2009 Music Picks

Last year I blogged my top songs of 2008. You can reflect here. Another year has passed and in keeping with tradition here's a quick rundown of some of my favorite music from 2009. Enjoy!

1. Atlas Sound - Shelia
2. Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros - Home
3. Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind (there is something wrong with you if you don't like this song)
4. Passion Pit - Sleepyhead or Moth's Wings
5. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest (whole album)
6. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (whole album)
7. Camera Obscura - French Navy
8. Modest Mouse - Satellite Skin
9. Animal Collective - Summertime Clothes
10. Regina Spektor - The Calculation
11. The xx - Islands
**Bonus song that I wish I owned - The xx did a remix of Florence And The Machine You've Got The Love. It is incredible.
12. Yeasayer - Ambling Alp
13. Neko Case - This Tornado Loves You
14. The Decemberists - The Rake Song
**I should mention....this was the ONLY song on this album that I liked. I was extremely disappointed in this album as a whole but thought this song was worthy of a nod.
15. Andrew Bird - Fitz & the Dizzyspells
16. M. Ward feat. Zooey Deschanel - Never Had Nobody Like You
17. Fanfarlo - Reservoir (whole album)
18. Julian Casablancas - Out of the Blue
19. Dirty Projectors - No Intention
20. Broken Bells - The High Road (Thanks, Layni!)

I compiled my list independently, not to be swayed by anything on the Internet. After I was done I went to Pitchfork to see what people nominated for 2009. I also looked on NPR: All Songs Considered (b/c Bob Boilen is a musical god). There were a few variations but all in all I was right on target. I think this means I am a trustworthy source with excellent musical taste and you should give at least 5 of these songs an honest listen. In closing, I have admitted my minor obsession with Lady GaGa. I just couldn't pick one song. You know you would be lying to yourself if you said you never drove to work in the morning humming Poker Face or belted out a few lines of Bad Romance while in the shower. Happy listening in 2010.

Project Runway Week 3

This was my favorite design. I really liked the bolero type jacket and this was the only garment that I thought looked like true couture.

I cannot believe this was the design that won. I am still shocked. Please tell me someone else thought this was awful? I can appreciate a well constructed/tailored garment but that doesn't make this "winner" worthy. I felt sorry for Jonathan. He did a majority of the work and Mila got all the recognition.

In addition:
1. I was very underwhelmed by this episode. Nothing really stuck me as fantastic. Therefore, I don't have a lot to say about it.
2. I am trying to imagine what I would have done if I had been standing that close to real couture. I was insanely jealous.
3. I love, love Anthony's one liners. He is hilarious.

Project Runway Week 2

This was a clever challenge. Designers were to create a look for an industry event out of a burlap potato sack. The finished products were absolutely amazing. Minus the hideous "flasher" dress that Ping made. Here were my favorites....

This dress was incredible!
I would have ever known it was made out of entirely burlap.
Very elegant. Jay deserved to win this challenge.

I think Amy used the fabric in the most inventive way.
I would definitely wear this.

I liked the sexiness of this dress.
Again, you would have never known this was burlap.
The fit was impeccable.

I don't really have any follow up remarks this week. Except for, does Lauren Hutton not look fantastic. I googled her...she is 67 years old. Amazing!

Valentine's Day is around the corner

.......perfect for a night out on the town with your sweetie.

Taking a break from heels

Frye moccasin style flats. I love these shoes!

Growth in 2010

My blog underwent a small face lift. 2010 has already proved to be a year of new beginnings and transitions personally and professionally. This is a really exciting time for me and I thought that this small change would get me back into the swing of blogging and being excited about writing again. Once again, I have my very talented hubby to thank for the design work. Hope you all enjoy. Happy 2010 to all my fellow readers!!

Project Runway Week 1

The start of another season of Project Runway. I was thrilled Season 7 aired so shortly after the ending of Season 6. The show returned to New York. The first challenge was pretty easy. Who are you as a designer? These were some of my favorites.....

This dress is incredible! The detail Emilio put into it is just amazing.....even if it is purple :)

I love how she wasn't afraid to mix and match patterns. This is a classy look.

I really thought the detail in this dress was incredible.
It isn't really so much my style but Sean Aaron can sew and knows what
moves well on a woman's body.

Afterthoughts:
1. Anthony saying "It's hell being black and gay in the ghetto." That guy is funny.
2. Ping. Enough said. She is definitely out there.
3. Is it just me or is Heidi always pregnant. Wow.

A New Year and a new season.....

Season 7 is back tonight on Lifetime at 9:00 (Central)
I am so excited!!!

Little Black Dress

This trench coat dress is incredible. I love the collar.
It is so classy with all the hair swept up off the neck.
Reminds me of something Audrey Hepburn would have worn.

Brrrrrrrrrrr! Why is it so cold outside??

Can you imagine getting to sleep in this bed every night? Perfection!

New Anthropologie catalog showed up today.
Of course, I love every single thing in it.
However, this particular photo/outfit is my favorite.

Reading revisited

Now that I have some time, I have decided to start reading again. My bestie recommended this book to me a year ago. I purchased it for $1 at the Friends of the Library book sale last February and it sat on my bookshelf for almost a year. I have been so engrossed in all the million other things that we have had going on and forgot about the thing that I love doing most....reading a quality book. Alice Sebold's writing is fantastic. She can make a dark subject light hearted and I hate to say this but almost comical in a way. I wanted to finish it before the movie comes out. Watched the trailer today. It is always so weird to me the way characters look when a book is turned into a movie. I have them pictured in my mind totally different. Anyway, just thought I would share. I am a quarter of the way through and I would highly recommend this read.

