"play clothes"

Maura (in the orange) and Helene (in plaid), frolicking.

When I was in kindergarten, I would always get extremely dolled up for school. For the afternoon kindergarten class at Monmouth Elementary School, I was all about the dresses. Recess aside (I had a tendency to chase boys) I would remain well-mannered and composed in my frocks. I couldn't afford to goof off because it would mess up my dress. But when I got home from school, I would change into what my mother called my "play clothes." Overalls and boxy tee-shirts, these were the clothes for playing make-believe and drawing with chalk.


Maura on a home-made swing, posing with the star tree.

Times have changed a little. And it's not because my clothes travel well from day to play (though that is also the case). It's because I don't skip and twirl around the way I used to. And even if I wanted to, my wardrobe wouldn't accommodate my needs to play. If not dresses, I'm in dressy tops and fitted jeans. My shoes are all ballet flats and pumps, and I don't remember the last time my hair was in a ponytail. Well today, no more. I feel like play clothes should make their triumphant return back into my life.


Helene and Maura, posing like "models."

Today I will think twice before sitting at the computer instead of going outside. Today I will consider Levi's more seriously as part of my day-to-day wardrobe. Today breezy tank tops and denim skirts will reign supreme. Because I think it's time I played a little more. And you, too. Let's bring the whimsy back. Now I'm not suggesting we ditch the tailored tidiness of our wardrobe. I just think we should also set aside some outfits for fun. So dig through your closet, grab those old jeans and that graphic tee from Old Navy (don't be embarrassed - we've all got one), and jump through the sprinkler. Because age and fun don't have to have an inverse relationship. Because life didn't stop at 13.


Helene, playing.

I'm hardly a fashion extremist...

When it comes to clothing, I like to keep things classic and simple, girly and approachable. Ralph Lauren's looks have always seemed to agree extremely well with this style philosophy of mine. And the Resort collection was no exception. Except for this number, which left me a little disturbed.


"Are you sure?"
"As sure as I am that nobody looks good in paisley."
-Legally Blonde 2: Red, White And Blonde

Maybe I'm not a fan due to my classic take on fashion. But even Maura, who I admire for taking fashion risks on an everyday basis said "I'm gonna say no. I mean it reminds me of gum. That zebra gum," when asked if she liked the outfit. What do you think? Do Maura and I need a better sense of fashion adventure? What about the rest of RL's collection? Are you lemming for those white shorts? Let's talk!

image source: Style.com

Miss Popularity

Every woman in my house is crazy about Betsey Johnson. Unbelievably so. I have some love Betsey luggage for next year, and even my mother can spot the designer's wares from a mile away. Maura is currently crazy for this bowler bag.

I think our love for Bestsey reflects our extremely girly mentality and reluctance to grow up. Is there a brand that always wins amongst you and your friends and family? What do you think it says about you?

Today I adore...

This quote (as seen on the window in my lit class) from "Mrs. Dalloway," one of my all-time favorite books.

♥ The fact that it's summer and the sun has finally decided to join all of us here in Eugene.

♥ The ridiculously pretty pair of earrings that Helene gave me for graduation. I'll post pictures later.

♥ The dress I got for my cousin's wedding next weekend. It's linen, black and white (but not so much white that it's wedding-inappropraite, just a stripe) and makes me feel like Princess Diana.

♥ Going out to lunch with my best girlfriends at Cafe Xenon and splitting an immense Cesar Salad.

♥ Blackberry almond italian sodas, as introduced to me by the attractive barista at local coffee stop Dutch Bros.

♥ The fact that lace is all over the runway right now. I like romance in clothing.

♥ The prospect of a new, nice camera. That's what I've decided my grad money is going to go towards.

♥ The fact that I know who my roomie for Shimer is next school year. We got our assignments, and my future roommate is darling, stylish, and extremely smart. Can't wait!

