Before they had you...

...your parents had a life. Hard to imagine that my parents were ever rambunctious twenty-somethings. And now they're Empty Nesters, so I have to face the reality that they weren't always meant to just take care of my siblings and I. They actually go out and enjoy themselves! Crazy...

Hence why I enjoyed this blog, My Parents were Awesome, which I stumbled upon via Love it a Lot. As the site puts it, "Before the fanny packs and Andrea Bocelli concerts, your parents (and grandparents) were once free-wheeling, fashion-forward, and super awesome." Enjoy the madness...

via My Parents were Awesome

Oh, before I forget...

The week of discounts continues! From now until Monday at midnight, use the code "25boo" to receive 25% off all items at Beklina! The temptation just does not subside...

Some of my favorite items below, currently for sale.

Lisa Rennell Shaggy Lobster shift dress and Tie Back Fringe belt

Mociun Moonwalker skirt

Jack & Marjorie Silverbell clutch

Virginia Johnson pillows (now half off!)

I want to be a high-end shopgirl

I have this dream, you see, to work in a fashionable boutique, and traipse about in my dresses and wedges. Well, my ultimate dream is to own such a boutique and hire lots of attractive males to work there, but that obviously isn't going to happen anytime soon. So for now, the first dream will have to do.

I took a trip out to Georgetown today with a friend, and saw for the first time since I left New York some pretty fashionable people (though they were probably all rich kids attending Georgetown). And when we went into Barney's Co-Op, I did a double-take: APC and Steven Alan in DC?! And I also got to try on the Marc by Marc Jacobs bag I've been salivating over; it was perfect! I wish I had $500 lying around. But the most important part: the shopboy was GORGEOUS. Well, my type of gorgeous: plaid shirt, big black frames, slouch hat, smoking a cigarette outside (I find that attractive, I'm sorry...). I also have a thing for boys that work in clothing stores (am I right, Emily? ...). Can I have a job there, please?

And then while walking by another window, I saw these lovely wedges/pumps, and had to go in to investigate. They're DvF, reasonably priced ($350 on her website, compared to all the Rachel Comey shoes I've been buying) and adorable. They were more of a red in the store, but here they are pictured in plum and navy:

via Matches

Somebody just smack me so I can get out of these delusions! I don't care that I have a Master's degree in a completely unrelated field; I want to work there now.

Braid Friday!

I know it's not Braid Wednesday, but it's Friday, gateway to the weekend! Well, I'm working till 11 tonight, but whatever... Here's a blast from this past summer, in which I look like Heidi, wearing one of my favorite Built By Wendy dresses:

My friend who crafted that is a weaver; makes sense. But oh, those were some good times... Also from this summer is the below jam by the Blow. "Hey Boy" WAS my summer, unfortunately. But I love this song, and this video is probably my favorite from YouTube. Enjoy Khaela's concert comedy and sweet moves:

Happy Friday!

Thank you, Tudors.

Watching season 3 of the Tudors put me in a much better mood this week. I really do love this show...the debauchery, the debauchery... And to end it by chopping off Cromwell's head? Poetic justice...

And huzzah for Charles Brandon! He finally grew a soul this season. And he's not too bad to look at, either...

I ♥ these slippers

via Wonder Wonder via Wiksten

She scored them via this Etsy shop in Ukraine, though it seems they haven't been sold in months. Want some for Winter...

Splendidred: My new favorite Etsy shop

A few weeks ago I stumbled upon this dress* in the Etsy shop Splendidred (sorry for the sheisty photo), and I almost had a heartattack. I mean, hello?! Look at that print! Exactly what I needed for my print obsession.

I think this will be my outfit tomorrow!

And after perusing the other offerings of the shop, I fell in love! Cybele, the shop's "proprietor" (I love that word), picks such lovely items to sell. I'm not normally a fan of most Etsy vintage shops, but this one has so many things I want. And Cybele's super sweet... Have a look-see at some of her other selections:

How adorable are these photos?! And these glasses are pretty adorable, as well...

I LOVE the back of this dress...

And if I didn't already have a cape, this one would be in my cart right now...

Adorable!

* I hate my Etsy name...oh well, can't change it now...

Now, I'm not a fan of "pantyhose," but...

...I want these.

via Free People

Thanks, ladies!

Due to all the wonderful advice from you ladies, I've decided I'm going to invest in the L.G.R Lamu frames when I get my next paycheck. You guys are the best interweb friends a girl could have!