Handmade is always better

A very dear friend gave me this ornament yesterday. I absolutely love it. She admitted to "stalking" my blog so she got a pretty heavy dose of the things that I really like. I will hang it on my tree every year and think of her.

My dad made this for Zach. Fitting and perfectly made.

I really do have the best group of family and friends. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Mustard Tory Burch's

These shoes should most definitely be mine.....

NYC Christmas on your coffee table

I would really like to have this book. I have always wanted to go to New York for Christmas and see the tree lit, walk through Central Park in the snow or actually watch people ice skate in Rockefeller Plaza in December and not April. There is just something so wonderful and infectious about NYC. Plus, "Miranda" wrote the foreword. Nice touch!

Holiday Cheer

My dearest Anthropologie, you never cease to amaze me..........

Earflap hat candle

Sweater sleeve candle

These are just plain creative.
I want to make some with old mason jars.
They are essentially a cooler version of a snow globe.

These boots melt my heart

I need another pair of boots like I need a hole in the head.
But who can resist the perfect construction
of these beautiful Frye boots.
I laid awake last night thinking about all the outfits I could wear pair these with.

Friday finds

I love these snow globes from West Elm. The silver tree is my favorite.
Would be a classy addition to any holiday decorating.

I can't resist owls. How adorable. This would look so good in my living room :)

Project Runway - Finale

Only three remain! Who will win???? I can't wait for tonight......

At home eye chart

This pillow really caught my eye. I am not sure why I like it. It's unusual and something I have never seen before. That combined with the clean white palette....makes a great combo. However, I don't 95 bucks like it. I will continue to admire it on the world wide web.

White on white

This tee is awesome.
Taking a plain white tee and dressing it up with hand sewn embellishments.
Genius.

Spiced Chestnut

Williams-Sonoma brought back this hand soap much to my husband's delight. It really does smell good. Imagine manly meets festive. I have our lovely friend Marina to thank for getting him started on this soap obsession. For me it's more about acquiring something that he really likes and better yet getting it on sale. Pretty much ever since we have been together, I have gone after Christmas and stocked up. Not last year. They didn't even carry this fragrance last year. The word "discontinued" was even uttered. And they changed the shape of the bottles so you had to buy a new metal holder. In our family things being discontinued is like the world ending. First it was Zach's GAP pants. That was a rough day. *He claims he still has not found the prefect fitting replacement pair. Then it was the only hair product that ever really worked well on my hair. Basically, we just gave up on WS. Until I got my holiday catalog in the mail. There is was. Bottle was even back to it's original size and shape. That was a good day. Heck, I even purchased Zach a full price bottle to ring in the holidays.

Edward & Bella

I cannot stop laughing. Don't get me wrong.......I love Twilight just like every other woman these days. However, this is slightly disturbing. Seems if Barbie decided to cash in on the Twilight phenomenon. Did I mention that I saw a woman my mother's age wearing a skin tight Twilight t-shirt in the airport. It was all I could do not to Tweet it for proof.

Warning: This post will likely bore you to pieces.....

I think all my problems are about to be solved. My lips are painfully dry pretty much all year around. The problem is worse in the colder months when the air is drier. I have never found anything that works great....just temporarily fixes the issue. I am obsessive about keeping something on my lips at all times. I can't sleep until I have applied chapstick. I always have lipstick or gloss on. In fact, I know a certain someone who used to poke fun at how perfectly it was always applied and wondered if I slept in my lipstick in college. I am not naming names....but she knows who she is!

I will be purchasing this product ASAP. I am hoping to leave the days of dry lips far behind me.

It really is the most wonderful time of the year....

The holidays are just around the corner. I love the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I go overboard and decorate every inch of my house. Zach gets annoyed at what a production getting all the decorations down turns into. It's an all day affair complete with hot chocolate, Christmas tunes and Love Actually on in the background. I remind him how his father has it so much worse. My mother-in-law loves Christmas more than I do. Ie: double the amount of stuff to put up and even worse take down.

I was driving down Western the other day and Chesapeake was already stringing lights on the trees. I imagine they do have to start in October to be done by Christmas. I have never in my life seen that amount of LED lights in one area. I forget how spectacular it is and every year the first time I drive through is almost breath taking.

Anyway, I decided to write this blog because Christmas ornaments are a huge deal to me. I like to buy/receive ornaments that are symbolic. A trip we have gone on, a memory that is important to us, an inside joke. When we lived Downtown we had a mouse in our house for about a week. It was a rather traumatic experience for both of us. I got a mouse ornament for Christmas that year. Every year I unwrap it I makes me remember how horrified I was to find out we had a little rodent living in our house and that they could climb onto things like the bed and the kitchen counters.

Urban Outfitters has some pretty cute ornaments this year. Here are a couple of my favorites.

GG Fashion

This necklace was worn on Gossip Girl last night. Don't laugh.....I know it's not award winning television but the fashion is wonderful. I am totally in love with the color of this necklace. I have always been drawn to anything turquoise. It's perfect with the dress she has on and the chunky ring & bracelet. Lily wore the matching earrings in a different episode. The vivid blueish color looked amazing with the fuchsia dress she wore.

Project Runway Week 8 & 9

I am painfully behind on my PR blogging. I'm finally all caught up. I was going to write this grand combination blog of the last two weeks. It did not happen. Sorry loyal readers. Here are a few tidbits for discussion.

