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Time Waster Wednesdays: The Sartorialist

The Sartorialist is photographer/fashion blogger Scott Shuman. According to his biography, he began The Sartorialist "with the idea of creating a two-way dialogue about the world of fashion and its relationship to daily life." Need some style inspiration? Wonder what women are wearing in Milan today? Check out The Sartorialist by clicking here.

Note: While I would love to show you some of Scott Shuman's work here to whet your appetite, his copyright statement requires that I obtain permission to do so. I do not currently have such permission, so check out The Sartorialist here or by visiting www.thesartorialist.com. 

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Anatomy of a Perfect Handbag: J. Crew Brompton Hobo

It's no big secret that I have a bit of a handbag obsession. I have met very few handbags that I did not like. But I have long wondered, what makes the perfect handbag? A perfect handbag will transcend time and place, take a thrashing, and somehow emerge on the other side looking better than when you bought it. The perfect handbag will also not force you to choose between paying your rent and purse nirvana. Then one day, seemingly out of nowhere, the answer to the eternal perfect handbag question came to me from an unlikely source: J. Crew.

If you are looking to upgrade your look, a great handbag is the easiest (and the least painful, in my opinion) way to do it. Did you eat too much stuffing at Thanksgiving? Haven't been to the gym in a month? A handbag don't judge. 

Here is the J. Crew Brompton Hobo break down:

1. The perfect handbag has shoulder straps that are long enough to wear over the shoulder (this is called "handle drop" in handbag lingo). The Brompton hobo has a 5 1/2" handle drop. The loose structure of this bag allows the straps to slide easily over the shoulder. If you are looking at a bag with more structure, look for a handle drop of 6-7" to allow for easy shoulder wear. 

2. The perfect handbag has options. A removable shoulder/crossbody straps allows for hands-free wear: perfect for marathon shopping excursions or world-class baby wrangling. 

3. The perfect handbag is durable. The most durable of the handbag fabrics is thick, textured leather. Smooth leather will show every scratch or bump. Textured or pebbled leather takes life's bumps and scrapes in stride. Look for a cotton interior lining to increase longevity. Want a bag that is truly timeless? Fight the urge to purchase something covered in logos. Most of the time, a logoed bag is made of some kind of treated canvas or cloth. Neither wears as well as leather, yet the price point for nearly every designer logo bag is equivalent to, or higher than, that of its lesser known leather counterpart. 

4. The perfect handbag is not dated by hardware. One year zippers are on trend. The next year it's studs. The year after that, everyone is lacing their bags up. The point is that handbag hardware tie the bag to a trend, and trends are always tied to a moment in time. Want a bag that is timeless? Skip the excessive hardware. I love gold hardware for a luxe look, but if you are a silver girl, go with silver hardware. Gold or silver, keep it minimal and you are always in style. 

5. The perfect handbag is black. I have owned brown bags, and grey bags, and red bags, and teal bags, and yellow bags and British tan bags, but I always come back to black. Black bags are an instant class act and go with everything. They can be dressed up or down. A brown, green, red, tan, pink, or yellow handbag will go with most items in your closet, but it can be difficult to dress up for work or happy hour or a date. Another consideration: denim usage. If you live in your Paige Denim, or J Brands, or Gap 1969s, you will transfer denim color to a light-colored handbag. It is not a matter of if, it is only a matter of when. Once the dreaded denim transfer has taken place, you cannot undo it. A black bag, however, always has your back. You can wear your blues without any worry of denim transfer.

Other hallmarks of a quality handbag: 

• Thick leather
• Leather smell (seriously, try to avoid leather bags that smell like plastic)
• Even stitching on the seams 
• No contrasting top stitching (i.e. white top stitching on a black or brown bag. The color of the top stitching should match the color of the leather)

The Financial Statement: a good leather handbag will likely cost you between $150-$400. Yes, it is true that you can buy pricier bags and you can buy cheaper bags. But you don't want to carry something that you have to baby like it's an actual baby, nor do you want to carry thin, cheap leather that will fall apart after one season. Shop smart, and purchase quality. If you run to into sticker shock, run your price per wear calculation: tag price/total number of wears=price per wear. If you spring for a $300 bag and carry it everyday for one year, the price per wear is $0.82. That's right, 82 cents per wear. Purchase a durable, timeless bag, and it will be in your closet for years to come! 

