In with the new

A new house calls for a few updates. We are getting new bedroom furniture and I really think I am going to splurge and get some nice bedding from Anthro. I have always wanted to own some of their bedding and I can't see any better occasion then moving into a new home. I think this will look fantastic with the grey walls.

We got this huge paper mache elephant head for Vivian's room. I am so excited about it. It's covered in book pages.

In other news, I am obessesed with this top. Now that I am no longer pregnant, I intend to spend some serious time and money at our new Anthropologie. Yay!

ASOS

I recently ordered several dresses from ASOS (pronounced AY-SOSS) to try out for a few upcoming weddings. ASOS is everywhere. I had no idea they are the UK's largest online fashion retailer. I see them in InStyle all the time and had never looked around on their site, until a friend told me they carried maternity clothes. They have really cute, reasonably priced clothes and accessories. While I was poking around, I ran across this bracelet and am totally obsessed. Reminds me of Kate Spade's bracelets with twist. Of course, I love something that everyone else loves as well and it is out of stock.

Spring shoes

These sandals are so bright and fun.

It's finally here!

The Oklahoma City Anthropologie has finally opened! I finally went today and the crowd wasn't all that bad. I knew opening day would be nuts and my patience for crowds isn't what it used to be. The store is beautiful. I knew it would be but, it surpassed my expectations. Good ol' OKC is starting to feel like a real "big" city. Makes me smile.

Dress looks like a painting

I am obsessed with this dress. I would have already purchased it for myself if I wasn't knocked up and on my way to looking like a house. This dress makes me happy and looks like the perfect choice for an outdoor spring wedding. Someone please buy this dress and let me live vicariously through you. Details here.

This Is Where I Leave You

By now, most of you know or are wondering how my 2011 Book Challenge turned out. Two words. Utter failure. I wish I could blame it on the horrendous 7 week bout of morning sickness I was battling, but lets face it, I was on the road to bombing this challenge long before I was with child. I choose to focus on the positive......which is, I finished two books. Only one of which I had set out to read from the start. The second book just sort of happened. I had been recommended This Is Where I Leave You by a good friend almost two years ago. She was even kind enough to loan me her copy to read. After keeping it FOREVER, I returned it to her unread. Luckily, I had scored myself a paperback copy at the annual book sale for a quarter. There it sat on our bookshelf untouched until this last November. My father has become a reading machine and has been plowing through books faster than he can find something else to read. So, I gave him a few books and this just happened to be one he borrowed. He loved it. Laughed out loud at parts. Then my mom read it. Even purchased it as a birthday gift for someone. So, I starting reading it at Thanksgiving and I loved it. It is just my humor. Miss Marina Star you need to read this book. You won't be sorry. I know I owe you about five reads of recommended books at this point, but you will love this book.

A New Year, A New Blog

I will not be abandoning Mixed Handbag. However, I have been a tad preoccupied with a new little project. Our new family blog, Our Okie Road. Swing on over and take a look. Happy New Year to all my fellow bloggers and readers. Hope 2012 is fantastic!

Music: 2011's Offerings

I'm back! Just in time for my annual list of favorite music from the year. So, I'll get to it. Enjoy and happy holidays to all my Mixed Handbag readers (which I realize with my lack of posts has likely dwindled)!

You can check out my 2008, 2009, 2010 lists and reflect or laugh. Here are my picks for 2011.

1. ADELE – 21. Maybe an obvious choice, given my last post but, this album is so good. This lady can sing. I can't pick one song. The whole album is good.
2. Fleet Foxes – Grown Ocean
3. The Strokes – Taken for a Fool
4. Death Cab for Cutie – Codes & Keys. This whole album is good but my favorite song is definitely Monday Morning
5. Cults – I waited so long for this album to be released. My favorite is still Oh My God.
6. Other Lives – For 12 & Tamer Animals
7. The Head and the Heart – Lost in my Mind
8. Foster the People – Mainstream, yes....but you can't tell me you don't love Helena Beat or Pumped Up Kicks.
9. Florence + The Machine – Chic music, maybe. But I am obsessed with Shake it Out.
10. Feist – How Come You Never Go There
11. Bon Iver – Calgary
12. St. Vincent – Cruel
13. Dirty Gold – California Sunrise
14. Real Estate – It's Real
15. Mates of State – Sway
16. Cut Copy – Where I'm Going
17. The Decemberists - Rise to Me
18. Motopony – King of Diamonds
19. Givers – Up Up Up
20. Wilco – I Might

21

I realize this post might not be all that popular with my few male readers. Sorry.