1. I cannot stand Irina. She just annoys me. That hateful face she makes. News flash: You aren't that talented and are far to cocky to be that mean.

2. I love, love the grey nail polish Heidi is wearing in week 9 (I think). I will be locating some very soon.

3. I want Carol Hannah and Logan to date. They are too cute!

4. Tim comforting Shirin. I felt truly bad for her. I thought Christopher was a goner. I was pretty shocked.

My very own LV

Wednesday was an exciting day for Mixed Handbag. For my third wedding anniversary my dear husband put his personal feeling about this particular thing aside and bought me an amazing gift.

He gave me the traditional 3rd anniversary gift (leather) in the form of a beautiful Louis Vuitton. It sort of reminded me of when I got engaged. The first week or two all you can do it stare at your hand all day long. Well, I find myself looking at this purse at least 10 times a day. Thanks for a memorable anniversary, Z.

The Year of Three's

I would like to veer from my typical blog posting to wish my husband a Happy 30th Birthday! Also, Happy 3 Year Anniversary, lover. We got married on his birthday. Birthdays are a huge deal to me. I didn't want him to have to share "his" special day with "our" special day. He has been very cool about it all. Things like that don't bother Zach. One of many things that I find endearing about him. Which brings me to a short list of things that I love. I will do my best to leave out all the mushy crap.

1. He wears Birkenstocks or Vans with dress pants and a sport coat.
2. He is the most inappropriate person I know. But also one of the funniest.
3. He is giving. Incredibly giving.
4. He is everyone's best friend. It is rare to hear someone speaking negatively about him....unless it is in regards to his political views.
5. He knows all the words to all the Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan songs. And sings them really loud when he thinks I am not listening.
6. He likes to shop. Would never admit it. I love that he cares about his appearance. The man has more clothes than I do.
7. Until last May, he didn't own a swimsuit. He said......"why do I need one, I don't swim."
8. He gets really nervous if there isn't something vegan on the menu when we got out to dinner with Layni. He truly cares about his friends.
9. He likes to leave the house for work by 7:00 a.m. or earlier. He doesn't want to be late.
10. He is wildly talented. I am sure he is mortified right now. But there, I said it. I am allowed to brag on him today!
11. He doesn't know who any celebrities are. Or the names to any songs or who sings them. It's totally cute.
12. He is a total social engineer. Some would call him just plain nosey. I call it a man who knows how to do his research.
13. He is in a scooter club that he made up.
14. He cannot eat anything without some sort of dipping sauce.
15. He does not like to be the center of attention.

Green light.....

....as in the hubby said I could paint one wall in the kitchen with chalkboard paint. He always shoots down my ideas for making our adorable love nest more cozy. What he does not realize is, I will never stop striving for the perfect little home. I think special touches like this are easy and can bring out the character of a home. Wish me luck. I always think painting is a grand idea until I actually start doing it. Then I remember why I said "never again" last time.

Antlers

How awesome are these?
I would love to mix them in with some of the new "sophisticated" Halloween decorations.
I think I can locate some that are a little less pricey.

Random finds

These note cards made me laugh so hard. I would love to get them. People at work give me a hard time about Twitter all the time. They just don't know what they are missing out on.


How cute is this scarf? Adorable! Collected Thread has them. I love that place. I have gotten some really great, unique gifts in there. This I think I would need to go ahead and keep for myself.

Project Runway Week 7

The challenge this week was to design something to be sold commercially at Macy's and fit into the INC. holiday line. I love INC. One of my favorite Macy's lines. Blue was the chosen color palette. They worked with partners and it was a one day challenge.

All the judges were ooohing and ahhing over that dress that Irina made. I don't get it. It was so ugly. I cannot believe she won. Both of those looks were so ugly. I don't care for Irina.

Carol Hannah and Shirin's designs were my favorite. Followed by the look Logan did. I didn't care for the suit that Althea made. That skirt was WAY too short. I loved the detail on the shirt that Logan did. I would have worn both of those outfits.


After thoughts:
1. Tim Gunn revealing his distaste for leggings. I think my heart broke a little.
2. Michael Kors comparing Louise's dress to a shower loofa.
3. The birds noises Louise was making while sewing....WTF?
4. Layni asking me Saturday night if Heidi says Oopsy Daisy to people when they get eliminated. I could not stop laughing. I guess it sort of sounds like Auf Wiedersehen.

Messy hair

I love this look. I have this kind of hair. Or at least I did when it was longer. This made me want to grow it back out. I really like the messy bun with that cute headband. I took this picture off Anthropologie's website. I know that is shocking to most of you :) I love every single thing about that store. I cannot wait to go browse with Amanda in 28 days!

The Perfect Pair

My friend, Jena painted this for me. It is exactly what I requested. Anyone who knows me already knows my fond affinity for things in pairs. I also love pears. Not to eat. Just to look at. They are so cute. I decorate with them frequently. Oddly enough, so does Alanda. We discovered our mutual love of the fruit during the parade of homes. Anyway, I just wanted to show off my fancy new artwork. Thanks, Jena. This looks quite nice in our kitchen.

Parade of Homes

Alanda and I have had our plates full for the past two weeks. We decorated a home in Edmond for the 2009 Parade of Homes. We had so much fun working our little butts off and laughed a lot. Imagine little me moving the armoire in the left hand corner of the above picture by myself. Well, I did! Alanda is extremely talented and has an amazing eye for design. We have completely different styles but see eye-to-eye on many decorating ideas. More than anything this was fun because I enjoy making things look pretty and it was a great opportunity for us to spend some quality time together. Here is a sneak peek of the rest of the house. Enjoy!