If you just so happened to fall in love with the Brompton hobo pictured above, it is available at J. Crew in henna, true black, sandstone, and warm burgundy. $298.00.

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What I'm Running To: Lonely Boy by The Black Keys

Instructions: Press play. The reasons why I am running to this song should become readily apparent. Have a great week, friends! Pin It

Marcel.

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Happy Black Friday!

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me . . . oh, wait. Oh well. Here's what I'll be asking Santa for this year:

1. Edie Purse, J.Crew, $238. Slightly retro, slightly Left Bank, totally polished. 

2. Nikon D40, Amazon, $350. I've been dying to take my photographs to the next level. This will give me the horsepower I need to get there.

3. West Side Story, Amazon, $36. I don't really know why this DVD is so expensive other than the fact that Glee has now made this musical en vogue to the tween set and they are now buying it in droves. Yet another thing that Glee has ruined. Oh, how I wish I could quit you, Glee! But I can't. So see you on Tuesday! UPDATE: As I was wondering through Target last week, I found the DVD/BluRay set on sale for $16.99 and  kind of bought it for myself. Oops. I would accept this film as a replacement, however.

4. Capri Blue Jar Candle in Volcano, Anthropologie, $28. I know what you are saying, $28 for one candle?! Yes. But it is simply the best candle on the planet. Know how you walk into Anthropologie and have that serene sense of peace right before you get the urge to buy a $150 skirt that looks like you bought it for $5 at the thrift store? This candle is why. They burn them all over the store. And they smell exactly like happiness.

5. Antique Art Deco Ring, etsy, $282. I would love to wear this vintage (c.1910) engagement ring on my right hand. Why? Because it's beautiful, that's why! Do I really need another reason? 

6. Photography class at Long Beach City College. I'm not going to lie: I really really enjoy scouring continuing education brochures from community colleges and wondering if this is going to be the year that I finally learn a traditional African dance or how to play the guitar. I would love, however, to take my new camera (see #2) to a class at LBCC and learn how to do something new with it.

7. Gift card to TJ Maxx, any amount. What can I say? I'm a Maxxinista! 

8. Super Moisturizing Activator, Sephora, $38. This was recommended to me one day while I was wondering the aisles of the Sephora. I have been lusting after a full bottle of this stuff ever since.

9. Kitchenaid Ultra Power Stand Mixer in cherry red, Amazon, $249. My chocolate chip cookies would like to go to the next level too. 

Happy holidays, friends! I hope Santa brings you everything on your wish list this year! 

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Thanksgiving

This thanksgiving I am so thankful for my family, who, this fall, helped me move many pieces of furniture, one angry cat, and one little life in need of a big change home to California. I am also thankful that I no longer have that haircut! Happy Thanksgiving, friends!


"And though I ebb in worth, I'll flow in thanks." -John Taylor Pin It

Time Waster Wednesdays: Dear Photograph

Dear Photograph: I have a confession to make. I was completely unaware of your quirky existence until my new Kindle Fire arrived last week (have you seen the Kindle Fire? It's like a mini ipad! Unfortunately for me, that has meant more hours dedicated to Angry Birds than to the actual reading of books. Oops!). While exploring my new Kindle, I stumbled upon Pulse, which pulls headlines and articles from websites across the great wide Internets and puts them all on one page for easy perusal. Genius! Since you can specify which websites you want Pulse to pull from, I filled my page with fashion, photography, and entertainment sites, natch. I kept the Wall Street Journal for intellectual street cred. Since I wasn't really reading the WSJ before, I am not really expecting to start now, but then again, who knows. Miracles happen everyday, right? But I digress. One of the recommended photography sites that I added to my Pulse page was you, Dear Photograph. And I am oh so glad I found you!

Best,

Kami

Looking to waste some time on the Internets this Wednesday? Check out Dear Photograph below (or click here):

Dear Photograph,
Remember when you had to come home when the street light came on? Where are  the good old days when the neighborhood was full of kids outside playing tag, hide ‘n seek and wiffle ball? Those were kick the can fun times!

