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.

The First Single

On my way home tonight, I heard the first single from the upcoming Death Cab album. I love XM Radio. You can listen to You are a Tourist here. Super excited about this album.

Moisturizer

This stuff is like liquid gold for your face. I'm not kidding. It is so thick and creamy, yet not greasy in the slightest. I've been using a sample for the past 4 days. It's pricey, so I needed to make sure I liked it before I committed the full bottle. The way I look at it, you only get one face so why not spend some money preserving what you've got.

Dream Bedding

This comforter and throw pillows with.....

.......these sheets.

Codes and Keys

Eagerly awaiting the release of the new Death Cab album.
May 31st.

Sold Out

I saw this sweater in the store window of GAP about a month ago. I instantly loved it. I went back two days later to purchase it.....sold out. Checked both OKC stores, Tulsa and online. Clearly, I was not the only one who wanted this gem added to their wardrobe. I would wear it exactly as shown. Casual, rolled-up cargos and a soft tee. Of course, it would need to be paired with some really cute shoes to bring the whole look together.

Italiani scarpe at J.Crew

I love, love, love these sandals from J.Crew.
I can just see them paired with a linen maxi dress and straw hat.
They were made in Italy. J.Crew went to Florence to have shoes made.
Check out the story.

I have to say, the one thing I regret not doing most in Italy was buying a pair of custom made/fit shoes. I guess that saves something special for our next trip.

Happy Valentine's Day

Today was the launch of Anthopologie's bridal collection, BHLDN. A brilliant coupling on this day of love. All I can say is wow! I was literally browsing the collection as I got ready this morning. Sitting on the hallway floor, outside our bathroom with my laptop, oohing and aahing. I'm not sure it is healthy to be this excited about something that isn't really relevant to my current life situation, but here are my favorites.....

Pleated gown in cement. There are no words for how amazing this dress is.

What I imagine my bridesmaid dress will look like when StarPower gets hitched.

Perfection

Sephora Shopping Spree

Purchase #1

My chapped winter lips say thank you.

Purchase #2
My lashes are still undecided on the change.


This trip was sponsored by my Grandmother.
You are a great gift giver. Thank you.

"Make a Day of it" Bangle

This bracelet screams spring!

I Might Have to get Remarried....

....to my husband! That's right. I am sure you can only imagine my reaction and sheer glee when I discovered Anthropologie was unveiling their bridal collection on Valentine's Day. After I had a moment, I realized....wait, you're already married. Hmmm, why am I still so excited and could I possibly get my husband to agree to remarry me just so I could don one of these whimsical creations? Why oh why couldn't they have unveiled this collection in 2005? ::tear:: I am still looking forward to seeing it.

Black & White with a Touch of Red

Newspaper clutch.

Classifieds makeup case.


Houndstooth, oh how I love thee.

Fleet Foxes

Their new album is out May 3rd. I'm super excited!
Here is a preview of the track Helplessness Blues

Grown-up Snow Day

Ring Love

images courtesy of stone poetry jewelry

image courtesy of aurum handmade jewelry

Books Part II: The Challenge

This is a follow-up post to my blog from a few days ago. I have decided to do it. I am committing to read five books in 2011. You may think that number is a little wimpy. I call it attainable. I wanted to ease back into reading with a goal I could achieve. Lets face it, who wants to rekindle a love affair and fail miserably. Here's my line up. I have until December 31st to read all five, which I don't think should be an issue. Thanks for all the suggestions and wish me luck.

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

This was sort of a no brainer and the first book that came to mind when I decided to do this project. I have owned this book for three years. And for three years I have made excuses not to read it. It just looks boring and as much as I hate to say it.....I totally judge books by their covers. My good friend, my sister-in-law and even my grandmother have recommended it countless times so I am giving in and reading it. I hope it lives up to all the hype.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Pretty much everyone I know has read this book and loved it. It was the number one book recommended to me. People actually give me a look of horror when they learn I have not yet read it. I imagine it being the equivalent to someone saying that haven't read Water for Elephants. Everyone has read that book. So here I am...jumping on the bandwagon.

Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides

I think I started this book about four years ago. Life happened. We bought a house, moved and well, unpacking and decorating took over my life. This time I am reading the whole book because I remember loving what I read. Shameful admission: I am so embarrassed at having never finishing this book. That is so unlike me. I crave completion. So, what I did was just tell people I read it and loved it. You read it here first. I never finished this book.

