Fashion Inspiration: Memo to Spring

around chicago

Fashion Inspiration: Memo to Spring

February 28, 2012

Oh, baby...

source

do get your butt movin.

Totally ready for you with a new

bright green Pia Wallen leather

and felted wool bag.

(Yo. Is this actually a winter bag? Whatev.

Please note this blogger moved out of her neutral comfort zone.)

source

Poised for your grassy greens...

VINTAGE made in West Germany necklace 1950s or 1960s...new price

West Germany made vintage necklace at my shop.

and oceany turquoises.

source

Like royally poised.

Sterling Silver Green Diamond Pebble Earrings, OOAK

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Even stoked for your diamondliciousness.

Omg, my friend over at Nixin makes these

gorgeous sterling beauties studded with green diamonds.

We on planet Michele are hereby stoked to emerge from our

wintry designer trunk funk to shop

s p r i n g f e v e r - f r e s h - f r i s k i l y

(an adverb form of 'frisky' existing only on said planet)

and award winning ribbons to vendors

at the European-style urban vintage

Randolph Street Market,

March 24-25th in Chicago

(as seen in the NY Times and Lucky).

You should go!

Do you have spring fever too?

Peace to you right where you are.

enchanted home

Interview: Hello Lovely for The Enchanted Home

February 24, 2012

How not to be enchanted by my friend Tina,

the dream home, and her fabulous kitchen?

Do you know her blog?

She has a keen eye, a killer sense of humor,

and a crazy streak that caused her

to tag me in a blogland game.

Honestly, you probably want to hop right over

to the lovely Enchanted Home, but if you're

feelin saucy, here are my responses:

Have a hobby?

Yes, yes, so many!

Photography, baking, writing songs,

and blogging my little heart out.

Confession:

I blog to entertain myself and connect with cool people.

I could say it's all about you, but I'd be lying.

Failing at something or never trying to begin with?

FAILING.

Definitely failing.

The first thing that comes to mind

are the risks we take when we commit to love.

But it is hard to put into practice because

no one wants to get hurt

or willingly look like a dingus.

aimless olive

Rather be a great cook or great designer?

A cook.

I can hold my own and am very much

at home in the kitchen.

I love feeding people and actually like my food.

aimless olive

Two favorite rooms in the house?

Easy!

The kitchen and our bedroom.

The kitchen because it has incredible light

and there is often lively conversation.

The bedroom because it is tranquil, and I have

an amazing view of the forest (enchanting!)

from bed.

Famous people you'd like to dine with?

By now, my readers know I have a crush on

Edward Cullen, so even though he's a

fictional vampire who technically doesn't eat,

we will forgive him since he is played by a delicious actor.

Also, Anne Lamott, a writer I so admire.

She is one of those Jesus loving liberals

who drops the f-bomb often and just breaks your heart.

Four words to describe you?

Loving

Soulful

Feminine

Funny.

This is all sorts of embarrassing, Tina.

Best book or two you've read this year?

I loved (like constant laughing out loud)

David Sedaris' Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk,

and Patina Style by the Giannettis

knocked my socks off.

What do you miss most about childhood?

I led an incredibly full life as a kid.

I was always barefoot and an exhibitionist.

I grew up in the church, raised by very

progressive free-spirited parents who never

feared for our safety.

We moved around a lot which meant

I had lots of diverse experiences with

interesting people and places.

If you had a freaky Friday experience

and had to trade places with one person

for one day, who would it be?

Definitely a surfer on the North Shore of Oahu

I love the ocean and its boundlessness but am

not a strong swimmer...I would love to experience it.

A perfect day for you?

Honestly, I am at my best when I am

focused on other people like my three men

above so a perfect day is one where I am

treated to their laughter and love, preferably outdoors.

Place in the world you'd like to visit?

EUROPE! I'll get there.

My turn to tag, and I am tagging...

MY AWESOME READERS. YES, all of you. IF YOU BLOG and get a chance, GO 'HEAD AND TACKLE THESE QUESTIONS: 1. How do you make love stay? 2. What do you like to eat for breakfast? 3. What behavior in others drives you nuts? 4. Why blog? 5. Favorite quote? 6. Why are we here? Peace to you right where you are.

personal reflections

Personal Reflections: Modern love, Vulnerability & Hormones

February 23, 2012

I have been painting again.
Walls and canvases.
Slow going though since my health
aint been the greatest, but ya know
vulnerability can be powerful.
For artists and non-artists.

It's true.
Vulnerability is the new self-esteem.

Oh yeah, I was gonna share
some cool modern art I'm crushing on.

I apologize for not remembering to document
the name of the artist(s)...I blame hormones.
I find these happy masterpieces uplifting.