Linda

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What I'm Running To: Shake it Out by Florence and the Machine

This song reminds me of the early 90's. It's got a real Sinead-Cranberries-Corrs quality to it. The early 90's was a time when my body was a little tighter and my feet were a little faster. Maybe that will make me a little faster this week? Yeah, probably not. It's hard to dance with the devil on your back, so shake it off. See below:



So this song also reminds me of a weekend I spent in bed moping as an undergrad at UC Berkeley. I think that I spent a full 48-hours in bed listening to an old Corrs CD (I know. The Corrs were no longer cool in 2002-3. You don't have to tell me that.) and watching an MTV Sorority Life marathon. Man, that was a good show! And by "good," I mean absolutely terrible. Was I the only who spent 5 minutes every episode watching Jordan spray her entire head with hairspray? Anyone else remember the episode where Candace was supposed be "sober sister" for the night and ended up getting wasted? Or the episode where Jessica got slapped across the face? Drama, drama, drama. Take a walk with me down memory lane, won't you?

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I'm Hungry for Hunger Games

Okay, so I'm obsessed. Get over it. Better yet, get under it! If you are not yet obsessed with all things Hunger Games, here is a look at the first official trailer for the Lionsgate film (is it wrong that I kind of want Katniss' dress from the reaping scene?):


Ready to take it to the next level? Head over to The Capitol and register for your District Identification Pass. Here's mine:

Maybe my fashion obsession stems from my Panem occupation as a District 8 textile factory worker? 

Better yet, if you have not yet read the books, run out and read them now! You can purchase The Hunger Games trilogy from your local bookstore, Target, or Amazon (in print and ebook), or you can check out your local library. 

The Hunger Games is slated for release in theaters on March 23, 2012. May the odds be ever in your favor!

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Closet Confessions

I have the following things in common with former RHONY (Real Housewife of New York) and star of Bethenny Ever After, Bethenny Frankel:

1. I like to do impressions of Jill Zarin.
2. Red is my power color.
3. I live for peep toe shoes.
4. I wanted to be an actress when I was 18.
5. I have sold my handbags on eBay when I was strapped for cash.
6. I have a not-so-secret obsession with Martha Stewart.
7. I think Jason Hoppy is kinda hot.
8. I am a scorpio.
9. I never pay retail.
10. I'm not a "keeper," but I'm a keeper.

Here's a peak into Bethenny Frankel's closet, courtesy of Bluefly.
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What it Really Feels Like to Fail the Bar Exam

If you have never failed a bar exam (or if you have never taken a bar exam) and you have always wondered what it felt like not to see your name on the pass list, here it is: failing a bar exam feels a lot like getting dumped by that guy you never wanted to go out with in the first place. You know, the one with the goofy hair who always has spinach in his teeth? The one who laughs at all of his own lame jokes? Failing the bar exam feels like getting rejected by the guy you go out with because you don't have anyone else to go out with, and what else are you going to do on Friday night? You are pretty, and smart, and funny and you should have guys lined up around the block, but you kind of don't, so you have to make it work with Spinach Tooth. Because he can be okay, right? In a dimly lit restaurant after 3 glasses of wine, he's totally okay. Right?

Here's the deal: you made it through law school. You fought, you cried, you cursed, and you bled your way through. You stayed up all night to write papers and study for final exams. You interned, you externed, you clerked for an attorney who told you that you would never ever make it as a lawyer. Ever. And you wondered along the way if it was worth it. It had to be worth it. Otherwise it wouldn't cost so much, right? And then you studied for the bar exam. You stayed up late studying. You stared into space for hours at time silently willing the Rules of Evidence to embed themselves in your brain. You took over 5,000 practice multiple choice questions. You studied so long and so hard that you couldn't have a normal conversation with anyone for at least a week before the exam. You walked into walls because you couldn't focus on walking in a straight line long enough to actually do it. And then you took the exam. 3 days of thinking and analyzing and typing; trying to stay just calm enough to write everything you can possibly remember about intestate succession. Praying that a question about criminal law shows up so that you can make up the points you're sure you lost on the contracts question because you couldn't quite remember all of the mailbox rule.