Edmond Parade Home
Pass code: paradehome

Project Runway Week 6

The challenge this week was to design a look inspired by a movie genre. 1 day challenge with a budget of $150. I was sort of bored with this challenge.

Christopher's dress and storyline were my favorite. He totally had me when he said vampire! The back of this dress was awesome. I felt like it was the most dramatic and costume like.

I liked Althea's design but I don't think it was special enough to win this particular challenge. It looked like something she would have made any other week.

Nicolas. Where to start. His dress was awful. He just annoys me. I knew he would be the winner as soon as he started talking about how he had always been in the bottom three 10 minutes into the episode. Hello foreshadowing! I cannot believe he won!

Then the bombshell. Ra'mon is out! Really? I was completely shocked. Louise hasn't even designed anything memorable. Until next week....

After thoughts:
1. Tim Gunn saying "big hot mess". I nearly peed my pants.
2. How spectacular were Heidi's black sequins leggings?

A girl's best friend and I don't mean diamonds

Every girl dreams of owning a pair of Manolo Blahnik's. Now, thanks to a great friend with a serious shopping habit, I am one of those girls. Excitement is an understatement. ***Pause to feel jealous for just a moment***

Here is my best assessment of what happened. Friend got wide-eyed in Neiman's and made an impulse purchase. No judgement, we have all done it. Friend told herself they are a classic black pump....I will wear them everyday. Friend reasons with herself that she needs these shoes and that they are an investment. Continues to purchase. Friend gets home and realizes they really don't quite fit right. Friend (+ every woman I know) would rather die then admit this so she forces herself to wear them just to say she did not completely waste her money. Friend then wears them three maybe four times. Back in their pretty white box where they would live for the next year. How do I know this to be true? Because I am this woman. Maybe not with a $500 pair of black heels, but we have all made poor shoe buying choices and then regretted it. In this instance I love someone else's "poor choice" because yours truly is reaping all the benefits. Thank you, friend.

Ushering in Fall

Love the new fall looks from Anthropologie. I think I would wear shorts this short in the cooler months if I could pair them with some cute tights.

Navy blue tights with those yellow shoes. Me likey!

Project Runway Week 5

This is probably my favorite Project Runway Challenge ever. Constructing a garment completely out of newspaper. I was so excited to see them do something like this. I sell newspaper advertising and have worked in the newspaper industry pretty much ever since I graduated from college.

Christopher's design was my favorite. I loved that way it moved down the runway. He really thought about all the details right down to the hair adornment. I also really thought Irina's trench coat was worth mentioning. What a creative idea. It was so different from what all the other designers made.


Follow up:
1. I must say that I was sort of surprised that no one made a garment out of newspaper crossword puzzles.
2. How about Tim Gunn getting mad after Johnny's bold face lie on the runway.
3. This challenge reminded me of the Dior dress from Sex in the City Season 3 (which is being recycled and worn again in the SATC 2 movie).

New York State of Mind

NYC salt & pepper shakers. Lovely.
Totally going on my Christmas list.

Hot glue burns hurt!

I made my friend a very belated birthday present. She needed a holder to display all her earrings. I have made several in the past with the assistance of my father. Think of me as the "idea" person and him as the one with the know how to execute that idea. I wanted to try something a little different this time. I knew I wanted a turquoise frame. Good luck finding that in Oklahoma City. So I painted a natural wood frame the exact color I was thinking about. Then I found this really cute fabric. I sat on the idea for a few days. How was I going to make all this work? I looked online and finally ended up adapting something I found and liked. The finished product is below. I must say I was pleased with the way it turned out. Happy birthday, Tami. Hope you like it.

Owls

Found both of these pieces on Etsy (very fond of the owl earrings). I could spend hours on that site. I love the hair accessories and jewelry.

My grandmother has collected owls for as long as I can remember. It wasn't until a couple of years ago that I really started liking them. I have dish towels, magnets, a necklace,
pillow for my bed. I really wish I had paid closer attention to the display case full
of them at her house in Massachusetts.

Project Runway Week 4

This week definitely brought a much more difficult challenge. I must say the level of work has improved dramatically. I was impressed with a lot of the designs.

The remaining 13 had to design something for their models to wear to an industry event. So, their models were their clients. This was a one day challenge. Time was definitely a huge factor.

Here's my line up of hits and misses:

Gordana - The detail work down the front of that gold dress was impeccable. The dress looked fantactic on her model. Wasn't crazy about the color.

Christopher - Loved his dress. The green just popped out and said look at me.

Epperson - I did not agree with the judges. That dress looked like something a stripper would wear.

Carol Hannah - Loved her dress. Thoughtful use of texture. Wasn't crazy about the purple but that is just me hating purple.

**Althea - That look was by far the best. I think I need that suit. I think I could sell some ads in that suit. She deserved to win.

Moments:
1. Heidi saying "Ya'll".
2. Logan - Umm, total cutie.
3. Was that long, curly haired judge a bit of a B?

Mad Men

We recently started watching Mad Men. Finished off Season 1 (thanks to Netflix) and are about to finish Season 2. DVR is recording the new season. I am not patient enough to wait for one new episode every week. Watching 3 or 4 at a time is much easier.

