Mango September 2010

Good morning, Joe! Hello there, Bear!

Good to know nothing's changed. I'm still not over JGL. Hurrah! The hormonal thing will pass soon so we'll see if this crush thing will go with it. You know how hormones are, right? But in the mean time, I'm enjoying the view by watching the video below. I know you're saying something really interesting, Joe. But right now, I just want to look at you. Thank you so much to the lovely Practical Whimsy for hooking me up. Thank you too to everyone who left comments! Gah! Next thing you know, I'll be Googling for JGL photos. Not that it's a bad thing. My computer can use some digital love every now and then.

I promise not to get TOO crazy with the whole JGL thing. It will pass. At least I think it will. I went through a Bear Grylls phase too but it quickly ended when I saw him eat a live lizard and a skinned frog. Bear, why must you do the grossest things? Why don't you just park your cuteness beside me and watch someone else do the gross stuff? Haha! Speaking of Bear, doesn't he kinda look like Christian Bale? He cleans up nicely too! Oh my gah! Boys, boys, boys all over my posts! I'm becoming boy-crazy!!! I blame the hormones! Darn you, hormones!!! *shakes fists*

In non-JGL/Bear mushiness, I got a boat load of stuff yesterday and will be sorting through them for a shop update. I'm also finishing up some repairs on a couple of dresses I got. They were too pretty to pass up! I really need to get my act together. I can't think straight and I haven't updated the shop in ages! I already pulled out some dandy sweaters so maybe I'll post those first. Ok? Let's go!

Pardon Me While I Burst Into Complete Mush

I woke up today having the strangest, full-on crush on Joseph Gordon Levitt. I already thought he was cute back in the day when he was still in 3rd Rock from the Sun and even cuter in 500 Days of Summer but this is just insane! He was never my full-on crush until this morning! I literally work up feeling like a crazed fangirl! Talk about time space warp! I don't mind though because he is cute. Ha! He kind of reminds me of the late Heath Ledger. I don't know what it is. It might be the hormones or maybe I've completely lost my mind but now, I'm REALLY crushing on JGL. As if I needed more reason to watch Inception, right? Joseph Gordon Levitt, why must you be so disarmingly cute? Darn you! Now, I can't sleep.

Lauren Moffat Fall 2010

It's back to school so it's time to say "hello" to plaids once again! I have to say, I just love Lauren's plaid bomber jacket in the fourth photo. It's so awesomely preppy-chic! The plaid shorts are cute too but I don't think I can pull it off without looking like an actual student.

Anyway, I haven't posted outfits lately because 1. I keep on forgetting my camera and 2. The sun doesn't want to cooperate when I'm ready to shoot. Haha! I'm quite busy spending a lot of time indoors, getting re-acquainted with my lovely sewing machine. It's really about time I finish my projects.

In the mean time, enjoy some fashion inspiration from Lauren Moffat's Fall 2010 collection...

Let the fun begin!

I just want to thank everyone who signed up for the first ever Old School Cool Package Exchange Project! Please check your emails to find out who your partner is! Should you need more information, please don't hesitate to get in touch with your partner. Once again, packages should have at least 5 items and should be sent out no later than August 31, 2010. I'm so excited, I just might send out mine a lot sooner! Hehehe! Don't forget to take photos to share with the group! Thank you again and now, let the fun begin! :)

Lonny Takes Us Inside Cath Kidston's Home

I stumbled upon this online design magazine called "Lonny". I just love these new breed of online magazines! They literally provide inspiration with a click of a button and since we're talking about Cath Kidston, we might as well take a peek inside her lovely home as featured in Lonny's August/September Issue.

Floral Oilcloth Overnight Bag

I scored this super cute oilcloth overnight bag a while back. It reminded me so much of Cath Kidston's bags that I just had to get it. (The price was 75% cheaper too!) What's really cute is that the design, if you look closely, looks like it was drawn with a felt marker. Isn't that neat? I just love it!

Speaking of Cath Kidston's awesome oilcloth bags, it absolutely breaks my obsessed little heart that I have yet to own one. Boohoo! I've been trying to snag one of her saddle bags on eBay for the longest time and I just can't seem to get lucky! After splurging on my J.Crew brogues, I absolutely cannot justify buying a $50++ oilcloth saddle bag no matter how cute they are. I know that when the time is right, it will happen. For now, I have my cute oilcloth overnight bag to tide me over.

Artspiration: Paul Nosa

Paul Nosa (or more popularly known as P.Nosa) is an artist from Tucson, AZ. Besides drawing, painting, photography, and making music, he also does free-motion embroidery, which is making art with a sewing machine. Sounds easy? NOT. Awesome? Absolutely!

I was first acquainted with P.Nosa when I saw photos of the Renegade Craft Fair. His booth was unlike any other. He pedals his bike to power his portable sewing machine which he uses to create awesome embroidered art on patches of cloth. I own a sewing machine and I also do a little sewing myself but what he does is just spectacular, not to mention difficult and very creative! It's almost like Etch A Sketch using a sewing machine instead. Having said just that, I guess his booth can also be considered an art installation. The artist at work.

When I saw photos (or shall I say "patches"?) of his works, I was completely in awe. Some were as "simple" as a pair of headphones while some were more complex as something as to which I could only describe as a "whimsical scene in someone's imagination". How ever which way you put it, there's no denying that P.Nosa's work is definitely special. Out of the box and out of this world, special!