Failing the bar feels like that time you got all dressed up to go out with Spinach Tooth. You bought a new dress and shoes. You did your hair. You even shaved your legs. You acted as though this was your very last stop before spinsterville. You did what you could. You laughed at his dumb jokes. You pretended to pay attention when he talked only about himself and that time he attended the Republican National Convention, or spent a year growing facial hair, or had a crush on a girl in marching band back when he was in high school. You did exactly what you were supposed to do. And then he dumps you. By email. Or voice mail. Or text message. And you think wha?! This guy wasn't good enough to go out with me in the first place! Where does he get off rejecting me? You spend a sad night with a bottle of wine and The Notebook, and then you vow to do whatever it takes to get him back. Because, damn it, you are going to dump him next time!

That's what failing the bar exam really feels like. But I don't feel that way today. Because I now understand that the bar exam has more to do with moderating the influx of new lawyers into an already strained marketplace than it has to do with any actual skills an attorney would need. Since I don't want to practice right now, it is almost better that a bar number that would have gone to me will now go to some 26-year old who just graduated from law school and is eager to get out there and find out just how much it really sucks to bill hours. And I'm okay with that. Almost. Pin It

Trousers.

When you are unemployed, the one thing you have in spades is time. Time to stop and notice things. What I have noticed since I have been unemployed is that my casual wardrobe is severely lacking. Turns out my closet is about 90% depo wear, 7% sequins, and 3% yoga pants. Bummer. What I really need to beef up my wardrobe is pants. Not jeans. Pants. Trousers. Bottoms. If I had someone else's credit card, here is what I would buy:

1. KUT from the Kloth Lightweight Denim Trousers, Nordstrom, $38.90

2. Stretch Bluebells Highrise Indigo, EmersonMade, $198.00

3. 1969 Wide Leg Trouser Jeans, GAP, $69.95

4. Kimchi Pant, EmersonMade, $168.00

5. Not Your Daughter's Jeans Colored Skinny Denim, Bloomingdale's, $78.00 (on sale--ends 11/20)

6. J Brand 29" Skinny, Anthropologie, $176.00

7. BCBGMAXAZRIA Jean Faux Leather Pant Legging, Zappos, $148.00

8. Vince Crop Leather Legging, Nordstrom, $1,250.00

9. Warehouse Faux Leather Jeggings, Asos, $48.52

Alas, the irony of being unemployed is having the time to notice that you are deficient in casual wear, but not having the funds to improve the situation. Le sigh. Oh well. A girl can dream, right? 

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Glee Takes On: The LBD

On Monday, I mentioned in "What I'm Running to Now" that I am running to Adele's "Rumour Has It" this week. On Tuesday, Glee premiered the episode"Mash Off," which featured the same song. Freaky rando coincidence? Not so much. I was definitely inspired by the early release of Glee's take on two Adele hits ("Rumour Has It/Someone Like You"), but after dragging my little running feet to Coldplay last week, I could not afford to do the senior shuffle during the "Someone Like You" sections of the Glee version. Plus, there ain't nothing like the real thing. Baby. I am still, however, enamored by Glee's take on Adele's signature style: monochromatic black attire, low side pony, and winged eyeliner. Missed the episode? Here's the clip:

Need something to wear this holiday season? The LBD (Little Black Dress) is always relevant. Lest you think that the LBD lacks imagination, Glee deftly demonstrates that there is a different little black dress for every size, color, creed, and mood. Take a closer look.

Santana: The Ruffled LBD

kate spade gala dress, $495. As a side note, I love that kate spade heavily features super pale models in their ads, on their runways, and on their website. I'm pretty sure that I would look like I just returned from Cancun if I happened to stand next to this girl, and my life dream is to have a "white off" with Julianne Moore! For the record, I firmly believe that if it makes you feel better to spray tan it, then by all means, Mystic Tan away! If, however, you just washed your white sheets and don't feel like staining them orange, please please embrace the pale! All skin tones and colors are beautiful--whether you are Casper or cocoa or any shade in between!

Mercedes: The V-Necked LBD

j.crew louisa dress, $225. This is a terrific option if you are on the busty side of the street as the thick straps allow for the wearing of a supportive bra. This dress also nips in at the waist and floats away from the body, which is key if you believe Stacy and Clinton (which I do!). If you are less than excited about your hips/butt/thighs, the A-line skirt also provides excellent camo. The best part about this dress? You can have a Spanx-free evening and enjoy the canapes!