A Widow for One Year by John Irving

My husband and Miss Marina Star both love John Irving. I decided to give it a whirl. I loved the movie The Door in the Floor (the screenplay is based on a portion of this book) so the book has to be great, right? Using the logic 'the book is always better than the movie.' How can I be disappointed.

Unbearable Lightness by Porita de Rossi

No story behind this pick. I am simply intrigued by her story and the bravery associated with sharing something so controversial and private.

Other contenders:

• The Sound and the Fury
• Anna Karenina
• One Hundred Years of Solitude
• Angela's Ashes

Window Shopping

I'm not much of a winder shopper. Meaning, I rarely buy something I've seen on display in a store window. However, I can really appreciate a well put together retail window. Two companies that are really doing it right and stepping out of the box are J. Crew and Anthropologie. I know you aren't shocked by my second pick. I saw one of my very favorite window displays about two years ago at J. Crew. They lined the inside windows with newspaper and made small square cut outs that you could peer through to see the clothing displays. It was so original and different and I so wished I had taken a picture to post. Here are a few really great displays using common things in unusual and creative ways.

Wooden Hangers & Ribbon

Clothespins & Thread

Clothespins

Zippers

One last picture for good measure. Ordered this dress and it arrived in the mail yesterday. It's even better in person. Looks great with my whiskey colored, riding boots & brown houndstooth tights.

Books

image courtesy of Book of Art

Reading is something I used to love doing. Reading made me love to write and in fact, made me a better writer. Reading for the sake of enjoyment is something I have completely stopped doing. I used to make time to sit down and enjoy a good book. I couldn't wait to get home and read whatever book I was in the middle of. Picking up a book is something I never do anymore. I'm not sure if it's because I am busier now then I have ever been. Or it is the amount of writing I do professionally that has made reading sound less desirable. Whatever it is, it's to blame for my "book funk." I could also attribute my lack of interest to having not read an absolutely amazing book in a long time. I've read some pretty good books, but nothing that left me wanting more. There is nothing better than finishing a book that leaves you thinking about it for days. Maybe I need to try Miss Marina Star's approach and set an annual goal for myself. Forcing myself back into the habit I used to love so much. Suggestions?

Chanel-ish Ballet Flats

I'll likely never own these......

so I guess I'll settle for these......

Jewels For Your Neck

Urban Outfitters has the greatest necklaces right now....

This is actually a locket. Makes it even more charming.

Black Booties

Nine West Platform Booties. Oh so pretty......and on sale!

A Warmer For My Neck

image courtesy of love & knit

Apparently, I need a scarf like this to cohabit in Oklahoma this week. It isn't exactly warm around these parts. This girl makes really great stuff and has fun style. I love the squirrel sweater above.

The King Is Dead

I previewed this album Sunday night. It left me with a smile on my face. I really love The Decemberists. I was left disappointed and mildly heartbroken when I listened to their last album and hated all but two songs. This is The Decemberists I know and love. The first song "Don't Carry It All" is my favorite. Check it out here.

I'm Over Winter

The new Anthro catalog showed up in my mail today. I flipped through it and imagined freezing cold, 20 degree wind wasn't blowing in my face and instead I was wearing one of these dresses while sipping wine outside on a restaurant patio.

A New Year, A New Look

What would I do without my very own personal, live-in designer? Mixed Handbag just got a bit of a face lift. It was time. About once a year I start bugging my husband to create me something new. I am a horrible client. He always manages to deliver and I can't thank him enough for all his patience. I can think of about 50 things he would rather be doing with this Sunday.

He really hit the nail on the head with this one. You see to me the a blog header needs to describe what the intent of the blog is and convey why you blog. He incorporated all my favorite things and generally what I tend to blog about. Travel, food, music, fashion and a little of me.

I vowed to blog more frequently in 2011 and I think this is a nice start. When you are comfy in a space you have created, you tend to want to be there more often. So enjoy fellow bloggers and followers and Happy 2011!

Functional, Yet Sassy Gloves

I got these gloves for Christmas. Well, actually mine are orange. (I detest the color purple.) I love these gloves! They are the perfect weight, have those stylish little ruffles and allow me to iPhone to my hearts content – all while keeping my hands nice and toasty.