So every here and there, I'll post something that makes me go, "Hmm..." Something that makes me stop and scratch my head. That note to self whispering, "Um... what?" And then my wallet sighs a bit because whatever I spied, it's not going into any wishlist or cart.
This is my first one for the Cloffice Buffet. It's from Tory Burch. Now, I love Tory. Really do. But this just looks like something that would appear on the complete other side of the department store from where I'd expect to find her clothes.
It's a sweater. One that secretly wants to be a rug, straight out of an antique-y Americana shop. There, I said it.
I don't know... what do you think? For those of you who also know or love Tory, does this seem kinda random? Like a knit with an identity crisis?
The colors definitely announce Fall. And it sure looks cozy. But... all I can think of is lying on it next to a fire, instead of wearing it.
Image: shopbop.com
I happened to be at the Mall of Insanity this weekend and had to restrain myself from stopping into the Hugo Boss store. Because I would've been hunting for this spectacular dress. And I'd probably wind up getting escorted out for excessive admiring and touching of the fabrics.
Because... what a perfect Fall frock.
What have you seen that has left you drooling all over the page?
Image: InStyle
That would stand for: September Issue Pick Du Jour.
As I start to dig into my annual required reading, I'll post selected images that make me daydream about all things fierce, beautiful, and whatever else I wish found their way into my closet...
I'll kick it off with this "Oh please, please, please" dress from McQ, of course.
Image: shopbop.com
So, I've been off the radar for a few days, thanks to a work trip that sent me to Seattle. Oh, the horror, having to travel to an amazing city with all sorts of delicious things to eat and drink, and lovely sights to behold. Such as, the mothership of my favorite department store! How could I not stop into such a place while spending a few days in its homeland.
On the search for any goodies that can't be bought at the other locations, I ended up on the top floor. Among the homewares and few local selections sat a grand fish tank. There were other displays sprinkled about that I don't see at my Twin Cities outpost. But boy, I'd be OK with a pretty case of fishies vying for attention among the pretty outfits and shoes.
Though my time inside this palace was short, I managed to find a couple fun Seattle-ish things, befriend a fabulous gal at one of the fragrance counters (more on that soon), and try on a pair of boots I'd been stalking online. Which I maybe bought.
One of my best friends (and shopping-partner-in-crime) sent me this awesome shirt for my upcoming anniversary of getting older. Colorful, silly, and just a wee bit creepy - I wouldn't change a thing. The brand is known for its whimsical tees, after all. And guess who wasted no time making herself comfy when I laid the top down for a photo. Both the ladies of the house approve. Well done, Annie. Well done!
It's started! It's started! The September issues are beginning to roll out!
Who sets aside a couple of happy hour allowances for their annual fashion mag indulgence? And if you only choose one, which publication is your must-buy? Vogue? Elle?
Like a teenager who used to throw open the back-to-school edition of Seventeen with glee, this incites just as much giddiness. And this time around, I can enjoy the riot of colors, patterns, and styles with a glass of wine.
Apparently, this longtime magazine is about to fold. I've been a Lucky subscriber for years. One reason I liked it was its freedom from the typical articles in other mags that I found boring, irrelevant, and sometimes just insulting (hello Cosmo). Lucky was about shopping and fashion, without the bloat of unsolicited relationship advice, or how I could amazingly lose 10 pounds by... basically not eating. Pass.
Interestingly, this was my annual Christmas present from none other than Snazzy Dottie. Though her passing and this publication's imminent end are not related, I felt a sad twinge, like something aligning in my weird universe.
You can read more here via Racked.
July means many things. One of which is this epic Anniversary Sale, when all sorts of Fall goodies are trotted out at a discount. When the catalog arrived, shortly before the event started, I found more "mehs" than "mine!" But once I stopped by my local outpost and the sale took off, I ended up with a few things.
Funny how that happens...
Did you go "sale-ing" this year? Anything mysteriously jump into your cart, too? I'll post a couple of my favorites soon.
Two months ago tomorrow, we took a giant leap into the unknown and brought home a kitty from the rescue shelter. Seriously, as we drove home with a scared little ball of fur "singing us the song of her people" (as the rescue lady explained), we were "WTH did we just do" all the way home in the car.
But welcoming Lila into our lives was one of the best things ever. Any fear or shyness evaporated within a couple of days, and she is a true member of the family.
As it's International Cat Day, I found it fitting to dedicate this post to our own kitteh. Though I grew up with dogs and still love them dearly, Lila just makes sense with us. Granted, since all I know are dogs, she's learning "No!" and "Sit!" And though you cat lovers might scoff at this, I swear she gets it. Not that it'll stop her from doing something as soon as we're out of sight. Anyway, she's made herself right at home:
As you can see, she's nothing like the first photo. It's also pretty clear that we freaking adore her and are using up all available memory on our iPhones and cameras to prove it. While I type this entry, she's sitting in my lap and occasionally stretching out a paw on my chest.
I also want to add a righteous shout-out to Feline Rescue, a fab no-kill shelter in the area. They were patient with us (we stopped in 4 times at least before we found Lila), informative, and overall great. Looking to add a feline family member? I highly recommend this place for local Twin Citians.
So, here's to all the kitties out there and those who love them... Cheers!
Many people have inspired me with their sense of style, and my grandma Dottie, who would have turned 97 this week, was one of them for sure. She worked for years as a ready-to-wear sales lady at her local JC Penney and was never without her blush compact and lipstick. Up until her death last August, I never failed to meet people who adored her and remembered her as the "Penney's lady."
She was the one who overrode her own daughter's objection to my wish of getting my ears pierced. I recall her saying, "We're going!" And off we went to Claire's at Woodfield Mall. Not only did she get her own ears done a few years later, but so did her once skeptical daughter :)
This photo, snapped at her last birthday just a year ago, shows her love for fashion remained throughout her life. She's proudly sporting an Orla Kiely for Uniqlo scarf that I snagged for her, as well as a cozy throw from the (in)famous Missoni for Target collaboration.
She is proof that style has no age, and she sure had fun exemplifying that.
Happy birthday, Snazzy Dottie <3
Meet Lila. She is the resident keeper of the Cloffice and all its contents. Thinking of borrowing a pair of my shoes?
Kitteh proclaims, "Thou shalt not pass."