And after perusing L.G.R's website, I found this sweet YouTube video explaining their frames. Check out how much these bitches bend! After seeing this, I was 100% sold. And there's a cool Italian dude, too...



Still holding out for the No.6 clog boots, and perhaps the Sublet Deborah dress! One of these days, one of these days...

What is it about Isabel Marant?

via Maryam Nassir Zadeh

I mean, I definitely get the appeal, because I LOVE this blouse. But why are her clothes so elusive? Perhaps it's the quantity made, and also that the prices are never listed, but I don't get it. Nevertheless, what a lovely blouse. Too bad that's never going to happen!

Handbag for Sale!

via Morelle

I'm letting go of this pretty little number (Morelle leather Morchella bag) over at Laws of General Economy. Bought a few months ago but never used; I need one Big Bertha of a bag to carry around my crap. Heavily discounted, so che-che-che-che-check-che-check it out!

Calendar Swap

Did you guys sign up for this yet? Only four more days...

Oh, hmmf.

via hellojenuine

I didn't know last month if I'd still be in DC at the present time, so I made the decision not to purchase certain concert tickets (because I'm po'). As a result, not only did I miss out on seeing the Dirty Projectors and Grizzly Bear, but I am also missing Andrew Bird and (my fav) St. Vincent tonight (though I did see her back in May, and the show was amazing). Alas! I'll just have my own private concert with iTunes. To join in the fun, enjoy some of my favs off their current albums below (the second video is actually pretty awesome):

But there is still Ted Leo in December! I have been involved in an imagined love affair with him (and his music) for years and years; try not falling in love with him while watching this video:

Gahhhh!!!!

I almost choked on my own spit (sorry for the visual) when I opened an email from Domahoka--one of my favorite stores--minutes ago. Hannah, you thought I was tempting you with the 15% off discount at TenOverSix (BUYME, through the end of the week); try 25% off for three days only at Domahoka! Man, it is getting harder and harder to save money these days...

There are so many things I either own, have tried on, or want that are in stock there: the Steven Alan Parker dress (one of my favorite dresses; will have to post pictures of it sometime), the A.P.C. double strap boot, the Rachel Comey Retractor dress (my pics are here), the RC Penpal boot (a picture of Jenny's lovelies here), the Lewis Elizabeth top, the RC Pocket Front dress, etc., etc.

And part of me really wants this Duskin Swing skirt, but I'm not bold enough to attempt pulling it off. And plus, I might just be crazy.

A little bit of me has died inside.

P.S. Creatures of Comfort is having a sale for "most of" their items in black (15% off), so check that out, too.

P.P.S. Oh! And Totokaelo is having a $30 off special on their shoes through this Saturday. You just have to be a member and signed in when placing your order. Gahhh!

Truly fantabular

I really enjoy this cover of Fleet Foxes' Tiger Mountain Peasant Song by First Aid Kit. Check it auuught.

via Papercup

To buy or not to buy: that is the problem

I have no money: that's a given. And my school loans are about to kick in a few months from now. But I have certain needs that only retail can fill, and that's just something I'm willing to cope with. In short, I'm screwed financially, but my wardrobe looks good.

At any rate, I'm trying oh so very hard to limit my spending, in light of it spiraling out of control. Hence why I'm planning on making only one lavish purchase for the upcoming month. That brings us to my present quandary, in which I must decide which item to purchase: glasses, dress or shoes?! In terms of need, I already have enough dresses and shoes, and have been wanting some new frames for awhile now. But my mind doesn't work that way! Anyway, here are the options, and please weigh in if you have any thoughts:

No. 1 Rachel Antonoff Zaide dress

via Bona Drag

Thanks to the lovely Kate, I became aware of this pretty little number, and I have been under its spell ever since. I've been in an email exchange with Rachel to score the dress in my size, but do I really need it? It seems like THE perfect holiday dress, though!

No. 2 No.6 Clog Boots

pictured with Bodkin garb, via Bodkin via Wiksten

I have had mixed feelings about these little buggers for the longest time. At first I thought they were hideous, then I saw them "in action" on several blogs, and am suddenly lusting for them (hence why I won't post them by themselves, and will only link to the No.6 website). What is wrong with me?!? But at any rate, they're boots with a twist, and I'm sold.

No. 3 L.G.R Lamu frames

via Assembly NY

Granted I've posted about these specs before, and I'm pretty sure they will be purchased eventually. Glasses are my number one accessory, and I need a "redefinition" of my look, as I like to say. And my yellow frames are wearing on me, and, quite frankly, I don't think they really suit my face and skin tone. So they've got to be replaced.