I love this cd. I can't stop listening to it. Her voice is incredible. I have been pretty sick of all my music lately and read so many positive reviews on her new album. It didn't disappoint.

Obsessed

Literally, I am obsessed with these boots. Ever since I returned from Vegas and held them (wouldn't let myself try them on.....knew I would leave the store with them on my feet) I can't stop thinking about them. I am building outfits around boots I don't even own. Help. Me. I need an intervention. Quick! Before I find a way to own them.

Delilah Wren

That's my niece, Delilah. Isn't she is most beautiful baby you've ever seen? She will be two months old in a few days. I intended to blog about her arrival much sooner, but wanted to wait until Zach got her post up on his blog. I adore her, to say the least. She is amazing and I am so happy I get to see her on a pretty consistent basis. She has been a complete blessing to our family. We took her newborn pictures and had such a good time. Hands down the best newborn shoot to date.....however, I may be a little bias. Check out a few of our favorites at Zach's website. Enjoy!

I can't stop pinning!

I realize I have been rather absent from the world of blogging as of recent. Let me explain. It's because I am addicted to Pinterest. I literally cannot stop pinning......which has left me no extra time to blog. Pretty lame, I know. My husband pointed this out to me yesterday. I am too busy "pinning" and haven't really blogged much. Usually my absence it due to lack of inspiration or subject matter. Not this time. I guess he noticed because his RSS feed is filled with yummy dinner ideas and cute outfits, rather than my usual blog posts. It is just such a great site. A catalog of all the cool things I've seen online and can't ever seem to relocate. Recipes, links to blogs and DIY projects I want to try my hand at. No more bookmarking! Genius, I say!

Onions & Vacation

Hi. I'm back. But only for a quick post before I am off to Vegas for some R&R with a girlfriend. I have been absent and downright neglectful of my little corner of the world wide web. LOTS to catch up on when I return. But for now......

Z and I attended the soft launch of Tucker's Onions Burgers tonight and..........I ate my very first onion burger. That's right, I ate something packed full of the thing I detest the most. Check out my bio, its right there "I don't like onions." But, you can't very well go into an establishment that has "onion" in their name and ask them to leave off the onions. I made my mind up on the drive over I was going to just go for it and try one. Lets face it, know one wants to be "that person" who special orders their onion burger minus the onions. I am happy to report the burger was awesome. I have made my husband so proud. Oh, and the Strawberry Limeaide was divine.

The Challenge: An Update

Some of you may remember this post from way back in January. Here's my attempt at a very underwhelming update. First, publicly decreeing my plan to read 5 books in 2011 didn't make me magically start reading more. It did the opposite and actually made me want to read less. I am failing miserably at my book goal. Disappointing but honest.

With this being said, I did finish my first of five books.
Yup, one whole book. And I loved it.

Maybe it was the fact that I forced myself to finish the book before the movie comes out on August 10. Regardless, I loved it and can now partake in all the conversations surrounding this book. I am really looking forward to seeing who they select to portray these women on the big screen. 1 down, 4 to go.

Metallic kicks

Pewter Metallic Sperry Top-Sider

Help!

I am looking for something similar to the frames below.
I need an 8x10. Wall hanging not easel back.
I would prefer lime green, orange or yellow.
Sounds like a fairly reasonable request.

More like impossible. I thought this would be easy. I have been looking for almost 8 months to no avail. I have looked everywhere. It has come down to this. My pathetic pleas to my fellow bloggers. Go ahead.....try and Google this style of frame. Tell me how you search for it. It's annoying. Pinkitzel (the cupcake/candy place Downtown) has incredible ones hanging in their store but will not tell me the name of the store where they purchased them. All they would divulge is they purchased them in Dallas. Please leave a comment if you have any suggestions or can assist with my quest for this frame. Sincerely, Desperate.

Talihina Sky: The Story of Kings of Leon

I am so excited Showtime is airing this documentary in August.
I missed it at deadCenter because I literally could not handle the crowd.
Here are the details.

Messy hair

This print is so great! Think I shall buy it as a daily reminder.

Shut the front door!

My summer is now complete. July 28.
I was really stressing about all my shows ending for the summer.
What was I going to watch? Heaven forbid I crack a book.

The Uniform Project

A coworker sent me this link and said I should try this out. Here's the skinny....and yes, I am painfully aware of how behind the curve I am on this one.

Uniform Project™ started in 2009 when a young woman realized she was drowning in the uninspired doldrums of an advertising career. Creatively and ethically drained by the corporate world, she came up with an unusual creative challenge; to wear the same dress for an entire year–but, and this is where the real challenge came in, she’d have to make it look unique every single day. She also vowed to make the challenge more meaningful by turning it into a fundraiser to send less fortunate kids to school.