Brittany: The LBD with the LBB (Little Black Bow)

'60's mod party dress, etsy, $85. A note when buying vintage: beware of size inflation! A size 6 today was often equivalent to a size 8, 10, or 12 in the days of yore. Use measurements (bust, waist, hips) rather than size to evaluate fit when you cannot try the dress on in person.

Background LBDs: The Covered Uncovered LBD

a.b.s. by allen schwartz, bluefly, $249.

The Strapless LBD

max and cleo, nordstrom, $158. Love your arms? Go strapless. But if you feel like your shoulders could rival those on the Seattle Seahawks' O-line, skip the strapless or go with a strapless dress with sheer overlay like the A.B.S. dress listed above. There is minimal extra fabric, but the sheer paneled "straps" create the illusion of a daintier shoulder.

The Sequined LBD

michael michael kors, nordstrom, $150. The sequined LBD is for the girl that wants to sparkle. Because the material itself is the star of the show, many sequined dresses tend to have more forgiving cuts than their glitter-impaired counterparts. This dress is pattered after the classic wrap dress, which is extremely figure friendly. One note on sequins: if you don't want to look like a refugee from the Vegas Strip, keep all other style elements simple. I would wear this dress with my hair up, winged black liner, or a red lip and a smile.

The Financial Statement: The little black dress is a wardrobe staple. It will be your go-to for the last minute dinner date, the holiday party, or the evening wedding. It will be your answer to nearly every "what do I wear to the cocktail or semi-formal event" question. Take your time, find a LBD that you love, and be prepared to pay more for it. When you look at the tag, run a quick price per wear calculation to determine the real cost of the dress. Example: if the tag says $300, and you know you will wear the dress to two holiday parties and on New Year's Eve, divide $300 by 3. The price per wear is $100 if you only wear the dress three times. The more "wears" you can squeeze into that dress, the lower the price per wear. Please note that the key component to the price per wear calculation is honesty. If you know that a dress is perfect for NYE, but you doubt you will ever wear it again, don't kid yourself. You are paying $300 for a dress that you will only wear once. If you can afford that, great! If you know that you can't, put the dress back and either keep looking for a more versatile option that lowers the price per wear or look for a similar dress at a lower price point (i.e. F21, H&M, Zara, Target, thrift, etc.).

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Wish I Could Go: Rebecca Minkoff NYC Sample Sale!

In places I wish I could go news, Rebecca Minkoff is having a NYC Sample Sale! If you find yourself in the Big Apple from November 16-20, be sure to hit up the sale for me! See below for the deets: 

Happy Shopping!

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Magic

Sometimes you just have to let go of all of your worries, concerns, fears, grocery lists, and never ending to-dos and stand in the presence of something beautiful. So when the opportunity arose for my sister and me to spend yesterday afternoon running around Disneyland, I jumped at it! Yes, it's a little early for holiday cheer, but who cares when it's all so flawless! I hadn't been to Disneyland in about 10 years, but I was amazed at just how easy it was to get caught up in the Disney magic. Disney takes no short cuts. Anywhere. Every detail is perfect. If you have not been to Disneyland recently, find an opportunity to go back. It really is magical.

Style Tip #28: Take a tip from Disney: Anything worth doing, is worth doing beautifully! Pin It

I Just Met a Girl Named Maria

When I was little, my dad used to travel for business. A lot. When he was away, my mom was left to entertain my sister and me on her own. One summer my mom organized "camp outs" in our living room every Friday night. We ordered pizza and had picnics on the living room floor. We braved the wilderness of the den and spent the nights sleeping on the couch foldout. And every indoor camping excursion centered around the movie of the week. There was a different 1960's movie each and every Friday night. That summer I watched Gidget and Moondoggy surf and fall in love, Annette and Frankie sing, and every beach-blanket-how-to-stuff-a-bikini flick that my mother could get her hands on. But my favorite film was West Side Story. I was so obsessed with Natalie Wood's Maria that I would ask for a pass from swim lessons on days when I was able to replicate Maria's trademark hair flip. In honor of West Side Story's 50th anniversary and new release to Blu Ray, here is my interpretation of Maria's outfit in the film's tragic final scene. Here's the clip:

Here's the outfit:

Step 1: Start with a red shift with 3/4 length sleeves. Check out the Jules dress from J.Crew in fresh strawberry here. Note: If were planning to wear this dress to work, I would also add a thin black belt and opaque black tights. And yes, black tights do work with the shoes in Step 4. Just make sure not to purchase a pair with a seam that runs across the front of the toe. And for the love of all that is good and holy, please please do not substitute pantyhose for tights. And yes, there is a difference.

