The Uninvited Guest

Cardigan, J.Crew. Blouse, Tommy. Skirt, belt, and pumps, Banana Republic. Yellow necklace, thrifted. Pearl necklace, shady little shop in Paris.

News flash: I have a hidden talent. No, not the footfist thing, that's old hat. I can predict Oscar winners like it's Roger Ebert's business and last night was no different (what up, six years straight!). I can also stuff my face into a coma, complete with recurring nightmares, new nightmares, and a nightmarish bloat. The latter has decided to overstay its welcome and I am ruefully stuck indoors because nothing will (comfortably) fit at the moment. Does that happen to you? Well, it happens to me so often that I almost never wear pants (unforgiving), which usually gives people the wrong impression: that I'm fancy and overly girly. I guess it beats grumpy and gassy! I'll take it.

Creature of Comfort

Cardigan, Tommy Hilfiger. Shirt, RW & Co. Skirt, Banana Republic. Belt, Eddie Bauer. Tights, Hue. Pumps, Nine West.

I wore this bloat-friendly ensemble to a dinner out a few nights ago and as you can see from the first picture, I nibbled on my hair. Now you know how I stay so thin. I'm joking, of course! I haven't eaten (my) hair since the summer of '95. No, I actually had a wonderful dinner at La Brasserie, a sweet little bistro which I reviewed here. No photos this time around, just a delightful beet and goat cheese salad with half a dozen oysters on the half-shell (Buck-A-Shuck!) and a glass or two of Riesling. You know, basic comfort food. In like, Alsace.

Playful by nature

Jacket, Banana Republic. Dress, Toi Et Moi. Cardigan, J.Crew. Gloves, vintage macrame by my aunt. Tights, Hue. Pumps, Nine West.

These sweet gloves are remnants of my aunt's macrame phase. It was intense. She made everything, in a myriad of colors: shirts, dresses, sun hats, and the implied doilies. I've been through a few phases myself, though none have left me with anything quite as tangible. Solitaire, Freecell and Minesweeper have been on-again, off-again vices ever since Windows '96. Tetris? I don't like to talk about it. Catacomb Abyss, Bonkheads and Hercules were my only forays into more advanced graphics (like Amelie, I take pleasure in the simple things, and that includes technology). Sudoku and Crossword puzzles are the ones I use to trick people into thinking I'm smart (a sure deal, try it). Chinese jump rope kept me spry as a preteen (I still play it in my head sometimes, as I'm falling asleep). As for Scrabble, Boggle, Trivial Pursuit, and Taboo - I reserve those for parties and sometimes sad tables for one, please. 

So what have I gained from all this? A decent vocabulary, severe anxiety, sweet legs, and a highly addictive personality. I suppose I should be grateful I don't need glasses, despite all the ocular abuse. As for my current pursuits, I'm still trying to pick up a respectable addiction, like reading too much Proust, exercising too often, or being too kind to strangers (a recipe for a Dateline disaster!). I'm trying my best, but so far, nothing has stuck. Any suggestions?

Giving Thanks

Dress and cardigan, J.Crew. Scarf, Brooks Brothers. Belt, mom's vintage. Tights, Hue. Flats, Geox.

Not to get all geriatric on you guys, but the weather has been off the hook lately. Yesterday's snow and sleet melted upon landing and today looked like THIS. Ta-da! So thank you, temporary precipitation, for allowing me to change my geriatric ways and paint the town red. And turquoise. And elated!

West Vancouver, anyone?

Tequila Sunrise

Cardigan, J.Crew. Shirt and jeans, Banana Republic. Scarf, Icici. Wellies, Hunter.

Don't be fooled by the tree in bloom - we got snow and sleet today, which is why I'm all bundled up in my brightest brights. I'm gonna call this concoction... Tequila Sunrise, with the yellow blossoms and all. But I'm a glass half-full kind of gal, so you'd better believe I pranced in the sleet and rewarded myself with a stiff drink afterward. 

 

Office Wisdom

Trench coat, J.Crew. Hat, The Gap. Scarf, Macy's. Belt, Joe Fresh. Pumps, Banana Republic. 

You know how in the 2005 Dundies episode of The Office Pam polishes off other people's drinks and says " No, no, cause the ice melts, and then it's like second drink? " (source). That's kind of how I feel about outerwear every single day. Yes, I wore this yesterday on top of my farming ensemble and yes, I am counting it as a second outfit. Now, don't fret because I thought of it first. If you had my lazy bones, you too could justify pretty much anything. Vices, hobbies, vices disguised as hobbies... The sky's the limit.

Farmer Moi

Dress, H&M. Blouse, Banana Republic. Brooch, vintage. Belt, Joe Fresh. Flats, Ralph Lauren.

"You look like a farmer" - is what my photographer said today. Instead of taking offense, I started working on a new character, Farmer Moi - a snobby Francophile who says things like: "This rutabaga lacks a certain joie de vivre" or "My pygmy geese have been filled with ennui ever since last month's autosexing." Yeah, it's a work in progress. If Farmer Moi blooms into a real person with a believable background story, expect to see us during Open Mic at an organic coffee shop near you.

The Cin Cin Choice

Sometimes I will have a dining experience that exceeds my quotidian expectations and as a result, cannot be documented on the blogosphere. From the moment I walked into Cin Cin last night, I knew I'd be too embarrassed to whip out my camera and take photographs of various courses like a starry-eyed tourist. And you know what? I enjoyed it so much more since I wasn't rating every bite and sip in my head. Now, this is not my resignation from restaurant reviewing. It's just my way of telling you that although I have no photographic proof, you should still try Cin Cin when you crave exquisite Italian cuisine and an unbelievable wine list. And speaking of cravings, here's what I'd like to put in my virtual shopping cart.