This really is a great show. Set in 1960's Manhattan. It depicts the "Golden Age" of advertising. All the wives are homemakers and dress more stylish than I have ever seen any stay-at-home mother dress. The fashion is amazing. January Jones is stunning. And who wouldn't want to smoke cigarettes with the dashing Don Draper. He actually makes it look appealing.

Love

Cannot WAIT to see this movie. Watched the preview twice tonight.
I love, love movies. Especially ones set in New York.
Incredible cast. Natalie Portman. Bradley Cooper. Enough said.
Cool movie poster. Click on to enlarge and you can see the cast.
Soundtrack will likely be a winner. Check out the song playing during the preview. Good stuff.

Project Runway Week 3

Challenge: create a fun & fashionable surfware look with a teammate. This was a hard challenge. Three things came to mind immediately:

1. Working in teams = SCARY! See below.

2. Only 15 minutes to shop at MOOD = stressed me out and made me anxious.

3. Creating a second look (Avant Garde) on the fly. I believe Ra'mon said it best......capital WTF. (I am totally stealing that line.) Hilarious.

Skirin & Carol Hannah. Seriously, can that girl make anything ugly? The swimsuit/dress combo was fantastic. Their designs were by far my favorite.

Nicholas. Hated that light blue lace number that he made. That thing was so trashy. I am not sure how he got Avant Garde out of that. I did like how calm and complimentary his partner was of his work. It was obviously not her style but she was a team player.

Mitchell. That guy is a joke. This is a family friendly blog so I will just say that I think he is a complete d-bag. For whatever reason on the third week he was still around and again made something lame. In fact, something we didn't even get a peek at. An "alleged" swimsuit. I really thought Ra'mon's ship was sunk from the start. I can't believe he won the challenge. I did not like their finished looks. However, I was glad that this was the challenge that finally sent Mitchell home.

Epperson and Qristyl. Do I even need to say anything more? How embarrassing.

After thoughts:

Tim Gunn in flip flops, sunglasses and a blazer on the beach. Please tell me someone thought that was as funny as I did.

Rachel Bilson as the guest judge. I am not sure I care for her. Thoughts?

I heart Seattle

I just got back from a trip to Seattle. My good friend Layni came with me. Becky and I have known each other for 30 years. She moved there a year ago and it was high time I took a trip to visit her. We used our birthday as an excuse. Two of my cousins (side note: I always thought they were my second cousins until one of them informed me we are first cousins once removed) live there and so there were plenty of people to see and lots to entertain ourselves with. Can I just comment on how amazing the weather was while we were there. I have obviously been living in Oklahoma far to long. The temps were perfect and not a lick of wind. Light breezes are what they have. Can you remember the last time Oklahoma had a light breeze?

I don't necessarily have a favorite part of the trip because it was all so spectacular. However, receiving my birthday gift from Becky was pretty special. She got me a glassybaby. I know you are thinking what in the heck is a glassbaby. They are beautiful and apparently all the craze in Seattle. I am now the owner of this pretty piece of authentic Seattle glass. Choosing the color was hard. Real hard. The girl that helped me was very patient and let me look at 5 or 6 lit up. In the end, I went with my original pick, Hidden Moss. Might see silly to get so excited about a votive holder but to me it is something that will always remind me of my trip and my dear friend, Becky.

Project Runway Week 2

Sorry for the delay. I just got a chance to watch what I recorded while in Seattle. This challenge was hard! Create a form fitting look for a VERY preggers Rebecca Romijn.

Can I just ask...why is Mitchell still on the show? Seriously. That guy is an awful designer. Those shorts were bad. What pregnant woman would ever wear something that short. Two weeks in a row he has squeaked by. The judges obviously see something I am missing.

Malvin. That guy is a complete weirdo. He's the token strange designer. Remember the girl that spit marked her fabric? He named his look. I died laughing. "The mother hen and her egg". Once again what pregnant woman would wear something that draws more attention to her belly.

Shirin and Christopher were my top picks. Shirin's dresses was beautiful. That color and all the detail work.....she deserved that win. Plus she made a coat and lined it. Mitchell couldn't even make a pair of shorts look good in the same amount of time. I thought Christopher's design wasn't nearly as interesting as Shirin's but it was nicely constructed and flattering.

Two last things:

Heidi's killer suede ankle boots. Loved them.

Monique Lhuillier as the guest judge. Wow. They are pulling out all the stops this season.

Childhood revisited

Two movies are coming out that make me rather nostalgic. First up in October is Where the Wild Things Are. I am hoping that I can take my brother to see it. It is hard to remember a time when we were young that he was without his stuffed "wild thing". It was his version of a security blanket. We even have a set of family pictures where it is tucked close. By no means am I trying to embarrass him. I think the following picture illustrates that. Check out my bangs. Ha!


Alice in Wonderland was one of my favorite books as a child. What girl didn't love that book, right? I had the record of all the music from the animated movie. I am sure it is still floating around somewhere at my parents house. Along with Charlotte's Web and the Little House on the Prairie series, Alice in Wonderland was read frequently in our house. I even went as Alice one year for Halloween. Sadly, as an adult. When I heard Tim Burton was doing the film (generally speaking I am not a Tim Burton fan) I couldn't think of a better fit. I knew Johnny Depp would be involved somehow. The Mad Hatter is a natural fit for him.

What books or movies from your childhood make you nostalgic?

Project Runway - Season Premiere and All-Star Challenge

I finally watched all three hours of Project Runway this past Sunday. Two hours of which were the All-Star Challenge. The word disappointment comes to mind. Poor Korto. She deserved to win. I hated Daniel's line. The "athletic" feel was not flattering. The dress Korto made out of materials from the restaurant was incredible. Plus, she has big curly hair. I like a girl who has a mess of curls. Santino. That man is nuts. Not a fan. Sorry, Callie.