Now what are you adoring today? Has anyone checked out the new MAC collection? My best friend picked some of the eye shadow in a sea foam green color and she says it's killer.

Want to feel like a Grecian princess?

Then I'd suggest you get yourself some Marchesa.
Source: Style.com

Temperley, oh Temperley

Why hast thou stolen my heart?
source: Style.com

I do love the Great White Way

"In The Heights" took home best musical at the 2008 Tony Awards last night. It was well-deserved, though my heart will always belong to "Xanadu." And hello? "Passing Strange" didn't get anything. And that show in phenomenal! Regardless, the awards for the real actors of this world didn't disappoint. And neither did the outfits.

Kristen Chenoweth

I love Ms. Chenoweth as much as the next person, and can you blame me? With her star turn as Glinda in "Wicked" and her darling portrayal of Sally in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," this pint-sized belter leaves little to be desired. Except for maybe a Tony gown that makes her pop. When you're as cute as Kristen, why go black? Still, the girl is classy.

Marisa Tomei

Tomei is beautiful beyond belief. With those eyes and that figure, you really can't go wrong. However, when she walked on stage Maura turns to me and says "Yeah, cause I'd wear a prom dress to the Tony Awards, too." Maura's sarcasm hit the nail right on the head. I feel this is a bit too David's Bridal and not enough couture. What do you think?

Laura Benanti

I fell in love with Benanti after she sang "Someday" in "The Wedding Singer." And I want to get to Manhattan as soon as possible so I can see her entertain her audiences in "Gypsy." The girl is talented. And beautiful. And this dress shows all of this off.

Laura Bell Bundy

I love Laura Bell Bundy. Animal prints are a risk, and maybe it's just because I idolize the actress so, but she pulls it off. I happily reflected on Legally Blonde's successful year when the orchestra wrapped the Tony Awards up with "So Much Better." Laura Bell is talented beyond description. And cute to boot.

Kerry Butler

This woman is a genius actress and unbelievably beautiful. And she has no vanity, posing goofily for photos, and moving around stage clumsily with one roller-skate. Do yourself a favor and get the Xanadu soundtrack. If Butler's voice alone doesn't win you over, the score by ELO will.

Idina Menzel

Menzel is a classy woman indeed, and here she twists it with the "boheme" of her musical theater roots. The RENT reunion was fabulous. She and Taye Diggs are adorable. And I don't think I can express my love for Adam Pascall enough.

Daniel Evans

It's a sad, sad day when Rodgers and Hammerstein beat Sondheim. 'Nuff said.

Well I'm off to bake some cookies. I'm reuniting with my IHS class tonight for a summer celebration and it's all about the baked goods. I hope your week has gotten off to a great start. Now, what did you think of the Tony outfits. Let's chat!

Today I'm coveting...

..this gorgeous number by Luella.

It's so chic an elegant, then surprise! A zipper. Mmmm, I want.

It's a marshmallow world in the Resort Collections...

The people at MAC seem to have been sharing some thoughts with Isaac Mizrahi based on a recent header on Style. com. Turns out, our good friend Isaac decided to design his Resort Collection in ice cream shades and with playful reminds-me-of-dress-up fabrics. Meanwhile, MAC has released the Tendertones, a collection of sugary sweet lip balms in rich hues. It only seemed fitting to admire them next to each other. When candy is stylish, all is right in the world.

ps.
I post a lot on Sundays, and I'm curious as to whether or not that's a blogging taboo. Quite frankly, it's the only day I really have time to pump a quality post out on. Let me know what you cuties think. Oh! And the shoes pictured aren't Isaac Mizrahi.