The Little Black Dress
The LBD was a button down reversible A-line, designed to be worn front to back or as an open tunic.
1 Dress. 365 Days. (it is worth watching!)

Uniform Project Picture Book from Uniform Project on Vimeo.

Although, I don't think this is something I have the time/creativity/energy for, I am moved at the creativity and passion this woman has. She took something she loves and turned it into something that brought a lot of happiness and good to less fortunate people. I thought about this all day. The goodness in people. It sounds corny but in a world where you don't hear a lot of "good" in the news, it's really refreshing and inspiring to hear about people like this who are making a difference in others lives and don't want anything in return.

Fashion that makes you want to travel!

Love this storyboard from Anthro..........

plus these rings.....

Dresses

I love dresses. In the summer it is basically all I wear. I await the arrive of "acceptable" dress wearing weather like most kids anticipate the last day of school or the first day the pool is open. About 4 years ago, a co-worker dared me to wear a dress everyday for an entire month (weekends excluded) without purchasing anything new. Killed it. Wore a different dress for 4 work weeks and had two dresses to spare. Granted, I didn't love every selection, but that is beside the point. Every woman has a signature piece of clothing they like. A particular style they wear with confidence. I feel good in a dress. Always have. Growing up my grandmother would make me an Easter and a Christmas dress every year. I would be so excited in the weeks leading up to the arrival of the "dress package." I vividly remember the year she made me a beautiful red velvet dress for Christmas and made a matching dress for my Cabbage Patch. Most all of the dresses are still hanging in my closet at my parents house in Stillwater. They are so special and I don't think my mom or I either have the heart to part with them. My childhood love of a good dress has never faded. In fact, when Anthropologie sends me an email saying they have just freshly cut dresses and they are on SALE.....you can imagine my reaction! Here are a few of my current favorites. **Technically, the last two are the sale dresses. I just loved the green & orange dress too much not to blog about it.

Backswept Dress

Glass Glow Shift

Quechua Dress

A Million Years

Alexander - A Million Years
I love this song. The video made is that much better.
Really unique idea.

Moroccan Oil

My dry, curly hair is literally cheering. This stuff is amazing!
Every woman should be using this product on their hair.

Clutch with the turquoise clasps

Clutch: KAYU

For Charlotte

Today was your birthday. You would have been 1-year-old. I have had a whole year to think about what I would write to you. The words have not come with ease. I have reflected on the last year and here are a few things I know for certain. You have two incredible parents who love you more than you will ever realize. Their love has grown to a new level and they have developed a bond only a couple who has experience something similar could understand. They take care of each other and realize the everyday uncertainties life can bring.

I am sad you won't get to know your Mom & Dad. I know you would have possessed their witty humor and easy going temperament. I am sad I won't get to teach you about fashion and take you shopping. I am sad that your grandma & grandpa won't get to take you out to their garden to plant flowers or teach you how to cook. I am sad your Uncle Zach won't get to take your senior pictures or take you to eat Pho. Most of all, I am sad we don't get the opportunity to see you turn into the remarkable woman I know you would have become.

This past year has been filled with grief, some good times and many hard times. Last night, we celebrated you with a lovely little party in your honor. We laughed a lot and for the first time in a very long time, I felt hopeful and saw all the promise the coming year has in store for our family. We miss you everyday and love you very much.

oxox,
Your Aunt K

The perfect summer duds

Shirt: J. Crew

Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

Earrings: Anthropologie

Observations & Annoyances

This post is dedicated to a few things I either need to get off my chest or things I have observed about the general public. Feel free to stop reading if you were expecting this post to be about cute summer shoes or my latest picks from Anthro.

1. People are loyal to which peanut butter they prefer. And they take it very seriously. I grew up eating Jif. As an adult, I tasted Peter Pan and have never gone back. Peter Pan is just better and you will never convince me otherwise.

2. All men hate animal print and sequins. That is a bold statement. I am well aware. I have honestly never heard a man say he likes either. In fact, they usually have a pretty concrete feeling about both, somewhat like my husband. He would prefer I not wear either. Ever, ever, ever.

3. Loud talkers on airplanes. What is with these people? Why does every person over the age of 70 feel the need to shout into their cell phones upon landing? I am really asking. There are others aboard the plane and we do not need to know your plans to eat at Chili's as soon as your ride picks you up in baggage claim. I don't know why this goes all over me, but it does. I feel like in general people don't realize how loud they talk in public. Overall, I am a fairly loud person and I seem to be able to control my volume in public. You should do me the same courtesy.