As for the season premiere of Project Runway. Some of those designers are an absolute joke. Not that I know the first thing about sewing or constructing clothing. I do, however, know a few things about fashion. I was rather sad to see that the show left New York for L.A.

Mitchell. That dress he made was hideous. His model was basically naked. Every season there is one designer who talks about how amazing they are and they totally bomb the first (and if you ask me easiest) challenge. Come on, make a Red Carpet gown. That should be every designers dream challenge.

Ari. You know the one who does handstands in the work room and wore the hooded geometric jumpsuit. Was that actually Samantha Ronson in disguise because Lindsay Lohan was the guest judge? I swear they looked identical and have the same bad taste. Whatever that was she made was absolutely tasteless. Micheal Kors said it best.....it looks like a metallic soccer ball.

The only two garments that were worth my wasted 60 minutes.......Christopher's (he won) and Shirin (that short sequin jacket over her dress was amazing). I like that someone who has no formal design training won the first challenge. Maybe it will help put some of the cocky FIT grads in their place.

The Sartorialist - The Book

I bought this book this morning. I have been eagerly awaiting the release date. Amazon did not have it the last few times I checked. Good way to start out a Monday morning.
This man is a genius. He has an amazing eye.

New IKEA catalog graced our mailbox yesterday

These are so cute and only $6.99 for the 6 pack. Does anyone spy why I must have these? Hint: right hand side....those cute little buggers that waddle. I love them! Not really sure that I care for the mushroom but I am going to ignore it because the penguins are too cute to pass up. If only the the middle pair had owls on them. My life would be complete.

After thought:
Apparently, I have a small following who I have disappointed this morning. I was not able to watch the season premiere for Project Runway last night. Sad, I know. It is recorded and waiting for me this evening. My profound thoughts on the first episode will have to wait until Monday. Please accept my apologies.....Carol, Glenda and Melinda.

I am skeptical

Great Lash has always been my mascara choice. I have used it since I started wearing makeup 15 years ago. We have the perfect relationship. I have never cheated and purchased another brand. So here they are reinventing the already perfect product. I hate that. I will have to try it........am guaranteed to hate it. I should just save myself the time, energy and 5 bucks and stick with my trusty original. I must say, the huge brush intrigues me. I was reading about it online and I believe the words "behemoth wand" were actually used. Sorta keeps you wondering.

New season of Project Runway

I can barely stand it. Soon we will be reunited with Tim and Heidi.
And even the vicious Nina Garcia.

New lighting and artwork

About a month ago, Zach's dad kindly used two of his weekends to come down and do some much needed electrical work. One of the projects was to install overhead lighting in our formerly dark living room. What a huge difference one fixture can make. It's so bright, that I decided to change up the wall behind the couch. I ordered two gallery wrapped canvases (always wanted to do that with a few of Z's photos) and here we are. I was more than pleased with the way they turned out. This company is fantastic. This picture doesn't do the colors justice. They are so vibrant. Anyway, my father hung the photo cluster for us. He was less than thrilled since I sneak attacked and didn't leave much of an option.....he should stop being so darn meticulous with everything and we would stop asking him. He is just so good at getting everything perfectly straight. So, thank you to the father's. Zach and I still need you after all this time. Lucky you, huh?

GAP new arrivals

I am ready for fall! I want to wear this outfit. Love the brown suede boots with navy blue tights. Is anyone else officially sick of summer?

Houndstooth Ballet Flats

I can just see it now......darling fall outfit. Black wool dress complete with turquoise tights and these shoes. I am so ready for summer to be over. I girl can dream right?

The Village is "hot"

I could not resist posting this. I read it yesterday and was literally in tears from laughing so hard. Something about hotlinks, condoms and public intoxication struck a chord. Did I mention it was a 12-pack of wieners? Apparently, this is the company we keep in the ol' Village. Happy reading.

Good morning!

Seersucker with a white satin bow and side button closure.
This is a happy skirt.

Wednesday Dress

I heart this dress. Sheer perfection. From the Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Collection. Enough said. Out of my price range. I will continue to drool over it and imagine it is hanging in my closet.
Here is something more affordable and just as cute (ok, maybe not just as cute, but I would still wear it). I was scolded last week by two readers for not always posting the link of where to find the items I put on my blog. So here is the link to this adorable dress. I love sleeveless dresses with a tailored shirt collar.

www.zachnash.com

I am sure you all know by now (word tends to travel fast with our group of friends), Zach just launched a new Web site and blog. This is a shameless plug but this is my blog so I can do this sort of thing and not feel guilty about it. This is also my way of saying how unbelievably proud I am of him. This was a huge undertaking and when you essentially have two jobs it doesn't leave much leftover time for Web site origination. This is a showcase of his work, both personally and professionally. Take a moment to check it out. Please. I promise you won't be disappointed. FYI: The old blog is still up but he will no longer be posting to it. So please make the appropriate change wherever you do that sorta of thing. Done. Now that wasn't so bad!

The September Issue

“The September Issue,” a documentary on Anna Wintour and Vogue premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The film follows the Vogue editor and her team from January through August 2007 and focuses on the production of the September Vogue, which remains the largest magazine ever published.

**I cannot wait to see this!

Happy birthday to me!

