew, Sunglasses: Nordstrom (old)

Gone Campin'

A few weeks after we moved we took a mini road trip down to San Elijo Beach for some camping. I had never camped on the beach before, and although the campgrounds were slightly crowded we still had a good time. (Gotta love those campground bathrooms!!!) There was whisky, s'mores, but more importantly J and I got to show some west coasters the way of Frito Pie!! (A white trash/southern delicacy). Our new friends Zach and Hang like to keep it real with their vintage Westerner camper. Their American Bulldog, Jetson, kept guard. 

Favorite Shirt

I was tempted to title this post, "Monkee-ing Around," but then I would have had to punch myself in the face. 

Skirt: F21 (Similar), Belt: Vintage/Gifted, Shirt: Stolen from little brother, Sweater: Free People, Shoes: Jeffery Campbell, Cuff: JCP (similar), Panama Hat: J.Crew

Lauren and Woody

The last job I shot before leaving for Cali was Lauren and Woody's wedding. After meeting them and hearing the plans for their nuptials I did I metaphorical high kick. Their wedding was very similar to mine and Jonathan's. Including the dog and everything. All of her decor she and her friends made, and they kept it real: Texas style. The playlist was bad ass, and all the guests were adorable to boot. Here are some of my favorite shots.

Texas Forever.

Soooo, I was organizing folders on my desktop listening to Cults and I got a little nostalgic. I couldn't help myself!! I love California. Particularly Venice and all our new friends, but looking at these photos pulled my heart strings hard. I'm such a sucker. Here's a collage of the things I really miss about Texas.

(In no particular order): 

1. My Brother.
2. Undermain Theater.
3. Miss Davenport and her hubs.
4. Nights at Lee Harveys.
5. Game Night.
6. Cooking with Liz and Haley.
7. Mr. Neese Hasselblading in the 'hood.
8. Kandi's Laugh after a few.
9. Dogs on the table at Meridian Room.
10. The light in our loft.
11. The queen of cute, Kendall Kendall.
12. These party animals.
13. Jack's dangly earring.
14. Del's arch nemesis on Main St.
15. Girly pool time.
16. Her Majesty, Haley.
17. Jen and her no-fucking-nonsence.
18. Margaritas with Mom.
19. People getting FNL references.
20. Chere.

Get Up There, Girl!

OOOOhhhhhh the things in my husband's closet that I love to steal. This Rolling Stone's T is up there. You know what else is up there (that are not my hubby's)? These Jeffery Campbell Ibeza Wedge Sneakers that I have been salivating over for 4 months. Yes, I understand it is materialistic, but when I finally obtained them (thanks mom!) there was a feeling in me... one eerily similar to the one in my four year old self once getting my paws on a giant gobstopper. Finally I can rock some sneakers that aren't Chuck Taylor's! Imunna wear 'em with skirts aaaand little floral dresses aaaaaand cut offs and erytang!

Another random note about this post: that side braid is 3 days old. I'm a winner.  

Sneakers: Jeffery Campbell, T-Shirt: Vintage, Jeans: DKNY, Hat: J.Crew, Purse and various Bracelets: Thrifted, Cuff: JCP, Scarf: F21

It's Flea Time

After weeks of feeling completely helpless when it comes to secondhand shopping in LA, Jonathan and I found out about the Fairfax/Melrose Flea Market. I was weary that everything would be grossly over priced, seeing as it's in Hollywood, and was pleasantly surprised to see totally reasonable prices for most stuff... bargains, even. The weather was perfect, and we spent half the day wandering around from booth to booth. We scored an antique latter for our garden, some great vinyl, and I got a vintage white cotton top that for whatever reason reminds me of Marjorie Rawlings. Here are some highlights:

1. Disney Graffiti on an old door, and some Bambi paraphernalia. I love vintage Disney stuff. 

2. A Victoria Secret nightgown from the VS era when everything was classy as opposed to hot pink. Remember when you could buy your mom gifts there? Also, charm necklaces for $5 a pop. I found a TX charm. 

3. Cool prints and collections of Coral

4. 2 cute boys at a booth with 4 records for a dollar.

5. Stylin' ladies lookin' for vintage clothes.

6. Collections of old photos and hemmed 80's and 90's sundresses.