4. Dry cleaning. It's kind of gross if you think about it. It doesn't really clean your clothing. Am I wrong? Actually, to me it appears to bake steam in the dirt, sweat, etc. So, the next time you decide to pull out that power suit, make sure you don't sweat in it.

5. Condensed milk is weird. Plain and simple. I recently Facebooked about this and I got so many responses that went somewhat like this....."Have you been living in a hole?" "You've never tried condensed milk?" Yes, I am a 33-year-old woman who has never used condensed milk until last month. I had never seen it before, so when I opened the can my first reaction was I should call my mother, surely this has gone bad. It so thick and weird. I was pleasantly surprised at how good it tasted.

6. NBA players are dramatic. Whew. I mean Oscar winning dramatic. I grew up watching NBA basketball with my dad and little brother. They were huge Chicago Bulls fans along with the rest of the country in the 90's. With that being said, I never remember players throwing themselves on the floor after a gentle nudge from and opposing player, like they do in present day. It is just comical.

7. This next thing pains me to write....scrunchies are back. Remember that episode of Sex in the City where Carrie gives Berger a hard time about writing in a "scrunchy wearing character" into his book? Welcome to present day 2011. The land where I see scrunchies in all the stores I love. I am appalled. What has happened?

8. Oklahomans are generally thought to be friendly and relatively "leisurely" moving people. I will agree with this statement unless in reference to driving. Holy. Cow. When the stoplight turns from red to green, if you have not moved your foot from the brake to the gas IMMEDIATELY, then you should be prepared for one or all of the following things to happen. You will be honked at (with anger), flipped off or cursed at. We all have places to be people, but I can wait the 5-10 seconds it takes your brain to register the light changing and then telling your foot to press the gas not the brake. Sheesh. Relax.

9. The wind (This one is for you Becky. But I really feel strongly about this topic). I understand we live in a windy state. Correct me if I am wrong, the last time I checked I did not live in the Panhandle. "Oklahoma! Where the wind comes sweeping down the plains" Yup, I haven't forgotten the ol' state song. However, I also never remember the wind being this out of control. Maybe I blocked it out. But when you have to check outside before you get dressed for work to see if it's a pants and ponytail kind of day or if you might chance it and wear a dress, that is too windy for my taste. In comes my next issue. My giant curly hair, which grows to double in size every single time I step out in this wind. I am either going to have to shave my head or move to a relatively windless state (thanks to Google I am told that is Oak Ridge, TN).

iPhone Case

I would like a new case for my phone. I bought a cheap one to serve the purpose, until I can decide on something a little more permanent (ie: fabulous). Here are the options I am debating between. Tell me what you think?

Finger bling

Dotted shorts

I adore these teenie, tiny, polka dotted shorts.

This girl needs an intervention

Attention Taylor Momsen! What on earth are you doing? Consider this your intervention. This edgy, bad girl look is getting old, and frankly hasn't been working for you for quite some time. Now that you are no longer on Gossip Girl, here are a few things to consider the next time you leave the house:

1. Pants. Simple but necessary.
2. Rethink those extensions. You are not Rapunzel. Therefore, it is ridiculous for your hair to be that long.
3. That goth eye makeup is taking the "smokey" eye to a whole new level. I just want to rub your eyes with a quality makeup remover so I can remember what you really look like.

Please. Stop. Find a cute pair of jeans, some less dramatic eye makeup and get a decent haircut.

These are not shoes.....and you'll never convince me otherwise

I need someone to explain why these shoes exist. I am not sure why I am so bothered by them. Frankly, they creep me out. I saw so many people wearing them at the Arts Festival on Thursday (including a very fashionable co-worker). I just don't get it. One, do people really run in these? Two, if so why are they better than a regular, more attractive tennis shoe? GO!

Movies on Easter Weekend

The High Cost of Living

I watched this over the weekend. WOW! So good. Premiered #1 at the Tribeca Film Festival. Zach Braff knows how to pick 'em. The movie is sad but ends leaving you with hope. It really is a beautifully written story.

Bill Cunningham New York

The Oklahoma City Art Museum showed this over the weekend. So happy StarPower (clearly we are also on the same "blogging" wavelength) suggested we go. A mixture of both of our favorites....fashion and photography. Bill is just the most endearing, funny man with a gift for seeing what others can't. Real life fashion on the streets of NYC. I teared up many times.

Grown-up Wish List

I hinted around to my better half that I would like this purse for my birthday
(one needs to plan ahead, right?)

Unfortunately, he wasn't all that receptive. Therefore, I will settle for this.

Italian Oxfords

What can I say, other than perhaps I have a small obsession with black & white shoes.