These were an early birthday present from my darling, fellow shoe lover of a husband. Aren't they perfect. Grey suede (Jeffrey Campbell). I was bound and determined to wear them today....even in the rain. So I wore alternate shoes and changed into these when I got to work.

Maps.....and I don't mean that song by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs

I really like maps (interesting since I am directionally challenged). I definitely like a certain look. I don't care for all the bright pastels that are used in atlases or road maps. I like the warm golden colors of old maps. Something I have really wanted to do over the past 6 mos is find an old map of Stillwater and an old map of Pryor and hang them in our home. I figured I would settle for this lampshade if my plan didn't quite pan out.

Saturday

Just your average day in the yard.....

Only in America

Umm, is this for real? I am disturbed by this. A sling for your dog. Hello, since when did pets stop walking?

Dorothy Perkins skirt

This skirt is perfect in every way.
It reminds me of the bottom of a wedding dress.

The book is always better than the movie....

One of my very favorite books. I will admit I had to be talked into reading it. There is a certain "sci-fi-ish" element to the book that I couldn't really get into at first. A beautiful love story in a way that you would never expect. I am sure I will be disappointed in the movie. I will still watch it. The movie is never as good as the book. Just glad I read it a few years back. I snagged it at the book sale for a buck. Can't beat that.

Their first photo shoot

Got these Saturday. Nine West leather booties....aren't they awesome! $15. No kidding. Zippdog had all their shoes on sale for 15 bucks. I can't wait until fall.

Ode to my Father-in-law

You could find all of these things in his pockets on any given day. One knife and his handkerchief are missing. WOW. Z and I were astonished. Most women don't even carry this much in their purses. How does he fit all of this in Levis? Pretty resourceful.

P.S. Thank you, Larry for all your hard work and time on the electrical work and light installation. Looks great! We appreciate two weekends of your time.

Mixed Handbag followers........photos to come!

Friday finds

Owl bowl from Anthropologie

I would like this hanging on a wall rather than displayed on a table

Message in a Bottle
(and I don't mean the Nicholas Sparks book)
Love this idea.

Personalized playing cards

Each card can be personalized with a different photo. Would be a good gift for grandparents or new parents. You could collect photos year round and give the cards as a stocking stuffer at Christmas. Great wedding gift idea. Very original and you wouldn't have to worry about the couple receiving duplicates.

Recession Collection

Jena's tweet made me remember something I wanted to blog about a few month's ago and then forgot. Rock and Republic released a recession collection including four pairs of jeans this past spring. Two pairs of which are for men. Moderately priced.....or at least it is what I would normally pay for a good pair of jeans. Available at Bloomingdale's, Neiman's, Nordstrom and Saks. NONE of which Oklahoma City has. I guess I will just have to go and check them out while I am in Seattle at the end of August. Happy Birthday to me!

Green Leaf Lulu Chair

Why don't I have room in my house for anymore furniture? Believe me I have tried.
Love this chair from Urban Outfitters!
I would adorn it with a chocolate brown pillow.

Today was a "good" mail day

No size 10

Variation of the trendy gladiator. I think the caged effect is great.
Only $24 and they come in 4 different colors.
Apparently, they don't make shoes for gals with big feet.
8 1/2 is the largest size they sell. I am officially turned off.

Tunes

Finally listening to the new Regina Spektor album that I picked up last week. I really like her. She is so calm and collected in interviews and it sounds as if she sings about whatever pops into her head. Folding Chair and Laughing With are my favorites so far.

Celebrating our Independence with more remodels

Before

After

Strep throat.....

ain't pretty!

Why didn't I think of this....

Little appetizer plates for the top of your wine glass. Brilliant. Now you aren't stuck grazing by the food table because you don't have a free hand. Bonus: They are made out of Acacia wood. Which, I had never heard of, but just googled and it is environmentally friendly. So funny. I know some boys that might need to be gifted a set of these at Christmas.

A hobo would never be able to afford this HOBO

This purse is amazing. I held it (and pretended it was mine) as I walked around Blue Seven last weekend. It really is the softest leather I have ever touched. The perfectly placed compartments inside for all your things. A beautifully designed purse. I have a very warm place in my heart for this delicious bag. I love HOBO. But man, they come with a hefty price tag that is just way out of my budget. A girl can dream, right?

Package reveal

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I can't commit to the idea of "permanent" home decorating. This is the ONLY place in my life that I welcome change. My mother just laughs because she is used to the revolving door and it drives my husband absolutely nuts. So the idea of putting something on my wall that is removable....well, it's like they invented it for me! I thought I would try this out after doing some pretty extensive research online. I love the idea of stenciling but it is far to permanent for my taste and I hate, hate to paint. These removable wall applications did the trick. Affordable and they come in a variety of colors, patterns, etc. I am very pleased with the finished product. Even up close they look like paint. Only drawback, installation. I won't lie, they are a bi**h to put up. Patience isn't my strong suit but I managed to get them up on my own without tearing them. Wall Slicks is the company if you are interested in checking them out.

Packages and Portabellas

Today was a good day. We sold the last two large items leftover from our garage sale. Zach and I both received UPS packages when we got home. **Contents to be disclosed at a later date.
And we grilled out.......marinated portabella mushrooms. Yum.

I heart hair accessories!

My new headband that Layni made for me. Very fitting I think.
She is sewing all sorts of cool things these days and
I am thrilled to be the recipient of some of the finished products.
Thanks, buddy.

My ride

complete with bell

and it's very own basket

This was my birthday gift from my dear husband last year.
I have been wanting a vintage looking bike for a while now.
Huffy isn't exactly "vintage" but it serves the purpose and who could resist that color!