Omg, lookie lookie.
The 'grocery store' letter stencils
I have used on so many projects showed up
on the above beauty.

my panel, my photo

photo, Birgitta Wolfgang Drejer - source

Picked up a paintbrush lately?
It really has been good therapy
in addition to tightening my triceps.
BTW.
I first typed 'triceratops,' and it actually
looked right for a second.

You already know what I blame.

Peace to you right where you are.

A Front Row Seat

Books: Kirstin Sinclair's A Front Row Seat

February 19, 2012

A Front Row Seat

Just reviewed my copy of
A Front Row Seat
(ACC Editions)
featuring the best photography of
Kirstin Sinclair,
who whisks us away to
international catwalk shows
in London, New York City,
Paris and Milan.

Wanna peek at stunning pages inside the book?
Visit here to see images at ACC's UK site.

(Hint: you'll have to scroll down the page.)

Sinclair's work may be enjoyed here as well:
Catwalk to Cover exhibit - Fashion & Textile Museum, London

From Catwalk to Cover, The Fashion and Textile Museum, FashionBite

This photo displayed at right is the cover of
A Front Row Seat and my favorite 'model' shot.

DO NOT miss two particular spreads

that truly beam us into that dreamy front row:

pages 22-23 (crazyintriguing)

and pages 176-177 (feel the endorphin rush

brought on by a show in New York).

Models, catwalk, celebs, editors, designers,

and even chic street style
from the past 7 years are in here,
so whether you're a slave to fashion
or simply want to cop a feel of that
front row seat...indulge!
Slaves and frisking.
Wow.
Sometimes even I cannot believe
the depth of my wackness.

A reminder to read this blog responsibly
as all front row seat guests do...
with deep tenderness,
a modicum of caution,
and a voluminous glass of red.

Peace to you right where you are.

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costume jewelry

Lovely Finds: Vintage Jewelry in My Etsy Shop

February 13, 2012

West Germany necklace

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sharing something dear to my heart today.

Cuz I do love myself some unique ol' bling.

Have you seen that wedding planner guy

on Bravo's Real Housewives????

BEVERLY HILLS...BLING BLING BLING...CHI CHI CHI!!!!

Okay, I am nothing like that guy and my style

is anything but over the top, however,

I simply own wayyyyyy too much
vintage costume bling.

You should probably stop by my

little etsy shop and relieve

me of the abundance.

Unsigned bracelet

Maybe you'll spot an affordable vintage

costume jewelry piece that's perfect for you...

Can I just say it's a pretty fabulous feeling

when you walk into a party/PTA meeting/T.J. Maxx

knowing no one, and I mean NO ONE will be

wearing the same necklace as you cuz it's like

from a different era.

Probably 1940s

or maybe you'll spy the perfect gift.

Bargain!

Whatever the case may be,

go shop to your heart's desire, mama...

it's LOVE DAY afterall, and you can

rest easy knowing this blogger will pocket

the cash for...what else?

~~College tuition~~ BLING.

Peace to you right where you are.

country decor

Decor Inspiration: Cozy Minimalism {3 ways}

February 09, 2012

Isn't it intriguing that a passion for
objects, art, or beautiful music
frequently leads to a minimal aesthetic?

1.
Tine K Home
'Cold' colors, scandinavian simplicity,
handmade items, and charming objects
from different cultures combine to create
a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Omg, everything this company does makes me happy.

"It is the contrast between light and dark which creates the style and atmosphere.

Often, the dark colors come from old objects, furniture and carpets from the East.

I like pieces that have history, that are handmade and different,

and that I can't usually find in Denmark." (Tine)

Colette Bream

An American artist who delights in wool,
linen, and whimsy creates a unique pared down
vibe that calms me.

ORGANIC Toddler Bedding set - Sheepy Sheep Sheep -blue sheep print on cream background

Oh the thrill to be transported

to a dreamy place...

Mattress Pad / Play Mat / Nap Mat (crib / toddler)

fairytale-ish and peaceful,

Star shaped Pillow or cushion - french grey, soft cotton

timeless and understated.

Decorative Pillow - Mrs.Bear - soft knitted pillow - brown, ecru, 18x18, includes insert

Little HOUSE shaped pillow - yellow and brown

Isn't she brilliant...

Decorative Pillow -Flower Queen - soft knitted pillow - cream,green, 18x18, includes insert

and who could resist nap time?

3.
Walk Off the Earth
Treat yourself to the minimalistic beauty of this
music video...with just one guitar and beautiful vocals.
I am not cool enough to discover such magic on my own;
this is courtesy of my son.

I refuse to fling cliches at you like
'less is more' (oops)...
cuz the truth is I think rules
for decor and art are ridiculous.
I'm simply in love with the idea
of composing carefully edited,
thoughtfully powerful, design
and music with raw soul.
How about you?

Peace to you right where you are.

p.s.

My favorite youtube comment for this one:

"guy in center makes me puke a rainbow."