Step 2: Add a delicate pendant necklace. I love this delicate horizontal cross from Dogeared and the sentiment on the card included in the packaging. See a similar necklace on Kourtney Kardashian here.

Step 3: Top with a dark knit scarf. Score this chunky grey knit from Gap for under $30!

Step 4: Finish with a kicky black heel. Check out the heel detail on these Zara peep toes!

If you have never seen West Side Story, please please please Netflix it, purchase it on DVD or Blu Ray, or steal it from a friend. Fall in love with the music, dancing, and candy colored dresses. You. Will. Not. Be. Sorry. Te adoro, West Side Story.

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What I'm Running To: Rumour Has It by Adele

Let's face it, there really is nothing like a song about a low down, dirty dog getting his comeuppance to get your feet moving. Rumor has it this is the week I'm getting back on my workout schedule. . .

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Tradition

When we were little, our birthdays always began with a blueberry muffin. Living in Portland, I was about 1000 miles away from this little family ritual and I had almost forgotten what it meant. This morning as I made these treats for my sister's birthday, I remembered exactly why I moved back home: to make the birthday blueberry muffins! Just kidding. Kind of. It is nice, however, not be the 30 minute phone call and a package from UPS this year. Want to start your own blueberry muffin tradition? Find a recipe similar to the one I used here. Note: the secret really is the sour cream!

Style Tip #3: Go to great lengths to preserve little local traditions.

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When I Say "Happy," You Say "Birthday"

You may be 6 years younger, but you're clearly a lot cooler! I love you and I am so proud of you! I can't wait to see all you will accomplish in the next year!

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You Say "Tomato," I Say "Soup!"

On a cold, rainy day, there is nothing quite like a bowl of hot tomato soup. I ate many a bowl of tomato soup and many a grilled cheese sandwich when I lived in Portland (9 months of rain, yo!). I had never, however, attempted to make tomato soup from scratch, opting instead for canned Campbell's convenience. That is, until tonight. Enter The New Best Recipe: All New Edition from the editors of Cook's Illustrated. This culinary tome may have just ruined me for all canned soups forever. Interested in creating your own tomato soup epiphany? Find a similar tomato soup recipe here. And because soup can't stand alone, tonight I paired it with homemade cornbread. Find a similar cornbread recipe here. Note: tomato soup is a labor of love. It took longer to make and was much messier than I had anticipated. This is not something I would attempt if I came home from work tired and was like, hmmm, what can I make in 30 minutes?Save yourself the headache and ask Rachel Ray what to do in that situation. But if you have the time to roast and simmer and you don't mind significant clean-up, give it a try!

like I said, culinary tome!

tomatoes lined up for the roasting

yes, that is soup in the blender.

Almost finished!

tomato soup and cornbread, bffs!

As a side note, there is a bit of a running disagreement when it comes to the kitchen soundtrack selection at my dad's house. He wants country and I want anything else. Yet somehow at the end of my little soup adventure, I found myself yelling "Country must be . . . country wide!" into a spatula (and for the record, I'm not even sure what that song means). It was a little like this:

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Teamwork

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Style Tip #24: If your lifestyle doesn't provide for the use of glitter-covered peep toe heels, you can either ditch the shoes or ditch the lifestyle. Here's to ditching the lifestyle! Find a reason to get dressed up today! shoes, Nine West. find similar at TJ Maxx. Pin It

All Heart, All the Time

I snapped this photo of one of my necklaces in preparation for the final Lucky Magazine writing challenge. Long story short, Lucky passed me through to the final round, then withdrew all of the Round 4 "congratulations" emails. After several weeks, the magazine sent out a new round of emails and (largely) advanced the writers who had received the fewest votes. Oh well. You can't win them all, right?

necklace, Dogeared, currently sold out. similar here.