Feed your imagination and visit his website. It's jampacked with art and music. Take a look around, make a donation, or even commission a patch of art! And I admit, I'll never look at my sewing machine the same way ever again.

All Artwork is copyrighted 2009 by P.Nosa

P.E.P. Participants

Here's a current list of P.E.P. participants. If I've forgotten anyone, please send me a message and I'll check my mail folders. Sign-up is still open so please come and join the fun! You can click the banner above or click here. Sign-up closes on Sunday, August 15, so hurry! :)

• Alexandra, AZ
• Alexis, FL
• Anne, MI
• Erica, TX
• Jami, NJ
• Jenni, NV
• Jennifer, PA
• Jessica, RI
• Jules, PA
• Katie, NJ
• Lyn, CA
• Lyndsey, GA
• Megan, PA
• Nikki, IL
• Stephanie, CA
• Stephanie, FL
• Teresa, MI
• Vanessa, TX
• Windsor, GA

Outfit Post: Girls Who Wear Boy Clothes

I recently got my package from Annie of Timely Vintage so I was totally stoked! I just had to use my new purse stat! Here's a little back story... I joined a giveaway and as a prize, I received a $25 gift certificate to spend on anything in Annie's awesome Etsy store. She has tons of cool dresses but I ended up using my gift certificate on this dandy Dooney purse! You can never go wrong with a black purse!

The weather yesterday was lovely. Whoopee! The Mister and I had dinner with the in-laws out in the east side and below was what I wore. It was cool since I was able to use my new purse! I think it went well with my outfit. Dinner was great and the whole family walked around Partridge Creek Mall to burn off some calories and to check out the very kid-friendly water fountain they had. It was so fun watching the kids play, trying to avoid getting spurted by the water.

After we parted ways, the kind and patient Mister took me to a local thrift store for some shopping. I scored a really cute deadstock Keds sandals and white woven huaraches. I also got 2 vintage skirts and a really dandy blouse. I'm still mustering the courage to wear said dandy blouse because the Mister is right, it "screams" old fashioned vintage. We'll see...

• White Roll-up Long Sleeve Shirt: Old Navy
• Gray Vest: Charlotte Ronson
• Metal Fringe Necklace: Gap
• Wide Black Canvas Belt: Old Navy
• Cropped Pants: H&M
• Black and Gray Oxford Heels: Marc Fisher
• Slim Metal Bangles: JC Penney
• Vintage Dooney & Bourke Purse: Timely Vintage, Etsy

Top Bun

After reading J.Crew's July Catalog for the nth time, I decided to play around with my hair. I wanted to emulate Behati Prinsloo's messy top bun. After 3 minutes of combing and trying to get my super unruly hair into a high ponytail, I spent about 2 minutes twisting and pinning the bun in place. Pardon the mug, but except for that chunk of hair that wants to do its own thing, I think my newbie efforts turned out somewhat decent. Those hair screw thingies definitely made it a lot easier! I think some hair spray will help too.

I'm getting bored with my hair and was contemplating on getting bangs again. I like it when I have bangs and the boy is kind of fond of them too. They make me feel young and look young. The only drawback is that bangs block my line of sight. Well, that and it's akward when you're growing it out. I think I will play with top buns some more and then decide if I should still get a haircut. Besides, I need to pay my credit card bill first! I hope everyone's weekend is coming along swimmingly!

Time To Bring Out The Cozy!

The weather today was absolutely wonderful! We had tons of sun but the air was no longer heavy with humidity. (Gah! I hope I just didn't jinx it!) I, of course, decided to spend it indoors, plopped down on the sofa by the porch. There was a hint of chill in the breeze, reminding me that it will be Fall soon. Ah! How I love Fall! Days might be getting shorter but at least you still get sun and a slightly colder weather. I think Fall has all the good aspects of all the seasons combined which makes it the best season! Plus, you get to dress in layers too! Ladies and gents, it's time to bring out the cozy!

I'm a proud owner of 2 DKNY Cozies. It's the most versatile piece ever and it's absolutely great for Fall. I also own 3 Soft & Sexy Sweater Wraps by Victoria's Secret, which is basically a more affordable version. I absolutely LOVE wearing my Soft & Sexy Sweater Wrap in Sugar Baby with grey sweatpants and a white tank whenever I travel. It totally glams up the sweatpants look. Plus, it's super comfy too! If you don't own one yet, it's really a good investment! Unleash the drape goddess in you!

Outfit Post: Up In The Mountains And Into The Woods

Lately, I find myself wearing clothes which would be good for hiking. I'm nowhere near a mountain or a rainforest. I guess I just like feeling "rugged" and "outdoors-y" (Which would be the closest thing I could get since I'm such a wimp and I actually spend most of my time indoors!) It might not be the most fashionable and trendy outfit but hey! It's very comfy and I feel like it! Sometimes, that's all that matters. Btw, I dislike my camera. >.<

• Hiking hat: Dockers
• Plaid Shirt: Thrifted
• Woven Belt: Thrifted
• Khaki Shorts: Old Navy
• Beige Socks: JC Penney
• Hiking Boots: Vintage

I'm absolutely excited to see that we have some P.E.P. participants already. Thank you for signing up, guys! Please don't forget to tell your friends about it! Banners are available here. This is going to be a lot of fun! Truth be known, I'm already compiling little things here and there for my package because I'm such an excitable hamster like that.

Zara June 2010 And Then Some...