Decisions, decisions!

A good week for PA

I knew my love for my home state was well-founded...

via Linus in Hats

The Eagles beat the Red Skins (wish I were still working at the Children's Museum so I could snicker at my boss), and the Phillies (though I hate baseball) are in the World Series once again. And PA has Wawa, so take that, DC and NY. Loves me some chocolate milkshakes and ham hoagies.

New clothes in the stratosphere

I'm in love with these dandies from Sublet Clothing:

via Sublet via Hot Child in the City

I really would love to add the Deborah dress to my closet, but I have to remind myself, "it's just a dress, it's only a dress..."

And the lovely and talented Hannah of Bekväm Clothing has unveiled a new design! Check it out!

Totally awesome

via inchmark

A lovely (and delectable) birthday card. I want one. May isn't too far away, friends...wink wink...

Hot Old Man List

A lot of people question my taste in, uh, many things, but I stand fervently behind my selections for my Hot Old Man List. I don't know what it is about the appeal of older men, but they've just got things figured out, and I find that very attractive. So without further ado, I unveil to you the list I have spent hours mulling over:

No. 5 Anthony Bourdain

Granted he's a little rough around the edges, but any man that can cook and be sarcastic is okay by me. Add in there Tony's quick wit, and I'm sold.

No. 4 Larry David

Say what you will about Larry, but I think he's one sexy beast. He's got a lovely smile, and he comes off as a coy, sheepish adolescent; I think that's adorable.

No. 3 John Slattery

a.k.a. Roger Sterling...need I say more?

No. 2 Sebastian Koch

My favorite phrase in German: super sexy. Spelled like it is in English, but pronounced with z's instead of s's. Ergo, Sebastian Koch is zzzuper zzzzzexy. He stars in some of my favorite movies (Das Leben der Anderen, Der Tunnel), and also some of my least favorite (Black Book). Ich habe ihn gern, sehr, sehr gern.

No. 1 Daniel Day-Lewis

I cannot articulate properly why I love this man as much as I do. He is arguably the greatest actor of this generation, and seems so sincere in his actions and words. And I refer to him affectionally as DDL. I don't care that he's as old as my mother; I'll take him as a young man, grizzly old man, woodsman, or skeletor. Can't wait for Nine...

Another reason I admire Mette

via Ungt Blod

She gets triangles, big time.

And her dog, Rufus, seems pretty awesome.

I'm in love with this man.

I can't help it.


Probably one of my favorite Beirut songs, though the dancing in the video is a little too campy and gratuitous for my taste. But whatever, I still love it.

Tonight on Mad Men

via Dyna Moe

This show is finally getting interesting again...

And glad they included this gem:

New frames

Thinking these are the chosen ones.

via Assembly NY and L.G.R

Ich liebe euch.

Meet my two besties, Matthew and my mom:

Not the most flattering picture, but it'll do.* Matt and I at our NYU graduation at Yankee's stadium, May 2008.

Mutti and Father.

I've lived with both and love them dearly, and they're the only ones who willingly put up with my eccentricities. Just wanted to give them a shoutout, since they always make me feel loved.

And meine Mutti turns Old tomorrow...well, one year older (she's already old...sorry, Mutti). Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag, Mutti!

And while we're looking at old photos, here's the rest of the fam, minus my old-ass dog (whom I love dearly):

Myself, Sean, Mallory and Patrick, Christmas 2007. The only difference between then and now is that my brothers have grown a few more inches, as has my hair. And Mallory's even skinnier. Oh, to be the short and chubby one of the four.


*Matt told me he's not a fan of this picture, but neither am I; I look like a prepubescent male.

Oh yeah...

Forgot about this one:

tudor zine by rhea evers

On a related note, can't wait till season 3 of the Tudors comes out on DVD in December. I feel like I've been waiting ages to see what happens (on the show) after Anne gets the axe, since I don't have Showtime and watched season 2 at a friend's like a year and a half ago...AGES...


UPDATE: Just remembered that my current roommate gets Showtime, so I just have to figure out how to use her OnDemand with Tivo and I can have a Tudors marathon (it wasn't working for me, for whatever reason). And just watched episode 1 of season 3 online; makes me remember why I love this show (the debauchery, duh). Jonathan Rhys Meyers and his creepy stare have lifted my spirits.