 

1) Kate Spade multicolor bobby pins, $45
2) Madewell Somerset pocket top, $78
3) Sonia by Sonia Rykiel pleated pointelle cotton skirt, $280
4) Tory Burch Ellen wedge sandals, $325
5) Banana Republic Murano lambskin hobo, $250

Snow White, or A Little Friendly Competition

Blouse, Tommy. Skirt, J.Crew. Necklace, mom's vintage. Belt. Joe Fresh. Pumps, Nine West.

With all the red and pink bombarding Cupid's birthday, I decided to go with a cheerful yellow instead. It's more unexpected, at least in my closet. What's not so unexpected is this color combination so here's hoping that Disney doesn't sue me for trying to outshine a childhood icon (especially since my version is a bit more risqué). With all due respect to Snow White's modesty, however, we don't know what kind of furry legs she's hiding under that dress and petticoat, now do we? With me, what you see is what you get. On a completely unrelated note, has anyone seen my flesh-colored Spanx?

[source]

Functionality City

Cardigan, J.Crew. Shorts and blouse, Banana Republic. Beret, XXI. Brooch, vintage. Tights, Hue. Wellies, Hunter.

I spent this afternoon traipsing in the on-again, off-again rain without an umbrella, so this ensemble (plus a winter coat) served me well. I plan to make up for it by overdressing tomorrow at brunch. I hope you're ready for my tuxedo and top hat.

Silence Is Golden

Shirt, J.Crew. Jeans, Gap. Scarf, Ralph Lauren. Pin (on scarf), vintage. Pumps, Banana Republic.

Words, schmords. Let's just sit in silence today. Totally by choice. Not because I'm drawing a blank.

Putting the Chic in Chicanery

 

Shirt dress, J.Crew. Beret, Jacob. Belt, Banana Republic. Tights, Tommy Hilfiger. Flats, Browns.

I'm gonna let you in on a little secret. When I know someone is coming by and want to appear effortlessly chic just lounging around the house, I throw on this favorite shirt dress. Maybe a pearl necklace, if I'm feeling adventurous. So when I answer the door and get my due compliment, I feign ignorance. Who, me? So sweet of you to say.

Meat & Bread

Remember when I promised you folks a restaurant review? No? Well, I did, and I'm gonna make good on that promise today, whether you remember it or not. Moral fiber exists here.

THE SPOT: Meat & Bread
THE LOCATION: 370 Cambie St. (at Victory Square)
This Gastown sandwich shop has a simple yet wildly successful recipe: four types of sandwiches (one daily special), a couple of side dishes (one soup, one salad), one dessert (Bacon Maple Ice Cream Sandwich!), four drinks (beer, wine, cider, soda), and a large room where all the magic happens and can be consumed thereafter. Friends who had tried it first had made it sound utopic, and I can see why. My slow-roasted, hand-carved porchetta on a fresh ciabatta bun (the only type of bread available) was a carnivorous dream - not surprisingly the most popular item on the menu. I added a refreshing orzo salad and a soda and reveled in the different textures found in the pork - the crackling was unbelievable!

THE GOOD: Four divine sandwiches for $7 or $8 each are served in a cool space that is both industrial and rustic. You will appreciate the straightforward name and menu: no cheap fillers like dry lettuce, just honestly delicious meat and bread. The service is excellent and it doesn't hurt that beer and wine are available to order.
THE BAD: The staff is all male, all courteous, and much too handsome. I'm just saying - you're gonna resort to some obvious staring. Bring dark sunglasses to keep your dignity intact.
THE BOTTOM LINE: This is an easy one: eat and repeat.

I Am Hawaii

 Cardigan and shell, J.Crew. Skirt, Modern Amusement. Belt, Eddie Bauer. Pumps, Banana Republic.

I know it looks like I'm wearing a lei, but I'm not! Not that it would be a bad thing. Hawaii sounds really good about now. When I last wore this fluffy ruffle-collared shell in a restaurant, the Chinese waitress exclaimed: "You ARE Hawaii!" I've been called worse things.

Vida Vivida

As most Vancouverites will tell you, if you want a taste of history and yes, Europe, Gastown is the place to be. It's no secret. But if you're also a vivid color addict like I am, this trendy neighborhood is your fix. Stay tuned for a (newly-opened) restaurant review in the area. 

New Obsession

1) Lilly Pulitzer Ric Rac Bangle Set, $58
2) J.Crew Maritime Dress, $78
3) Meg Carter "Pearl Cascade" Earrings, $125
4) Tory Burch Horton Sandal, $295
5) Ralph Lauren Canvas Big Pony Tote, $129

When I got the new J.Crew catalog in the mail two days ago, this dress was the first the thing that caught my eye. It seems so basic and perfect at the same time! Tim Gunn might not respond well to the thick horizontal stripes, but I think I could make it work.

Simplify, Simplify, Simplify

Cardigan, J.Crew. Jeans, Banana Republic. Wellies, Hunter.

Simplicity = top+bottom+footwear (reverse jazz hands optional). And cutting this short, lest Mr. Thoreau be disappointed.

The Red And The Black

Sweater, Banana Republic. Skirt, Club Monaco. Beret, mall vendor. Necklace, thrifted. Tights, Hue. Flats, Geox.

As a tween, I tooted my own erudite horn by claiming The Red and the Black was my favorite book (which only made me look cool in the eyes of snobbish adults, aka my mother's teacher friends). By fifteen, I had graduated to Madame Bovary and in college, I dabbled in Nausea (which I realize sounds like a euphemism for bulimia). I'd like to think this Francophile trend is completely unrelated to my beret collection, but only because I refuse to believe anything is as obvious as it seems. You know? Now if you'll excuse me, I simply must get back to reminiscing about falling asleep as a child.

 The joy of beret-wearing, evidently.