A game of checkers, and interpreted by Maura, Helene, and co.

from left to right: Helene, Olivia, Lily, Taylor, Maura

I just wanted to share with you all a great moment in fashion. The Drama Banquet was last night, and the theme was "Board Games." Maura, Helene, and their other stylish friends dressed up like checkers pieces. This image was captured at the YMCA before the event. They just set the camera on a counter, set the timer, ran to their places, and posed. So, much as I would love to be able to take credit for this photo, I really can't. What I love the most about this photograph is how well it illustrates the personal style of each girl. Helene dresses like a couture rock star on a regular basis. Olivia is like Audrey Hepburn, that is if Ms. Hepburn grew up in Hippyville USA. Lily is a self-aware 1940s bombshell. Taylor is a chic beatnik. And Maura - oh, Maura. Maura dresses like a jet-set model. I couldn't be more proud.

Today I'm really adoring...

This photo of Maura, which I am proud to say I took myself.

♥ The fact that this is my 100th post. And counting, darling.

♥ IHS graduation is on Monday. I'm singing an insanely gorgeous song that one of my friends wrote for the ceremony. And wearing a cream colored dress that just screams of the gazebo scene in "The Sound of Music."

♥ Summer dresses. They're being sold for extra cheap at places like Pac Sun, but I'm particularly proud of a bold little number I picked up while rummaging through all Ross has to offer. Pictures to follow one of these days.

♥ The graduation present I made for my boyfriend. I'm not going to post about it, just in case he decides he wants to read my blog. But trust me, you'll know what it is sooner or later.

♥ Cute local boutiques. I must've dropped my resume off at several thousand of them this week. They're so nice and classy with the cutest clothes you ever did see.

♥ A future in Chicago. I move into my dorm on the 17th of August. I have to start figuring out what sort of wardrobe essentials I'm going to need for college. Be sure to post any suggestions if you have them.

♥ Helene's fashion choices. Knee-high Converse? You betcha. Finger waves? No doubt.

Well it's getting late. Rumor has it the Daily Show will be discussing McCain and Obama's positions on Israel-Palestine. For those of you who don't know, I am ridiculously interested in the whole West Bank thing, so as tired as I am now, there's no way I'm falling asleep before 11:30. Good night, sweet peas. I love you all.

Of tattoos....

I'm graduating from high school next week. And I feel I'm in need of some sort of symbol of such. I noticed just last week that my favorite teacher has three small stars tattooed on her inner ankle. That got me thinking - maybe tattoos aren't as bad as I've always thought them to be. This teacher, who I think may very well be the world's classiest woman, has a tattoo. My best friend has a gorgeous little tattoo of a dove, too. It's very pretty. Another lovely young lady in my life has a heart-shaped watermelon tattooed on her foot. I think nothing less of these girls, and they both love their tattoos. I ruminated on the whole thing for awhile, and then - a sign. Kat Von D, star of LA Ink on TLC, has collaborated with Sephora to design a line of cosmetics.

Kat Von D is a drop-dead gorgeous, insanely gifted tattoo artist. And now she's allowing us to capture her rocker girl look through a tube of lipstick? I'm so there. So, again, if such an incredible, talented human being has been able to make a successful career with tattooing, they really can't be all bad. I will continue to think about all of this. Two other darling buddies of mine have plans to get tattoos after graduation. I may or may not join them. I want to get a treble clef tattooed on my ankle, but we'll see. But like I said, I am going to have to contemplate this. Ideas, my fashionista friends?

Yves Saint Laurent, you will be missed

Yves Saint Laurent passed away at 71. He will be sorely missed, but his legacy, the stylish and functional pantsuit, lives on. Here's to our favorite couture giant. May he rest in peace.

source: Style.com.

The June issue of Lovely Magazine has arrived

I'm a sucker for white space in magazines and clean layouts. Nothing too fancy - just elegant simplicity. Which is why my heart now belongs to the stunning online publication, Lovely Magazine. The June issue is in great part about weddings, but whether or not your summer plans include a walk down the aisle, it has a lot of gorgeous hairstyle ideas. Like this one, found on their cover.

To view more, give this a click. Kisses to you all. I hope the rest of your Monday is wonderful.