Tweet, tweet

West Elm birdies
I think my dad could totally make me a set of these.
Hint, hint!

Natalie Clutch

Today may be the only day I have ever wished I could sew. This purse is adorable. I love the colors and textures combined with that button. Etsy has everything.

Vintage Type

What a great idea! I really love vintage wooden type but have had a really hard time locating a set. We have a few stray metal letters but I think the wooden ones have a lot more character.

Ashes of American Flags

Andy & Zach + weird guy in the background

Layni, myself and Jennifer

It's been a long time coming. Wilco did not disappoint.

Bacon

I don't get all the hype surrounding the bacon chocolate combination. It seems that everywhere I turn that it is. Bacon on top of chocolate chip cookies. My husband's boss brought back a chocolate and bacon candy bar from Santa Fe. I even read something about it in one of my magazines. I like bacon. Correction. I love bacon. But under no circumstances do I want to enjoy it with a side of chocolate. Call me close-minded. Bacon is meant to be enjoyed with an nice omelet or on your hamburger or BLT.

Natural Bathroom

Love this.
Urban Outfitters

Red Carpet Roll Out......

Today is my 100th blog entry. Sounds cliche but I really can't believe it. I have had more fun with this blog over the last 9 months. My followers mostly consist of my family and friends but hopefully there is one reader out there that finds something I post interesting or something they didn't already know. So, in honor of my 1ooth post I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite things. This is obviously just a small sampling. But here are a few of my latest obsessions and hopefully a few future "possessions".

1. Zach - I think the photo speaks for itself. He is one of the people that encouraged me to start doing this. I also have him to thank for all the pretty design work you look at. Thanks for the photo, Layni.

2. Anything related to home decorating, DIY or remodeling. I can't quit thinking about all the stuff I want to do to our house. The list is forever long. Frankly, I think my husband is starting to get irritated. He would have been fine stopping after the kitchen was complete. www.thisyounghouse.com These people are amazing. My design heroes. And their house is the same age as ours.

3. Blue Seven - Where I spend quite a lot of time (and money). There is always something new and unexpected. The people that work there are awesome and so welcoming. I will give my money to support a local business like that anyday.

4. Anthropologie and equally as wonderful Urban Outfitters. Anyone who reads this blog knows how I feel about Anthropologie. I love, love that store.

5. Books. And after looking at this photo - obviously knick knacks can be added to the list.
6. Food. We are foodies. Good food is important to us, therefore I tend not to have a problem spending money on something that serves as our main source of entertainment. Yes, we are those annoying people that take photos of their food.

7. Throw pillows. I can't stop. I love nothing more than to have an eclectic grouping on my couch. I don't think I have ever been to Target, Pottery Barn or Pier 1 without looking at the pillows.

8. Big jewelry. Rings, earrings, bracelets. The gaudier the better.


9. TOMS. Well, all shoes really. I don't discriminate. My aunt and cousin both purchased their first pair of TOMS while in Oklahoma for my brother's wedding. At Blue Seven. Starting to see a trend?

10. Anything in pairs. I have no idea why. I like the idea of two of something. Like these ceramic cranes or the penguins. It is totally cheesy.

11. Hibiscus. My favorite flower. I always buy myself a really nice one from Horn Seed at the beginning of the summer. The first year we were married, before we had purchased a home, one was actually stolen off our front porch. We used to joke that some homeless man probably gave it to his girlfriend b/c it was in bloom and so pretty.

11 blooms! I know, what a dork.

Button up

There is something so cool about old buttons or even new ones with character. I love this brooch. Could also be worn in your hair or attached to a throw pillow. OOHHHH! I really think I could make something similar. My grandmother could sew. Amazing talent. I remember in the summer I would sit with her upstairs in her sewing room. She had a huge jar full of buttons. Something that I wished I would have appreciated then. Now, I would love to fill a square vase with unusual buttons.

Mexican Vacation Pt. 3

From the plane. Headed home. The sky was outstanding.

Mexican Vacation Pt. 2

Banana Especial + edgeless pool = bliss

Mexican Vacation Pt. 1

The only thing my husband purchased on vacation. I am serious.

I am not sure which is funnier (and slightly disturbing).....the fact that he and Chad wore them the whole taxi ride back to the resort and the driver never even cracked a smile or
that Zach put his mask over his glasses and hung out by the pool.

Okie Famous

The highlight of my day yesterday was meeting Kayne Gillaspie from Project Runway Season 3. He is the nicest guy and downright hilarious. Of course, I had to get a picture with him. I wish I would have taken off that stupid name tag.

What a Stud

Rebecca Minkoff Fling Minaudieres clutch.
This is beautiful and should be mine.
I am a sucker for anything with studs.

Yes, please!

I don't know why I even get online and look at your site. It pains me to see all the beautiful things you have to offer. Anthropologie why must you be so expensive?

These are actually curtains. However, I could never afford to buy two. So, if they ever happen to go on sale I will buy one and use it as a shower curtain. Will look simply amazing in my green tiled bathroom. I find it odd that I am consistently drawn to things with birds on them. I hate birds. They completely terrify me. I wonder why I do that. For someone with such distaste, I sure do own a lot of bird paraphernalia.

Just Do It!

Adorable summer shoe. Reminds me of something you would pair with a nautically themed outfit. Shoe is embedded with Nike AIR. That's right ladies. They finally found a way to make a stylish shoe trendy and comfortable. Just doesn't come cheap.