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Signed, Sealed, Delivered

My mom used to tell me that when you discover something you love, buy as much of it as you can! This single-handedly explains the extensive collection of white T-shirts, white sweatshirts, and white Keds we discovered after my mom passed away in 2005. She liked what she liked. So when I discovered these little thank you cards at Home Goods this week, I channeled my mother and purchased every box on the shelf (fear not, there were only 3)! I am in lurrve with the elegant simplicity of these tiny thank yous; from the little bird in its gilded cage down to the minimal gold text. I picture them in the desk of an impossibly chic Parisian. The icing on this stylish little cake? The petite price! At $4.99 for a box of 10, I can afford to be very very thankful! Style Tip #47: when you find something you love, whether in stationary or white Keds, buy it in multiples!

Sweet Design, Sweeter Price!

I don't know why this photo is sideways. Blogger hates me.

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Definitions

First Appearance: a criminal defendant's initial appearance in court to hear the charges filed against him/her, to be advised of his/her rights, and to have bail determined. see also ARRAIGNMENT.

First Appearances: 1. blog. 2. a cheeky twist on a legal definition. see also THE WORLD AS I SEE IT.

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What I'm Running To: Paradise by Coldplay

So you're probably like, Girl, who runs to Coldplay?! You must be the slowest runner in human history. Well, guess what? I am the slowest runner in human history! But there is something about the elephant jumping for joy at the end of this video that moves my feet. Totally confused? Take a look . . .

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Introduction

Welcome to my new blog, First Appearances! You’re probably thinking, Girl, didn’t you just change the name of your blog like, last week? Why, yes, yes I did! So what’s up with this new change? Focus, as in, I have decided to find some. I have been writing about whatever happens to pop into my head on any given day—some fashion, some food, some beauty, some movie reviews, some celebrity gossip—with absolutely no consistency whatsoever. I had previously decided to narrow my focus to fashion, entertaining and rando tutorials, when I had a thought. It was one of many thoughts, but I kept thinking about it. And then I started ruminating about it while I was running. And I kept flushing it out. I’m a lawyer, but in over 100 blog posts I had not once written about the law or legal news other than to make a passing (usually pop culture-related) reference. This was not by accident. I had previously vowed not to speak of it. I have changed my mind. So why the change?

In my recent, unemployed adventures, I have had a lot of time to sit down and enjoy . . . The View. As I was watching one day, the ladies had two legal analysts from ABC talk about recent events (i.e. search warrants in the Baby Lisa case, Conrad Murray, LiLo’s latest . . .). I thought, as I usually do when I watch a legal analyst on television, I could do that! Yet I don’t. And I haven’t. And the reasons are quite stupid. Despite the fact that I attended law school, graduated, passed the bar in the state of Washington (where I used to practice), worked as a judicial clerk for one year, practiced law for three years, and participated in multiple intern/externships at both state and Federal government offices, I don’t actually feel qualified to deliver an opinion on current legal events. Or at least I didn’t feel qualified before. Then I spent an afternoon in my happy place: Target.

As I was standing in a line that was way too long, two older gentlemen in front of me were having a conversation. I suspect that one or both of them had their hearing aids turned down, because they were not using their indoor voices. The conversation went something like this:

Old Man 1: And then, get this! The guy breaks into his house, he’s standing there in the living room and the [homeowner] shoots him! That guy had the stones to sue [the homeowner] for shooting him!

Old Man 2: Unbelievable.

Old Man 1: Can you believe that?! Now you and I know that’s entrapment, but the system today . . .

Old Man 2: Everything’s all messed up today. Hell in a handbasket . . .

I couldn’t take it. I tapped Old Man 2 right on his bony shoulder and said “Um . . . no. That’s not entrapment. First, entrapment is when law enforcement or a government agent uses fraud or undue persuasion to get someone to commit a crime so that it can later be prosecuted. Clearly not what you are talking about here. And second, entrapment is a defense for criminal prosecutions—not civil lawsuits. Whether it is smart to sue someone for shooting you when you broke into that person’s home is another matter entirely. But that’s not what you are talking about here.” Okay. So I didn’t actually say that, but I thought it really loudly. And then it occurred to me: EVERYONE in this country thinks that he or she is qualified to be a legal analyst and NO ONE really knows what he or she is talking about. And if everyone else can talk out his or her respective ass, then why can’t I? I’m actually trained! So, from time to time, I may also offer opinions on legal headlines. It’s my blog and I can do what I want, right? So here we are. All the snark of Bolsas y Besos now with half the calories! Come on in, have a seat. I'm glad you're here! Pin It